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Cyber Weekend Alert! Our Hottest Deals of the Season
Read MoreMark your calendars; Nail Gun Depot's Cyber Weekend starts November 23! That's when our biggest sales drop, so sink your nails into a few of the previews, below.
For more specials, see the Cyber Weekend Catalog at Nail Gun Depot. Get 'em before they're gone! Offers start November 23, 2018, and run through November 26, 2018 - while supplies last.
A Deal a Day = One Excellent Weekend
A Hat You Won't Forget
Your Coffee's Coolest Keeper
FREE Spares Are The Best Kind
Your Favorite Tunes—Even On a Roof
A Blade or a Hose... Can't Decide? Get Both!
Winter is Coming.
To Err is Human, To Remove it is Divine
Good Fence Staplers Make Great Fences
It's Like the Lottery—But With Tools
For more Cyber Weekend specials on Cadex, Grex, Makita, Metabo HPT/Hitachi, MAX, Paslode, Senco, and more, see Nail Gun Depot's Cyber Weekend page.
Know someone else who likes a sweet deal? Share the cyber sale news on Facebook or Twitter!
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New Fastening Tools At STAFDA 2018!
Read MoreWhile at the STAFDA (Specialty Tool & Fastener) show in balmy Phoenix last week, we got a sneak peek at these sweet new cordless and pneumatic nailers. Check out Nail Gun Depot’s YouTube channel for quick-videos from the show, or read below to see the innovative new products coming from Metabo HPT, Grex, Cadex, Fasco, and other top brands in fastening.
Fasco’s Faster Joist Hanger Nailer
Fasten metal plates without being “tied down” by air compressor hoses. Fasco’s F70G Cordless Hanger Nailer is fast and powerful, driving two to three nails per second, from 1-1/2” to 2-1/2” in length. Already available at Nail Gun Depot, the joist nailer has a positive placement nose, non-slip grip, and single-shot actuation. Use it for fastening joist hangers, stud plate ties and post bases.
Grex's Cordless Micro-Pinner
Certain to stir up interest, the new Grex GCP650 23-gauge cordless pin nailer conveniently runs on a propane cylinder and two AAA batteries. Based on the popularity of its 18 gauge sibling, the GC1850, this Grex 23 gauge cordless should be a hit when it arrives in December. Already trusted for the performance of their corded 23-gauge tools, the cordless micro pinner features durable components, all-metal construction (minus the outside housing) and shoots 2” pin nails.
Grex 23-Gauge Cordless Pinner Video
Metabo HPT’s Slick A5 PRO Nailers
Continuously innovating, the brand formerly known as Hitachi Power Tools adds sleek framing and finish nailers to their A5 PRO lineup. Check out the NP50A 23-Gauge Pin Nailer, the NT50A5 2” Brad Nailer, and the NR90AC5 3” Framing Nailer.
Each nail gun features dry-fire lockout and depth adjust. The 2” brad nailer has an integrated air blower and a “true” dry-fire lockout that lets you use the last nail in the magazine before shutting off, unlike other nailers which cut out with a handful of nails left.
Metabo HPT A5 PRO Nailers Video
Cadex’s 7 For 2019
Cadex has big plans for 2019. Taking the sturdy V3 tool as a foundation, the company, known for precision trim tools, has spawned five different models: two L-series cleat nailers (one with a rolling base), a 20-gauge cleat nailer for thin floorboards (such as bamboo), an 18-gauge cleat nailer, and a 16-gauge brad nailer.
But wait, there's more! Cadex will also release two cordless nailers, a 16-gauge finish and 18-gauge brad nailer with built-in light, 4 amp battery and no-mar tip. Cadex plans to drop all of the new nailers in early 2019, so stay tuned.
So, which of these new tool(s) are you most interested in? Let us know in the comments!
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team
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Prevent Burnout By Oiling Your Air Nailer Or Stapler
Read MoreConsidering how much they can cost, and how hard they work, air tools are really an investment. That’s why oiling your air nailer (or stapler) is so important. It ensures a return on your investment--and that wearable parts, like O-rings, aren't prematurely fried. It's also super easy to do.
We've tackled a few "burning questions" about oiling air tools to keep them running for years to come.
How often should I oil my tool?
Daily. And if you’re working on an extended project, oil the tool before you start working and again mid-way through the day (after a lunch break, for instance). If the nailer's sat unused for a while, you definitely want to oil it before using it again.
