Chapter 8 Power Tools 193
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
• Select the proper speed and the correct bit for the work material.
• Start all holes with a center punch.
• Apply enough force to the drill to ensure that the bit is cutting
continuously. Power tools rely on momentum to deliver force to the work
and should be operated without loading the motor to a point that it
slows. To achieve this effect with a drill, adjust the speed to ensure that
enough torque is applied to the bit that it will cut under pressure.
• Be careful not to apply too much side pressure when using a portable
power drill, because this can break the drill bit.
• Use a pilot bit (smaller diameter bit) followed by a larger bit to drill
larger holes.
• Use a piece of scrap lumber to back up the material being drilled and
to protect the surface of the drill press table.
• Use a brush or broom to remove swarf; do not handle swarf with
bare hands.
Nail Guns and Brad Nailers
Nail guns are tools that drive nails into wood and
similar materials with a single power stroke. Most are
operated using a pneumatic power supply, Figure 8-17.
However, some models use gunpowder-charged
cartridges or electromagnetic forces to drive fasteners.
Some electric nail guns are actually self-contained
pneumatic tools with the air supply built into the body
of the tool. Another type of self-contained nail gun uses
the combustion of liquefi ed petroleum gas to drive nails.
Nail guns are generally offered in two basic sizes.
Large nail guns are used for framing buildings, and
smaller models are used for fi nish and trim work
inside buildings. A 3 1/2″ 16d nail is typically used for
framing. The length and diameter of fi nish nails varies
greatly with the type of material being fastened. Nails
for nail guns are fastened together into sticks or coils,
which are fed into clips or channels.
Brad nailers are even smaller versions of nail guns that drive very
small fasteners for fi ne trim work. Fasteners for brad nailers are usually
18 gauge nails, 1/2″ to 1 1/4″ long with very small heads, but some tools
also accept staples.
Nails driven with nail guns or brad nailers are less likely to split wood
than nails driven by a hammer because the fastener is driven with one smooth
motion. Friction from the tool’s action of driving the nail melts the adhesive
coating holding the nails together. The melted adhesive lubricates the nail as it
is being driven and sets up to enhance the nail’s holding ability once in place.
Using a nail gun requires adherence to specifi c safety precautions and
special training prior to use. Not all nail guns have the same safety features.
Nail guns that have a sequential trigger have a sliding safety tip that must
©iStock/tinabelle
Figure 8-17. This style of pneumatic nail gun is
called a coil nail gun and is primarily used for roofing
projects. Note the drum that is used to hold the nails.