Hardware and Fasteners - Advice on fastener to purchase for special projects

I am in the middle of remodeling and looking to purchase some tools to help me along. However I am not very experienced with the subtle differences between these tools so I need some help.

I hired out for the framing and it's done, so is plumbing and electrical rough in.

I have decided to wire phone lines, coax cables, and CAT6 cables myself through the attic. Not much fastening needs there I can probably get by with regular nails where I need to use a loop or two to get them away from draping over electrical boxes etc..but a light weight finish nailer may be even easier?

Then there are some places along the exterior concrete block wall I need to attach 1x2 PT furring strips to, as well as some additional 2x I will attach between existing studs where I need extra reinforcements for shelving, cabinets, TV mount...I am not sure what is the best way to fasten those 2x. Do I just cut a piece that fits snuggly between the studs, and then nail into them from the other side of the stud, through the studs and into the end of these 2x? or use angle brackets with screws?

I will also need to install baseboards and door trims myself in all 10 rooms (4BR, 1 living, 1 dinning, 2 hallways, 1 family room, and a few closets), I will need a finish nailer I think, or is a finish stapler be better?

I will also need to make some repair to the roof framing using plywood gussets. There I am not sure I can use a nailer or stapler as the nails need to be quite big, like 10d, may be manual hammer and nailing is the only option, but space is tight in the attic and I wonder if I have room to even effective swing an elbow.

Given all these needs, I think I need to get some tools. I prefer to get fewer better quality tools instead of a bunch of cheap one off and toss away tools.

Right now I have a cordless drill, a corded hammer drill, a rotary hammer for drilling purposes and nothing else for fastening.

I wonder whether I should use staples or nails in the baseboard application, I think I need a finish nailer or stapler. I probably also need a structural frame nailer? I am also considering the Remington powder actuated tool for the furring strips on concrete blocks, and someone told me having a fuel cell powered tool is more handy than an air tool without the need to drag around a compressor.

My question is is there one tool that can do all of the above? That can shoot structural nails and finish nails as well as punch furring strips on concrete walls? Should I go with air tools or fuel cell based tools?

Thanks,

I would suggest the following:

1. An air driven framing nailer and compressor for framing.

2. A 16 gauge air driven finish nailer for baseboard and other trim. I know of no tool that will drive both finish and framing nails other than a traditional, muscle powered hammer.

3. Electical staples for supporting electrical wires in the attic.

4. A powder actuated nailer to attach furring strips to block wall. Or you can use Tapcon screws which would be much slower since you must drill a pilot hole in the block for each screw.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck with your project.

You already have the 1 tool you need to do it all...Your Drill. It just takes longer than the shooting of nails out of a gun. Yes you need to pre-drill for the Tapcon concrete screws but usually your time is cheaper than a tool. Screws come in all sizes for everything you need to do.
Others will say "What about all that trim work?" I say trim screws...they are just slightly larger headed than finish nails and both get covered by spackle or wood filler anyways. There are right angled attachments to fit the drill to get in the tight spots.

4. A powder actuated nailer to attach furring strips to block wall. Or you can use Tapcon screws which would be much slower since you must drill a pilot hole in the block for each screw.

Are you talking about the Remington gun that is louder than a gun shot?

I don't like Tapcons because of two reasons. I have trouble getting Tapcons to bite sometimes. I use the drill bit that comes with it and still half the time the screw sinks all the way in and spins. I have better luck with the hex heads but they don't sink into the wood.

You already have the 1 tool you need to do it all...Your Drill. It just takes longer than the shooting of nails out of a gun. Yes you need to pre-drill for the Tapcon concrete screws but usually your time is cheaper than a tool. Screws come in all sizes for everything you need to do.
Others will say "What about all that trim work?" I say trim screws...they are just slightly larger headed than finish nails and both get covered by spackle or wood filler anyways. There are right angled attachments to fit the drill to get in the tight spots.

I need something that is faster than drilling especially in the attic where space is tight and not much elbow room. I have some wood gussets there and screws have poor shear strengths for that application. I just wanted to avoid buying 5 tools for 5 purposes if there are some I can combine and get a better quality one I am willing to do so.

For baseboards I cannot screw as it will be stained and not painted hardwood baseboards.

Thanks,

MC

Another option for attaching 1x2 furring strips to block is the use of cut masonry nails. It helps to drill a pilot hole in the furring strip. A 2 pound hammer is about the right size to drive the masonry nails.