What kind of oil should I use?
Only use lubricating oil made specifically for pneumatic tools, such as Senco Pneumatic Tool Oil or Paslode Lubricating Oil. Other oils lack the correct viscosity or contain ingredients that can destroy the seals, disintegrate O-rings, or may even cause combustion. Keep the WD40, compressor oil, motor oil, transmission fluid, etc. out of your air tools.
Also, if you’re working in below-freezing conditions, you'll need a tool oil that's formulated for temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and contains anti-freeze. Try Paslode Cold Weather Tool Oil.
How much oil do I need?
All you need is 5-10 drops of oil. Drop the oil into the air inlet, the nozzle where your air hose attaches to the tool.
What happens if I don’t use tool oil?
The O-rings in the tool will dry up, causing the tool to malfunction. It will also cause unnecessary wear on its components, and potentially cause corrosion. To learn more about maintaining your nail gun, read our post on How to Avoid Destroying Your Pneumatic Nailer.
Pro Tips:
- Make sure the air tool is OFF before adding oil.
- Do not oil the tool's magazine, as this attracts dust and dirt. You definitely don’t want any debris stuck in the magazine, which can cause fastener jams.
- Drain the air compressor at the end of each day. This keeps condensation from building up in the compressor, entering the tool, and then corroding it.
Have questions? Just contact NGD's knowledgeable customer service.
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team
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Fasten-Ating Facts: 6 Stainless Steel Fastener Myths
Read MoreWith nature's most recent onslaughts, we're reminded of the need for fortitude in our structures, and dependability from the fasteners that secure them. One--of many--reasons why so many opt for stainless steel. It outlasts the elements better than other fasteners, and offers corrosion resistance where others don't.
In addressing 6 myths about this durable metal, we uncover the qualities that make stainless steel fasteners among the most reliable you can buy.
Myth 1. Stainless Steel is coated.
Stainless steel is a solid material throughout. In fact, it’s a self-healing metal, which means that if the surface is scratched, the metal naturally creates a transparent, protective layer. This layer of chromium oxide keeps the metal beneath from corroding.
Myth 2 - Stainless Steel Doesn't Stain.
The name “Stainless Steel" is actually a bit deceiving. Grease can leave its mark, minerals like calcium carbonate can build up (think of an old shower head), and hydrochloric acid, for example, can eat away at steel.
Keep in mind that while stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, it’s not corrosion-proof (no metal is). Once it oxidizes, stainless steel does corrode, but at a much slower rate than other metals.
Myth 3. Stainless Steel is a “pure” metal.
Like many metals, including brass and bronze, steel is not an element itself. Rather, it’s an alloy or mix of metals. Regular steel consists of iron + carbon, often with other elements added to achieve desired characteristics. Steel is a strong material, but it’s also prone to rust.
In 1913, Harry Brearly discovered that adding a specific mix of chromium to steel made it resistant to the effects of certain acids. The element chromium is added (at least 10%) to regular steel to make it stain-resistant.
Myth 4. All stainless steel is the same.
There are more than 100 grades of stainless steel, each sub-classified into its own “family."
The most common kind of stainless steel is grade 304, part of the austenitic family, which contain 15 to 30% chromium. Grade 304 stainless steel contains 18% chromium, 8% nickel and a mix of other elements. This versatile material is known as 18/8 stainless, and is typically less expensive than higher-grade stainless steel, as it has less built-in chemical resistance.
You may also be familiar with the second most common type of stainless steel. Grade 316 stainless steel has a greater portion of nickel--and the addition of molybdenum. Molybdenum is resistant to chloride, making it suitable for areas with exposure to harsh chemicals, salted roadways or coastal environments.
Myth 5. Stainless Steel is stronger/weaker than regular steel.
Stainless steel has a low carbon content and can’t be hardened by heat treatment, as regular steel can. So regular, untreated steel isn't as hard as stainless. However, in its hardened state, regular, heat-treated steel is in fact harder than stainless.
Myth 6. Galvanized fasteners are just as good as stainless
Even a well-coated steel nail will corrode before a stainless one. When it corrodes, this can affect the fastener's holding power.
An added risk, there's the potential that the tool driving the fastener (or other abrasion) will chip the corrosion-resistant coating and start the oxidation process even quicker. Furthermore, the tannins in certain woods (redwoods and cedar specifically) and the metals used to treat lumber can react to the galvanized coating in fasteners, expediting corrosion.
