5 Essential Things You NEED to Know About Nail Guns

This is the ultimate guide for beginner woodworkers to learn about both pin and brad nailers. Which nail gun system should you get, battery versus air, brad nails versus pin nails, as well as some woodworking tips and tricks for nail guns. Amazon and other affiliate links are used in this description and they help support this channel.
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➤Follow me on Amazon to see my favorite tools and supplies: www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-4e5e1fdd
➤Air Powered Nail Guns
Air Nail System Combo in Video (Amazon): amzn.to/3c9dTe6
Air Nail System Combo in Video (Home Depot) go.magik.ly/ml/1eawp/
Alternative Air System With Only a Brad Nailer: amzn.to/3HZhkOZ
Just the Pin Nailer: amzn.to/3tn3W37
Air Compressor Accessories (you'll want to add these): amzn.to/3tssU1j
➤Battery Powered Nailer Options:
Porter-Cable 20v Brad Nailer: amzn.to/33cHqiQ
Ridgid: www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-18...
➤Budget Air Compressor and Nailer Set Up Recommendation (Less than $250 for all 3 below):
Brad Nailer: amzn.to/3rbHM16
Pin Nailer: amzn.to/3HXSZsX
Air compressor with hoses and accessories: amzn.to/3K6rSOg
➤Nails to Use:
1 inch Pin Nails: amzn.to/3I0xXKd
Brad Nail Variety Pack: amzn.to/3zUPNf2
➤My Work Boots: tidd.ly/33fT9NO
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0:00 Intro
0:24 Air vs Battery Nail Guns
1:40 Brad Nail Sizes and Types
4:34 Using a Brad Nailer
7:49 Air vs Battery Nailer Pros / Cons
8:34 Air Tool Basics
10:46 Best Nail Gun for Beginner Woodworkers

[@Wurzberger]

Some people won't like my humor, but I thought it was funny talking about nail guns while wearing a shirt that says "only Jesus"... 😂

[@garypatrick7817]

I don’t get it…?

[@MoonMagicks]

​@@garypatrick7817Jesus was nailed to the cross.

[@tylerconnell3709]

I thought the same thing tbh

[@andre1987eph]

Not those kinda nails

[@zachkennedy9282]

I mean... kind of stupid humor but ok. I guess it's funny if you're in 9th grade

[@The77Game]

When comparing weight, some hose should be added to the pneumatic one. It will still be lighter but it is the fair way to show it.

[@pirakoXX]

Great info video! 👍 And for other beginners: Gauge = nails per inch. 18 gauge = 18 nails per inch. (The higher the gauge number, the thinner the nails)

[@MTNurse]

Thanks!

[@aofddofa6661]

now i know how to remember it !

[@gravetotkd]

I worked in the trades for 15 years and it never occurred to me that the direction of the nailer would determine if the nail would blow out the side or not. This shows, you can always learn something new. Thanks Matt

[@lukemorrison4876]

I came here to say the exact thing! I’m just a hobbyist but this tip is huge for me.

[@bris.e]

That was a great tip. I am a DIYer and, of course, that has happened to me like a 100 times with no clue of why. Thank you so much! Great video!

[@daddypanda3134]

What do you mean?

[@aofddofa6661]

@daddypanda3134 they talk about this period .. from 5:40 to 6:45 , please watch 5:40 and you will learn something new as it was very helpful for me

[@vince613]

I just picked up the Rigid pneumatic set and I love it. I could not for the life of me figure out why I kept getting blowouts though - until today. What a relief to realize it wasn’t my total lack of skill but they way the nail will curve. That was a huge eye opener to me and I appreciate the detail you give in your videos. Great stuff man!

[@woodworksbygrampies1284]

Hola! 🖐 One of the best videos I have seen explaining the operation and functionality of the pneumatic tools! I really appreciate all the info you shared in this video. Keep it coming. Take care and have a good one :D 👊

[@preacher1775]

As a rookie pneumatic tool guy, I had lots of questions about their use. I watched several videos on the subject, and this one is the best of all of them.

