Nail gun help... anyone?

[The_Stig]

I've been looking for an electric nail gun as I've got to do a cladding job, the cladding is only going to be around 10mm thick but I've been trying to work out what sort of gun to buy. I've seen the cheap Arrow and Stanley jobs around B&Q and on eBay but I'm unsure if they'd last 5 minute:

Exhibit A

In an ideal world I'd be able to invest in something like the 18v DeWalt cordless nailer but I somehow doubt the budget will get even half way there.

The only thing that I've found which might be of some use is this:

Exhibit B

I see nothing wrong with it but I just wondered what other people thought?[/url]

 

[Anonymous]

Hi, Stig
Never had any trouble with the B & Q gun kit as long as you remember to oil it regularly. Bought it about 3 years ago.
But if you only want it for a "one-off", why not hire one ?
I bought a Paslode as I had some spare cash and it was on offer but have shot 1 clip of nails with it in 2 years.

Koolwabbit

 

[EddieJ]

I can't advise on either of the ones that you have posted links to, but one thing that I would say, is to stay away from the ones made by Tacwise.

They are absolutely crap!

I bought a Paslode as I had some spare cash and it was on offer but have shot 1 clip of nails with it in 2 years.

Koolwabbit

If its the first fix model (IM350) and you are thinking of selling it, I may well be interested, as I need to replace mine.

 

[matt]

I had an electric Arrow one. It was OK up until the point it randomly fired a brad across the room... Cut the flex off and binned it.

I don't have much experience of nail guns but found (with the aforementioned Arrow) that I had to put some weight behind the gun to get the brad to travel fully home.

 

[Richard Findley]

Hi Stig,

I've never heard much good about electric nailers/staplers. You'd be far better off with a small compressor and a gun from somewhere like Axminster (IMHO). The set up cost wouldn't be much higher and I've been surprised at how much I use my air tools now I have them!!

Cheers,

Richard

 

[Richard Findley]

P.S: Wizer is selling a nail gun here: https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=32152 (not sure which exact model it is though!!??

Richard

 

[George_N]

I agree with Richard, an air nailer will serve you much better than one of these little mains nailer/staplers. The Tacwise type are gutless and will struggle to punch a brad through even thin cladding. That said, you really need 16g or even a 15g nailer that can fire galvanised nails...which would be a good idea for an exterior application like cladding.

 

[tsb]

My local tool store has been selling the arrow et100 gun for around £10. I purchased it to do one job, using the 15mm brads into mrmdf and it did it fine. I don't have any experience with nail guns but at the price it was silly not to have a go

 

[BradNaylor]

Definitely go for a little compressor and a brad nailer. I got a compressor for site work from B&Q for under £30 in January and it is great. A nailer will set you back somewhere between £30 and £100.

Once you've got a compressor you will be amazed at the uses you will find for it, from bits of paint spraying to pumping up bike tyres!

Cheers
Brad

 

[Karl]

I've tried several electic brad guns, and they were all sh!te. I wouldn't waste your time.

Most wouldn't drive the brad home fully, and those that did (with my full weight behind the gun) left marks on the timber/MDF (even those with the nose protectors for "non-marring").

I even tried the Tacwise cordless version from Screwfix, which has some rave reviews. That went back too.

I subsequently bought a little Stanley compressor and a couple of Bostitch guns off the bay - absolutely superb.

Cheers

Karl

 

[toolsntat]

The cheap air pin/staple guns at Aldi (may still find one locally if your quick)are more than capable bits of kit and the Bandit compressor from Machine -mart is a great air source for it...
Use it , keep it/sell it :wink: :wink:

 

[neilyweely]

I just got my mitts on a senco 14.4v nailer. There seems to be a bit of a difference of opinion on it, but other than battery life I can't fault it. Drives up to 63mm nails no probs (same as the DW). I think the 2nd hand batts need replacing, but I am reluctant to spend 50quid on a battery when I got the whole caboodle for 40!!

They sell on the bay for £100, maybe worth a look?

HTH

Neil

 

[clewlowm]

to be honest you cannot beat a paslode

 

[neilyweely]

Eeerrmm, I have a IM350. I bought the other ones because it is always breaking down, so I am not so sure. Sure, when they work, they are great. But mine seems to be in the 'servicers' all the time.

The senco thing is apparently maintenance free. It is a sealed unit, and so far it works fine. If it lasts a few weeks it will have outlasted the Passy.

I also have a couple of compressor guns (Brad and frame) which never go wrong, a little Spit and a big ol' Hilti cap gun thing. That'll put a 90mm nail in a RSJ. And none of 'em break down like the paslode.

Guess I got a moody one, eh?

Neil