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6 Critical FAQs Before Installing Hardwood Flooring
Read MoreNothing beats the ambiance and timelessness of wood floors. Hardwood flooring can last a hundred years or more, adding beauty and value to your home. Installing hardwood flooring, on the other hand, can be a daunting process if you aren't familiar with the following frequently asked questions.
Q. What’s the difference between hardwood and engineered wood flooring?
Hardwood flooring is made of solid wood. Walnut, cherry, pine, birch, ash, are common varieties of hardwood flooring. Bamboo (actually a grass and not a wood) is another popular flooring choice these days. Engineered wood, often used interchangeably with hardwood flooring, is actually made of layers of wood with a veneer of real wood. It offers the look of solid wood, but with greater versatility.
Solid hardwood flooring typically comes in 3/4” thick boards, while engineered wood boards are usually 3/8" or 1/2" thick. Hardwood boards are typically narrower than engineered wood planks to better adapt to moisture fluctuation.
Deciding whether to invest in solid or engineered hardwood flooring depends upon your needs and environment. Solid hardwood flooring is known for its endurance and the fact that it can be refinished many times. It's also more expensive than engineered wood flooring, which is more stable and moisture resistant. If a section of engineered flooring gets damaged, however, it usually has to be replaced, as the engineered wood flooring cannot be re-sanded or refinished as many times (If at all) as solid hardwood.
Q. Can I install hardwood flooring on concrete?
Yes. But there are certain requirements to ensure that moisture doesn’t reach the hardwood. The concrete floor for solid hardwood should be at-grade or above-grade (at or above ground-level). For basements, most flooring manufacturers recommend using engineered wood. Furthermore, the concrete also has to be completely dry - even before installing a subfloor. Carpeting, paint and other materials must be removed as well, and you may need a concrete grinder to prep first.
After new concrete is laid, it can take more than a month for the moisture to evaporate from concrete, and moisture levels must be tested prior to installation. Before laying hardwood flooring over concrete, you’ll need a moisture barrier between the two surfaces. For solid hardwood over concrete, it’s recommended to use a wood subfloor, which can raise the overall floor level. Something to consider, as clearance for doorways and other items may change.
Q. What Tools Do I Need When Installing Hardwood Flooring?
If you are installing pre-finished hardwood flooring, you’ll need a flooring stapler or nailer. The choice depends on personal preference. See our article on the Difference between a Flooring Nailer and Flooring Stapler, for more info. Freeman, Bostitch and Powernail are reliable brands for flooring tools; our most popular tool is the Freeman PF18GLCN nailer.
Decide whether you want a manual flooring nailer or pneumatic flooring tool. If you have a large installation project, choose the pneumatic tool. While more expensive, it will make the job faster and save you fatigue. You may also want to invest in a rolling flooring accessory that will also make the process easier, with less lifting each time you fasten.
Other tools need you’ll also need: a hammer, miter or table saw, and a pry bar for removing molding. For installing unfinished wood, you’ll need a sander, vacuum, and other finishing tools.
Q. What Hardwood Flooring Fasteners Will I Need?
As for wood flooring fasteners, you'll use nails or staples. Staples are generally a cheaper choice of fastener, but 16-, 18-, or 20-gauge flooring nails or “cleats” are the choice of pros. They allow for wood flooring expansion and contraction, also providing great holding power. Whichever fastener you choose when installing hardwood flooring, you'll need to use that fastener throughout the entire installation.
The fastener you choose may also depend the wood and subflooring material needed, and the recommendations of the flooring manufacturer. Per Flooring.org, the National Wood Flooring Association, states that for solid hardwood boards, nails or staples should be spaced between eight and ten inches apart, and for engineered wood boards, between four and eight inches. PowerNail has a handy Room Square Foot and Cleat Coverage Calculator.
Q. How much wood do I need to install a floor?
Hardwood flooring is sold in cartons. To determine how much wood is needed, first find out the square footage of space for your project. Before installing hardwood flooring, measure the room’s length and width, then multiply the two to get the total square footage. For an unusually shaped room, measure odd areas separately. It’s helpful to divide the areas into rectangles, add the measurements together and then multiply to get square footage. Don’t forget to include closet space.
