Nailers compressors info for a newbie to these types of power tools.

[SisterFlash]

I really love power tools but have never embarked on compressors and nailers. I am hoping a few of you experienced construction members will help me out with a few of my bumbling questions.

A compressor out here would be nice for the common flat car tire too.

Ok if I get a nailer that uses a compressor… once I charge the compressor how long can I use the nailer before recharging and plugging back in? Also what kind of compressor can I get buy with cost wise…looking for something more in the 100 dollar range not the 300 dollar range. Is it possible to get a good compressor for that price? Is the one in that price range also good for tires? We have a huge one at the fire department and I think it cost over 500 and I am not sure I need that for home use…well I don’t really want to spend anywhere near that money.

allen wranch provided this great link to a nailer so then I have more questions. Here is one of the nailers listed http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40115

When I read the specs for something like a combo nailer and stapler like this one.

Nail and stapler size capacity: 0.039''-0.042'' Shank (18 Gauge), 5/8''- 1-1/4'' L; Staple Size 1/4" Crown, 0.039''-0.042'' Shank (18 Gauge), 1/2'' - 1-1/4'' L; Magazine capacity: 100 nails or 80 staples

Does this mean the size around of the nail is only 18 gage and can be from 5/8th of an inch to 1 ¼ inch? The staple sounds like it can only be ¼ inch wide. Would this be good enough for basic fencing and putting on hardware cloth on to 4x4 and 2x4 framing? Would this be good enough for basic framing or is a longer nail required? How big of a head can be on the nail used in these nailers?

thanks so much for your help

Barb

 

[unionwirewoman]

Yes you can get a compressor in that price range my fiance' has one that he bought for around $100 . They call it a pancake . We have used it for tires , framing and painting . The combo nailer /stapler you put in your post looks like it is for finishing (ie: mouldings etc.) It would probably be ok for stapling chicken wire , but you can't frame with it . As for how long the compressor will hold the right amount of psi for using your tool , it depends on the tool . Every nailer/stapler has a rated psi . The more the psi , the less air you have left in your compressor to run that tool . Hope that helped !

 

[SisterFlash]

thanks so much unionwirewoman. It that does help. What nail size would you suggest for framing?

I assume these do not usually come with a stapler...but usually it is best to get one thing for what is needed for not combo stuff.

Barb

PS great user name

 

[unionwirewoman]

Well , I'm definetly not a carpenter . As you can guess from my user name I'm in the electrical field . Each tool is different as far as what size nail you want to use . I just looked up air nailers on google and there's a bunch of different kinds . If I remember correctly they use 8 or ten penny nails , but when looking on line they talk about degrees (ie:22 or 31 ?) Your best bet is to go to Home Depot and ask what would be the best tool for what you're going to be using it for . (make sure you talk to someone who is competent !) Also try to stick with good name brands . Porter cable is a good one and Makita , dewalt aren't too bad . Stay away from Hitachi , Black and Decker Etc. Sorry I couldn't help more . Maybe wait till tomorrow night and check the thread again , maybe someone else out there knows more than I do !

 

[PurpleChicken]

Home Depot has a Porter Cable combo that includes a pancake compressor, framing
nailer(#12 nails up to 2" or more), finishing nailer (16 or 18g up to 2") and a
stapler (Perfect for stapling mesh/hardware cloth). It's around $290. I have a similiar
setup + a framing nailer.

 

[SisterFlash]

Quote:
Hey thanks Purple chicken that sounds great!!!

do you think that pancake compressor would for sometimes pumping up a tire?

Barb

 

[mdbucks]

How much nailing you gonna do??

If only a couple of things and all in same weekend rent a good framer, Home depot rents them you get the nails you need they will buy back unopened boxes, and its like 30 bucks for the weekend, I personally would use screws if its big enough for frameing. the brad nailer is good for small shelfs putting boxes together you need slightly less length of brad 7/8 for putting 1/2 boards together, the head should be slightly into wood after shooting brad, staples hold better, but leave a bigger mark where it goes in. Most compressors will need plugged back in after a couple of nails are used. remember the smaller the air tank, the less backup air you have, and most nailers dont fully nail if pressure drops below 75-80 psi.

 

[PurpleChicken]

Quote:
Hey thanks Purple chicken that sounds great!!!

do you think that pancake compressor would for sometimes pumping up a tire?

Barb

More than ok for tires, just not for using paint guns or sandblasters. I use mine
for air ratchets and grinders but it goes low quick.

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100497650

I have the set with a finish nailer and brad nailer. I've beat the snot outa
mine and it still works great.