Setting Pin Nails?

[sww93]

Just finished installing some trim on a job with my pin nailer, only to discover that the pins did not set into the wood.  The "heads" or top of the pins are protruding just above the surface of the material, enough that you can barely feel them if you brush your hand across the finished work.  Not good!  Any advice on how I can set these nails?  They are 23 gauge pins.  Thank you all in advance for any suggestions or ideas.

Scott

 

[mastercabman]

Good luck!!!!      unless you want to end up with a bigger dent from a nail setter.
BTW  What brand of pin nailer do you use?

 

[Mike_Chrest]

Scott,
  Haven't tried these on 23g pins but like them for 18g brads.

http://www.springtools.com/default.shtml

Mike

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

Can you sand them off flush with the surface and if the wood is to be stained just touch the ends of them with a sharpie permanent marker to get rid of the metal color and make them look like resin or pin knots.  If painted just paint over them after they are flushed to the surface.

Another way to go may be to clip them off with fingernail or toenail clippers and get them flush or just below the surface using these cutters.  I have found these cutters to be both inexpensive and durable for such cutting tasks...plus the slight curve helps get to stuff...

Best,
Todd

 

[sww93]

Thanks to all that replied.  I will try both methods that were suggested.  The pin nailer I have is a Senco. 

 

[nickao]

Exactly why I went this:

Grex P635

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

Thanks to all that replied.  I will try both methods that were suggested.  The pin nailer I have is a Senco. 

Many times when nailers are not setting the heads below the surface there is a problem with the air supply or air pressure dropping and the nailer not getting the full push on the nail or pin.  I have had this be as simple as forgetting to plug in or turn on the compressor....I usually leave the tank full or air but once the pressure drops and you remember you didn't hear the compressor come on you realize the nails are not setting properly.

Best,
Todd

 

[tbellemare]

Nick:

I read the reviews on that Grex. Is it as good as it sounds in the Amazon reviews?

Tom

 

[mwhafner]

I read the reviews on that Grex. Is it as good as it sounds in the Amazon reviews?

The Grex pinners are great.  I have the larger version, the P650 and it has never missed a beat. 

 

[Dave Ronyak]

The Grex 23 gauge pinner seems to get consistently very high marks.  Anyone have any experience with the Cadex counterpart?  Is the Cadex equally well reputed?

Dave R.

 

[mastercabman]

The pin nailer I have is a Senco. 

Well,  there's your problem!!!! ;D ;D ;D

GREX !!!    That's your problem solver!!! ;D ;D ;D

 

[Notorious T.O.D.]

Again perhaps a case of you get what you pay for....IIRC they cost about double what most pinners cost today don't they?

Best,
Todd

 

[danrush]

I shoot tons and tons of pin nails, all in prefinished/painted cabinet maple and cherry.  I love my Grex, but still get some that don't set.  I use a spring set (like Mike mentioned above) but modified it a bit.  I took a sharp pointed punch, and ground it down just the tiniest bit, just enough to catch the pin, but not to leave a big hole in the work.  I also find that using the spring set to "bend over"the pin leaves less damage than actually setting it proper.

Just a couple of thoughts, Dan

 

[Dongar]

It is fairly common to file or grind a small amount of the nose of the gun to make them set deeper. I would make sure the pressure was high enough , and the gun was properly lubricated (unless it is oil less) before I tried this. You should make sure you are not going to damage anything on your particular gun before doing this but if the gun doesn't work and you can't return it it's worth trying.
Donald

 

[nickao]

Thanks to all that replied.  I will try both methods that were suggested.  The pin nailer I have is a Senco. 

Many times when nailers are not setting the heads below the surface there is a problem with the air supply or air pressure dropping and the nailer not getting the full push on the nail or pin.  I have had this be as simple as forgetting to plug in or turn on the compressor....I usually leave the tank full or air but once the pressure drops and you remember you didn't hear the compressor come on you realize the nails are not setting properly.

Best,
Todd

Actually the 23 gauge pin nailers are notorious for being hard to get the nails set perfectly, then when you change size you go through it all again, messing with pressure and what not. The Grex is self adjusting for the different sizes, I never have to mess with the pressure and the grex  seems to work well below the recommended pressure too.

I have not used it enough to ever have a nail not set yet so to me its perfect. Most guys use it for trim and shoot many more nails than me though. I use it to hold templates and inlays in place and that's it. I will never go back to anything else after using it for 3 weeks. I have wasted to much time messing with bent pins, pins getting jammed, etc. I only got this because my last one broke and I have to have one in the shop and I vowed never to mess with a crappy unit again.

The Cadex was my next choice, I have not tried them side by side.

Tom I can only compare it to my Porter Cable and Senco and it is in a different league than both of those. Kind of like comparing a Porter Cable Circular saw to a TS 75. Both will do the job but one is more fun to use and gives more consistent results. Plus the Grex like the Festool TS has features others don't, specifically the self adjusting for nail size.

 

[sww93]

I got my Senco  as a gift from an employee some years ago,  but I have had my eye on the Grex, so perhaps its time.  I see from the website that the Grex shoots up to a 2" pin,  Could you actually use it to hang larger moldings, like crown?  I would be concerned that a 2" pin would likely deflect, follow grain patterns, etc.?

 

[peter halle]

I too have the Grex pin nailer - an acquisition just a few months ago.  Mine will also shoot the 2 inch pins.  I really haven't figured out what the use of these longer pines might be for unless they are designed to be used to replace long term usage of clamps in certain glue up situations.  The longer pins will be more likely to follow grain, blow out, etc.  They are about as thick as an office staple leg.  They bend and are not designed for the installation of larger moldings unless that molding attachment is augmented with glue or adhesive.  Think of them to be used to apply flat moldings to a fireplace mantle with adhesive behind.  Perhaps picture frame molding on a wall with adhesive, etc.

That being said, I love mine.

Peter

 

[woodshopdemos]

Sorry to be late posting on this. I show this view to point out that the proper nail set has a cupped end that must surround the 23 ga or whatever pin. Then the pin can be tapped in or bent over with minimun damage. I know that in my nail set drawer there are center punches as well and often my eys cant see the difference.

 

[butzla]

Exactly why I went this:

Grex P635

Nick,  So you got a Grex eh?  Was this an early Xmas present?  Very nice!

 

[nickao]

Yes I went Grex after the PC was retired. Not a gift just a replacement for shop purposes. Its the best and fastest way to secure the templates and inlays when routing. I am behind right now so anything to move faster.