Tool Review: Bostitch Pneumatic Nailer
This is the first post in a series covering the tools that I have found to be indispensable in completing my DIY projects. Aside from a cordless drill, my first two power tools were a mitre saw and a pneumatic nailer. I discussed my mitre saw in a previous article.
I purchased a Bostitch combination pack from Lowe's that included a 6 gallon air compressor, a 16 gauge finish nailer, and an 18 gauge brad nailer. You can purchase a similar kit from Amazon here (this kit also includes a finish stapler). The cost will be under $300 for a new kit and under $200 for a refurbished kit.
The nailers are primarily used for woodworking applications such as the installation of crown molding (or any other type of molding), built-in shelving, cabinets, etc. I also used the nailer to assemble my wine rack. The two main benefits of using a nailer are speed and accuracy. Also, I think it would be very difficult to install crown molding by yourself without a nailer. With a nailer, you hold the molding in place with one hand and fire the nail gun with the other hand. If you were using a hammer, you would need one hand to hold the molding, a second hand to hold the nail in place, and a third hand to hammer. The nailer is very easy to operate. I have been very hapy with the Bostitch equipment. Nails are relatively inexpensive, costing $5-$10 for a pack of 1000 (depending on the size).
The downside to the compressor- it is heavy and very loud.
-Jon
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sent to Chile????