5 Essential Things You NEED to Know About Nail Guns

This is the ultimate guide for beginner woodworkers to learn about both pin and brad nailers. Which nail gun system should you get, battery versus air, brad nails versus pin nails, as well as some woodworking tips and tricks for nail guns. Amazon and other affiliate links are used in this description and they help support this channel.

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➤Air Powered Nail Guns

➤Battery Powered Nailer Options:

➤Budget Air Compressor and Nailer Set Up Recommendation (Less than $250 for all 3 below):

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0:00 Intro
0:24 Air vs Battery Nail Guns
1:40 Brad Nail Sizes and Types
4:34 Using a Brad Nailer
7:49 Air vs Battery Nailer Pros / Cons
8:34 Air Tool Basics
10:46 Best Nail Gun for Beginner Woodworkers

[pirakoXX]

Great info video! 👍 And for other beginners: Gauge = nails per inch.
18 gauge = 18 nails per inch. (The higher the gauge number, the thinner the nails)

[gravetotkd]

I worked in the trades for 15 years and it never occurred to me that the direction of the nailer would determine if the nail would blow out the side or not. This shows, you can always learn something new. Thanks Matt

[Wurzberger]

Some people won't like my humor, but I thought it was funny talking about nail guns while wearing a shirt that says "only Jesus"... 😂

[preacher]

As a rookie pneumatic tool guy, I had lots of questions about their use. I watched several videos on the subject, and this one is the best of all of them.

[jpullins]

Just want you to know, there are thousands of woodworkers on YouTube but you're my favorite. This is because of your clear faith and desire to be a light in this world. Thank you.

[wessmasseymusic]

Thank you for the video. Just a warning. Try to not leave air in the compressor. Condensation eventually will rust out the bottom side of the air tank. Because I leave mine in my non conditioned garage, I try to exhaust the air after each use. Temp fluctuations create more vapor inside of the tank.

[TheGame]

When comparing weight, some hose should be added to the pneumatic one. It will still be lighter but it is the fair way to show it.

[Barbaralee]

I’m a 73 yr old duffette who has more tools than good sense. I’m not very good at woodworking but I love it. This video was awesome for me. I have 3 nailers and never knew you had to oil them!!! Thanks from a perpetual beginner 😱

[paulhopkins]

I've had that Porter Cable kit for years, the brad, finish, and stapler have been great, with no issues at all. I bought the pinner at a later date

[JohnSmith-U]

I came here because I had no knowledge about nail guns and I'm about to buy one. Now I have basic knowledge about this tool.

[HuntsWorkshop]

M18 gen 2 cordless 18g brad nailer is pretty light and works perfectly with the 2ah battery zero ramp up time, rapid fire mode, etc. It is $300 compared to a $30 pneumatic though. All depends on how much you want to spend, how often you use it, and how much your significant other despises air compressor noise.

[vince]

I just picked up the Rigid pneumatic set and I love it. I could not for the life of me figure out why I kept getting blowouts though - until today. What a relief to realize it wasn’t my total lack of skill but they way the nail will curve. That was a huge eye opener to me and I appreciate the detail you give in your videos. Great stuff man!

[MrJohnnyboyrebel]

I bought a Porter-Cable nail gun bundle in 2006, and have used it ever since. It came with a narrow crown stapler, 18 ga brad nailer, and 16 ga finish nailer. I will be adding a 23 ga pin nailer to my set. Once I got this set, I wondered how I was able to do any precise assembly before. Holding the work pieces steady, holding a nail, then swinging a hammer now seems SO clunky as opposed to positioning the work pieces and popping in a brad or finish nail. This is easily one of the best purchases I ever made.

[Steve]

If you look closely at how the wedge tip is cut you can tell which direction the pin or brad will deflect. Then turn the gun so the brad will deflect on the length of the board instead of the width. Much less likely for it to come through the side on you.

[nmurphy]

As a subscriber to the motto “the tool you use is better than the one you don’t”, I have to say I love the battery powered Brad nail gun over the air powered. I picked up the Craftsman one a month ago and find myself using it all the time, it’s just so convenient. Being in a small shop, taking out the air compressor and firing it up was something I found myself avoiding.

[andythurs]

I'm getting into woodworking and setting up a home shop after taking a job working with special ed kids at my local school. I get to go into shop class with a kid everyday and found that I absolutely love it. Your videos have been incredibly helpful in trying to get a home shop setup going. I always know I can come to your channel and find help with what I need. Thank you.

[jasonlara]

So much info. Well presented. No time wasted. Perfect.

[robk]

You need to try the Milwaukee M22 23ga pin nailer. It’s light and powerful, as well as cordless. I love mine.

[carlkoepp]

Thank you for this video, tho I am watching much after the fact of having bought my own set-up. All that you have mentioned I had to learn the hard way through trial and error, but to good avail. I actually bought the same air nailer set you have and have had great experiences with it. One thing I would mention is: the pin nails/23 gauge, have been dipped in glue much like 16 penny framing nails so it helps bond a bit better than those without. As was mentioned in another comment, placing them at an angle \ / can also help hold the piece together where angles are afforded. I find that I use my nailers more often than I ever thought needed which makes them one of the best investments in my shop. Love your videos, thank you for sharing.

[martiewyckoff]

Casting Crowns - that was a great tour! Thanks for the information. You provided many of the details I've been looking for.