Tis' the season to surprise your favorite woodworker or craftsman with the latest and greatest new tools and accessories. This year, we've included our top five picks that are certain to make for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Check out Nail Gun Depot's top gift ideas for the holidays, and steal a deal for yourself, family and friends.

A true stocking stuffer in price and size, grab Grex's all-new edge guide and enjoy precision nailing with most Grex 23 gauge micro pinners, or 18 gauge Grex brad nailers. Available in two models, the FT230.1 is fitted to work with most Grex 23 gauge micro pin nailers, including the P635, P645, P645L, P650 and P650L; while the FT180.1 18 gauge edge guide supports both the Grex 1850GB "Green Buddy," as well as the new GC1850 cordless brad nailer. Both edge guides retail on Nail Gun Depot for $25 plus shipping, OR can be obtained for FREE when purchasing any participating Grex holiday promo bundle with respective tool and sample fasteners. Holiday bundles are limited-time and limited-quantity items, so be sure to grab a kit before they're gone!

Looking to charge things up? A Dewalt FLEXVOLT battery may be the perfect accessory for your favorite woodworker. Don't let the $155 price "shock" you, Dewalt's FLEXVOLT System is setting a new industry standard. The DCB606 FLEXVOLT 6.0 Ah battery pack is the first of its kind, powering 20V MAX tools, 60V MAX tools and 120V MAX tools; and offering three times the power compared to the DCB9096 18V battery, and four times longer run time than the DCB201 1.5 Ah battery packs. Needless to say, we had to include it on our list. Just make sure you have a corresponding Dewalt cordless tool to use your FLEXVOLT battery with.

When it comes to electric staplers, Fasco's Maestri 7C-16 (63100) rules the roost. Designed with reinforced fiberglass and offering a super durable body, the 7C-16 electric stapler maximizes power and speed. Don't take our word for it, this electric upholstery stapler can fire up to 100 staples a minute! Users also benefit from a removable front plate for jams, rear-loading magazine with feeder, large trigger, and a safety device to prevent accidental firing. This 3/8” crown electric stapler is excellent for frame and picture construction, door and window frames, decorative trim, moldings, upholstery, furniture repair, cable sheathing, carpeting and more. Truly a multi-purpose device, get your own 7C-16 on Nail Gun Depot, now available for a limited-time at $149 - while supplies last. And, don't forget to add a Spotnails P-97482 heavy-duty upholstery staple remover to complete the ensemble.

For the bundler, Senco is covering Christmas with their limited-edition 3-Tool Finish & Trim Combo Kit. Only available until supplies are depleted, the Senco 1Y0060N finish combo kit is perfect for all of your finish and trim woodworking and cabinetry projects. The kit comes complete with a FinishPro 35 15 gauge finish nailer, FinishPro 18 brad nailer, SLS18 finish stapler, and canvas tool bag for storage. The best part? You currently can get all this for a special $199 extended Cyber Weekend price! And, Nail Gun Depot is throwing in a FREE Senco PC0489 Blow Gun if you order before December 23rd. Whether you give this gift to yourself - or someone else - we doubt it will disappoint.

If you're shopping high-end for the holidays, our premium pick for gift giving this year is none-other than Hitachi's new lineup of lithium-ion cordless finish nailers. Available in extremely limited quantities before January 1st, this exclusive new series includes the NT1850DE 18-Gauge 2” Cordless Brad Nailer, the NT1865DM 16-Gauge 2-1/2” Cordless Straight Finish Nailer, and the NT1865DMA 15-Gauge 2-1/2” Cordless Angled Finish Nailer. Lose the air hose, compressor and gas fuel cartridges; this series of Hitachi cordless finish nailers is powered exclusively by Hitachi’s all-new, upgraded 3.0Ah compact lithium-ion battery, which delivers comparable power at roughly half the weight. Not to mention, the battery is universal to all other Hitachi 18V Li-Ion slide type battery-powered tools. Pair that with Hitachi's Brushless motor technology, which adds longer run time, reduces maintenance, and improves durability - and we see each of these tools making for a happy New Year. The driving system used in these finish nailers is similar to Hitachi’s pneumatic line, featuring a unique air spring drive system that uses compressed air to drive each nail. This results in zero ramp up time, increased shooting speed, recoil that feels like a pneumatic nailer, quicker response time between fastener shots, better flush driving- even at an angle, and easy maintenance. And if you aren't sold yet, Hitachi is even supporting these tools with a limited-lifetime warranty for complete peace of mind.

