Need a nail gun?

twopu · 12-08-06, 04:15

I'm looking to install some crown molding and baseboards. I have a very small air compressor (Craftsman 3 gal. Air Compressor, 1 hp,) and I don't know anything about nail guns. I don't need anything special or professional but I don't want to buy another one later on down the road. What should I look for?

fdizzle · 12-08-06, 07:48

i install automotive electronics and build custom fabrications. I use a BOSTICH brand bradnailer/stapler and it has preformed flawlessly after hundreds of uses. For crown molding just about any brand will suffice, however I am not sure exactly what staple or nail length you would need . . . depends on how thick your molding is and what your tacking it into . . . probably a unit that is capeable of at least an inch and a half . . . craftsman has quality air tools at an affordable price. here is a link to a stapler and nailer combo, which also comes with staples and nails which may for for your application . .

bostich and portercable are more well known brand amoung air tools . . . but this craftsman unit has a nice price.

Sears.com

twopu · 12-08-06, 08:58

Thanks fdizzle!!! I've never installed crown molding or baseboards let alone ever used a nail gun so I have no idea whether a 18 or 16 guage is best. I just want to make sure that it's versatile enough to deal with most home projects. Thanks again I'll check out the Craftsman tomorrow.

zippymbr · 12-09-06, 07:19

The guage refers to the thickness of the nail, the smaller the number the thicker the nail. A brad nailer is good for small trim pieces like shoe molding. for baseboard, casement and things like crown you need a finish nailer. For the price it is hard to beat Porter cable. The Stanley Bostich is nice as well. If it is only for occasional use just go but a Harbor Freight finish nailer from Central. Make sure it will shoot a 2.5 inch nail and you should be able to tackle any job you come across.

twopu · 12-09-06, 07:26

Thanks zippymbr! Would that mean that I would need to buy two nail guns if I wanted to do baseboard (brad nailer) and crown molding (finish nailer)? Are there nailers that do both?

twitch · 12-09-06, 07:32

I don't know how much baseboard you have to install but have you considered renting a gun from Home Depot or a place as such. If you are only going to need it for a day or so it would be cost effective. This will be more beneficial for you as well if it does come down to you needing two separate guns...

twopu · 12-09-06, 07:43

I'm going to need this for the long haul. I'm looking to fix up my house to sell and purchase my mother's house which needs all the baseboard replaced and crownmolding installed.

kompressornsc · 12-09-06, 07:49

I couldn't find it on line, but Campbell Hausfeld has a 3 pack nail gun set. I think it had a brad nailer, finish and framing. $199. I've seen it at Costco & Menards. I've never had CH nail guns, but everything else I have had from them has been good quality.

J.J. · 12-09-06, 08:50

Here you go:

JJ

fdizzle · 12-09-06, 10:48

those three packs are nice . . . lets you get a variety of tools to tackel anything. if your only interested in one tool, a combo nailer, stapler will give yout he most versatility, but my air tool only can accomodate a max length of 1 1/2, so there you have it. good luck . . .