Thread: nail gun help

I have the GMC nailgun (the brad nailer, and the framing gun). I also have a 24L and 40L air compressor.

The GMCs are fine for around the house. I've fired a fair number of nails through both guns without a problem.

The 20L AC does work despite a number of misinformed Bunnings tool shop staff telling me otherwise. I found myself with one (long story) and tried it out - fine - fires a 65mm nail without issue. Ok, it will have to cycle much more often than a bigger compressor, but we are talking occasional jobs here, not building a house!

Have a look at the GMC kit - 3 nail guns (a brad nailer, a little brad nailer and a framing gun).

No idea about coiled guns - more expensive, as are the coils so I went the framing route.

Nails generally penetrate full-depth (eg 65mm), but it does depend on the timber (and probably a $500 gun will do a better job than the GMC, but if you are shooting into pine - no problem. Only other bit of advice with it - if pressure is getting low, then you may find the big nails won't get driven as deep.

The brad nailer fires brads, the framing gun fires an actual nail, although one designed specifically for the task- and you don't have to buy GMC nails! (Don't even thing there are any) - I bought a box from Bunnings that was on special, and they are fine for what I do.

As much as I'm upgrading my workshop, slowly replacing GMC stuff, the air compressor and nail guns will be about the last to go, because they keep doing the job I expect of them. The platinum framing gun seems particularly good

thanks! i will go and have a look at those.
Also, since you have mentioned it, what's the difference between a brad nailer, finishing nailer and framing nailer? Am i correct in saying that they just fire bigger nails (brads) respectively?
Also when operating the 2L air compressor, what is the optimum air pressure? i want to have enough power to nail but i dont want it to blow up or anything.

You are right in your assumption that they all fire different size and gauge nails.

If you are going to lay decking then chances are that the most nails you will have to put in will actually be when laying the decking boards. You really need a coil nailer for this so you can use the correct type of nails. If you can only afford one nailer and you are doing a deck then get a coil nailer and hand nail the frame. Much of the framing for a deck such as attaching triple grips can be done with a coil nailer by using hardened nails.

I run my compressor at 110psi for my bostich framing gun and haulbold coil nailer.

You don't have any choice on the GMC (yeah there is a regulator for lowering the pressure, but no control over the maximum) Run the nail gun off the unregulated side. You won't blow anything up.

ok i went bunnings and bought a framer for $150 , brand is "trade air". anyway, when i shoot a nail, it makes 2 thuding clicks in quick succession instead of 1, is that normal??