Decking,Nail gun v Screws?

Discussion in 'Carpenters' Talk' started by mr moose, Apr 4, 2016.

  1. mr moose

    mr moose Screwfix Select

    Now I know these decking topics are a bit touchy at the moment,:D so please forgive me , but I would like to know if people ever use ring shank nails with a nail gun to quickly lay down boards?
    I have always used screws in the past, but have a cheaper end of the scale job to quote on,(and it would give me an excuse to buy a first fix gun:p)
     
  2. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Gone off nail guns with gas cartridges,had so much hassle using it in cold weather, perfer a coil nailer & compressor now, cheaper to run.
     
  3. mr moose

    mr moose Screwfix Select

    I would buy the dewalt first fix- no gas needed. Also I avoid carrying heavy tools up 5 flights of stairs where possible!
     
  4. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Some peeps have had problems with the Dewalt cordless nailers,either 1st or 2nd, may have been both, there was a thread on here, around end of last year.

    Your thread I think it was Mr Moose.:rolleyes:
     
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2016
  5. seen it all before

    seen it all before Active Member

    I just avoid working up 5 flights of stairs...;);)
     
  6. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Didn't realise they had decking up 5 flights of stairs!;)
     
    seen it all before likes this.
  7. mr moose

    mr moose Screwfix Select

    Er yes,:oops: but that was the 2nd fix, hoping the first fix is more powerful!
     
  8. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    Apparantly the Dewalt 1st fix are excellent & haven't had problems like the 2nd fix models had.
     
  9. mr moose

    mr moose Screwfix Select

    Well that's good to know, any views on Nails v deck screws?
     
  10. CGN

    CGN Screwfix Select

    I like spax decking screws...but if you're on a budget then nail em down!
     
  11. wiggy

    wiggy Screwfix Select

    Tommy walsh might nail but I never would.

    Any decking screw for softwood, stainless steel for hardwood, I prefer the torx/star drive head for both screws, but you pay for it.
    Plug and screw over any sort of hidden fixing.
    I hardly use nails for anything these days except battening and fencing obviously.

    Dewalt pin gun can't fault it.

    Passlode im90, only takes full head nails, expensive gas, 3 times that of the older model im350. It can be cheaper to buy a box of nails just for the gas and disregard the nails.

    The im350 takes the more readily available clipped head nails and has a lot cheaper gas.

    I would swap both of them in a heart beat for a dewalt first fix, which takes both clipped and full head nails and requires no gas.
    Shame they don't do a cordless coiler nailer, other than with a compressor.
     
    KIAB likes this.
  12. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    I wouldn't hesitate buying a cordless coil nailer if a decent one was available.

    More professional looking screwing down your decking.
     
  13. mr moose

    mr moose Screwfix Select

    Yes I guess so, but after a couple of years you cant really see the screws anyway usually.
     
  14. chippie244

    chippie244 Super Member

    Too much moss in the grooves :)
     
    KIAB and CGN like this.
  15. CGN

    CGN Screwfix Select

    And off we go...again! ;)
     
    KIAB likes this.
  16. Since decking is subject to sooo much movement over the seasons, isn't it simply better to use screws?
     
  17. KIAB

    KIAB Super Member

    If it is fixed down with ring shank nails, it ain't going any where.:D
     
  18. Yup - and perish the thought you'd need to remove a board later on...

    R-i-i-i-i-p! :oops:
     
    CGN likes this.
  19. chippie244

    chippie244 Super Member

    To see wether it cups or crowns? :)
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice