Paneling and Trim - ? about air nailers for moulding

Good morning,

I recently purchased the a Bostitch compressor/nailer combo, partially for the purpose of being able to install (reinstall after painting) baseboard, door and window moulding. The compressor is a 2.0 hp, 6 gallon, 135 max psi pancake. The nailer that came with it is 16 ga and only accepts a max brad of 1 5/8" Did I screw up and not buy enough power for the moulding job? Previously I had used a friends compressor, which is similar, but I'm thinking now that he had a 16 gauge nailer. Aside from whether or not I need a 16 gauge nailer (so I can drive 2" brads), I did a test run with my nailer yesterday and at the max operating pressure for the tool (100 psi), I wasn't able to drive the 1 5/8" brads all the way into 1/2" trim on top of a 2x4. What gives? Thanks in advance for any advice!

Maybe you made a typo, but I think the gun that came with your kit is an 18 gauge brad nailer. Some 18 ga nailers (but not all, as you've found out) will shoot 2" nails, and if yours doesn't, and you wanted it to, then yes I guess you could say you screwed up- not with the power of the compressor, but with the length of nail the 18 ga nailer can shoot. You could always sell the nailer on ebay and get the other one that shoots 2" nails.

A 16 ga finish nailer is a bigger gun- it has larger diameter finish nails, and is the better gun to use in certain situations (when you need a longer nail, or when the moulding is thick or heavy and you need the additional holding power that a brad nail can't provide.) 16 ga finish nailers can shoot a nail that is up to 2 1/2" long.

As far as not setting the nails, it's possible that your nailer has a depth of drive adjustment. Look at your manual to find a definite answer. It could also be that you aren't holding the gun firmly against the trim as you nail.

Everything X said...I never had a problem sinking even 2" brads into 2x4 lumber.

Thanks for the replies. I did mis-speak. My nailer is an 18-ga. There is no depth adjustement on this gun that I can see. The one I had borrowed from my friend did have such an adjustment. I'm pretty sure I'm using the gun correctly. I'm holding tight against the trim piece, with the end cap (I forget what it's called) fully depressed. I tried 5 or 6 brads and they all went in to the exact same depth, leaving just a bit of the heading sticking out. I used a hammer and punch before to finish the job, so it's not the end of the world, but I mostly wondered if the 100 psi max rating is an absolute or if I could go higher. Also, what is your opinion about whether or not the 1 5/8" brads are long enough to do a decent job on trim?

Thanks again

What model gun? I can't find any Bostich guns that have no adjustment.

The model is the SB-2IN1. As I look at it now, there is a dial on the front of the unit that I thought was just for determine the depth that the contract trip needed to be depressed prior to pulling the trigger. Does this dial adjust for drive depth?

Yep thats it...practice on a piece of scrap..you'll see how it works. Also, like to know how it works with staples...since its a combo shooter.

You stated the compressor will go up to 100 psi. That's fine. Now what is your outlet pressure? THAT will determine what your tool will do. It should be set at about 90 psi. I drive 2" 15 gauge nails through solid oak into framing lumber all day and never have problems with sinking the heads. Only occasionally when I hit a knot will it balk at me. The dial on the front actually sets the sinking of the nail. More for harder woods and less for narrower softer woods.

Now I see that this dial is for depth adjustment. I missed that in the manual the first time, because my specific model number isn't listed for that section. I should've read a little closer.

Thanks for your help. Let me know if you have any other suggestions or tips. As a side note, what sort of quality are the air tools from Harbor Freight? If necessary, I see that I could get a 16 ga nailer there for much less than elsewhere.

Chandler - My max compressor psi is 135. I've been setting it to oulet at 100 psi, because that is the max rated pressure for the gun, but if I'm reading you right, I don't beed the 100 psi once my depth adjustment is corrected?

Stick with name brands, no matter where you get them..parts, nails and service will always be available.

Yes, 90 psi is sufficient for the nailers, and set the depth with the adjustment. And as GG said, stick with the better brands. Longer service life and parts availability.

A harbor freight nail gun might be ok for the diyer. I had one for years and for the most part I was satisfied with it but when it dies, it's dead! Basically, they are disposable:eek: