Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    182

    Default Finish Nailer or Brad Nailer

    Hi Guys,
    Newbie question time... When constructing drawers for general use, eg not fine furniture, I intend to glue and nail the drawer bottoms. Given there are similar lengths in both types(is that right?) only the diameter is really different? What gauge should I use 16g or smaller 18?
    cheers
    Gary

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    34
    Posts
    6,127

    Default

    I'd be using screws myself, but if you want to nail then go with 16g

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Perth WA Australia
    Posts
    828

    Default

    I second elan's comments, it also depends on what you mean by "general use" When my house was built all the kitchen cabinets were nailed (not my doing), 18 years later those drawers are still in use (albeit loose and in need of repair but still holding together) However if you're building drawers for storing tools etc, I'd be opting to screw/glue combo, unless you like fixing things.

  5. #4
    rrich Guest

    Default

    The good news is that an 18 gauge is probably sufficient for drawer bottoms. The 16 gauge is good for things like molding around doors and windows. To paraphrase the famous Norm, The nails will hold the drawer bottom in place until the glue dries. Although I would suggest clamping to insure a strong glue joint. The 18 gauge nails, about 25mm and 35mm in length will suffice for most jobs in the wood shop.

    The bad news is that pneumatic nail guns are asexual. They tend to multiply even if only one is present. You will eventually find a need for the 16 gauge nailer and also add a 23 gauge pin nailer. Then two or three staple guns and if you are going to do heavy construction you'll buy a framing nailer.

    I've have them all but I did sell the framing nailer for almost what I paid for it.

    There are two tricks with nailers.

    The first trick is "AIR TOOL OIL". This is not compressor oil but oil designed for air tools. Three drops in the air inlet before use is all that is needed. Every time you connect the air hose do the three drops thing. It doesn't matter if you just used the nailer this morning but now after lunch you're reconnecting the air supply, three drops. I have one nailer that does not require oil, but I oil it anyway.

    The second trick is to disconnect the air supply if the nailer is not going to be used for 30 or more minutes. It is so easy to do and so beneficial to the air tool.

    Finally, the nailers that are going to be used frequently in your shop, buy a reasonable quality brand. I'm not sure what is available there but my good nailers are Porter-Cable. Hitachi and Milwaukee are also good. Grex is the top of the line 23 gauge pin nailers. However I don't see the need to drive 65mm pins.

    Here we have 'Harbor Freight' stores that sell cheap Chinese tools. It is their staple guns that I have. I haven't used a full box staples in any size yet. But at less than $20US each, these staple guns serve my needs.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    South Australia
    Posts
    4,470

    Default

    Gluing draw bottoms does not serve any practical purpose as mentioned above screws or flat heads

  7. #6
    rrich Guest

    Default

    As for drawer bottoms, a piece of 5mm or 6mm Baltic birch for the bottoms and secured in a dado in the sides of the drawer. Glued in place, the bottom will add incredible strength to the drawer.

Similar Threads

  1. Brad nailer and Compressor combo
    By groeneaj in forum HAND TOOLS - POWERED
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 16th August 2013, 10:35 PM
  2. paslode cordless brad nailer
    By brushdriver in forum HAND TOOLS - POWERED
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 6th June 2010, 06:43 PM
  3. Compressor - Brad nailer cheap
    By DavidG in forum HAND TOOLS - POWERED
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 30th November 2005, 07:32 PM
  4. Medalist Brad Nailer
    By `Felix` in forum HAND TOOLS - POWERED
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 23rd January 2004, 01:03 AM
  5. Brad Nailer & Compressor
    By Little Festo in forum HAND TOOLS - POWERED
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 7th November 2002, 10:29 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •