Cordless 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

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

Considering how much they can cost, and how hard they work, air tools are really an investment. That’s why oiling your 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 air tools 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.

~ The Nail Gun Depot Team

Continuously 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. In fact, they created the very first pneumatic nailer, then later introduced the first cordless nailer. Suffice it to say, pneumatic tools are their forte.

The newest additions, from Paslode’s family of air-powered staplers, are also improvements—the standard 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 You Should Buy

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.

~ The Nail Gun Depot Team

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