Question about 23 gauge pin nailers

[Louis Brandt]

Hello,

I've never used a pin nailer, but I do have an 18 gauge brad nailer and a 16 gauge finish nailer. Home Depot is selling the Porter-Cable PN100 23 gauge pin nailer for $69, and I'm interested in it, but I know that it will only shoot a pin up to 1 inch long.

A few pin nailers (Hitachi for examle) will shoot longer pins, so my question is, have any of you found that there are instances where you need a pin nail (not a brad) longer than 1 inch, and if so, what did you need it for?

Thanks,
Louis

[johnny means]

I don't usually use material that is less than 3/4" thick and don't feel that 1/4" of nail is enough holding power in most instances. So, I stock up to 1 3/4inch pins and use them all regularly.

I find that I like to use pins to hold things together while I get my clamps in place. Meaning that often I'm pinning larger structural components and not just the small molding and trim pieces you might expect.

I have an employee who bought a gun that only shoots 1" pins and he considers it next to useless.

[Neil Brooks]

I have an employee who bought a gun that only shoots 1" pins and he considers it next to useless.

When I finally realized that my Craftsman 18ga nailer only took up to 1-1/4", I ordered a second one, from Harbor Freight, that shoots up to 2".

Agreed: I work with a fair bit of 3/4" stock, and -- like you -- want a bigger bite, to secure the pieces.

[Louis Brandt]

I don't usually use material that is less than 3/4" thick and don't feel that 1/4" of nail is enough holding power in most instances. So, I stock up to 1 3/4inch pins and use them all regularly.

If you don't mind my asking, what brand pin nailer do you have? I didn't know that any pin nailer shot pins up to 1 3/4 inch. I'm talking about 23 gauge pins, not 18 gauge brads.

Louis

[michael craigdallie]

i have a cadex 23 guage pin nailer that will take up to two inch pins.

michael

[Jonathan Spool]

My Grex P650 will sink 2" pins into oak with no difficulties. With long pins you should remain aware that they can sometimes get deflected out the side, so keep the fingers clear! This is why 23g pins are better than 18g brads. You don't get as much blood on the project.

[Steve Clardy]

Never had a need for a pin longer than 1" with my PC pin nailer.


I go with 18ga if I need something longer

[Kent A Bathurst]

Never had a need for a pin longer than 1" with my PC pin nailer.


I go with 18ga if I need something longer

Ditto.

Why would I want to/need to fire a 23g 2" pin? I'm not arguing, its a legitimate inquiry.

I use it for A+C 1/4" x 1/4" glazing strips - "delicate" stuff like that - and its tough enough with 5/8" pins to keep them from running wild in QSWO.

[johnny means]

I have a GREX, available at Woodcraft.

[Steve Griffin]

My Max shoots 1 3/8" pins, and that is just enough for 3/4" thick trim. Anytime you are nailing 3/4" thick stock, you are most certainly using glue, so the pin only needs to keep the piece from falling on the floor while the glue drys.

If not using glue, 18Gauge is the absolute smallest nailer I ever use, and that is only if the piece will not be under any stress.

-Steve

[johnny means]

Ditto.

Why would I want to/need to fire a 23g 2" pin? I'm not arguing, its a legitimate inquiry.

Example: Gluing a 1.5" edge onto a table top. I really just want to glue and clamp it, but I can't hold the 10' board(conference table) up while I get clamps in place. A couple of pins will hold it in place while I get it all clamped up and not leave holes that need filling.

[Kyle Iwamoto]

Example: Gluing a 1.5" edge onto a table top. I really just want to glue and clamp it, but I can't hold the 10' board(conference table) up while I get clamps in place. A couple of pins will hold it in place while I get it all clamped up and not leave holes that need filling.

Why not use a bisciut joiner? Leaves no nail marks and adds significant strength. Just curious. I personally cannot see a need for a 2" pin either. I can see a need for no nail holes. I was just at HD and was thinking about picking up the PC.

[Gordon Eyre]

It seems to me that some in this thread are confusing pin gun with a nail gun. If you already have two nail/brad guns then a small pin gun would be great. If you watch Norm Abrams he uses a small pin gun all the time and a 1" pin or smaller is about right.

[Jim Becker]

The one operation that I do use longer 23 gage pins for is for "field installation" of face frames on cabinets after the carcasses have been placed, either on the wall or on the deck. The pins serve for what clamps would do in the shop...I shoot them in at a slight angle and vary the direction for each. That said, the majority of pins I shoot are 1/2" in length and that's for holding 1/4" trim material to the custom tack trunks I build, again while depending on glue for actual holding power. I also use pins quite a bit for temporary jigs.

[Leo Graywacz]

Normally you will be using a 23 ga to attach moldings. And usually 1" is enough. I really would rather have one that would shoot 1 3/4" pins. Mostly for shooting moldings into drywall. you need an extra 1/2" for the sheetrock. You still need to use some sort of adhesive if you are using pins. I find my senco 1" (max) invaluable in my shop. I wish it shot longer though.