Finish Air Nailers
Finish air nailers are use smaller nails and are used to drive nails into surfaces of varying lengths. They are very similar to brad nailers and are lightweight and feature an angled magazine for maximum maneuverability. They can also be adjusted for depth-control.
For a range of finish air nailers for sale and more information, check out our finish nailers below:
Finish Air Nailers: Operating and Cleaning a Finish Nailer
Finish air nailers are the best tools for nailing for hardwood flooring, assembling cabinet frames, decorative and molding trims, door and window casings, and even the simplest of paneling jobs. One of the biggest advantages in using finish air nailers is that it is lightweight; it is a simple yet powerful tool for DIY-ers and even to the master furniture makers.
While there are a lot of brands and varieties that you could choose from, here are some criteria that you could use in finding the best tool for your project:
- Powerful design yet lightweight - Durable - With a quick release nose design for clearing jammed fasteners and nails - Rubber-mar for safely driving nails - Adjustable depth for accurately driving nails; this feature allows for a more precise countersinking even at a low pressure - Could be used with bump fire trigger or single fire
Operating Finish Air Nailers
Safety first. Always wear your goggles and other safety gears before operating a finish air nailer. Check for your safety glasses for ANSI-compliance seal. Wear ear protection prior to checking the nailer.
Lubricate the nailer. If you are not using a filter-regulator-lubricator, you need to manually lubricate the nailer every time you use it. Apply the recommended oil that comes with the finish nailer inventory. Simply add few drops of oil in the air inlet.
Install the quick connect tool to the nailer. Check the instructions manual for a more detailed description of the parts and how to properly connect it to the nailer.
Connect the tool to air compressor. Use the I.D. hose to do this. Check and secure the connection; the hose should be able to handle more than 13.8 bar or 200 psi. Empty the magazine before connecting the nailer to the compressor – always assume that the tool is loaded with nails.
Regulate air pressure and set it to control 85 psi. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to the instructions manual and read about contact mechanism safety.
Load the tool properly. Check for the manuals for a step-by-step instruction on how to insert fasteners into finish air nailers.
Test for penetration depth by driving nails into a sample workpiece. If the tool had not driven the fastener with the desired penetration depth, check and adjust the air pressure to a higher rate until it has achieved the desired penetration. A general rule in operating finish air nailers: do not go beyond 100 psi. If the nailer still did not achieve the desired penetration, check for worn out parts, bent nails, and even a loose magazine screw.
Cleaning Finish Air Nailers
Do not use combustible gases or other flammable materials when cleaning the nailer. Even when not in use, vapors that had accumulated in the tool could produce spark and could lead for the nailer to explode.
Thoroughly dry the nailer as solvents could accelerate dirt build-up or dry the nailer. Get rid of tar by spraying diesel fuel or kerosene then wipe off excess solvents before use.