[@731Woodworks]

Thanks! Glad it helped!

[@andythurs4590]

I'm getting into woodworking and setting up a home shop after taking a job working with special ed kids at my local school. I get to go into shop class with a kid everyday and found that I absolutely love it. Your videos have been incredibly helpful in trying to get a home shop setup going. I always know I can come to your channel and find help with what I need. Thank you.

[@paulhopkins1905]

I've had that Porter Cable kit for years, the brad, finish, and stapler have been great, with no issues at all. I bought the pinner at a later date

[@BridgitofHyjal]

My wife bought the Porter Cable brad nail set for me years ago and I still love it. I never used the pin nailer because I wasn’t sure what application it was for. You cleared that up for me. I also was tossing around the idea of picking up a cordless Milwaukee but will give it a pass now. Thanks Matt

[@MrJohnnyboyrebel]

I bought a Porter-Cable nail gun bundle in 2006, and have used it ever since. It came with a narrow crown stapler, 18 ga brad nailer, and 16 ga finish nailer. I will be adding a 23 ga pin nailer to my set. Once I got this set, I wondered how I was able to do any precise assembly before. Holding the work pieces steady, holding a nail, then swinging a hammer now seems SO clunky as opposed to positioning the work pieces and popping in a brad or finish nail. This is easily one of the best purchases I ever made.

[@davidbryan2646]

Love it. I own that set up as well and learned a couple of things once again thank you Brother

[@stephencromer1526]

I have the exact same set up and still learned something. You’re awesome!

[@martiewyckoff4539]

Casting Crowns - that was a great tour! Thanks for the information. You provided many of the details I've been looking for.

[@MountainPostWoodworks]

great video, I didn't really understand those items, but now I know what I need for my shop

[@MarcBridie]

Great video, I'm just a shopper right now, but you gave me some things to think about. Thank you!

[@feliciabrasuell1997]

I am sure glad I found you on here. Videos are always very helpful, and I have learned so much from watching you. THANKS for all you do to help us........

[@princessann9285]

Thankyou for making this video, my first time using a nail gun, you answered all my questions

[@ReallionaireDad]

Thanks for the rundown brother! Straight forward no fluff. 💪🏿💪🏿 I’m offering new services for my clients and this was spot on what I needed to see. KZbin and You for the win!!! Thanks again…

[@muriellord541]

Thanks for this tutorial! It was very well done. Trying my hand at doing my own baseboards & chair rails. Feeling way more confident I won't ruin any molding (well hopefully not as much anyway). 😉👍

[@williamclark9743]

Wow. I really like how you break this down so a guy like me can understand this. Terrific video.

[@MojoPup]

Great video! I have both, but I rarely pull out my pneumatic to go do home repair due to the required compressor. It's fine for the shop

[@wessmasseymusic3922]

Thank you for the video. Just a warning. Try to not leave air in the compressor. Condensation eventually will rust out the bottom side of the air tank. Because I leave mine in my non conditioned garage, I try to exhaust the air after each use. Temp fluctuations create more vapor inside of the tank.

[@robk1310]

You need to try the Milwaukee M22 23ga pin nailer. It’s light and powerful, as well as cordless. I love mine.

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

Thanks for the video Matt, good information to reference

[@tonycooper6528]

Great video it has just helped me decide what nail gun I need....thankyou

[@erallen97]

Great video! The only thing I would add is that the staplers are also great to have around.

[@jasonlara]

So much info. Well presented. No time wasted. Perfect.

[@731Woodworks]

I appreciate that!

[@2006mrderrickh]

Thanks for the video. The most helpful video out there. I just bought a bunch of battery tools since they are on sale for black Friday. Ridgid Nail Framer, Jig Saw, Circular Saw : $349 Angle Grinder w/ 2 batteries and charging kit: $169 18 gauge framing nailer w/ battery and charger: $229 5 tools, 3 batteries and 2 chargers for a Total $747. I think that's a good deal.

