10 Tips for Using an Air Nailer

Air nailers come in a variety of forms. You can use a framing nailer, roofing nailer, gauge finish nailer, palm nailer, and a few other forms. All of which can be used with an air compressor. There are some battery powered ones available as well.

Most of these air nailers are used in a construction environment, or in a home improvement project. I have found that the best style to use is the coil style air nailer. The nails come in a round shape, are attached to thin wire, and in general loads about 300 nails at a time.

Hitachi offers numerous coil style nailers for all types of projects, do a great job, and range from $300 to $550 each. You can purchase these styles at www.toolbarn.com/category/pneumatic-coil-nailers/.

Choosing the right air nailer for your project is an important task to making your project easy. Here are a few suggestions.

Tips on using an air nailer

1. Choose the appropriate style of air nailer for your project. If you are roofing, you are going to want to use a roofing air nailer. It will feed the right size nails and go deep into the wood.

2. Make sure all of your hoses that are attached to the air compressor are the right size or don't contain any moisture, since this could cause a low pressure problem when using your air nailer.

3. If you have an air nailer that has a multiple trigger setting on it, use it. This function will allow you to decide on how you want your nails to come out of the gun and into the material.

4. Choose easy to load air nailers and nails, especially if you don't have a lot of time to dilly dally. It makes it quick and simple.

5. Make sure all of your air hoses are out of your way. You could trip over them or even accidentally put a nail through them.

6. Always use the approved nails for your nail gun. This can be very dangerous, and also produce poor results.

7. Read your air nailer instructions even if you think you are experienced with one. You may only find one thing you didn't know, but it could be one of the most important things you should have known.

8. When you place the air nailer where you want it, never take your eyes off of it. Don't pull the trigger unless you are satisfied of where it is going, and are not distracted.

9. Make sure you adjust the depth on your air nailer. If you put them in too deep you can have nails sticking out, and if you don't put them in all the way, you will take a chance of your material not being properly attached.

10. Safety, Safety, Safety. I can't say this enough. Since the air nailer is attached to an air compressor, using it can be a potentially dangerous tool. Especially for someone who is inexperienced with using it. Always wear your protective eye wear and inspect your air nailer before you use it. Check for any broken pieces and holes in your hoses.