Rebar, or reinforcing bar, is the backbone of concrete work. While concrete is strong in some ways (compression strength), it’s weak in others (tensile strength). In simpler terms, it means concrete can stand to be pushed more than it can to be pulled.

That’s where steel rebar comes in. Steel has a high tensile strength and is added to concrete structures to give the needed strength to support buildings, roads, retaining walls and the like. Before concrete is poured and set, steelworkers lay the rebar according to specified building and construction codes.

Rebar comes in a range of coatings and gauges, depending upon application. The rods must be connected by corresponding ties, a tedious yet important process, to keep the rebar from moving while the concrete is poured.

From Manual to Power Tiers

To save costs, materials and manpower, it was only a matter of time before a powered rebar tying tool was created. Tying rebar is tough on the body, mainly the wrist, shoulder and back. For a rodman, or rodbuster, repeatedly twisting metal wire can be permanently damaging over the long-term. A NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) study in 2005 revealed the potential health hazards and suggestions for making a safer work environment. If a worker is tying rebar for more than an hour per day, NIOSH recommends providing a cordless tying tool and a tying tool extension arm.

Purchasing a cordless rebar tier is truly an investment. Looking for a strong lithium ion battery that holds a decent charge is key, as is a balanced tool that prevents fatigue and potential injury. Before you buy, make sure the tier is not only fast, but makes a strong, secure tie.

The MAX Effect

Without a doubt, one of the most familiar names in rebar tying tools is MAX USA Corp. They’ve been perfecting power tools for more than 20 years. MAX created the first battery-powered rebar tying tool, the RB262 (which used a nickel cadmium battery) in 1993. In 1998, power tiers became available to the American market, and the rest was history.

Currently, the cordless MAX RB398 is among the most popular tiers at Nail Gun Depot. Weighing a mere 5 lbs. and delivering more than 2,500 ties per battery charge—that’s 5x faster than manual tying—the RB398 can hold its own. Plus, it eliminates the need to disperse and cut rebar wire, saving on materials waste.

But just when you thought they were done, MAX once again improves on their already bullet proof design.

Dual Wire, Dual Savings

New to the market for 2018, the MAX RB441T TwinTier offers an incredible output of 4,000 ties per battery charge. That’s a 200% increase from the previous models. The TwinTier also creates a highly secure connection thanks to a dual-wire feeding system, which dispenses two 19-gauge wires at once to form a tie. The tie is 50% tighter to boot.

Like most rebar tiers, the RB441T comes in three tie wire options: regular or annealed steel, the most commonly used; galvanized with a zinc coating, which adds 40 times more corrosion resistance and is used for moist or marine environments; and polyester-coated wire, which is abrasion-resistant and at least 70 times more corrosion-resistant than annealed steel. The tie wire rolls are changed out in about half a second, an improvement compared to previous models.

Due to the TwinTier’s patent-pending wire bending mechanism, the tie it creates has a 50% shorter height than the projecting “rabbit ears” produced by older cordless models. What does this mean to the concrete construction job overall? It means less concrete is needed to cover the tie, which further saves on materials. Check out this video from MAX, taking a closer look at the new RB441T. Hear what professionals in the field have to say.

Not only does the rebar tying tool save on materials and time, but labor. Fewer tiers are required per job, and an ironworker doesn't need the advanced tying skills and speed of years past. The tedious, wrist-twisting work is done for you - no strings attached.

Need more? Ask one of our skilled customer service specialists about MAX USA rebar tiers and tie wire.

~ The Nail Gun Depot Team

Will a new siding fastener transform fiber cement siding installation?

In partnership with Paslode, James Hardie Building Products created HardieNails, a patented 1-1/8” long fastener that attaches siding without the need to hit a stud. The manufacturers have designed a nail that’s shorter but stronger, so it doesn’t need to be driven as deeply.

So, how does it work?

Continue reading →

If installing wire fence is on your to-do list, you know the importance of fast and lightweight tools, not to mention the convenience of being cord-free. While several brands have both 9 and 10.5 gauge agricultural fencing tools, few can compete with the reliability and reputation of STOCKade. Whether you’re a farmer, electrical utility worker, highway fence installer, or metal and mesh fencing contractor, expect to improve productivity and workmanship with these STOCKade products.

The beauty of the STOCKade brand is the impressive output and durability they possess. Back in the late 1990s, the ITW Paslode folks in New Zealand attempted to bring the latest pneumatic tool technology to rural fence making. Since agriculture is the top industry in that region, the market was certainly there.

By 2009, STOCKade introduced the first power stapler, creating a tool five times faster than the manual hand-hammering process. After a successful launch in New Zealand, they decided to branch out to North America and the UK. Here in America, we needed a pneumatic gun that could drive 2” staples, which meets all highway code requirements. And so was born the ST400 Air-Powered Fencing Stapler, the first of its kind made explicitly for wire fence construction.

Needless to say, we’re excited to be one of few U.S. distributors to carry them. STOCKade tools are made with lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy housing. Tools feature adjustable drive depths, and drive a minimum of 2 staples/second. For farmers, contractors and even utility installation pros, product build and overall quality is unmatched.

Nail Gun Depot has been selling the STOCKade ST400i Cordless Fence Post Stapler, and now also offers the ST400 Pneumatic Fence Post Stapler. Both versions take 9-gauge staples, with the latter driving 3 staples/second, and the slightly heavier 400i driving 2 staples/second.

PRO TIP: Don't forget, STOCKade cordless staplers require both battery and gas fuel cell to operate. The staples and fuel for the 9-gauge cordless ST400i model come bundled in fuel/staple packs.

Also new to us is ST315i Cordless Fence Batten Stapler, which takes 10.5-gauge staples. It has an operating temperature between 19.4°F and 120.2°F. Each of the cordless models deliver 3,000 staples per battery charge, though the fuel cell capacity of the ST315i is double (1,000 staples/cell) that of the ST400i.

PRO TIP: Since STOCKade lives under the Paslode umbrella of products, you’ll find that fuel cells for the ST315i cordless stapler are interchangeable with the equivalent Paslode orange framing fuel cell.

A great tool doesn’t do much without a comparable fastener to do the heavy lifting. STOCKade staples are just as brawny, and are made of 240gm pre-galvanized wire, with a Class 3 HDG (hot-dipped galvanized) coating. The tough, rust-resistant coating contains 90% zinc and 10% aluminum [known as a Bezinal coating], which gives greater protection from corrosion than a standard galvanization.

What is a Class 3 coating, you ask?

To begin, a Class 1 coating is typically found on standard barbed wire or field fence, and will generally last from 2 to 11 years. Class 3 is about 2-1/2 times thicker, and remains rust-free from 13 to 30 years in non-coastal regions.

These paper-collated staples come secured with a weatherproof tape that prevents tool contamination. After each staple gets driven, a patented glue then seals the hole created by the staple — further preventing corrosion and deterioration. As timber ages, it dries out and cracks. Divergent tips on staples for the 400-series spread apart when driven into wood, for a more secure connection.

Now, agricultural and horticultural fence building jobs are that much easier — and that much more dependable. Check out STOCKade fencing products today, or view this quick video introducing STOCKade tools!

~ The Team at Nail Gun Depot

Today, let's take a look at one of our frequently asked questions, "what's the difference between a siding nailer and framing nailer?" When it comes to applications, such as siding or roofing, customers often don't understand why framing guns aren't the best tool for the job. Don't get us wrong, framing nailers are extremely versatile in purpose, and can definitely pull their weight for more than framing [framing nail guns are also great for decking, sheathing, subflooring and more]. And, in appearance, a coil framing nailer and a siding nailer look nearly identical. But, when it comes to siding installation, investing in a siding nailer may be worth the expense - and here's why.

The primary difference between a coil framing nailer and a siding nailer is nail size. Where framing requires much larger nails that penetrate deep and offer greater holding strength, siding does not require nearly as much support. Think of it this way, connecting 2x4 boards to frame a building requires much more holding power versus simply attaching thin planks to a wood base. Typically, you'll see siding nails range anywhere from 1-1/4" up to 2-1/2" in length, whereas framing nails can go 3-1/2" or more.