In many applications, including exterior construction, and in climates with humid, marine or extreme weather conditions, stainless steel is simply the optimal choice for fastener. Stainless steel fasteners aren't just used in construction, many boat and automotive upholsterers use stainless steel staples for their corrosion resistance, too. To learn more about the differences between galvanized and stainless steel fasteners, see our article Everything to Know About Galvanized Nails.
You can check out a growing selection of stainless steel nails and stainless steel staples at Nail Gun Depot.
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team
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New Fine-Tuned Finishing Nailers From Senco & Hitachi
Read MoreA finish nailer is versatile, tackling projects in trim work, cabinets, casing, crown molding, and even furniture assembly. Meeting demands of the modern carpenter, Senco brings renewed brawn and fine-tuning to its latest finish nailer. Meanwhile, Hitachi looks to past favorites as inspiration for its new PRO series finishing nailers. Here's a closer look.
Tougher on Materials
Senco's new 2-1/2” FinishPro 16XP gets leaner and meaner, and attempts to eliminate fastener jams. It improves upon and replaces the Senco FinishPro32 Nailer, now discontinued. Like the previous version, the FinishPro 16XP is sturdy yet lightweight at 4 lbs., firing 16-gauge brad nails from 1-1/4" to 2-1/2”.
So what's the news on this updated model? An upgraded firing system is the most notable feature. Acknowledging a change in the industry to using harder, denser materials, Senco equipped the 16XP with a piston and driver upgrade. Coupled with a new magazine feed system, the finish nailer more reliably delivers fasteners, then more thoroughly and consistently drives them into tough pro-grade materials.
Finer Firing
Accuracy is another improvement, thanks to improved sight lines. A stamped steel spring on their EZ-Clear latch system means a slimmer, more robust latch. Now there’s a tighter hold on the drive track, resulting in greater control and pin-point accuracy when firing, even in hard-to-reach areas. The revised latch design virtually prevents jams and makes quick work of clearing any that occur.
There’s also selectable actuation on the tool, letting you easily switch from bump fire to sequential firing modes. Another nice quality is an integrated push-button air blower to clear away debris. Senco extends durability to the overall appearance as well, with a powder coat finish and a cast-in logo. The tool comes with storage case, tool oil, wrench, no-mar pad and plug, all backed by the company's 5-year limited warranty. Check out the product video here to see it in action.
Hitachi Looks Back, Moves Ahead
Enthusiasts of Hitachi (soon to be Metabo HPT) are already aware that the A5 Series recaptures some features of their beloved classics. Additions to the new line incorporate aspects like the prized motors in their original models, as well as fewer moving parts, and simpler maintenance.
NT65A5 PRO Finish Nailer
Those who remember the original NT65A3 will be happy to find the new NT65A5 16-Gauge PRO Finish Nailer uses the same motor. So, what was worth saving from the A3 model? A cylinder valve system, which gives the new model "the quickest response and the fastest driving speed of any 16-gauge finish nailer," says Hitachi. The NT65A5's cylinder valve system is “unmatched,” they add. That's quite a statement.
The tool features a light, 4.9 lb. body (without the industrial-grade aluminum hook) and fires 1-1/2” to 2-1/2” straight finish nails. A high-capacity magazine on the NT65A5 holds three strips of nails, meaning there will be fewer pauses to re-load. A sturdier, high-grade aluminum magazine also helps those fasteners fire smoothly.
Should a jam occur, the NT65A5’s quick-clear nose provides easier access to fasteners. Other features on the NT65A5 include selectable actuation, a 360° adjustable aluminum hook, safety glasses, a no-mar tip, and a canvas tool bag.
NT50A5 2” PRO Brad Nailer
Just as its sibling above, the NT50A5 2” PRO Brad Nailer is part of the A5 series. This new 18-gauge nail gun fires brad nails from 5/8” to 2”. It also asserts an improved air flow between the head valve and cylinder, giving it more muscle and greater efficiency over the NT50AE2, Hitachi's price-point oriented brad gun. Users can expect a 30% power increase in this small but mighty tool.
In its compact 2.9 lb. body, the NT50A5 delivers well-balanced handling, selectable actuation, a sturdy aluminum magazine, and a safety that's set behind the nose for easier access to tight corners. Other features include a 360° adjustable exhaust, rubber grip, ambidextrous belt hook, auto dry-fire lockout, and an integrated air duster. The tool comes with the no-mar tip, tool bag and safety glasses. As with other Hitachi tools, it's backed by a 5-year warranty.
