Using a nail gun for first fix roofing/carcassing

garyo · 23 Apr 2019

Just wondering really- Do you pro's all use nail guns building roofs, and would never considering using a hammer to drive 500x 100mm nails in? I'm starting to think I should buy one but wonder if I'm being naive and they could have as many problems as benefits?

Thanks

^woody^ · 23 Apr 2019

I'd say yes, it's just so quick and no messing or bouncing.

Also consider a different hammer - the Stanley Fatmax high velocity hammer - the longer one of the two (I can't recall the size). It makes a hell of a difference.

ivixor · 23 Apr 2019

Framing hammers with the machined head are great too. Whack the nail at almost any angle and it goes in.

Halfaudio · 24 Apr 2019

I would recommend fatmax (antivibe) hamer i love that thing. If i will need another one i will try Estwing hammer just because it has amazing reviews but is more pricey.
You will feel noticable difference compared to standard hammers

Notch7 · 24 Apr 2019

garyo said:
Just wondering really- Do you pro's all use nail guns building roofs, and would never considering using a hammer to drive 500x 100mm nails in? I'm starting to think I should buy one but wonder if I'm being naive and they could have as many problems as benefits?

Thanks

Most pros will use guns. However paslodes, great though they are, do have issues, they tend to stick in cold weather etc. I have heard this issue is improved on new models. And they are £500.

Its best to use paslode nails not alternatives which tend to stick.

ajstoneservices · 24 Apr 2019

I have first/second fix paslode's (And the very early black one) but if I were buying nail guns today It would it would be dewalt. No non firing/servicing issues they just work as long as you have a charged battery or they are ****ed. With paslode you get to a point where you "hope" it's going to fire.
Anyway, I not sure driving 500 nails warrants the use of a nail gun though. And a hand driven 4" galvanised nail takes some pulling out. Much more than a gun driven nail.

garyo · 24 Apr 2019

Thanks guys. Its the dewalt DCN692 I've been looking at actually. It's not cheap at ~£350 for an as-new second hand one, but I figure I'd get most of my money back selling it in a couple of years anyway.

I'd not considered that a better hammer would make that much difference so I'll have a look at those. As a DIY'er I'm also conscious of the amount of noise hammering makes (during the evening and weekends), whereas the impact guns seem quieter 'phuuuht' when I see them on YouTube. Is that true in real life?

23vc · 24 Apr 2019

Did my roof using a 20 year old hammer from Halfords. Hard going. Wish I’d thought of getting a better one too

catlad · 24 Apr 2019

Gas is loud batteries are quieter.
I have a bostich battery ist fix nail gun and its a great compared to my other gas gun.

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Using a nail gun for first fix roofing/carcassing

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