Tools, Sharpening and Power Machinery - Different types of nailers?

Hey guys...so...I've done some reading and "looking"...noticed there are different types of nailers...right? So does one buy a nailer when you need it (depending on the type of job)? I'm just a little baffled! Story is...mom wants to get dad a nailer but there's no particular "job" he's doing right now. Is there some sort of "basic" one to get?

Depends on the type of things he'll use it for generally. If it's mostly smaller stuff a brad nailer would be nice (the only nailer I own incidentally). Bigger stuff would need a framing nailer that will shoot regular sizes of nails. He has a compressor I assume?

What nailers does Dad currently own? Is he a handy, dandy DIYer like you? Is woodworking a hobby? Most guys do not need an excuse to purchase tools.

Around here the guys brag about pneumatic nailers. Seems like most have a brad nailer, because they are always asking if they can use it for installing hardwood flooring. There are pneumatic flooring nails that shoot flooring cleats.

Pneumatic requires a compressor. They make small and mini-size compressors. There are pneumatic nailers that shoot the big nails for framing and the brad nailers for trim work and cabinetry. Many have an assortment of nailers.

Many have nailers for each type of work they do. If Dad is crafty, an 18 or 19 gauge brad nailer is handy for shooting 3/8" or longer brads. There are pin nailers that shoot a brad that has no head on it. These are great for installing crown molding on cabinets and getting into tight spots, and they are less likely to split wood. If Dad is into larger crafts and a cabinet or two, then he might prefer a 16 gauge brad nailer that shoots 5/8" to 2" nail. If he is really into building cabinets and bookcases, then a 15 gauge nailer for shooting 3/4" to 2".

It's sort of like getting the kids ready for the new school year.....where do you begin, and where do you stop? Professionally speaking I have 7 or 8 nailers, and each of them have their own job, and my job is made easier by using the nailer to fit the job. Like you admitted, you will have to know the job to know which one to buy. Will she also buy a compressor, hose, or does he already have that stuff? I think to start a good finish nailer will suffice for a majority of the jobs around the house. A framing nailer is pretty specific, as is a roofing nailer, stapler, brad nailer, etc.
Good luck with the choice. After all, he can always return it for the one he really wants, right? It is the thought.

While it is hard to say without knowing what he likes doing and what he does most often, I agree with chandler that a finish nailer would make a good first purchace. Brad nailers are limitted on size and a lot of what you can use a brad nailer for can also be done with a finish nailer.

Of course if he doesn't have an air compressor, that needs to come before air tools :D

I would just ask him what which he is interested in. Santa won't mind if you
help him get his list right.

Not sure that's a good idea; anybody asks ME that question and my answer is "one of each!".

packages like this give you a selection of guns and pancake compressor and hose .

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@0806502462.1165497992@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccgfaddjihlhhklcgelceffdfgidgin.0&CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc/searchResults.jsp&MID=9876&N=2984+3966&pos=n24

Thanks everyone. He's not going to build anything "big"-like a house or any part of the house. Just for things around the home. For instance we just finished nailing in baseboards in one room. It really was a pain using a hammer. Doable but a pain. Well obviously he doesn't need a nailer to finish this project though we ARE currently working on doing all the baseboards in MY house so it would help out a lot...and NO...the nailer is not for me :D. I would LOVE it...but anyway...

He does small things. He made an outdoor storage/BBQ cooking thing and a shed. Those are "small" things right?

He doesn't have a compressor but these things apparently are expensive so mom was just thinking of getting the nailer and he can go get the compressor. Or maybe she should just get him a compressor since he doesn't have one? Don't tell me there are "assorted" types too! It just sounds lame to get a compressor as a gift...doesn't it?

He is pretty handy. That's where I got my jeans...I mean my genes from. :D Also..I'm thinking in the long run...I will get to claim this tool as he is slowly passing on his tools to me, so I want to make sure it's something I can use too. Ha! J/k. It's really for him.

16 ga finish nailer is the best to for baseboard, but an 18 ga brad nailer is handy, too. HD and Menards have combo kits with these and compressors, I would assume Lowes does too, but there isn't one near me. I have a Porter Cable kit I got at HD and my boss has a Bostich kit he got at Menards and we've both been happy with them.

The 16-guage finish nailer is an excellent starting point. While the combo kits are very attractive, the compressor is typically oilless (AKA very loud). A brad nailer that will handle 2" brads is another handy tool for trim. Rounding out the trim and cabinet work is a narrow-guage stapler, which can also do well with light fastening such as bird houses. All are fairly light tools with minimal recoil.