So, which will find its way into your air tool arsenal? Just contact our Customer Service team to learn more.
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team
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Paslode Powers Up New Construction Staplers
Read MoreContinuously striving for improvement, Paslode is known for their framing tools. The Illinois-based company was founded in 1935, and they've been elemental in air tool innovation. In fact, they created the very first pneumatic nailer, then later introduced the first cordless nailer. Suffice it to say, pneumatic tools are their forte.
The newest additions, from Paslode’s family of air-powered staplers, are also improvements—the standard SCS200 1/2” Crown Pneumatic Stapler (arriving later this year) and the wider WCS200 15/16” Crown Pneumatic Stapler.
Ready, Steady Fire
If your sheathing tool of preference is a pneumatic stapler, then you've dealt with standing staples. Ideally, with a staple gun, you wouldn’t need the added step of hammering in staples that didn’t drive flush. One of the most exciting things about these new Paslode staplers is the promise that they drive “flush in all materials.”
A rugged engine allows the staplers to shoot powerfully enough to penetrate the substrate. Add to that a U-shaped driver blade tip that prevents slippage when firing, ensuring a steady fastener drive. Another notable feature is the small WCE (work contact element) that allows you to shoot more accurately.
For even greater precision (and less hand strain), the staplers have a two-finger trigger that provides greater control in driving fasteners. So you can give your hammering wrist and trigger finger a rest.
What Else is New
Missing on the previous versions was a tool-free depth-of-drive adjust. Changing a tool’s drive depth with an Allen wrench when you’re 30 feet in the air isn’t exactly ideal. No need to worry about that with these. These new 16-gauge framing staplers have tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment. Not to mention easy-access, tool-free jam clearance, should you find your staples in a bind.
Another new feature is the adjustable rafter hook, made of steel. An all-steel magazine, by the way, makes these 16-gauge air staplers more durable than the plastic-magazine in their predecessors. Also noteworthy on the new Paslode staplers—their speed. Both the SCS200 and the WCS200 can fire up to 10 staples per second.
Why You Should Buy
Both of the new 16-gauge pneumatic staplers from Paslode are adaptive to a wide array of applications—from sheathing and subflooring, to crate and pallet assembly. That’s because the new 16-gauge staplers drive an impressive range of fasteners—from 3/4" to 2” staple lengths. The 1/2” crown stapler takes GS-16 Series staples, while the 15/16” crown-stapler will use GSW-16 Series staples.
Pro Tip: To prevent staple jams, we recommend sticking with the staple series listed by the manufacturer. Learn more on staple buying in our post, How to Find the Correct Staples for a Staple Gun.
Both staplers have top-loading magazines that help prevent fastener waste, and both are lightweight at just under 6 lbs. The magazine capacity is 150 staples for both. Paslode designed each tool to stand up to the most demanding job site, so these construction staplers should remain nimble, “whether used in a high-speed production plant or sheathing walls in cold weather.” Paslode guarantees the staplers with a 1-Year Full/5-Year Limited Warranty.
When Are They Available?
The Paslode WCS200 15/16” crown stapler was just released this month and is available at Nail Gun Depot. It replaces the Paslode S200-W16 (501265) construction stapler. On the other hand, the SCS200 1/2” crown stapler is set to be released in December (a gift for your favorite tool-lover), and will replace the S200-S16 (501230) 1/2” crown stapler.
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team
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Rebuilding A Paslode PowerMaster Nailer
Read MoreIf you’ve noticed your pneumatic nailer skipping, leaking air or acting sluggish, it might be time for a tune-up. O-rings are among several nailer components that are considered “wearable parts” and are usually not covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. So it bodes well (i.e. saves money in repairs) if you can replace them yourself.
By fixing your own tool, you gain a better understanding of how it functions. And in just half an hour’s time, your tool should be running like new again.
We’re rebuilding a Paslode PowerMaster F350 using the 219235 PowerMaster Plus Tool Repair Kit. The kit's instructions are very helpful in rebuilding the Paslode's F-350S (#501000), F-350P (#515000), and F-250S-PP (#500855) air nailers. But, should you need a little visual aid, follow along with us. For extra help, see your specific tool’s manual for the parts diagram.
