What is the preferred or better way to nail on a new roof, hand nailing OR using an air gun?
Which method is more likely to be consistent and uniform?
I know a lot depends on the people doing the job, but I have been courted by both techniques and now don't know if either is superior.
If you can speak from experience, PLEASE DO.
ivan and insurance make me work harder and hopefully smarter!
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Hi Jay,
I wish I could go back in time and rent/buy an air nailer about 1-1/2 years ago.
I threw out a tendon on a flooring project using a manual flooring stapler.
Since then I've dealt with "tennis elbow" and have even had it injected (with limited success).
I haven't picked up a hammer much since then. I think air nailers have extended carpenters' useable careers.
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
I wish I could go back in time and rent/buy an air nailer about 1-1/2 years ago.
I threw out a tendon on a flooring project using a manual flooring stapler.
Since then I've dealt with "tennis elbow" and have even had it injected (with limited success).
I haven't picked up a hammer much since then. I think air nailers have extended carpenters' useable careers.
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
As one who hand-nailed the first 14 years, then used a nail gun on the last 9 years, I have to say that although hand nailing is better in some respects, such as the ability to have perfect control over the nail every time, it just takes to dang long. Nail guns are a fact of life these days in construction. I found I HAD to start using nail guns just to stay competitive. And now, I use them for EVERYTHING including shingles, deck staplers for shakes, palm nailers for those tight spaces, felt nailers for underlayments, and framing gun for redecking. They're great.
Just keep in mind that you have to stay on top of the gun, depending on how cold it is outside, how warm the shingles, are, how hard the wood is, etc. There is a hazard of "blowing through" the shingles, or not setting the nail flush. Keep a hammer next to you so you can hammer down any nails which stick up a bit, and turn down gun pressure if nails start to blow through.
And forget about using a staple gun for asphalt shingles. They don't hold the shingles in wind very well, and are outlawed in many localities.
And lastly, be very carefull, They provide goggles with nail guns for a reason.
Just keep in mind that you have to stay on top of the gun, depending on how cold it is outside, how warm the shingles, are, how hard the wood is, etc. There is a hazard of "blowing through" the shingles, or not setting the nail flush. Keep a hammer next to you so you can hammer down any nails which stick up a bit, and turn down gun pressure if nails start to blow through.
And forget about using a staple gun for asphalt shingles. They don't hold the shingles in wind very well, and are outlawed in many localities.
And lastly, be very carefull, They provide goggles with nail guns for a reason.
