A "staple" in rural America, wire fencing is commonly used to keep farm animals in place. But, did you know wire fencing is used for much more than livestock? Whether you rely on a wire fence to keep your animals safe, or to mark a boundary, each strand of wire serves little purpose without the fence staples that hold it in place. The staples not only need to be the right size for optimal holding power, they need to withstand the onslaughts of mother nature.

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Somehow, December's crept up and it's already time to grab a holiday deal for your favorite woodworker! If you've got a tool nut on your list, we've got you covered.

You can find an affordable gift for the carpenter, flooring installer, upholsterer or all-around handyman in our holiday tool guide, below. Psst: Special sale prices—and stocking stuffers—are only around while supplies last.

Now, without further delay, Nail Gun Depot’s 2018 Gift Guide...

Under $150—Flooring Tool, Micro-Pinner, & Upholstery Stapler

We love the Freeman PFBC940 Mini 4-in-1 Flooring Tool, not just because it doubles as nailer/stapler, but also because it's completely affordable. The versatile tool drives narrow-crown staples and brad nails from 5/8” to 1-5/8” in length. So you can switch from woodworking to flooring like a boss.

Stocking Stuffer: Free 50’ air hose, complete with fittings.

Grex tools' dependability and power are practically legendary. The robust P635 23-gauge headless nailer features an auto-adjust fastener mechanism and a rear-exhaust with silencer. Part of a special holiday gift set, this micro-pinner's industrial-grade, yet lightweight design, is suitable for craft projects, decorative trim, and light furniture assembly.

Stocking Stuffer: Free edge guide, a $30 value.

Powerful but lean at 1.7” wide and 2 lbs., the German-made. BeA 71/16-421 upholstery stapler drives 1/4" to 5/8" staples with gusto. Great for handling trim work, bedding, upholstery, and cabinetry, this dexterous little tool is reliable and reasonably priced.

$150 to $300—Fencing Staplers, Brad Nailer, & Tool Belt

Freeman pneumatic staplers make installing (and repairing) fences more efficient, and easier on the user. The 10-1/2-gauge Freeman PFS105 fence stapler and 9-gauge PFS9 fence stapler feature ergonomic engineering, quick jam releases and top-loading magazines, not to mention they're relatively lightweight. The 9-gauge nailer includes an optional T-handle for greater control.

Stocking Stuffer: Free 50” hose with fittings & special holiday price.

For those who appreciate the quality and dependability of Hitachi/Metabo tools, the NT50A5 PRO 18-gauge brad nailer is a great choice for the carpenter. Ideal for crown molding, paneling, and window casing, it's powerful and versatile. The NT50A5 even has a thumb-actuated duster for easy cleanup.

Stocking Stuffer: Free stainless steel insulated tumbler.

Really, just take your pick of Occidental Leather's awesome gear. Their hand-crafted tool holders are made here in America, in Sonoma County, California. The leather is top-grain cowhide and reinforced with copper rivets. For the greatest flexibility, we suggest the OxyLight Adjust-to-Fit Belt, which has a high-mount hammer holder. 

$300 and Above—Finish and Framing Nailers, & Air Compressor

Senco's Fusion series eliminates the need for fuel cells, potentially saving hundreds of dollars per year. The 16-gauge F-16S Finish Nailer features a fast-charging battery and nose-mounted LED light. This powerful straight nailer is perfect for molding, furniture and cabinet framing, and paneling. 

For framing, the brawny Paslode CF325XP Cordless framing nailer offers impressive battery life and runs in temps as low as 14°F. For finishing, the Paslode IM250A-Li finish nailer has an angled magazine lets you navigate challenging areas. Each tool comes with a carrying case, battery, charger, and more.

Stocking Stuffer: Free spare battery, plus two fuel cells. 

Finally, we suggest the AIRSTAK Systainer compressor from RolAir. This compact cubical wonder is ideal for carpentry work that requires mobility and a quiet output (70 dB). The compressor rests in a Systainer case with pull-up handle, and has a removable cord that can be stored inside. The compressor weighs about 30 lbs and delivers 2CFM at 90 PSI.

Stocking Stuffer: Free RolAir T-shirt and limited-time sale pricing on select models.

~The Nail Gun Depot Team

If you work in any form of construction, electrical installation, heating and air conditioning installation, even laying tile, you undoubtedly understand the importance of using a laser level on the job site. But, have you noticed the steady transition from red to green laser beams?

The fact is, green is simply easier to see, but naturally, there’s more to it than that, so let’s have a closer look. Manufacturers, such as the German brand Stabila, have been utilizing green laser technology for a while now. Always innovative, the company uses "Green Beam" technology to enhance the quality of their lasers, as with the LAX50G cross line laser. The tool provides a 30m measuring range, and razor sharp, bright green lines — that are four times brighter than conventional red laser beams.

So, should you go green or opt instead for red? That depends on several factors, like working conditions, distance requirements and budget.

Getting The Facts Straight

You may recall from high-school science class that wavelengths for visible light range approximately from 400 nanometers to 700 nanometers (nm). Visible red light possesses the longest wavelength (about 625 to 740nm), violet is at the other end (380 to 435nm) and green lies right in the middle of the color spectrum at 532 nanometers. Not only is green the easiest color to see, it’s easier to see over a distance, which is important when using a laser level.

So why are most laser beams red?

Lasers work using diodes, and in the case of the red diode, they’re simpler to make, more readily available and cheaper than green diodes. When comparing the same laser product, the green laser option has historically been about 25% more expensive than its red counterpart.

Another downside of green lasers, their diodes use more energy. Because they have a higher output, battery life is depleted within a shorter time span. In the first iterations of green lasers, a red diode was actually used, and changed to green light through color conversion. Needless to say, it was an inefficient process.

Green Beam Technology

Manufacturers have since improved the technology behind green lasers, to increase battery life and monitor laser temperature. One result is Green Beam technology, which emits a fine green laser line that is four times brighter — and 30% sharper — than a conventional red line laser.

Compare these specs for the same tool with a different color laser; the Stabila LAX300 (red beam) and LAX300G (green). For the original LAX300, the battery run time is 20 hours with a visible measuring range of 20m (65’). For the 300G, the battery run time is 15 hours, but with a longer visible measuring range of 30m (98’). The main difference in the two, of course, is the brightness.

When To Go Green

Knowing how effective Green Beam lasers are, why would you choose a red laser? Stabila helps answer this question with the following distance diagram.

Essentially, if you’re budget-focused and working mainly indoors (within a range of 66'), a red beam laser is sufficient. For outside work, or when longer range is required (within a distance up to 98’), a green laser is the optimal choice.

The bright light of the sun can wash out red laser light, so if you plan to work outdoors with a laser level, keep that in mind. Another point to consider, as distance increases, accuracy decreases. For long distance use, Stabila suggests using a laser receiver.

We say, if you’re looking for an easier-to-see, crisper laser line, go green. Even if the initial cost is a little greater with a Green Beam laser level, it will pay off in the work with clearer lines, greater ease of use and convenience. Not to mention less squinting.

~ The Nail Gun Depot Team