Which nails do I need for my 2nd Fix Nail Gun? Finding a suitable nail for a 2nd fix nail gun can be a bit of a challenge. These are the questions you will need to ask:
Which gauge is suitable for my gun?
The 2nd fix nail gun is sometimes referred to as a finishing nailer because they tend to be used for finer more intricate work such as fixing mouldings, beadings, door frames and architraves etc. The more popular brands of 2nd fix nail guns such as Paslode, Dewalt, Senco, Tacwise and Hitachi tend to favour 16 gauge or 18 gauge nails, with 18g being the finer of the two. 16 gauge nails cannot be used in 18 gauge nailers and visa versa.
What length of nail should I use?
This very much depends on the thickness of the timber you are fixing. It is advisable when nailing into timber that it should be twice the fixing thickness. So, for example, if you are fixing 10mm bead the length of the nail should be 30mm if possible. 20mm into the fixture 10mm into the bead.
Do I need Straight or Angled?
Straight nails have the largest size range from 19mm to 64mm which will cover most second fix applications and tend to have a very slight T shaped head whereas the Angled nails have less sizes to choose from with only 5 different lengths ranging from 32mm-64mm. Angled nails are ideal for getting into those hard to get to places that the Straight nails struggle with. They also tend to have a D shaped head.
What finishes are available i.e Stainless Steel or Galvanised?
Most 2nd fix applications tend to be indoors and into softwood. In these applications Galvanised nails can be used and are much more cost effective. Galvanised nails also have a larger size range to choose from. In areas of high pollution and coastal regions and where oak and cedar timbers are used it is strongly advised that Stainless Steel nails be used. Oak timbers, especially Green oak can be very corrosive and can corrode the nail very quickly. Stainless Steel nails must be used for Cedar shingles to avoid unsightly black staining of the timber.
Do I need fuel cells?
Some nail guns require fuel cells to fire the nails, some are battery operated such as the Tacwise Ranger 2 do not require fuel cells making them much easier to operate and also more cost effective. Tacwise supply a full range of 16g and 18g nails for battery operated machines. Firamhold and Champion are supplied with or without fuel cells.
Click here to see range of Tacwise, Champion, and Firmahold 2nd Fix nails
