Howard Phillips
03-09-2009, 5:38 PM
I've been using them forever but know nothing about them or their proper applications in many cases (I have a nail gun, and I buy nails to fit it is how I've rolled).
First of all what do the various "sizes" mean? Length is obvious, but there is gauge as well. And how does the size of the nails' heads fit into all of it?
Thanks to you crazy Americans being unwilling to conform to any sensible standards of measurement (ie the metric system):), it appears that the situation is confused further as there are actually two types of measurement: "pennies" (the "d" notation, which I believe refers to length?) and whatever the rest of the world uses (yes, I know the pennies measurement was invented in England, but even they appear to have stopped using it).
And what does "common" mean?
What is the difference between a "brad" and a "finish nail"? At what point does a nail become a "framing nail"?
And why here (http://www.acehardware.com/sm-selecting-and-using-screws-and-nails--bg-1299655.html) does it say brads are only denominated by length?
Secondly, application:
I have an 18gauge brad nailer. As far as I'm concerned it is only useful for small trim, and the like. If I were to get into finish and trim carpentry, what would I need? Would the brad nailer be any use?
I've read that both 15-gauge and/or 16-gauge finish nailers are typically used for all finish applications (window casings, hanging doors, trim). Which is the one to go with? Why does there seem to be such disagreement?
And finally, for framing: I have used my bostitchs coil nailers for years for both framing and fencing as they have a capacity of 1-1/2" to 3-1/2". Now they have crapped out and I'm looking at other models. Problem is I can't find anything besides the bostitchs that have a 1-1/2" capacity (2" seems to be the standard). When I nail-up fencing (and let's not have this turn into an argument about nails vs. screws for fencing) I've always used 1-1/2" nails. It seems that 2" nails would be too long (1/2" for the fence board, 1-1/2" for the 2x framing, plus countersink).
I had a nice discussion with one of the lovely BORG employees who refused to show me a 2" coil because I wouldn't believe him that 2" nails would be fine for fencing. Is 2" the nominal or actual length of 2" nails?
I think that's it for now. Thanks!
First of all what do the various "sizes" mean? Length is obvious, but there is gauge as well. And how does the size of the nails' heads fit into all of it?
Thanks to you crazy Americans being unwilling to conform to any sensible standards of measurement (ie the metric system):), it appears that the situation is confused further as there are actually two types of measurement: "pennies" (the "d" notation, which I believe refers to length?) and whatever the rest of the world uses (yes, I know the pennies measurement was invented in England, but even they appear to have stopped using it).
And what does "common" mean?
What is the difference between a "brad" and a "finish nail"? At what point does a nail become a "framing nail"?
And why here (http://www.acehardware.com/sm-selecting-and-using-screws-and-nails--bg-1299655.html) does it say brads are only denominated by length?
Secondly, application:
I have an 18gauge brad nailer. As far as I'm concerned it is only useful for small trim, and the like. If I were to get into finish and trim carpentry, what would I need? Would the brad nailer be any use?
I've read that both 15-gauge and/or 16-gauge finish nailers are typically used for all finish applications (window casings, hanging doors, trim). Which is the one to go with? Why does there seem to be such disagreement?
And finally, for framing: I have used my bostitchs coil nailers for years for both framing and fencing as they have a capacity of 1-1/2" to 3-1/2". Now they have crapped out and I'm looking at other models. Problem is I can't find anything besides the bostitchs that have a 1-1/2" capacity (2" seems to be the standard). When I nail-up fencing (and let's not have this turn into an argument about nails vs. screws for fencing) I've always used 1-1/2" nails. It seems that 2" nails would be too long (1/2" for the fence board, 1-1/2" for the 2x framing, plus countersink).
I had a nice discussion with one of the lovely BORG employees who refused to show me a 2" coil because I wouldn't believe him that 2" nails would be fine for fencing. Is 2" the nominal or actual length of 2" nails?
I think that's it for now. Thanks!