nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (2024)

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nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (1)

MStehelin| Posted in Tools for Home Building on

I have a brand new bostich framing nailer and it is constantly double nailing and getting jammed. What is the problem? Is my portable compressor too small?

cheers

M Stehelin

Replies

  1. nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (2)

    andybuildz | |#1

    change the trigger.

    I have the N88 I just got.

    You need to install the sequential trigger till you become more experianced.Its a two minute installation.

    edit: DONT USE GENERIC NAILS!!!!!! Big mistake!

    Mine came withthe sequential triggeras an option.....

    Be safe

    andy

    My life is my practice!

    http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM

    Edited 10/25/2003 3:46:49 PM ET by Andy Clifford(Andybuildz)

    Edited 10/25/2003 3:48:02 PM ET by Andy Clifford(Andybuildz)

  2. nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (3)

    geob21 | |#2

    It's not the compressor it's a bostitch.

    Framing nailers are dangerous. Cheap framing nailers are deadly.

    ______________________________________________________________

    If you were arrested for being a quality builder would there be enough evidence to convict you?

  3. nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (4)

    NCLaquer | |#3

    I agree with both points made above. You can easily solve the double nailing problem by installing the optional sequential fire trigger. If your unit did not come with it, call the manufacturer and they will ship one right out.

    Unfortunately, I also have to agree that the Bostich nailers are not the quality I thought they once were. I do not know what you paid or where you bought it, but if you can return it, consider the senco framerI recently saw packaged with an 18 gage stapler for only $199 at Lowes. Ok, sorry, it was Lowes, but it's still a good nailer at a good price.

    I own the porter cable and would even recommend that very highly over the Bostich.

    Good luck.

  4. nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (5)

    briankeith | |#4

    You can make the best of nailers double fire.

    I also have the a Bostitch nailer. It is a very light tool compared to some of the others.

    You might try adjusting your nailing technique a bit.

    Try using a lighter touch when you are nailing. Don't push the nailer against the wood as hard. When you really bear down, the gun fires, recoils and with you holding tight you inadvertently are pressing it back down to wood again, getting another fire.

    If you will lighten up enough to let the gun come up off the wood after it fires, there will be no double fire.

    For very precision nailing the sequential trigger is the way to go,(like Andy mentioned), but for nailing walls together, (face nailing through the plates), or blasting a header together, you'll want to be able to bump fire it.

    Switching brands of nailers might not be a problem solver for you.

  5. nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (6)

    TLJ | |#5

    From the replies you got, I wonder if there is some confusion about what you mean by "double nailing"? Do you mean two nails per shot, or machine gun nailing (one shot rapidly followed by another)?

    1. nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (7)

      MStehelin | |#11

      I have a a sequential trigger so it is one shot per pull. No bump nailing. I'm talking about that fact that 2 nails exit at the same time and frequently jam the gun up. The model I have is a bostitch dual nail style (both metal fastener and regular stick nails).

      It was featured ina fine homebuilding review.

      1. nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (8)

        briankeith | |#12

        Okay,

        New problem, need a new solution.

        First...make sure you are using the right nails.

        The N88 RH MCN-2 must use the plastic colated 21 degee nails.

        If you are using 28 degree wire colated nails, that's the problem.

        We ran into this a couple of months ago., right here in another thread.

        It took care of the problem.

        Hope this helps.View Image

        1. nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (9)

          MStehelin | |#13

          OK!

          I am using the 28 degree wire collated nails. I'll switch and see how it goes.

          Thanks!

  6. nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (10)

    Tapcon | |#6

    I think it has a lot to do with trigger technique. I always tell my helpers that firing a nailer is not like firing a gun. The nailer requires a quick pull and release on the trigger while a firearm is more of a squeeze technique. Usually that explanation helps them along.

    CARPEnter DIEM

  7. nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (11)

    jako17 | |#7

    Try increasing the pressure a bit .If that doesn't work, check the cut in pressure.Sometimes the control lets the pressure drop too low before the compressor cuts in.

    1. nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (12)

      geob21 | |#8

      Hold it light... hold it tight... pressure up.. pressure down...

      sounds like a bad disco song.

      It amazes me that anyone would put up with dangerous tools. Last week fox news reported a women who shot herself in the heart with a PC framing nailer. Being afraid of unpredictable tools aint for me unless I'm getting paid Sigfried and Roy scale wages.

      A trip to the emergency room will certainly be more expensive then the money saved by not buying a Senco or Hitachi.

      FWIW!

      _________________________________________________________________If you were arrested for being a quality builder would there be enough evidence to convict you?

  8. nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (13)

    JohnSprung | |#9

    I had the same problem initially with the N80 I used for my roof sheathing.

    To avoid double nailing, think of the trigger as a safety rather than a trigger. Pull the trigger all the way with the nailer a couple inches above the wood, and hold it. Then touch the nailer down til it fires, and pull it away and relase the trigger. Practice on some scrap lumber. When you get the feel for this "bump" mode operation, you won't get doubles any more.

    Jamming is usually a dirt problem. With non-OEM nails, the paper and glue that holds them together can get in the way once in a while instead of getting expelled. I found that a little extra pressure on the follower would usually make it advance and unjam. If that didn't work, the next thing to do was disconnect the air, empty it, and blow the crud out. Very rarely I had to resort to long thin needle nose pliers. Don't ever look into the business end of it without pulling the air hose off first.

    -- J.S.

  9. nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (14)

    Lateapex911 | |#10

    I bought my framing nailer (a Paslode air unit), never having fired one. I too had double firing issues, but only when firing lefty, so I knew it was me.