Ready to start shopping? Don't forget to order early and avoid the last minute holiday rush.

So, which of these items do you hope to find under the tree this year?

~Wishing A Happy Holiday Season From The Nail Gun Depot Team

Get up-close and personal with the Paslode CF325XP cordless framing nailer in this four video series. Learn about the tool's key applications, how to maximize productivity with it, and how you can benefit from the technical features on this Paslode framing nailer.

~ The Nail Gun Depot Team

The Nail Gun Network proudly presents the following guest post, adapted from Senco's "Pro Tips" Blog.

Comparing Brad Nailers and Pinners: 18, 21 and 23 Gauge

There’s a lot to consider when choosing the right nailer for your job. The differences between an 18, 21 or 23-gauge system may seem slight, but can make or break your project.

Finish and Trim Applications

For finish and trim applications, the standard tool has been the 18-gauge pneumatic nailer. Its nails are more narrow than 15 or 16-gauge variations, and as a result, they are less likely to split narrow trim and molding.

Delicate Moldings and Pre-Finished Crown

When it comes to delicate moldings or pre-finished trim, pros will often switch to a 23-gauge pin nailer. In these applications, an 18-gauge has the tendency to split the wood, especially hardwoods, or leave unsightly marks. On the other hand, headless or slight-head 23-gauge pins are extremely thin and nearly invisible, eliminating the concern for splitting and damage.

It is important to note, in some cases, 23-gauge pins may not have the holding strength required for a solid connection, and an adhesive may be necessary to assist with permanent placement.

Things to Consider

While an examination of height, weight, length and magazine size of the respective nailers will reveal more similarities than differences, there are other factors to consider when choosing the most appropriate tool.

The 18-Gauge

The 18-gauge brad nailer offers the most versatility across multiple applications, and is a cost-competitive option. Plus, the widespread availability of 18-gauge brads is a plus. But, there are a few drawbacks to consider. Since it requires the nose piece to be depressed for actuation, an 18-gauge brad nailer can leave a dent in softer wood. The thicker head of an 18-gauge nail can also mean more touch-up work, and because it’s the largest of the three, working with an 18-gauge nailer in tight corners can be a challenge.

The 21-Gauge

When compared to the 18-gauge, a 21-gauge pinner is more expensive, provides less columnar strength, and fastener lengths are much more limited. However, a 21-gauge pinner is over a third smaller. It leaves a much smaller indent than an 18-gauge brad, improving aesthetics. Plus, it’s more compact and lightweight, is easier to maneuver in tight spaces, and its ultra-thin nose improves line of sight. For example – if your project involves MDF, and an 18-gauge is just too much firing power, consider the 21 gauge pinner.

Compared to a 23-gauge pin, a 21-gauge fastener provides better shear strength and more holding power. But, it’s about 10% bigger.

The 23-Gauge

A 23-gauge micro-pinner, such as the Senco 23LXP, eliminates almost any need for touch up finishing. But, 23-gauge headless pins are not structural, and due to the reduced holding power, adhesive may be necessary to create a permanent bond. Don't let this scare you, 23-gauge pin nailers are imperative to anyone dealing with trim woodwork.

Need some extra advice? Nail Gun Depot's expert customer service team is happy to help!

~The Team At Nail Gun Depot

If you work in or around the U.S. roofing industry, an age-old question you are bound to hear - which is better, nailing or stapling roofing shingles? Get expert advice on both options, as well as tips to calculate materials usage and more!

Let's start with stapling.

In the past, when it came to the debate of roofing nails versus staples, the industry was split down the middle. After all, it's no surprise roofers loved staples for attaching shingles to roofing. Staples cost less than nails, offer exceptional holding strength, and cover a greater area of space with a more versatile and compact collation. Paired with the fact roofing staplers are typically easier to handle than a coil nailer - and a stapler is less complex to repair - it's easy to see why stapling would be the preferred method for fastening shingles.

PRO TIP: When estimating nail or staple usage for your roofing project, you should budget 400 nails or staples per square. Breaking it down further, you'll typically use four fasteners per 3-tab shingle. However, always consult your local building authority for exact code requirements.

