Table of Contents
Last Updated on December 2, 2024 by John Patterson
Once you are used to finishing nailer, then you won’t want to touch a hammer for a single when where you can use the excellent tool. You can easily use it for a trim carpenter or woodworking. It won’t split a trim board which the larger framing nailers can cause.
So if you have very much interest in finish nailer then, I think, you will be a beneficiary when you go through this article. Because I am going to discuss here how to use a finish nailer. Stay here with me till the end.
How to use a Finish Nailer: A step-by-step guide
Here are the steps of using finish nailer –
Step 1:
First, you need to avoid the common pitiful things like nail blowouts. Now, what is nail blowout? It is the plot where the nail works in the wrong direction. Lopsided angling of trim is the main reason for the trim blowout.
So, avoid this action. How to do it? Then the position of the center of the nail should be right. Place the center of the nail precisely in the place you want to push the nail.
Step 2:
This step is about making the right direction of the nail. After you place the tip of the nail at the right place, then you need to make the right direction where you want to nail to go.
For this, align the nail to that direction and make sure the tip of the nail is not displaced from the position.
Step 3:
When dealing with your finish nailer, you can face bouts of nail jams. It is rare with a finish nailer, but you should know how to fix that problem. You will see a latch in the nail gun which you can effortlessly open.
To unlatch the front of the nailer and remove the jammed nails. For pneumatic finish nailers, first, disconnect the air compressor to ensure safety.
If you are using a cordless one, remove the battery first when you are fixing the nail jam problem for security.
Step 4:
When you positioned the tip of the nailer, the fact that you have to keep in your mind is lining up the nailer’s cylinder and the tip in the perpendicular direction of the board or whatever you are nailing. And push the finish nailer gently into the surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question#1. Can I use a finish nailer for framing?
Answer: Finish nailers are different from the framing nailers. But you can use a finish nailer for framing, and it will be best to choose. You can use a finish nailer for lighter projects. Where you can apply this tool are trim work, baseboards, smaller crowns, and interior moldings.
Using the wrong tool will be a costly mistake so avoid using the wrong one. The finish nailer usually has 14 to 16 gauge and 1″ to 2.5″ nails. Molding around windows and doors, chair rails, or cabinet making – anything like these works you can apply to finish nailer. So you can choose to finish the nailer for framing.
Question#2. What is the difference between a brad nailer and a finish nailer?
Answer: What to know first is, a brad nailer is smaller than a finish nailer. Brad nailers don’t have the exact holding power as a finish nailer because these do not use nails. Brad nailers are suitable for lightweight trimming.
However, a finish nailer is more versatile than a brad nailer. You can use this tool for specific projects. Finish nailers have stronger holding power so you can easily attach large and heavyweight trim.
Question#3. Can I use a finish nailer for hardwood floors?
Answer: Yes, you can use a finish nailer for hardwood floors. But not on the entire floor installation. When you are installing a hardwood floor, on the first row and last couple of rows, you can apply a finish nailer.
Angling the nail board of the first row will need a smaller finish nailer. But it would be best if you can use a top-quality hardwood flooring nailer.
Question#4. What nail gun to use on paneling?
Answer: A finish nail gun is the best one for paneling. Along with paneling you can use a finish nailer for crown molding, cabinets, wood furniture, hardwood flooring.
The reason you can use a finish nailer on paneling is it needs 15 to 16 gauge nails. And a finish nailer has 15 to 16 gauge nails. So you can easily apply this tool for paneling.
In Conclusion
Here in the article, I have discussed how to use a finish nailer and some secret tips for it. So if you go through the whole article, then I can assure you that now you have much knowledge of finish nailer and where you can use it than others. So enjoy your working with this tool and follow the instruction.
