Nails for nailers

[DaveO]

My wife wants to do some trim work such as crown molding, and I've been looking into getting an air compressor anyway, so now I'm thinking I'll get a finish nailer for this project. (Never done this before, btw.) So I'm looking around and learning about compressors and CFM ratings and how the compressor needs to provide about 1.5 times the CFM requirement of the tool. So far, so good.

Are replacement nails for nailers interchangeable between brands? Or if I get a Senco, a DeWalt, a Porter Cable, will I wind up buying that brand of nails?

Thanks

[Clutchcargo]

I don't know if you've already bought a compressor and nailers but I have the Porter Cable 3-nailer kit (CFNBNS) with compressor and have been pleased with it. It came with a finish, brad, and stapler; I also bought a framing nailer.
The compressor is small enough to be portable and fast enough to keep up with me and my framing nailer. I'm sure it wouldn't keep up if I were siding a house but for small framing projects it's fine and for finish carpentry, it's perfect.
I don't know if it will take different brand nails though.

[fordrules]

As long as you stay within the capacity of your nailer - length, gauge, etc, you can use any brand nail.

[DaveO]

Clutchcargo, I'll take a look at the Porter Cable outfit. I've seen them in the stores, but haven't really had need for a brad nailer or stapler.

Fordrules, thanks for the info- for some reason I thought I was limited by brand.

[Bismarck Jack]

I have used Bostitch frame nailers and brad nailers. Very dependable and easy to use.:elefant: Should be able to pick one up at your local big chain hardware for a decent price.

[Bull]

I have used differant brands but have had the best luck with Bostitch.

[Roger]

Some things to look for in a finish air nailer....removable front driver cover latch to clear any jams, lube free and light weight. Senco though considered the industry best doesnt have this feature but is in the process of making that change. Porter cable, senco, grip-rite, dewalt are all proven nailers. I use milwaukee air nailers. I like the looks and design features and they are very light and durable.

Crown mold 4" and larger needs a angle finish nailer. Trim like casing, baseboard, quarter round, base shoe ...2" brad nailer is good or a finish nailer.

If you havent done crown molding do your homework. It is a different duck than trim that goes flat to the wall. google "installing crown molding" you will be glad that you did....there is a lot to know about installing crown. I use a starett miter guage and guages from "true angle" to get the right measurements of the inside and outside corners. 3 degree error causes 1/4" gap.
Normally crown comes 52/38 or 45/45. You need to be sure what you have or all cuts will be inacurrate.

Nailers as mentioned use nails from many manufacturers.

Paslode fuel cell nailers are sweet if you dont want to get the air compressor. In fact I would most likely recommend them. No hoses or compressors. They work great.


Roger

[DaveO]

I missed your post- thanks for the reply. I'm glad I saw it, because I was going to blindly start measuring and cutting. I haven't started the project yet, but I'll do that research, and look into a starett miter guage as well.

Thanks!