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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.
Buying an air hose may seem simple, but buying the CORRECT air hose for your project isn't always the case. There are enough options in hose materials, sizes, and fittings to leave you feeling deflated. Thanks to some expertise from our friends at RolAir, we clear the air on choosing an air hose.
For the novice nailer, the difference between bump and sequential firing can spark confusion. But understanding these firing types can prevent purchasing errors—and serious accidents. (For tips on preventing nail gun mishaps, see 10 Tips for Air Tool Safety.) To shed some light on nail gun triggers, read on.
The micro-pin nailer reigns supreme, as tool of choice for trim carpenters, finish woodworkers, and anyone else who works on cabinets, finish and trim, picture frames, and light furniture assembly. While these tasks don't require a lot of holding power, they do require a nail that leaves virtually no footprint and won't split wood. So, which 23 gauge pin nailer do you choose?
To help in the decision making process, we’re comparing the Metabo HPT NP50A, Cadex V2/23.55A, and Grex P650. Each of these micro pinners drive a 23-gauge headless pin nail of 2" or more in length. While the tools naturally share some features, it's really about the details—and which can best suit your particular needs. Continue reading
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...
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.
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.
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
Wouldn't it be nice to score a Free Tool when you shop Nail Gun Depot from November 23 – November 26? Coupled with our Cyber Weekend sale, there's even more to be thankful for!
Purchase any item from the following categories for a chance to win! Prizes are detailed below.
All orders must be placed between November 23 and November 26. An order number in the specified category/brand counts as an entry. Winners will be featured on Nail Gun Depot's Facebook page and/or Nail Gun Network.
A LiT brand LED-light cooler AND Dewalt heated jacket, PLUS Nail Gun Depot swag.
Buy any Hitachi/Metabo HPT item for a chance to win a FREE Hitachi DS18DSAL 18V Li-Ion Compact Pro Cordless Drill W/ Flashlight - A compact yet hardworking drill and its bright companion.
Get any Senco item for a chance to win a FREE Senco PC1342 23-Gauge Micro Pinner Kit - A micro-pin nailer and a compressor combo; a winning team for a pro-looking finish.
Order any Paslode item for a chance to win a FREE Paslode 515600 Brad Nailer - A perfect combination of reliability and versatility engineered into the same tool.
Purchase any Dewalt item for a chance to win a FREE Dewalt DWE575SB 7-1/4" Lightweight Circular Saw - Boasting a 15 Amp motor and weighing just 8.8 lbs, it's a lightweight powerhouse.
Order any framing nailer for a chance to win a FREE Martinez 4000 Wood Handle Hammer - Sporting a 19 oz. steel head and curved hickory handle, this hammer packs some punch.
Get any flooring nailer or stapler for a chance to win a FREE Powernail Power Palm Face Nailer - With a specially designed nose, magnetic nail holder and 160-degree swivel, it's a well-rounded tool.
Purchase any roofing tool for a chance to win a FREE FallTech 8595A Roofer's Kit - A five-piece set that gives peace-of-mind; includes harness, vertical lifeline, shock absorbing lanyard, and roof anchor.
Buy any finish/trim gun for a chance to win a FREE Hitachi RB18DSL 18V Cordless Blower and Li-Ion Battery - A great light-duty tool for clearing debris and wood shavings from your work surface.
Good Luck! And Happy Thanksgiving to All!
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team
Mark 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.
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!
Why 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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Freezing temperatures mean it’s time to stock up on cold resistant tools and supplies. Using air tools and compressors without proper winter maintenance can result in undue wear, tear and deterioration. Before firing up your air tools in the bitter cold, take a look at Nail Gun Depot's checklist for cold weather preventative maintenance tips and supplies:
Moisture Reducing Air Tool Oil
Air tools need good lubrication to combat the condensed water that builds up, then freezes, in their system. For sub-zero temperatures, Paslode 219090 cold weather air tool oil is formulated with anti-freeze, which keeps your air tool running efficiently in temperatures of 32 degrees and below. Another great option, the Senco PC1295 moisture shield air tool oil protects your pneumatic tool in cold, damp conditions.
Cold Resistant Air Hoses
An air tool is nothing without its air hose, and for use in cold weather conditions, you'll need a hose that's resistant to freezing temperatures. Consider hoses that remain flexible in a wide range of temperature. Hoses made from rubber are generally the top recommended option for cold weather, but are sometimes not preferable due to the heavier weight of rubber. To avoid the additional weight of rubber, hybrid air hoses are becoming a popular contender for low temperature use. A hybrid blend of polyurethane, rubber and PVC offers decent cold weather resistance, without the bulkiness of rubber. Hybrid options, such as the RolAir NOODLE hose, offer a reduced weight design that remains flexible in temperatures as low as -40 degrees.
Low Temperature Fuel Cells
Being prepared with the right fuel cells can make the difference between getting your job done or postponing it. Fuel cells that aren’t rated for the extreme cold will freeze up. If running a Paslode cordless framer, CF325 orange framing fuel (816008) works in all seasons, between 18 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. It also eliminates the need for additional warming or pumping up, making it extremely easy to insert and run.
**Pro Tip: Keep one fuel cell warm, and one in the tool to use. After 4 to 5 strips of nails, put the warm fuel cell into your tool and keep the previous one warm to avoid freeze-ups.
Pneumatic tools are especially prone to winter weather problems, such as internal moisture build-up, frozen fuel cells and stiff air hoses.
Keeping with the idea that cordless nailers work where pneumatic models won't, battery-only tools require nothing extra to run in the cold. Truly the best solution to running a nailer during winter, consider battery-powered cordless tools. New cordless nailers from Bostitch, Dewalt and Hitachi all offer a battery-only power source, perfect for working in winter-like conditions.
Winter isn't coming - it's here. Are your tools ready for the cold?
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team