Pneumatic nailer gauge sizes?

[W Chan]

Hi,

I recently borrowed a friend's pneumatic nailer this weekend and had some questions for the folks in WRECK.

Is there a rule of thumb on the nail/brad length and gauge for a particular thickness of wood? I was looking to put together some quick drawers made out of 1/2" finnish plywood. My friend's nail gun is a 15 gauge finish nailer and with 1" to 1.5" finish nails. This looked way too large to me and I figured it would split plywood if I put a nail into it edge-wise. Am I right to assume this or would this safely work?

Thanks! Winthrop

[SawEyes]

A brad nailer (18" gauge) is often used for drawer pinning, although it is wise to use glue and dado joints for joining the sides to the front/back and a groove in front/sides/back to take the drawer bottom (no glue on that). You can get fancy and make dovetailed drawers if you have the right gear. I'd definitely use more than just nails in a drawer construction if you want it to last. You might have problems with a 15 gauge nail in 1/2" ply, unless you are a really good shot :) (but then, still no guarantees)

-- Regards,

Dean Bielanowski Editor, Online Tool Reviews

5 Reviews:

- Workshop Essentials Under $30

- Festool PS 300 Jigsaws

- Delta Universal Tenoning Jig

- Ryobi Reciprocating Saw

- Infinity Router Bits

------------------------------------------------------------

[Preston Andreas]

For everyday drawers, I use butt joints that are glued and nailed with 18 ga brads that are 1 1/4" long. I use 1/2" birch ply for the drawer material. I have built bunches of drawers over the years and so far, I haven't heard of any coming apart. Of course, when making nice furniture, you might consider hardwood drawer material with dovetails, eliminating nailing except for tacking the bottom into place.

Preston