What do you think of this brad nailer?

I picked up this brad nailer and compressor set at Sears today for $59.99 http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_1.....ockType=G1 .  I figured I'd only use it for trimming out pieces, so I don't need anything heavy duty.  What do you think of this unit?  It is going to be sufficient for Ana's plans?  Or should I return it?

Thanks for your input!

iluvsawdusting

Sun, 09/05/2010 - 16:34

I was goingto get the same thing if you try it out please let me know. I'mnot looking to spend tons of money plus I don't have space for the big to do compressors.

Carrie and 3Chicks

Mon, 09/06/2010 - 08:41

Hello!  

I just looked at your link and I would caution you that the nailer looks like it will only do 2" brads.  I find in a lot of instances, like putting on trim, etc that I need brads as small as 5/8".  No granted you could do this by hand but personally I HATE trying to hold those tiny nails and get them in with out damaging the wood.

If you are using wood that is 3/4" or smaller the brads will stick out in the back or sides.

 

IMO you might look farther to find a nailer that will use a variety of nails/brads.

 

Happy, SAFE, BUILDING.

mairanellis

Mon, 09/06/2010 - 12:10

Carrie, thank you for that perspective.  I didn't realize that it would ONLY use 2 inch nails and this would not be useful for trimming projects.  Hmmm....

royorosco

Wed, 09/08/2010 - 05:54

You could still get it. That is a great price for a project compressor and with a nail gun. You can also get the different types of nail/staple guns from other stores at cheaper prices. I've found them for as low as $19.99 at this site.  

Check out this link: http://www.harborfreight.com/a.....s.html?p=2

Also, find out if the tank is oil-free or not. Otherwise your going to have to do regular maintanance on the tank to make sure there is no build up inside it. You can also check your ads for BLUE and ORANGE (as Ana likes to call them) for combo air compressor kits. I've seen the one on this link go for as little as $99.00

http://www.lowes.com/pd_253002.....?cm_cr=Air Tools and Compressors-_-Web Activity-_-Air Tools and Compressors A1 Activity 7.19.10-_-SC_Air Tools and Compressors_Area1-_-62608_3

 

Good luck!

claydowling

Mon, 07/11/2011 - 12:27

I would avoid buying any power tools from Sears. While they have great customer service and are one of the few retailers with a repair department, they also sell inferior quality tools, even when that tool is manufactured by a reputable manufacturer. Sears has always gotten their low prices by greatly reducing the quality standards of the product, and you'll be lucky to use the tool for a year before it fails.

I'd also avoid the Harbor Freight nailers. A nailer is just a specialized gun. Cheap guns are dangerous. I've had HF nailers fail in exciting ways, such as shooting the driver out the front of the nailer.

This is one place where you shouldn't pinch pennies. If you're going to buy a nailer, spend the money for a good one. Bostitch, Milwaukee and Porter Cable are all reputable names for nailers. You'll spend, but it will probably be cheaper in the long run once you figure replacement costs and possible medical bills.

If you can't afford a good nailer, buy a good hammer and a nail set. That's cheap and perfectly suitable for anything you're likely to use a nailer for. Look for 16oz (not less than 12oz) and a wooden handle. Practice a little on some scrap ahead of time.