That's a really useful breakdown, thanks for sharing your experience. I've never tried blunting nail tips myself, though I've heard it mentioned here and there. Your cedar fence example resonates with me—I recently tackled a small cedar planter box project, and splitting was a bit of a headache at first. I ended up drilling pilot holes, much like you suggested, and that definitely helped.
Funny enough, I started out thinking nail guns were strictly for larger framing jobs or construction crews...but after borrowing my neighbor's brad nailer for some interior trim work, I'm starting to see the appeal. It felt easier to control depth and avoid damaging delicate pieces compared to hammering manually. Still, I kind of enjoy the tactile feel of using a hammer on smaller projects—there's something satisfying about it.
I appreciate your tip about thinner gauge galvanized nails too. Honestly hadn't given much thought to gauge size before reading this thread—just bought whatever seemed sturdy enough at the hardware store. I'll keep that in mind next time I'm working with softwoods like cedar or pine.
It's reassuring to hear others navigating similar challenges; woodworking always seems straightforward until you start hitting these little obstacles. Good to know I'm not alone in experiencing the occasional split board frustration...
Totally relate to your point about the tactile satisfaction of hammering nails by hand—I feel the same way. But after borrowing a friend's nail gun for baseboards, I realized how much quicker it made things. Still, budget-wise, I'm sticking with my trusty hammer for now...
"budget-wise, I'm sticking with my trusty hammer for now..."
Yeah, I get the appeal of a nail gun for speed, but honestly, unless you're doing a ton of repetitive work like framing or trim, is it really worth the investment? I've borrowed one a couple times myself, and sure, it's quicker, but there's something reassuring about knowing your hammer won't jam or need maintenance. Plus, fewer moving parts means fewer headaches down the road... at least that's been my experience.
Good points all around. A hammer definitely has fewer headaches, but from my experience, it really depends on the scale and type of project you're tackling:
- For quick fixes or small DIY projects, a hammer is usually enough—no setup, no fuss.
- But when I'm working on larger interior trim jobs or installing crown molding, a nail gun saves me hours and gives cleaner results (no accidental hammer dents to patch later...).
- Maintenance isn't as big a deal as you'd think; I've had mine for years with minimal issues. Just keep it clean and oiled occasionally.
I guess it comes down to how often you're doing detailed finish work. If it's just occasional, sticking with the hammer makes sense. But if you're regularly doing trim or cabinetry, investing in a decent nail gun might actually pay off in time saved and quality of finish.
Curious though—has anyone tried those cordless battery-powered nailers? Wondering if they're worth the extra cost compared to pneumatic ones...
"Curious though—has anyone tried those cordless battery-powered nailers? Wondering if they're worth the extra cost compared to pneumatic ones..."
I've used a cordless nailer on a few job sites lately, and honestly, the convenience factor is huge—no hoses or compressors to lug around. But they're heavier, pricier, and battery life can be hit-or-miss. Still, for quick trim work or tight spaces, they're pretty handy.
