I finally switched from hand nailing to a framing nailer after 15 years

Been doing decks and basic frames by hand since I started with my uncle back in '09. Always figured nailers were for guys in a hurry who didn't care about accuracy. Last spring I got a job building a pergola in Scarborough and the customer wanted it done in 3 days. My arm was toast by noon on day one so I caved and rented a Paslode from the hardware store. Finished that thing in 2 days flat and the nails were straighter than I expected. Been saving for my own ever since. Anyone else hold out on a tool way longer than they should have?

3 comments

3 Comments

cora_scott772mo ago

Is it really that big of a deal though? I mean, you got the job done with a rental and saved the cash for something else. Hand nailing never killed anyone and it kept my arms in shape for years.

fiona_young2mo ago

Cora, you're speaking my language... hand nailing has this honest feel to it, like you're really building something with your own two hands. There's nothing wrong with saving a few hundred bucks on a rental when the job still gets done right. I remember framing out a shed years ago with just a hammer and a belt full of nails, took twice as long but my shoulders never felt stronger. People get too caught up in fancy tools sometimes, forget that a steady arm and some sweat can do the same work...

wesley_martin24d ago

But would you trust a hand nailed roof on your own house over one done with a pneumatic gun though... I've seen some guys who claim they're fast but their spacing is all over the place.