I get what you're saying about the control and connection with a hammer, but have you tried using a brad nailer for detailed trim work? I've found it gives me pretty precise control without the risk of splitting delicate pieces. Sure, there's a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of adjusting the pressure, it's surprisingly gentle. Still, I admit there's something satisfying about the old-school hammer method...maybe it's nostalgia?
I see your point about the brad nailer—it definitely has its place, especially with delicate trim work. I've used one plenty of times, and you're right, once you dial in the pressure settings, it's pretty forgiving. Still, I find myself reaching for the hammer more often than not. Maybe it's habit, or maybe it's just the simplicity of it—no compressor, no hoses, no fuss.
One thing I've noticed though, is that the nail gun can sometimes leave a slightly larger hole to fill compared to a neatly driven finishing nail. Not a huge deal, but something I keep in mind when I'm working with stain-grade trim. Have you found any tricks or techniques to minimize the nail holes left by your brad nailer? Always curious how others handle those little finishing details...
I've definitely noticed the same thing with the brad nailer leaving slightly bigger holes. One trick I've found helpful is to experiment with nail gauge—going with a thinner gauge brad (like 18 or even 23 gauge) can make a noticeable difference, especially on stain-grade trim. Also, angling the nailer slightly so the brad enters at a subtle angle rather than straight-on can help minimize tear-out and leave a cleaner hole.
Another thing I do is keep a small piece of scrap wood handy to test pressure settings before I commit to the actual trim. It takes a minute or two extra, but it saves me from headaches down the line. And when filling holes, I've had good luck mixing sawdust from the same wood species with a bit of glue or clear finish—makes the filled spots blend in nicely after staining.
Still, I totally get your point about simplicity. Sometimes, especially for smaller jobs, it's just easier to grab the hammer and nails and get it done without dragging out all the gear...
"Sometimes, especially for smaller jobs, it's just easier to grab the hammer and nails and get it done without dragging out all the gear..."
That's exactly my thinking most of the time. I get the appeal of a nail gun for bigger projects, but honestly, how often do you guys find yourselves spending more time setting up and adjusting than actually nailing? Last weekend, I was just putting up some quick baseboard in a small office—hammer and nails took me maybe 15 mins total. Can't beat that simplicity sometimes...
"Can't beat that simplicity sometimes..."
True, simplicity has its charm, but I've found that once you get comfortable with a nail gun, even smaller tasks can feel smoother. Ever tried a cordless brad nailer? Pretty quick setup and no compressor hassle...