Tips:
- Gather the needed items, below, on a clean, flat surface.
- Disconnect the tool from air supply, if you haven’t already, and remove any fasteners.
- As you disassemble the parts, line them up, so you know which order to reassemble them.
What You’ll Need:
- Paslode F350 PowerMaster Plus Tool Repair Kit (contains 9 O-rings, 1 cap gasket, 1 sleeve seal, 1 spring, silicone-based lubricant, instructions)
- Paslode pneumatic tool oil
- 3/16" hex key (Allen wrench)
- Snap ring pliers
- Pick tool or stick pin
- Clean rag
Steps:
1. Using the hex key or Allen wrench, unscrew the four bolts on the nailer cap. Pull off the old gasket.
2. Using a hex wrench, loosen and remove the head valve.
Main Valve O-Rings
3. Using the snap ring pliers, remove the snap ring.
4. Using a stick pin or pick tool, remove the two O-rings in the main valve.
5. Add the new O-rings and lightly grease with the silicone-based lubricant (219188).
Pro Tip: Use only silicone-based lubricant (grease) on the O-rings. Break grease and other types can clog your tool and cause the O-rings to swell.
6. Place the snap ring back in. Then, remove the old spring, and set it aside to replace later.
Head Valve O-Rings
7. Using a stick pin or pick tool, remove the outer and inner O-rings on the cap.
8. Using a clean rag, wipe out the old grease on the cap.
9. Replace the outer O-ring, and lightly grease it.
10. Remove the inner O-ring and replace with the new. Apply a thin layer of grease to the inner O-ring.
11. Now, replace the old spring with new (500407). Set the head valve atop the spring.
12. Apply Paslode tool oil to the outer and inner O-rings.
13. Press the head valve on the spring, pushing down a few times to work the oil in.
Post O-Rings
14. Remove the old O-ring on the post. Add a new O-ring to the post and grease it.
15. Put the post back into the head valve and use a hex wrench to tighten it.
Piston Sleeve O-Rings
16. Remove the piston sleeve, then remove the piston inner assembly.
17. Remove the sleeve seal. If the seal is stubborn, use a flat-head screwdriver to pry it off.
18. Replace the sleeve seal with the new one, popping it into place.
Flange O-Rings
19. Remove the flange. You may have to tap gently with a mallet to loosen it.
20. Remove the fist O-ring from the piston sleeve, then remove the second.
21. Replace with the new O-rings. Grease only the top O-ring. The bottom O-ring has holes under it that allow air to escape when the tool is functioning, so it should not be greased.
22. Pop the flange back in.
Main Body O-Ring
23. Remove the O-ring in the body (outer flange) of the tool. Put the new O-ring into the body, resting it on the inner “ledge.” Apply a thin layer of grease to the O-ring.
24. Put the cylinder back into the tool body, snapping it into place.
25. Remove the piston O-ring. In this case only, you’ll apply grease to the O-ring BEFORE you place it on the tool. Once greased, place it on the piston.
26. Place the piston driver assembly back in the tool. Make sure that the piston driver’s bevel tip is pointing in the right direction, facing the nailer handle and magazine.
Pro Tip: if the beveled edge of the driver is not correctly placed, nails will jam/skip when firing.
27. Put in the new gasket, either side facing up
28. Replace tool's cap, lining up the stud to fit into the notch. Tighten the screws snugly on the cap. Do not over-tighten.
Test Firing the Nailer
Add tool oil to your nailer and reinsert fasteners. Then do a few test fires on a scrap piece of wood to ensure the gun shoots properly and leaks are resolved.
These instructions coincide with the following tools only: Paslode F-350S (#501000), Paslode F-350P (#515000) and Paslode F-250S-PP (#500855). For additional information, contact an authorized service center. You can find this and other Paslode nail gun repair kits on Nail Gun Depot.
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team
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Dewalt Adds New DCN21PL Nailer To 20V MAX Lineup
Read MoreSpeed, reliability and power. Essential qualities in a contractor-grade power tool. But, does Dewalt live up to these expectations with their new cordless framing gun, the DCN21PL?
The latest addition to Dewalt's 20V MAX line, which has grown to a whopping 180 products, the DCN21PL runs exclusively on lithium-ion power. As with other Dewalt battery-powered nailers, available in two formats, choose between the DCN21PLB bare tool (i.e. no battery) or DCN21PLM1 kit. If you opt for the kit, you'll find a 4.0 Ah battery (DCB204), battery charger (DCB115), no-mar tip, and storage bag for your tool.