PRO TIP: If installing siding for the first time, be sure to research installation tips based on the type of siding you're using. Siding nailers are popular for use with fiber cement and wood siding applications. On the other hand, vinyl siding is typically hung rather than nailed, as it needs to expand and contract.

With some overlap in nail size, you may wonder whether framing nailers can be used for siding? The answer is, yes.

Framing nail guns can be used for siding installation, if the nail being used is long enough to attach the siding firmly to your exterior wood sheathing. While it's recommended to always use a siding nail gun for siding installation, in a pinch, you may be able to use a framing nailer instead. However, the same cannot be said inversely. Since most applications in framing require longer nails that are specifically intended to join lumber together, more often than not, siding nails will not be enough.

You may also find that siding nailers are a few pounds lighter than framing guns. The average siding nailer weighs right around 5 LBS., while coil framing nailers typically run 8-9 LBS. minimum. For those installing siding, this makes the siding gun that much more desirable, as it should be less fatiguing to operate.

As far as cost goes, you're looking at roughly the same price range on either tool. On Nail Gun Depot, you'll find an average range of $250 to $350 for either type of coil nailer. As with anything, build quality, brand preference and product features will all influence each tool's price.

~ The Nail Gun Depot Team

Why use galvanized nails? The quick answer, to slow down the process of rusting and corrosion, by protecting the nail with a zinc coating. Galvanized steel nails will eventually rust (use stainless steel nails to completely prevent rust), but the galvanization (zinc coat) will prolong the nail's lifespan - as compared to non-coated alternatives. Because the cost of stainless steel is often two or three times that of galvanized steel, many contractors elect for the galvanized product in regions where building code doesn't specify otherwise.

So, you've decided to use a galvanized nail, but now need to determine which type of galvanized coating to use.

There are two main types of galvanized nail that you'll find on Nail Gun Depot, either Hot-Dip Galvanized (HDG), or Electro-Galvanized (EG). Other types of galvanization can include tumbler hot galvanizing and mechanical zinc plating (also known as peen-plating). You may also see certain galvanized products listed as 1000 hours galvanized, which indicates those items are rated to withstand 1000 hours - or more - of salt spray testing.

Hot Dipped Galvanized nails are the highest quality of galvanization available, offering 1.7 mils minimum zinc coating thickness, evenly covering all nail surfaces from head to tip - and offering a 30-50+ year lifespan. The process for hot-dip galvanizing includes cleaning the steel body, submerging the nail into molten zinc, and spinning it to remove excess coating. Perfect for use indoor and outdoor, HDG nails provide a good balance of cost and quality. And, an added benefit, the coarse zinc particles offer added "cling" to whatever surface they come in contact with - providing additional holding strength.

For the highest quality galvanized nail, look to see if it is ACQ approved, which indicates the nail can be used with ACQ pressure treated lumber. For HDG nails, ensure the nail meets ASTM A153 specifications for hot dipped galvanizing.

For applications where lower quality galvanization is suitable, Electro-Galvanized nails are among the thinnest coating, at 0.36 mils maximum. Ideal for indoor applications, the EG coating has an average lifespan of 5-10+ years depending on the environment. Similar to HDG, Electro-Galvanized nails are also bathed in zinc, but with an electric current that charges the zinc acid and attaches it to the nail's body.

Despite the benefits to using a galvanized nail, there are certain types of wood, such as cedar or redwood, where galvanized nails (especially those with a lower quality galvanization) will quickly rust and streak the surface, due to a chemical reaction with the wood. We typically recommend using stainless steel nails if working with these types of wood, for a guaranteed high-quality finish.

When ordering, if you're looking specifically for Hot Dipped Galvanized nails, pay close attention to the product description. More often than not, if a nail is labelled as galvanized, but does not specifically indicate Hot-Dip Galvanized (HDG) anywhere, the nail is probably coated with a lesser quality galvanization, such as Electro-Galvanized (EG).

Most nails offered through Nail Gun Depot are listed specifically by the type of material, coating, or galvanization they are manufactured with. For additional questions regarding which type of nail or staple is best for your project, consult a product specialist here. You can also learn more by visiting the American Galvanizers Association.

Of course, always know the building codes and requirements for the area with which you are planning to work.

~ The Team At Nail Gun Depot