Finish nailer recommendation

I bought a Senco, years ago, but it wasn't as well built like the really old Senco. I returned it, got a Hitachi, then bought a Hitachi brad nailer. Both are pneumatic, no problems with either. Couldn't tell you if the Hitachi's manufactured now are as good as built 12 years ago.

Do you want a "finish" nailer or a "brad" nailer.

The Harbor Freight Brad Nailer will shoot a fastner up to 1-1/2" which is adequate for baseboards and the like.

I got mine for less than $20 and use it so much I've just about forgotten how to use a hammer...

Assuming one does have the Hobor Freight nailer, what size compressor would one need to use it for trim nailing and other occasional homeowner uses??? HP, oil/oilless, capacity, CFPM, PSI, etc ???

A little 6gal pancake compressor is fine for a homeowner, for pretty much any nailer. These kits are a good start and can sometimes be had for a couple of hundred bucks, sometimes less for the two nailer kits.

Nailers use very little air-- even the HF ones. I've charged my

The smallest compressor will run one of those brad nailers--- but buy the biggest compressor you have room and money for-- Once you start using it, you'll want to paint, sandblast, cut metal, and a million other things.

I've done all that with this one

But even with those shortcomings, it is one of the handiest tools in the garage.

Jim

Virtually anything larger than the twelve-dollar gizmos used to inflate tires.

Brads are very skinny and present little resistance. I'll bet 75psi will drive them. That's for a BRAD nailer. Now frankly, that's all I use, even though I have a framing nailer on the shelf. Oh, I use a stapler every once in a while. Anyway, a framing nailer will need more air at a greater pressure inasmuch as a 10d nail is magnitudes bigger than a brad.

Anyway, the booklet that comes with your nailer, or the on-line version, will provide a minimum recommendation for a particular tool.

A pancake compressor will drive framing nails just fine. I doubt a homeowner could outgun one, either. I know I can't.

Not particularly useful, IME.

Interestingly enough my brad nailers [HF], finish nailer [Bostitch], and framer [PC] all say 70-120psi. The finish and framer use more volume-- but the psi is the same. My compressor kicks on after about a dozen framing nails.

Just remember that when reading the CFM - tool manufacturers lie one way, and compressor manufacturers lie the other. So if the tool says it needs 2 CFM - buy a compressor rated for 4 CFM. [and pray] For nailers it won't matter-- but other tools use more air.

Jim