Interesting point about the rhythm thing, but don't you think the nail gun actually helps consistency in spacing and depth? I find that when I'm hammering manually, especially on longer projects, fatigue sets in and my accuracy starts slipping. With the nail gun, once I got past the initial learning curve, I noticed fewer mistakes overall. Maybe it's just a matter of practice and getting comfortable with the tool...?
"Maybe it's just a matter of practice and getting comfortable with the tool...?"
That's probably true, but I wonder if there's also something about the type of project you're tackling. Last summer, I built a small deck and started out hammering manually—felt great at first, but halfway through, my arm was toast and my spacing got sloppy. Switched to a nail gun and it was night and day. But for smaller, detailed stuff, I still prefer the hammer. Do you think certain projects lend themselves better to one or the other?
Totally get what you're saying about the deck project—I tackled something similar last year and learned the same lesson the hard way. For me, it comes down to three things: size, precision, and budget.
If I'm doing something small and detailed—like repairing furniture or putting up trim—I'll stick with the hammer. It's cheaper, gives me more control, and honestly feels kinda therapeutic (until I inevitably smack my thumb at least once, lol).
But when it's a bigger job, especially something repetitive like fencing or framing, the nail gun is a lifesaver. Renting one for a weekend isn't too pricey either if you're budget-conscious. Just make sure to factor in the compressor rental too if you don't already own one—learned that little detail after driving all the way home empty-handed...rookie mistake.
Anyway, yeah, definitely depends on the project. Both have their place in my toolbox for sure.
Good points all around. Couple quick adds from my experience:
- Nail gun's great for consistency and speed, especially framing or decking.
- Hammer still wins for finesse jobs—nothing beats that tactile feedback.
- Cordless nailers are pricier upfront but save the compressor hassle...worth considering if you're doing frequent projects.
Interesting takes here. I remember when we redid our back deck, I was dead set on doing it all by hand—classic hammer and nails, thinking "how hard can it be?" Well, after about an hour of bent nails and sore thumbs, I borrowed my neighbor's cordless nailer. Game changer. Still, for smaller stuff or delicate trim work, I find myself reaching for the old-school hammer. Maybe it's nostalgia...or just stubbornness? Curious if anyone else finds themselves switching tools mid-project like me.
