"Ever tried a cordless brad nailer? Pretty quick setup and no compressor hassle..."
I've used cordless brad nailers quite a bit, and they're definitely convenient for quick jobs. Still, there's something reassuring about grabbing a hammer for smaller tasks—no batteries to charge or mechanical hiccups mid-job. Plus, I've found that for precise finishing touches or delicate trim work, the tactile feedback of a hammer gives me better control...though maybe that's just my personal preference speaking.
Yeah, cordless nailers are handy, but honestly, I still reach for the hammer most of the time. Maybe I'm just cheap, but I can't justify the cost of a cordless nailer for the occasional trim job around the house. Plus, batteries eventually die or lose charge over time, and then you're stuck replacing them. A hammer never lets me down—unless I hit my thumb, of course...
"Maybe I'm just cheap, but I can't justify the cost of a cordless nailer for the occasional trim job around the house."
I totally get your point about the cost and battery life—those are exactly the reasons I've held off on cordless nailers myself. But I'm curious, have you considered pneumatic nailers? They're cheaper upfront than cordless, and no battery issues since they're air-powered. Of course, you'd need a compressor, but if you already have one for other tools, it might be a worthwhile compromise.
Personally, I tend to switch back and forth. For quick jobs, yeah, hammer all the way (thumb injuries included...). But when I've tackled larger projects like redoing baseboards or crown molding, using a pneumatic nailer saved me hours and a lot of hassle. It also made finishing work look cleaner—no more dents from missed hammer swings.
I guess it comes down to frequency and scale: how often are you really doing trim work or bigger woodworking projects? If it's just occasional, you're probably fine sticking with the trusty hammer. But if you're planning more extensive renovations down the line, maybe it's worth considering a nailer setup?
I hear you on the cordless nailer—pricey for occasional use. But honestly, once I switched to pneumatic, I never looked back. Cleaner finish, fewer headaches...and no more smashed thumbs. If you've got a compressor already, it's a no-brainer imo.
"Cleaner finish, fewer headaches...and no more smashed thumbs."
Couldn't agree more about the pneumatic nailer. I was hesitant at first—thought it seemed like overkill for my weekend warrior projects—but after borrowing one from a neighbor, I was hooked. The difference in finish quality alone was worth it, especially when you're working on trim or detailed woodwork. Hammering by hand always left me frustrated with bent nails and dents in the wood. Plus, my thumbs definitely appreciate the upgrade!
One thing I'd add is that pneumatic nailers tend to be lighter and easier to handle than cordless ones, at least in my experience. Less fatigue means better accuracy, especially when you're working overhead or awkward angles. If you've already got a compressor sitting around, it's honestly hard to justify not picking one up. I know they're not exactly cheap either, but compared to cordless models, they're usually more budget-friendly and reliable in the long run.
