Straight vs angled finish nailers

[rogerwa]

I have been using a 16 ga straight finish nailer quite a bit to redo my cabin.. Its not my nailer and I am going to buy my own as I have found so much use for it.

These nailers are unbelievably handy. Its my favorite tool with the Rotozip coming in a close second.

Before I buy, I have seen the 15 ga angled nailers and wondered if those are better and why??

Opinions?

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Straight vs angled finish nailers

I have both and hardly never use the straight nailer. The angled one is just more comfortable and easier to get into tight spots. It's all I use for finish nailing...

 

[newbie4life]

Re: Straight vs angled finish nailers

15 ga. is a little heavier nail (obviously), and we use it more for heavy (3/4 or 1" base trim) woodwork.

I've started using the 18 ga brad nailer for the cabinet work, crown moulding, casing (trim around doors/windows), etc. It is a super-small head, and virtually invisible. The downfall is that it's a straight nailer (Paslode gas-nailer)

Now, the other side of the coin is the gas vs. air. If you buy a gas nailer, you will love it for the first box or two of nails. Then, it needs to be cleaned -- (not too terribly difficult, but it's one of those things you never seem to get around to doing -- kinda like weekly showering. )

I own 3 Paslode framing nailers, 2 finish (both angled), and 1 18 ga brad... all gas. If I have a choice, I'd still take my Hitachi, or Bostitch angled finish nailers. Plug 'em into the compressor, and virtually trouble free. The Paslodes have been into the shop for little things -- that usually result in a big bill -- $50 here, $25 there, etc.

I've never taken the air nailers to the shop, and I bought those WELL before I bought the first paslode, to the tune of almost 6 years. And, I've put up a LOT of trim.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Straight vs angled finish nailers

What is a 'gas' nailer?

 

[Kenneth Brown]

Re: Straight vs angled finish nailers

What is a 'gas' nailer?

Paslode makes a nailer that operates off of what I think is Butane. It has a small cylinder about the size of a CO2 cartridge. It lets out mini explosions to nail with. They're great when your on the top late of a 3 story and don't need a hose geting caught and you loosing your balance.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Straight vs angled finish nailers

I already own an 18 ga nailer (cheap harbor freight). I will definitely go with air and based on the feedback will look for an angled nailer. I am looking at either the Bostich or a deWalt. I looked at the Northern tool model and looked at it but it was incredibly heavy. When working with your hands above your head all day, even half a lb would make a big difference.