Replies

1. 
   BossHog | Apr 07, 2003 04:46pm | #1

   I would think the nails from the gun would pull out way too easily.

   But - I don't see any reason you couldn't tack stuff together with it and then come back and put screws in.

   I live in my own little world, but that's okay.
   Everybody knows me here.

1. 
   ccampbell | Apr 07, 2003 04:52pm | #2

   That's what I figured I would hear.  :)  Thanks for the response.

2. 
   AaronRosenthal | Apr 08, 2003 04:11am | #6

   Boss, I respect your opinion, but I rarely use screws anymore on fences.

   On my own fence (part salvaged, part treated) I used galvanized nails by hand. Not one has ever come out.

   For customers, with that experience, I use my framing nailer and 3 1/3" Paslode galvanized or, when I can get them, stainless steel nails. Faster and I've never had one come out.

   Now, if I could just find galvanized Paslode finnishing nails ...Quality repairs for your home.

   Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada

1. 
   PhillGiles | Apr 08, 2003 07:20pm | #9

   SOP around here is a round-head nailer (inspectors ask for FRH): coated/galv for pressure-treated and SS for cedar, ringshank or spiral. Most use a jig that sets the picket distance and nail placement. ("picket" is a loose term, most of the local fences are the 'alternate board privacy' type of fence).

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

1. 
   hasbeen | Apr 09, 2003 07:40am | #13

   This topic has probably been covered in some old thread, but do you guys use galvanized nails in cedar?  I used hand drive 7d galv box (eight years ago) on cedar to treated fence and now all nails are streaked down the surface of the cedar.Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a carpenter to build one.

1. 
   AaronRosenthal | Apr 09, 2003 09:03am | #14

   Ah, the trick is use stainless steel.

   I've had the same problem with streaking. I ended up cranking up the gun and filling the hole with glue. Now I use SS.

   'course, the other trouble with streaking is the rap sheet, but at my age nobody wants to look anyway.Quality repairs for your home.

   Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada

2. 
   IMERC | Apr 09, 2003 11:15am | #16

   Or you can get tired of the bruises from all the "STUFF" people throw at you on the way by.

2. 
   Snort | Apr 08, 2003 11:06pm | #10

   I don't have Paslodes, but a couple of guys that work for me use them and swear the Paslode brand finish nails are galvanized. I hope so, cause we've used 'em outside a bunch :-o EliphIno!

1. 
   AaronRosenthal | Apr 09, 2003 03:15am | #12

   You are absolutely right!

   I'm used to seeing the coating on the nails and never even looked at the finishing nail boxes to make sure they were galvanized.

   I just checked the web site and they are all treated. WhooppeeeeeeQuality repairs for your home.

   Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada

2. 
   CAGIV | Apr 07, 2003 09:37pm | #3

   I did several thousand linear feet of fencing with my uncle in chicago two years ago. 

   Get a QuickDrive or similar screw gun, they "shoot" collated screws on strips, it saved a ton of time, and you can buy "deck" screws for them.   The screws are expensive, but the time savings is quite an offset to the cost.

    If you go this route spend the extra money for the dedicated all in one tool.  The attachments that go on the end of your drill suck to put it mildly..

   The one I have can use screws anywhere from about 1 1/4 to 3 in.

   View ImageGo Jayhawks
3. 
   jhyer | Apr 07, 2003 10:06pm | #4

   I would think that ring shank nails in your nailgun (make sure they are galvanized) would be more than adequate for costructing a fence.  The will probably outlast the fence. 

   I've used the ring shank nails on a shed and they haven't popped yet, and that was over 6 years ago.

   just my $.02

   Rasp

4. 
   MikeCallahan | Apr 08, 2003 03:59am | #5

   Don't waste your time with screws. Only amatuers use screws for fencing. Nails, though mundane are overlooked and they hold very well in most applications. People are too hung up on their screw guns. Use a speed square to align your nailer for a neat pattern. A nailer with a flush nailing tip would be fine. Senco weatherex nails would be a good choice. Ring shank or screw shank are good for flooring, but for fencing they are overkill.

   We may be slow, But we're expensive.
5. 
   jsvenson | Apr 08, 2003 05:02am | #7

   I use the same method I have seen one of the premium fence companies around here use-hot dipped galvanized ring shanks to fasten 2x4 to fence posts, and stainless steel 1/2" staples to fasten pickets or dogears to 2x4's.

   John Svenson, Builder, Remodeler, NE Ohio (Formerly posted as JRS)
1. 
   ccampbell | Apr 08, 2003 04:05pm | #8

   That's great news.  It will be a major time saver for me.  I'll probably go ahead and spring for the ring shanks.  Thanks!

6. 
   benraymond | Apr 09, 2003 12:29am | #11

   Use the screws for your own fence, and the nails for everyone elses'.  That way you can compare. <g>

7. 
   IMERC | Apr 09, 2003 11:08am | #15

   Piffin is going to love this... More uses for DW screws.

   Use deck screws. 1" thru 6"covers it pretty well. Bolt the gate construction.