Airless Nail Gun

I've never had an airless nail gun or done any research, I'd like to hear from people who actually use them.

I've been doing small service jobs and could use one. The usual job is tacking on some scribe or other material. The most I would need is 18 gauge brads or a pin nailer, capable of driving into hardwood.

Something simple and reliable. I remember back Porter Cable had a finish nailer with a built-in mini compressor, but I never got into that.

 

Most popular I see is the Paslode gas guns. They work well with fresh gas but they are not as fast as air guns. But then again, you are not spending time with the compressor and hose.

 

Not sure I've ever used a Paslode but I've worked behind a lot of framing and trim carpenters that used them. You are relying on a gas cylinder and battery for the power.

 

Pretty sure Dewalt has a battery powered brad nailer....

Found some on Amazon. Not cheap.
https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...elyo6vpp_b_p13

 

Years ago I worked behind a trim carpenter that occasionally used a battery operated pin nailer, it had trouble fully setting the nails BUT batteries and presumably the nailers have come a long way since then.

 

The Paslode's are pretty nice. The Dewalt are big and heavy.

 

I have two Paslode guns.... a framing one and a finish nailer.
Not quite as maintenance free as an air operated tool but quick and easy to use.

 

I have used the Dewalt 18v 15 gauge angle finish nailer for a number of years without any problems. Yeah, it is a little heavy, but with Paslode, you have to remember you are firing a gun and with that explosion is residue. If it is not cleaned regularly, it will jam like an M16. You have to feed it fuel, and you need to keep up on the ignition system, batteries, etc. Much simpler to have the battery gun. Now, I don't use it exclusively. I use my air type finish nailer, brad nailers, etc. whenever possible. Doing small jobs, or jobs on the 4th floor, the Dewalt can't be beat.

 

Larry, does it consistently set the nails well? or is that when you know the battery needs charging when it fails to set them ??

 

It sets nails well, even through oak. When the battery begins to die, it will leave them proud. Typically a Dewalt battery will drive up to the last few nails, then it will blink the lights and fail to drive. I keep 3 hot batteries for it and my jig saw all the time.