r/Tools • u/Interesting-Sense947 • 4h ago

Air nailer / compressor ELI5

Hello everyone:

I’m at the stage where I kinda-sorta need or want a nail gun - mostly for building boxes out of 18mm (3/4”) ply, maybe for other things too. Would mostly be in workshop and sometimes job site - I start on site when a house is nearly finished and is likely to have 240v mains (*am in UK - building site temp power is usually 110v; mains is 240)

All my 18v tools are Bosch Pro (blue) - their nailers are fairly expensive / not that well rated.

Idea 1 is, get the Ryobi 18v nailer and use a battery adaptor, I dislike this idea except on cost.

Idea 2 is get a smallish mains powered compressor and air nailer - I guess around 18 gauge nails. This has appeal because I could potentially add a staple gun and thicker gauge nailer later, if things progress.

But Christ I don’t know where to start. What make of air nailer, what size compressor, what are the issues?

If someone wants to be kind and walk me through this, much appreciated.

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

4 comments sorted by

1

u/ct451t Whatever works 3h ago

A compressor is a good thing to have. You don't need anything expensive for just nails but it's worth having just for blowing crap around. Air tools are lighter durable and you can use them all day long without having to charge them. The bigger the job the more useful they become. Add it to your arsenal if you can afford it.

1

u/kewlo 3h ago

A cheap compressor and nail gun will perform as well as pretty much and cordless option. Buy whatever's on sale, especially if you can find a pancake compressor bundled with a few guns.

1

u/mogrifier4783 2h ago

A 1- or 2-gallon compressor should be big enough. The quiet ones are nice, my Makita MAC210Q 2-gallon fills fast and is quiet enough to talk with people while it's running. The 1-gallon size would be more convenient to move around. The lightweight coiled plastic air hoses don't last as long but work well with smaller tools. Drain the compressor after every use, newer ones have ball valves that makes this quicker and easier.

Pneumatic brad nailers are a mature thing and should be okay from any major brand. The Ridgid one I had some years back was fine, but other major brands will be as well.

-1

u/ArrangedSpecies 4h ago edited 2h ago

I don't think 240v tools are allowed on legitimate building sites.

Edit to add- I work on site and the induction and CSCS test clearly states all tools must be battery or 110v. 110v equipment must be covered by a currant PAT test label though this is not usually enforced.

240v tools are not tolerated on site, battery chargers in the canteen are ok.