Acquiring the skill of using a nail gun and an air compressor enables a lot of possibilities around the house, especially if you are a do-it-yourself enthusiast.
You can easily replace or install your wainscoting and mouldings or frame-up something way faster.
Furthermore, An air nail gun also does an efficient job of driving nails into areas that are hard to reach.
For example, and corners of your ceiling and the back of cabinets.
It also enables you to safely drive nails that would probably be impossible to install with a hammer, such as some small-sized finishing nails or staples.
The use of a nail gun with an air compressor depicts its true colours on the job site.
It is a portable solution for floor installers, framers, and roofing specialists, the nail gun is still considered one of the most affordable, efficient, and indispensable tools to have in the collection.
Learn to use a nail gun with an air compressor
Choose the type of nail gun
When you decide to get started, you’ll need an air hose, a nail gun, and an air compressor.
Then, select the type of Nail gun to use and the type of nail gun you work with usually depends on what you’re doing.
Finish nail guns are considered best as they use larger-sized nails (15-16 gauge) and are suitable for fixing old furniture or other DIY projects.
They are also ideal for use on wood and any other surface.
On the other hand, for bigger jobs, such as reconstructing an old tool shed or redoing your patio deck, a framing nail gun is the best option.
As it uses 2.8mm nails, it can also be used on wood without damaging the plaster on top.
If your work is precise to only small items, brad nail guns use smaller nails (18-23 gauge) and are the most suitable, such as fixing a night because the screw heads are not too big and obvious.
Finalize the nails for the selected nail gun
In most cases, nails for nail guns are attached with paper, plastic, wires or a little adhesive.
So when you fire, the heat from the gun helps to separate the nail and then drives it to the surface.
Another thing to know is that nails that have adhesive secure better to the surface when the adhesive cools down and sets.
Secondly, most DIY jobs require D-shape (clipped nails) round-headed.
A nail gun holds the capability of holding 20-30% more clipped nails as its design as opposed to round-headed nails.
Another prominent difference is that clipped nails are usually paper-bound, but round nails are connected with plastic.
The case is not the same in all cases, the decision is based on personal preference and also the type of nails you can find in your region.
Choose between electric or gas-powered compressors
The most important thing you need to know while choosing a compressor is that it might be electric or gas-powered.
Electric compressors are best suitable for home use as they don’t emit gases and fumes.
Secondly, there are also some portable compressors and many are powered through cables.
And obviously, it again depends on the sort of jobs you’re going to use it for. For instance, you’re connecting it to a nail gun, either option is appropriate.
The case might be different if you rely on the same compressor to refill a flat tire, therefore, a portable one is better.
Attach air compressor with to a nail gun
In case you have a brand new air compressor, first, you’ll need to put it together.
For that, you have to use a pair of pliers in order to fix the rubber stopper and the wheels into place.
Once you are done with fastening the coupler into place, just fix the nail gun on the open end of the air hose.
After this, make sure that the connecting wire should feel full and rigid. Also, fill the compressor with the oil and that’s it, you can start.
Turn your air compressor on
Now you need to turn on your air compressor and then wait for the air pressure to build up in the tank.
Usually, the average range of pressure for a personal-use air compressor is approximately 100-110 psi. So just regulate the pressure while keeping in mind how deep you want to drive the nails in.
You’ll probably need a higher psi for completely sunken nails if you just want to fix the nails in place.
Be cautious and make sure not to drive the compressor past the pressure limit. Now press the nozzle of the nail gun against the surface and then fire to drive the nail in.
This is important to avoid situations where sometimes nails ricochet off the surface and injure you to some extent.
Safety precautions
So before you start, make sure to put on a pair of safety goggles and a hard hat in order to ensure safety and protection from any flying dust particles or possible injuries due to any mismanaged equipment.
Plus, Avoid making any adjustments or to clean your nail gun right after using it.
Also, most importantly, never work with a nail gun connected to an air compressor in an environment, which may produce electric sparks.
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