pnuematic nail/staple gun

[jefffluker]

Trying to speed production, looking to switch from screws to gun driven fasteners.

What's best--staples, nails or something else?

Who makes the best gun? How much money for what quality & features?

Sears has a staple gun on sale. Do they make reliable p-tools?

TIA
Jeff
[email protected]

[kblackmore]

Re: pnuematic nail/staple gun

I have always been a fan of using brads twice the thickness of the wood. Most of my friends that build speakers use the same. They have done me very good while I was waiting for the glue to dry. Sears tools in my experience have always been very good. My old brad gun was Porter Cable and was also very good. Just remember to periodically put a couple drops of oil in the air inlet or your pneumatic tools will be short lived.

[billfitzmaurice]

Re: pnuematic nail/staple gun

18 ga brads are all you need. The usual brand names (Porter-Cable, Makita etc.) work well. Avoid department store brands like Skil and Black and Decker.

[djg]

Re: pnuematic nail/staple gun

I got a Bostitch capable of staples or brads. One of the least expensive models. I have only used brads. Hint: The pieces will jump out of alignment when you pull the trigger if you try to just hold them together by hand.

[billfitzmaurice]

Re: pnuematic nail/staple gun

The pieces will jump out of alignment when you pull the trigger if you try to just hold them together by hand.

+1. You still have to clamp the pieces securely before fastening. The advantage to a brad nailer is there are no pilots to drill, and you can shoot a dozen brads in the time it takes to drive one screw. Brads also require a lot less work to prep for finishing. On pro-sound cabs finished with DuraTex there's no prep, the DuraTex covers them completely.

[r-carpenter]

Re: pnuematic nail/staple gun

I second Porter Cable. They last forever. I actually have an extra 18g nailer if you want to make me an offer. Other wise, just buy new with the case and all and you'll be happy.

[Mike220]

Re: pnuematic nail/staple gun

What do you guys do when you need to have round overs or angled baffles? I usually assemble then route the round overs but I have a fear of hitting a nail with the router bit. Do you size the baffle or w/e piece with the round over and round over that panel first when secure it? I will be using veneer and duratex on my cabs.

[joeybutts]

Re: pnuematic nail/staple gun

A quality bit should not have an issue going through a brad, but be sure to wear some goggles. Or try to drive them deep enough and far enough in so you miss them.

[billfitzmaurice]

Re: pnuematic nail/staple gun

A quality bit should not have an issue going through a brad, but be sure to wear some goggles. Or try to drive them deep enough and far enough in so you miss them.

+1. A carbide bit goes through 18ga brads like a hot knife through warm butter. Immensely faster than having to pull screws and fill the holes.

[Mike220]

Re: pnuematic nail/staple gun

Thank you! Had no idea i thought the world might stop if i hit one for some reason. Seriously though i thought it would mess up the bit. Made my life much easier now that i can do this!