What It Features
The Dewalt DCN21PL is designed to meet the needs of a professional tradesman, accommodating applications like wall framing, subfloor installation and fence building, deck building, setting trusses, sheathing and fastening walls. Solidly built and versatile, the new cordless nailer boasts a dual-speed motor and selectable actuation. For greater efficiency, the DCN21PL has tool-free adjustment when alternating from sequential to contact-fire modes. Many of these qualities have been passed down from the original DCN692 cordless framer, though some were left behind.
One feature not retained from its predecessor is the chamber. An upgrade over the previous generation’s plastic magazine, this one is made of sturdier aluminum. In fact, the DCN21PL features a 21°, top-loading magazine.
Pro Tip: If you need help learning how to load a framing nailer, see our video tutorial.
When the earlier DCN692 cordless framing nailer launched, users reported nail jams and firing delays—though some have recommended upgrading to a 60V battery and revisiting the manual. As for the DCN21PL, it appears these kinks have been ironed out.
You’ll find Dewalt’s respected ergonomics present in the new DCN21PL 20V MAX framing nailer, as well as the brand’s celebrated durability. And you’ll certainly appreciate the mobility of being cordless, eliminating the need for air compressor hoses, fuel cells and electrical outlets.
What It Fastens
The DCN21PL holds 49 nails in its magazine and accommodates a range of full-round-head, plastic-collated framing nails, from 2” to 3-1/4” in length. Dewalt states that it has the power to drive .148-diameter nails into dense wood. You may wonder, as with any cordless power tool, if it can really go the distance? With the capacity to drive 899 nails per charge, when driving 2” nails into SPF lumber using the tool’s speed 1 setting, it certainly promises staying power.
The DCN21PL weighs in at 8.2 lbs. bare; slightly heavier than its paper collated counterpart. Other features on this Dewalt cordless nailer include a stall-release lever, easy-access nose piece in case of a nail jam, an adjustable rafter hook, and dry-fire lockout. Thanks to its cordless design, you can cut the long-term costs associated with a pneumatic nailer, with accessories like hoses, air tool oil, and fuel cells.
As will all Dewalt tools, the DCN21PL 20V MAX cordless framing nailer is backed by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty, as well as one-year complimentary service and 90-day money-back guarantee through Dewalt. Only time will tell if this new plastic strip framing nailer lives up to the expectations of Dewalt die-hards.
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team
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How To Find The Correct Air Staples For A Staple Gun
Read MoreWhy can’t I order staples for my pneumatic stapler by dimension?
Unlike nails, staples are often sold by series, which doesn't tell you much about size. Furthermore, staples are not "one-size-fits-most," contrary to most categories of collated nails. Staples are instead measured not only by leg length and wire gauge, but also by crown width.
Pro Tip: If you’re having trouble deciding on a staple gun, see “Choosing A Staple Gun For Your Project.”
Crown Size
The crown is the bridge, otherwise known as the horizontal part of a staple that joins the legs. Crown sizes are typically segmented into wide, medium and narrow designations. This can become tricky, as some manufacturers measure the inside of the crown, while others measure the outside (or exterior) of the crown.
Staple crown type can vary by application. For example, some staples come with a flat top, while others have a round or "U-shaped" crown. However, we'll take a closer look at the various crown types in a later article.
Leg Length
While a staple series is typically determined by gauge and crown (which we'll cover later in this article), leg length can vary significantly - even within the same series of staple. See the different leg lengths for the 7/16” crown staple, for example, below.
There are a couple rules of thumb with regard to staple length:
1. Leg length requirements vary by application type, as well as the base material you are driving the staple into. The staple has to be able to fully penetrate and clasp to form a tight bond.
2. The longer the staple legs, the greater the hold or withdrawal strength.
Pro Tip: Never try to force a staple into the wrong tool. Not only can this create a jam, but it could break the staple or damage the tool.
Getting To The Point
Most staples have chisel points, which taper to a point on both legs. This lets the staple legs drive directly into the base material.
Another variation is the divergent-point staple, where the tips taper to opposing points. This forces the legs to bend outward in different directions. Divergent point staples are more difficult to pull out, providing greater holding power.