[@SleazyDutcham]

Thanks for the video, I found it very helpful! Definitely confirms my gut feeling that air is the way to go for my specific needs. I already have a large portable compressor, but now that I know there's a bundle that includes multiple gauge guns and a small compressor, I may try to track that down. Also wanted to share my opinion on the flexibility air offers... if you don't already have a compressor, going that route unlocks a lot of other options once you have one, with other kinds of air-powered tools I mean. The battery path, assuming it even comes with one, just gets you another battery and comes with the downside of being tied to one battery system.

[@MTNurse]

Thanks Matt. This was a really helpful video for me!

[@HIM.9]

Awesome video. Thorough explanations!

[@Barbaralee1205]

I’m a 73 yr old duffette who has more tools than good sense. I’m not very good at woodworking but I love it. This video was awesome for me. I have 3 nailers and never knew you had to oil them!!! Thanks from a perpetual beginner 😱

[@DaemnNoctus]

I got the craftsman version plus bought the pin nailer and framing nailer to go with it. First time3having pneumatics. I got the rigid palm nailer as well which is my absolute favorite pneumatic tool. I have used it to build a shed and a fence around my property

[@lyndaboonstra5605]

I love the ridgid palm nailer! My buddy and I were putting in joist hangers and hurricane ties for his deck. Ten nails in each, 4 per joist, 18 joists. My poor buddy can't start a nail straight to save his life. So I went down the line getting it started straight and he came behind with the palm nailer. Never so much fun and did a job so fast in my life.

[@blanco988]

Great video! Thank you, Sir! 👍🏻

[@johnjackson9601]

Lots of great information. Love your shirt! Thank you for sharing!

[@carlkoepp1112]

Thank you for this video, tho I am watching much after the fact of having bought my own set-up. All that you have mentioned I had to learn the hard way through trial and error, but to good avail. I actually bought the same air nailer set you have and have had great experiences with it. One thing I would mention is: the pin nails/23 gauge, have been dipped in glue much like 16 penny framing nails so it helps bond a bit better than those without. As was mentioned in another comment, placing them at an angle \ / can also help hold the piece together where angles are afforded. I find that I use my nailers more often than I ever thought needed which makes them one of the best investments in my shop. Love your videos, thank you for sharing.

[@pmhum]

Great video. Very helpful.

[@carolcarden4712]

Great video. I just bought an air nailer…KZbin/Google must have known and placed your video in my suggestions. 😯 Subscribed to your page, not only for your knowledge, but for the t-shirt too. Thanks.

[@731Woodworks]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jamesclifford4284]

Thank you,great advice

[@jpullins27]

Just want you to know, there are thousands of woodworkers on KZbin but you're my favorite. This is because of your clear faith and desire to be a light in this world. Thank you.

[@731Woodworks]

Thank you Jonathan

[@garrettwatkins9001]

Same here ty brother

[@Jason-iy9yc]

Thank you very useful information

[@ronswoodshack3855]

Awesome video! I’ve owned the porter cable 3 gun and biscuit compressor kit for years. Still works great! Oil the guns on the regular and they’ll last a long time. Thank you for the content Matt.

[@nmurphy7281]

As a subscriber to the motto “the tool you use is better than the one you don’t”, I have to say I love the battery powered Brad nail gun over the air powered. I picked up the Craftsman one a month ago and find myself using it all the time, it’s just so convenient. Being in a small shop, taking out the air compressor and firing it up was something I found myself avoiding.

[@austinbowles]

definitely have been considering it but have already dropped a load of cash on tools lately

[@PinkBabyDoll]

This was extremely helpful. Thank you for this video ❤

[@seabee7071]

Brad nail hack: When you load the nails, use a magic marker to indicate the "point" side of the nail strip. Simply run the marker along the whole length of the "point" side of the nail strip. If you have a partial strip left over, with no factory point indicated, you will ALWAYS have the right nail orientation in the gun.

[@Ramenjoa127]

I bought them as your recommendation thank you

[@mikeryan2802]

Informative as usual. Thanks.

