Table of Contents
Introduction
Once you purchase a finish nailer, you will forget about your hammer; you won’t even want to touch one when you can use the efficient finish nailer. You can say goodbye to injures fingers and bent nails; there is no more fussing over using a hammer to nail. Using a finish nailer is one of the easiest things to learn and understand. They are incredibly user-friendly, but you need to learn a few tips and tricks on handling a finish nailer. Once you know how to aim, you can handle a finish nailer, they are basically a smaller version of a standard nail gun, but they are also effective. Their small size makes it easy to use when working on small projects. They can easily trim woodworks and won’t split a trim board as the bigger framing nailers do.
Some models have an angled head that allows you to reach into corners, nooks, and crannies. Ensure that you put the nail’s tip exactly where you want it and keep the finish nailer as level to the surface as you can. Doing this prevents the nail from getting blown out on your finished woodwork. Sometimes you may experience nail jams with your nailer, which may sound stressful, but it is easy to correct because most nailers come with a tool. The tool, which is a free nail jam release, lets you easily and safely remove nails that have been jammed from the nose tip.
The intended project will determine if you will need a straight magazine or an angled magazine. These nailers will allow you easily reach into confined spaces and tight corners. Ensure that you get a nailer that has a No-mar safety tip to prevent scratching or dinging of the nose tip due to the force. After getting these features ready, the rest is easy. To use the finish nailer, simply hold down the nose tip against the projects’ surface and pull the trigger, and that’s it!
How To Install Baseboards Using A Nail Gun
Using baseboards on your walls make it look professional and pleasant. However, they are not only for aesthetic purposes; they also help protect your walls and floor joints from getting damaged or scuffed. The type of baseboard you will use depends on your preference, but you should buy them 24 hours before the installation. This allows them to shrink or swell according to the climate you live in. ensure that the nails you use are long enough to go through the baseboard and into the supporting wall.
However, you don’t want to use nails that are too long so that you do not mistakenly damage your homes electrical wiring and give yourself a good shock in the process. Finish nailers allow you to fire them in different modes; the mode you choose depends on how much space you want between the nails. It is essential not to use nails that are too thick on your baseboards because they could cause the wood to split. If you are unsure, you could use a drill (bit) to make holes that are a bit smaller than the nail.
If you do this, ensure to fill the holes with glue or wood putty for a smooth finish. After you have fired the nails into the baseboards and you are satisfied with their placement, then you will need to fill the holes up. You can easily do this by using putty or a good quality wood glue with a glue gun to fill them up. After the putty or gum has dried, sand down any uneven part of the baseboard to give it that smooth finish.
How To Use An Air Compressor With A Nail Gun
The majority of finish nailers come with an air-powered compressor that powers the finish nailer. Ensure you load your magazine to its maximum limit of nails before you turn on the compressor. It is relatively easy to use a compressor; when it is put on, it builds up air in its chambers until it reaches 110psi, which is the maximum. The regulator button controls the pressure in the air hose. The best rate to use your compressor and nail gun is around 90psi.
If you feel like the nails are going too deep, then reduce it to 80psi. If the nails are not going deep enough, you can increase it to 100psi. As you continue to use it, the pressure will keep dropping slightly, but when the pressure gets too low, the compressor will start again and increase the pressure. The on/off switch of the compressor is located at the back of the tool, and it is easy to reach. It is important to wear your safety goggles and earplugs while handling the compressor and nail gun.
When you are done using the compressor, ensure that you release all the air left in the compressor. If you don’t do this, moisture will build inside the compressor, causing wear and tear as time goes. Decrease the pressure by turning down the regulator and then pull the safety valve ring. It will automatically close. After releasing all the air, pull the collar back to release the air hose and apply a drop of penetrating oil into the nailers air inlet.
How To Load A Nail Gun
Loading a nail gun is relatively easy, but you need to be careful at all times. Safety should be highly prioritized when working with any kind of power tool, no matter its size. When handling nail guns, make sure they are not pointed at anything else other than the work surface. You should have an equal level of fear and respect for these tools. Being overly confident and negligent can lead to severe injuries; that is why it is important to read and understand the manufacturer’s safety instructions before handling the tool.
Nail guns have integrated magazines where you load either collated or taped nails strips. Ensure that you load the nail gun properly because it is prone to jams; doing this will reduce the time spent on correcting nail jams.
We have compiled a list below on how to safely and easily load your nail gun:
- Ensure that your nail gun is turned off and unplugged from the power source to prevent getting electrocuted.
- Read the user manual to know if there is any particular procedure you need to be following.
- Ensure that you buy the right nail clip for the model of your nail gun. Place the clip in direct line with the nail gun’s sleeve, making sure that the head of the nails is pointed towards the barrel.
- Slide the clip into the notch located at the bottom of the sleeve. Hold the nail gun upside down to let the nails easily slide to the bottom of the sleeve.
- Press down the spring mechanism button that is located on the sleeve and simply slide the spring into its position. As the push the device down, you will hear a sound that resembles clicking, this confirms that the clip has been appropriately placed, and you can now safely use your nail gun.
Conclusion
We have discussed how to effectively use a nail finisher for different projects, so you should be able to properly use a nail finisher without any hassle. Follow the instruction while working with this tool and ensure that you always wear your safety equipment.
Also, see:
Finish Nailer Vs. Brad Nailer‘