It’s advisable to add 5-10% to cover the “waste factor,” wood that will end up being unusable. If you’re completing more than one room, total the total square footage and then add 5-10% for waste cost.
Q. How much does installing hardwood flooring cost?
This depends on a lot of factors—starting with the type of wood for your floor. For a rough idea on the cost to install hardwood flooring, Home Advisor states that the average homeowner will spend $4,396 to install a wood floor. On the lower end of the spectrum, softer woods such as pine can range from $3 to $6 per square foot, while more resilient and exotic wood varieties can cost $8 to $10 per square foot. In the middle lies common wood species, such as oak.
Unless you’re planning a DIY project, add into that estimate the cost of labor, which will run from $3 to $8 per square foot. If you need to have furniture moved or carpeting removed, this will cost extra, so budget that into your costs.
(For more on installation, see our article How to Install Hardwood Floors.)
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6 Tips: Preserving Tool Battery Power in Cold Weather
Read MoreCordless tools are more common than ever these days, and what’s more, they keep improving as manufacturers continue to innovate. You’ve probably noticed that Lithium-Ion battery power has surpassed NiCad (nickel-cadmium) and NiMH (nickel metal hydride) in cordless tools—and nearly everything else we use. But in cold weather, Li-Ion batteries seem to lose steam. We'll help you preserve power in your cordless tool battery with 6 easy tips.
Benefits of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have many benefits over their predecessors; they store a larger amount of electricity, have a lower rate of self-discharge, and are more compact/weigh less than other rechargeable batteries. These cordless tool batteries aren’t delicate flowers, but they do have more basic requirements for maintaining optimal performance. You may have noticed, for instance, that your Li-Ion-powered tool is a little less forgiving in colder weather.
Batteries are a collection of chemicals and other materials assembled to create a reaction that will then power your tool. And chemicals inside of them can be impacted by extreme situational changes. On the plus side, if you can call it that, Li-Ion is more stressed by extreme heat than extreme cold. Protection circuitry mainly prevents over-heating. but It's up to you to prevent over-cooling.
Here’s a fact: When the temp dips below 40°F, Li-Ion batteries don’t fully hold a charge. And trying to charge them at that temperature can permanently affect run-time. So, what to do?
How to Preserve a Li-Ion Tool Battery in Cold Weather:
1. Store (and charge) batteries within the temperature range recommended by the tool manufacturer. While you can discharge a tool battery in extreme cold, charging it in freezing temps (32°F or colder) is a no-no. You may not see the damage, that doesn’t mean it’s not happening inside the battery.
2. If a Li-Ion battery has fallen below 40°F, place it in a room-temperature area for an hour or two and let it warm up. What is room temperature? About 72°F, give or take a few digits.
3. Optimal temps aren’t always available job sites. When not using the Li-Ion tool battery in cold weather, remove it and place in a pants pocket to transfer some body heat to the battery. Another option is to use a gel warmer in the tool bag while it’s in the work car/truck.
4. Don’t let a Li-Ion battery completely discharge before re-charging it. Unlike older battery types, Li-Ion doesn’t need to be completely drained/re-charged. Li-Ion batteries suffer from little to no “memory effect,” or low-charge capacity when continually charged from a partially charged state.
5. Once you start to feel power lagging, swap out the battery with a spare and recharge the first one. Having a few spare batteries on hand will keep you powered up. Yes, you should have a spare battery. And yes, we sell those at Nail Gun Depot.
6. When it’s time to store the battery for an extended period, leave 40% to 50% life in it. This helps keep it stable and keeps the circuit protection operational. Store the battery in a cool (40°F to 60°F), dry area on a plastic or wood (not metal) shelf.
Shop Cordless Tools
cordless nailers, cordless staplers and accessories, and cordless screw guns.
Shop Batteries
Metabo HPT (Hitachi) batteries, Dewalt batteries, Senco batteries, and Bostitch batteries
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The 2018 Holiday Tool Buying Guide
Read MoreSomehow, 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
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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 An 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 an 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 an air nailer or stapler 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.
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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. The newest additions to Paslode’s family of air-powered construction staplers, are the standard sized 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 Buy the Construction Staplers?
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.
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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
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STOCKade Fencing Tools Arrive Online
Read MoreIf 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