[@ugandy3417]

Than you so much, excellent video

[@HuntsWorkshop]

M18 gen 2 cordless 18g brad nailer is pretty light and works perfectly with the 2ah battery zero ramp up time, rapid fire mode, etc. It is $300 compared to a $30 pneumatic though. All depends on how much you want to spend, how often you use it, and how much your significant other despises air compressor noise.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Also what battery sustem you have. I have a DeWalt system, not going to switch.

[@JohnSmith-4U]

I came here because I had no knowledge about nail guns and I'm about to buy one. Now I have basic knowledge about this tool. Thanks!!!!!

[@angetodac]

great presentation! thanks

[@noreennorton5811]

Thanks. Love your t-shirt!

[@suzetteedwards7956]

Good info, thank you. BTW. Love the shirt!

[@jhippl]

I got the same kit and i love the 16 gauge nailer for when i do shiplap and the 23 gauge is used as "clamps" to let the glue dry, I have found that if i drive the 23 gauge pin nails at an angle like \ / down the board they have a bit more holding power.

[@Offy-official-real]

Very helpful and your channel is great. Congratulations on all your subscribers 🙂

[@823Steve]

If you look closely at how the wedge tip is cut you can tell which direction the pin or brad will deflect. Then turn the gun so the brad will deflect on the length of the board instead of the width. Much less likely for it to come through the side on you.

[@nickb8755]

Can you load the brad nails into the gun facing either direction?

[@Mike-hu8yz]

​@@nickb8755Yup

[@mrbo4576]

Great amazing thank you very helpful

[@marioarvizu7077]

Great video! Each second worth!!!

[@VWonder737]

Thanks. Looking to buy my first and already own a compressor.

[@flippinzippo9670]

Just got this set up, appreciate the video

[@lowlow9693]

Great video, very informative

[@mind5533]

Awesome info! I think you just saved me a whole lot of frustration. BTW: I just bought that same kit except from Kobalt at Lowes for $200!!

[@bobsackett9105]

Great video! Been using a brad nailer off and on for a few years, and just now learned about holding the gun so the nail doesn't come out the side of the wood.

[@dlm4526]

Excellent content and I love the shirt!

[@royruther4895]

I bought the cheapest set up from Harbor Freight. While I'm not a big HF fan, it was cheap. About $150 for the whole set up not on sale. $60 McGraw compressor, $30 Banks 18g nail gun, 25 ft hose and fittings. It doesn't come with oil, so don't forget the buy some. It seems to working fine. I watched a "had it for 2 years" review. It seems to hold up pretty well.

[@codacreator6162]

Path of least resistance? Great demo! I learned something from 731 today (as I do every time I visit). Thank you!

[@731Woodworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dvsninja2]

Love your videos, keep it up! God bless!

[@HeliRy]

Just picked up a like-new Porter Cable compressor, hose and 18 gauge nailer for $95. Brand new that kit is $245 (including taxes) in my neck of the woods. What a deal!! 🤘🤘

[@lisablack2567]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I bought an 18 gauge pneumatic a few months ago, and it's been sitting in the shop waiting to be used. I feel a LOT more confident about using it now! You answered every question I had and then some. SO... now I'm off to hang the 'fake shiplap'for my version of you guys' hall tree; is going to go a lot more quickly now! Wish me luck! Lol... thanks again!

[@731Woodworks]

Glad it helped

[@asbrand]

I have a Kimo branded battery powered brad nailer I got off of Amazon. Works great. Weight really hasn't been an issue for me, as I only use it to help with glue-ups or jigs.

[@LYTOMIZE_Woodshop]

Timely video! I've inherited a half dozen Porter Cable guns and I'll be moving them into the new shop some time before summer. I can't wait to incorporate them into my building process!!!

[@NatureCircumstance]

Great content, very well delivered 👍🏼

[@brianpowers2536]

Great video.

[@quadsquadracingable]

Been wanting to get a pin nailer! Now I'm definitely moving it up my priority list

[@quintarius103]

Love the shirt dude and great video

[@PeterB_California]

Thanks!

[@kristingordon1683]

My pneumatic ridgid Brad nailer is oil free. Works great.

