Brett_A

General woodworking question

I am looking at getting an air nailer of some type. What is the best all around for cabinets, speakers and crown molding? Would a brad nailer be sufficient or is a finish nailer needed? I haven't owned either so any opinions are welcome.

Bob Kavanaugh

Everything you wanted to know about brad nailers...

Brad Nailer Review

Pete Mazz

For trim work, especially crown moldings, you should get a gun with 2 1/2" capacity. Most brad guns won't shoot the longer nails, tho.

Pete

Brian Bunge

My Porter Cable brad nailer takes up to 2" nails but a finish nailer would probably be better for putting up crown molding.

Brian Bunge
RAD Home Theater

Rich X

For crown molding, I use a 16ga finish nailer with an angled magazine (allows you to get into corners and hard to reach places). It accepts nails up to 2 1/2"

I also have an 18ga brad nailer that I use for smaller trim, panel molding etc. It would not be sufficient for crown.

Greg_R

I've used a brad nailer to tack enclosures together while the glue dries. As mentioned above, large crown molding will require a finish nailer.

You want to build cabinets with screws (if you must use mechanical fasteners). Trim pieces can be attached with a brad nailer.

Greg
My DVD Collection

David Sailor

I love using the "Oil less" nailers. I usually forget to redirect the exhaust and have ended up with an oil exhaust on a nice project. The oil less are just that, so regardless of where you have the exhaust pointed, no mess. I personally prefer the Bostitch brand, have 3 of theirs, 2 different gauges and a stapler and have never had a problem. I personally also like the magnesium housing, for the homeowner it should be durable enough plus it's very light. David

Chris Tsutsui