Wire Gauge
As with nails, staples are categorized by different wire gauges or thicknesses. Gauge is determined by the wire diameter, a standard set in the early half of the 20th century by American Wire Gauge standards. It might seem counter-intuitive, but the thinner the wire, the higher the gauge number. The smallest gauge staple wire we carry here at Nail Gun Depot is a 23-gauge staple for upholstery applications, while the largest is 9 gauge for wire fence building.
Generally speaking, the thicker the wire gauge, the more rugged the application. For finer applications, like fastening upholstery to a furniture frame, a thinner gauge staple is preferable.
What’s In A Staple Series?
Finally, let’s talk staple series. Is there a rhyme or reason for the different series numbers?
In short, yes, it’s true that tool manufacturers want you to use their staples -- and they do make proprietary fasteners to drive the point. Most staple series are determined by the staple's crown size (width) and gauge (thickness).
One way many manufacturers make staple shopping easier, they may designate a particular "series" of staple that is compatible with their tool. Each staple series makes it easier to find the exact staple you need, without having to know all of the dimensions—or how the crown is measured.
In order to consistently get the right staples for your tool, rely on the staple gun itself. More often than not, staple dimensions are printed on a staple gun's magazine.
Finding The Right Fasteners
To help you find the right series, we’ve created the Fastener Finder tool on Nail Gun Depot. Just choose your stapler brand/model from the drop-down menu, and we'll do the rest. Even if you’re using an older model of air stapler, we can help identify the correct staples for your tool.
Have other questions? Contact us here.
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team
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10 Tips For Air Tool Safety
Read MoreAlmost everyone who works in construction has a horror story that involves a power tool. You may have read our January 2014 blog post about a carpenter who accidentally fired a framing nail into his heart. Luckily, he survived the incident, but not without becoming a cautionary tale in Vice magazine.
According to OSHA, nail gun accidents alone account for tens of thousands of serious injuries each year, and they account for more construction-related injuries than any other power tool. And those are only the reported ones.
Just because you’re working on a weekend project, or using a lightweight power tool, doesn’t reduce the risk for injury.
Before You Pull the Trigger
What are the best ways to prevent air tool accidents? Job one is to READ THE INSTRUCTIONS. In fact, you should do so before even firing the tool, which we admit is hard to do when a brand new air gun is burning a hole in your tool bag.
You’ll notice the larger part of a tool’s manual is comprised of warnings; exclamation points in rounded triangles, circles with diagonal slashes through them and occasionally curious illustrations. You’ll see “no horseplay” a lot in user manuals. The warnings are easy to gloss over, but heed them. A power tool mishap can simply ruin your day, or it can shorten your career. Before becoming a statistic, familiarize yourself with the following safety tips.
10 safety tips to follow when using an air tool:
1. Read the manual.
2. Wear protective gear, including safety glasses, shoes, gloves, hard hat, face shield, ear plugs, and whatever else the task requires.
3. Use the right fasteners for the tool. This can prevent damage to the tool as well as accidents down the line.
4. Maintain your tool, hoses, and compressor. Occasionally inspect tools for damage, replace worn parts and use air tool oil, if need be. RolAir has some great tips for maintaining an air compressor.
5. Store tools in a dry place and clear off any debris after using. Moisture, dust and fumes can damage tools. Read our blog on How To Avoid Destroying Your Pneumatic Nailer for more information.
6. Keep a clean work area to avoid tripping and combustion. NEVER blast away debris from a workspace or from skin using a compressor. It can propel metal particles, fragments or chips. Air driven under the skin can cause an embolism. If you clean an object with a compressor, OSHA has specific regulations for protective gear, chip guarding and air pressure (below 30 PSI).
7. Always use the correct air pressure required for the tool. Check the user manual for guidelines, or learn more about PSI here.
8. Opt for Sequential over Contact fire. Reserve rapid bump firing for high-volume, high-speed applications. See our video on safe trigger use. Also, respect the rebound. After driving a fastener, allow the tool to recover before for making contact with the surface again.
9. Keep your finger OFF the trigger until you’re ready to drive a fastener. Always refrain from pointing a tool at anyone.
10. Turn your tools off when not in use. That includes air nailers, staple guns, air compressors, etc.
Besides ensuring your tool is in working condition, make sure you are, too. Don’t overreach, and avoid alcohol or other substances that can cloud judgment or impair movement. Want to see more? Our friends at Senco have even more great safety tips for using power tools.
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team
