A good old-fashioned hammer is a great way to sink a few nails into wood. If, however, you are working on a large project around your home, such as putting on a new roof, or adding a new addition, you will probably want to use a nail gun instead. This type of gun can sink a row of nails in just a fraction of the time that it takes to use a hammer.
A nail gun is called that because it resembles any other type of gun. It consists of a handle, a trigger, and a barrel. The most commonly - used nail gun is the "pneumatic" type. It is connected to an air compressor, and that's what gives it its power to shoot out and sink nails into wood. You cannot use the same nails that you use with a hammer in a nail gun. The nails that are loaded into the gun have to be specially-made because they are connected together by either thin strips of paper, plastic, or wire. This gives the nail gun the ability to keep reloading after each nail is ejected. Some nail guns can hold as many as three hundred nails at a time. And there are different sizes of nails for different types of jobs.
There is also another type of cordless nailer that you can use for home projects that doesn't use compressed air to shoot out and sink nails into wood. Instead, it is powered by a canister of burnable gas. When the gas is ignited inside the cordless nailer, it causes a piston to push a nail out of the barrel and sink it into the wood.
A nail gun is just like any other power tool because it can be dangerous if it is not used properly and used safely. Before you use a nail gun for projects around your home, you should always read the owner's manual so you know how to use it. You also need to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for safety, as well as for proper maintenance instructions. Here are a few other tips in regards to safety while using a nail gun:
1. Always wear protective eyewear when you are using a nail gun.
2. Keep your hands and fingers away from the trigger when you are not using the gun. Lay it aside instead of holding on to it or carrying it around.
3. Before you fill it up with more nails, unjam it, or perform any other type of service on your nail gun, disconnect it from its source of air.
4. Hold your opposite hand at least a foot away from the nail gun when you are nailing a piece.
5. Never point a nail gun at another person, or towards yourself.
6. When the nail gun is not in use, be sure that you engage the safety device so the trigger cannot be accidentally hit.
7. Keep all of the protective guards on the nail gun and in place at all times. If a guard becomes lost or damaged, replace it as soon as possible.
8. Keep the nail gun away from the reach of children. Keep it away from adults who are not knowledgeable in its operation.
9. Always use the proper type of nails in a nail gun; read the owner's manual for specifics.
10. Never overextend your reach when you are using a nail gun. Make sure that you have it firmly held in your hand.
