Finish Nailer or Brad Nailer

[Regdop]

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

[elanjacobs]

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

[tonzeyd]

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.

[rrich]

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.

[China]

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

[rrich]

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.