Tools and Tool Buying

[davidtonetti2000]

Whenever I watch episodes of The New Yankee workshop and see norm using the air brad nailer I wounder what size nailer he uses. I was woundering what size nailer I should go with for using on projects.

Thanks for all your answers that you can give me,and thank you for your time.

[jandsjacobson99]

Depends on what you're shooting through and into.  If I'm shooting through 3/4 material I usually reach for my 16 guage.  1/2" and under usually gets the 18 guage.  Shooting trim in a home, always the 16, unless it's at a casement, which gets the 18.  You pretty much need both.  Look at the porter cable set with guns and compressor.  It is one of the great woodworking deals out there.  You would be hard pressed to just get the guns for the price they give it to you for.

[mathisonr1]

Ditto on the combo kit, and all the sizes needed but if you're looking for one gun that is versatile there are quite a few out there that will shoot nails from 5/8" through 2". That's short enough to tack thinner materials together and also long enough to install most base and casings.

[RussBoyd]

I do finish work for a living and woodworking for a hobby as well as the occasional paying job. I use two PC 18 g. brad nailers. One in the shop and one in the truck. They have held up very well and will do most anything you need. I do use a 15g. for doors. I like the variance in nail size the pc offers. I think 5/8" up to 2". That'll cover a lot of projects.

[Beaver Creek Woodworks]

I have a 16 ga finish nailer, an 18 ga brad nailer and a 23 ga pinner.  The 18 gets far more work than the other two combined.  I don't think I would part with any though.  I bought mine all separate.  I would go for the combo now.