Flash forward to present day, where coil roofing nails dominate the market. But what changed?

Within the last two decades, the roofing industry has shifted its preference toward the roofing nail. What's ironic, it can actually be argued the staple has better holding power compared to the nail. Nonetheless, here's why coil roofing nails have gained such popularity over staples.

While many factors have led modern roofers to use nails more often than staples, the strongest argument doesn't actually involve the quality of either fastener, but rather depends on the patience and precision of the end user. The problem with attaching a shingle to roof using staples, if the positioning of the staple is not perpendicular to the shingle itself, holding strength is greatly compromised. Staples are also much easier to over-drive, or under-drive, both scenarios that can further contribute to holding issues. With roofing nails this issue doesn't exist, because the nail has a round head - just make sure the nail gets driven straight into the shingle.

Other benefits to using coil roofing nails include higher capacity magazine load, adjustable depth of drive on most roofing nailers, and most roofing nails maintain a universal design for ease of compatibility.

In some areas of the U.S. today, staples have even been banned from shingle to roof installation, due to the likelihood of improper installation. Depending on region, other regulations may dictate type of galvanization or coating, or even require stainless steel roofing nails in coastal areas. As always, please confirm code requirements with your local building authority prior to starting a project.

~ The Nail Gun Depot Team

For several years, the fence stapling market has been dominated by few select brands. Recently, this niche industry received some new competition, as Freeman Tools introduced their PFS9 fence stapler. The Freeman fence stapler offers many of the same features as its Paslode and Fasco counterparts - but at a fraction of the cost. Today, we're going to put the Freeman PFS9 head-to-head with its closest rival, the Fasco F46 40-315 pneumatic fence stapler.

Arguably one of the most recognizable tools in fence stapling, the Fasco F46 has earned a spot at the top of its class. Loaded with options that include a well-balanced and lightweight design, powerful motor for hardwood applications, form fitting nose designed for wire fence installation, on board adjustable depth of drive, and a comfortable non-slip rubber hand grip - this Fasco bundles a professional setup with tried and tested quality.

A new kid on the block, Freeman Tools' PFS9 fencing stapler is quickly gaining notoriety as key competition - earning its own spot toward the top. Very similar to the Fasco F46 pneumatic fence stapler, the Freeman Tools PFS9 is designed specifically for applications in livestock fencing, field fencing, horse fencing and heavy mesh fencing - among other similar uses with wire fencing. This fence stapler features a magnesium housing, one-piece drive blade, adjustable depth of drive, 360 adjustable exhaust, air filter, quick-jam release, T-handle (for added control), top load magazine, wire alignment notch, belt hook, and comes with plastic carrying case.

So, what are the major differences between a Freeman and Fasco fence stapler?

• PRICE: Considerably the strongest factor in dictating which of the two tools you purchase, the Freeman PFS9 is less than half the cost of a Fasco F46 fence stapler. Currently on Nail Gun Depot for $349, compare Freeman to the $769 price tag for its Fasco counterpart.

• FASTENER: Each of these tools require its own unique fastener, so know that when you commit to either of these brands, you'll also be committing to their fastener. Both types of fastener can be used for the same application, and both brands of fastener run about the same in price - so it ultimately comes down to your preference of tool. The Freeman PFS9 runs 9 gauge collated fence staples from 1-3/4" to 2" in length, whereas the Fasco F46 40-315 drives 10.5 gauge fencing staples from 1" to 1-9/16" in length.

• WARRANTY: Don't be fooled, the low price on Freeman's fence stapler doesn't necessarily translate to a lower build quality. To make that known, the PFS9 is backed by a seven-year limited warranty. In comparison, Fasco's F46 fence stapler comes with a standard one-year manufacturer's warranty.

THE VERDICT: The fact is, both staple guns have their merits. If you're looking for a tool that comes with several years of industry use, recognition and praise, we'd recommend the Fasco F46 fence stapler. For those shopping on budget, or who are only planning to use their fence stapler periodically, we'd suggest giving the Freeman PFS9 a shot. With a seven-year warranty and significantly lower price, it's hard not to give Freeman a second look.

Comment below to let us know which one you'd choose!

~The Nail Gun Depot Team