    I adopted the "bump, or bouncetechnique", and that has been the solution. When I need more precision, I allow the unit to recoil back, rather that trying to hold it down as mentioned above. It does require a bit of a light, but controlled touch.....

    Jake Gulick

    [emailprotected]

    CarriageHouse Design

    Black Rock, CT
  10. nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (15)

    markvon | |#14

    Nailer double nailing.

    Old problem, new advise. My Porter cable DA250C 15ga angle nailer was pushing two nails with one pull of the trigger. I disassembled the nailer, removing the piston driver assy.Upon inspection, there was a slight curvature to the steel of the driver. I made a mental note to reinstall it with the curve to curve up towards the front of the nose of the nailer. I then carefully gave the impact edge a slight bevel on the back side with a grinder to possibly clear the second nail head. Reassembled and it's trim time again for me.

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nailer double nailing - Fine Homebuilding (2024)

FAQs

Why is my nail gun shooting double nails? ›

When you pull the trigger it releases air driving the piston/driver assembly down on the nail. If the trigger is worn out it can cause the nail gun to double fire. If the gun is set to bump fire and it is double firing in this setting then replace the trigger valve.

What is the best nail gun for DIY projects? ›

Our best overall pick is the Dewalt 18-Gauge Brad Nailer Kit. Powered by compressed air, this nail gun is powerful, durable, lightweight, and can help you tackle most DIY projects around the house or yard.

Why is my framing nailer not shooting nails? ›

If the tank is too small, or if it doesn't pull enough CFM, you will have trouble driving nails consistently with larger tools like framing nailers. Additionally, listen for any air escaping from the fittings. Apply thread sealant tape if needed. Check that there are fasteners in the magazine.

What is the best size nail for framing with a nail gun? ›

2×4 framing usually requires 16d nails, also referred to as 16-penny nails. The recommended length for this would be 3 ½ inches. There are two varieties of the 16-penny nails: Common nails: Have a smooth head and a wider diameter of 0.162 inches.

How do you stop double nails? ›

How To Prevent a Split Nail
  1. Keep your nails clean and dry. ...
  2. Trim your nails short. ...
  3. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas. ...
  4. Don't share nail tools. ...
  5. Choose clean and licensed nail salons and spas. ...
  6. Wear protective gloves when cleaning. ...
  7. Try to quit biting and picking your nails.
Jan 25, 2024

How do you fix a double nail? ›

The treatment of choice is segmental excision of the entire accessory nail unit with mobilization of the lateral skin and primary suture.

Is a brad nailer or finish nailer better for DIY? ›

Finish nails have enough strength to fasten them securely. You'll be able to use the nailer for other do-it-yourself and woodworking projects as well. A brad nailer will work for small trim pieces, but it won't be as useful for other projects as a finish nailer.

What size nail gun for framing 2x4? ›

The framing nail gun drives nails up to 3.5 inches in length and it is typically used with 2x4s or 2x6s for various carpentry projects. Around the home, framing nail guns are great to build framework for drywall, hang fence boards, or to install a deck in the yard.

What is stronger brad nailer or finish nailer? ›

Finish nails are generally made of 15- or 16-gauge wire and are 1-inch to 3 1/2-inches long. They are thicker in diameter than a brad nail. They work best in thicker material but can leave holes that need to be filled. Their thickness creates a stronger hold and they often are angled to work better in tight spaces.

Do I really need a framing nailer? ›

Framing nailers are essential for tackling any kind of structural DIY home project. They're capable of accurately driving nails deep into dimensional lumber and feature a long, angled magazine that helps to streamline their body for maximum maneuverability.

What is the correct framing nails? ›

16d nails are typically used for framing applications, while 12d and 10d nails are used for general construction and framing. 8d nails are smaller and are often used for finishing work like trim or baseboards.

Why does the angle matter on a framing nailer? ›

The nail gun angle is not the slant by which the nail gun drives the nail. Nails are always driven straight into a surface. Nail guns can offer anywhere from a 15-degree to a 34-degree angle. The angle will determine what type of nail heads and how many nails the nail gun can accomodate.

What size nails for house framing? ›

Regarding recommended nail types and sizes, most professionals suggest using a 16d common nail with a diameter of 0.162 inches and a length of 3.5 inches. However, this can vary depending on the specific requirements of the construction project.

What size nails are code for framing? ›

Nails used for framing and sheathing connections shall have minimum average bending yield strengths as shown: 80 ksi for shank diameter of 0.192 inch (20d common nail), 90 ksi for shank diameters larger than 0.142 inch but not larger than 0.177 inch, and 100 ksi for shank diameters of 0.142 inch or less.

What does a 16 penny nail mean? ›

THE PENNY SYSTEM

Understanding the penny nail requires a look back to England in the late Middle Ages. In the 1400s, the price of 120 nails was measured in pennies, or “pence.” Like today, larger nails sold for higher prices. The penny number is simply the price of 120 nails of a given length in historic England.

Why is my nail gun just shoots air? ›

Air leaking from the trigger could be caused by a faulty piston head ring or by a seal inside the trigger assembly itself. You can try replacing the O-rings first. If that doesn't work, you can replace the trigger assembly for a fraction of the cost of a new nailer.

What PSI should baseboards be? ›

Minimum pressure is at least 70 psi while 90 is a more useful target level.

When not to use a brad nailer? ›

The only real downside to using a brad nailer and nails, these fasteners do not have the holding strength required for larger, heavier projects - such as large crown molding or baseboards.

Can you use 18g nails in a 16g nail gun? ›

16 gauge nails cannot be used in 18 gauge nailers and visa versa.

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