[@rizkiumlati_867]

such a great video

[@majstrujeme8352]

Well thank you for very informative video.

[@731Woodworks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@warrensmith2902]

I keep a nail test block in my shop to drive a few nails/brads once I'm ready just to ake sure everything is set correctly.

[@JuanMoreno-pu2qe]

Nice video, and awesome shirt!!!!

[@tammystuecher3983]

Super helpful! Sold me on buying an air compressor!

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

If you do jobs for others, the battery is a better option. No set up, no air compressor to steal. Yes,it happens if you're nailing a roof on the second story. Things have gotten really bad. I could tell you stories.

[@Aaron091673]

I have the same compressor and nail gun set. You can not beat it for the price. I would love to have cordless nail guns but right now can not afford the high prices.

[@731Woodworks]

It's crazy how expensive the cordless ones are.

[@chrisnash2154]

Great video as usual. I do recommend purging the tank weekly or immediately if you don’t plan on using it for a while. The water that collects on the inside can rust the tank. If you get the opportunity, check out Milwaukee’s 2 gal battery powered tank. Great tank for nailing and can run most of the day on a 12 amp hour battery.

[@6453bianchi]

Oh yea def Emory the tank. Left mine full overnight and next day when I emptied it there was brown water coming out of it.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Expensive though

[@momolife1982]

Great video... But I always had a question about the 30degree and 20 degree angles of a nailer... What's the purpose of the angle?

[@seanc6468]

Bought a combo kit. Bostich Nailer, Brad and stapler with a pancake compressor. I think I have it covered.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

Popular choice

[@eldoradocraftsman3733]

Great tip regarding the direction of the gun resulting in the direction the pin travels through the grain. I’d never considered that. 👏🏾👏🏾

[@MichaelSmith-nk4yq]

Love your T-shirt brother 👍🏾✝️🙏🏾

[@genevieveb5902]

I love your t-shirt. Amen!😀

[@VipinAbraham]

Great video

[@christopheralbin7819]

Matt, do you have a video like this for spray guns?

[@MarriedManWoodworking]

Good coverage on the topic. Nicely done Matt.

[@dylanwelch6681]

Love the shirt and the video

[@markm3.16]

That compressor kit is almost always on sale at Home Depot for $199. I bought mine over a year ago and love it. Only used it for framing & roofing so far but when I get my shop going I'm going to run drop hoses where it might needed for convenience. As you said, it's lite enough to quickly carry to other places but if you have the money for battery powered, that's good for portable small jobs. Great information on nails & which to use when. Thank you. PS: Turning the heads of the brad nails cross-grain will add a bit more holding power then with the grain.

[@johngregg5735]

Nailers are great! One caveat - I found out that a nailer can be fired if the trigger mechanism is depressed. The nailer doesn't care if it's solidly on the wood or not. But the wife wasn't there to see the accident and no trip to the emergency room, so lesson learned. Back when nailers first came out, we had a carpenter doing work on our house. He just started using this new technology and managed to shoot a framing into his hand. I took him to the emergency room. The nurse asked, "Why didn't you just stop hammering when it first started going into your hand?"

[@HoneyHollowHomestead]

That is why I always remove the battery from my brad nailer when I am done nailing the piece I am working on.

[@JGerm]

Love your channel … Correction : you don’t adjust the force. You adjust the ‘ depth adjuster ‘ :) 👍

[@baseballdude8491]

Metabo HPT has a 4.4lb cordless nailer that is my favorite cordless I still also prefer pnuematic when in the shop however and doing production work

[@baseballdude8491]

18 guage

[@breeze787]

I'm trying to replace my pneumatic guns with the battery powered brad nail guns. I have a 33 gal air compressor in the far corner of my garage and every time I have to brad nail trim in the house I loath dragging the hose and dealing with the reach. But now that I have an 18v 18ga brad nailer easy peasy. The 18v nailer might be heavier but come on 6 pounds and free of a hose? It's priceless.

[@johnparker7945]

Great shirt!