Electronic Tools - Manufacturers & Features

ELECTRONIC LEVELS

Macklanburg-Duncan makes the SmartTool Electronic Levels. These feature readings in degrees, percent slope, pitch (inches of rise/foot of run), and a simulated bubble. You can use the sensor module as a torpedo level or snap the module into a 24, 48 or 78 inch Smart Level rail. It also features a hold button to "freeze" a reading. Last but not least, you can choose two levels of accuracy!

Zircon Corporation also makes electronic levels. One of their products uses both an LCD display and a sound signal to signify for level or plumb. They also make a sound water level which allows you to create a level line around corners out of sight of the unit! Check out their web site for other electronic tools.

ELECTRONIC CALCULATORS

Calculated Industries makes a wide assortment of building and remodeling calculators. I personally have used their Construction Master IV. This calculator does all mathematic functions in feet, inches, metric, decimals or whichever format you want to use. It is incredible. It will also instantly convert between formats. The calculator has built-in programs to allow you to calculate any right angle problem solution. This allows you to easily 'square' something up or calculate any roof framing problem. They also make a simpler version called the Measure Master Classic if you don't need all the fancy right angle solution functions. For you electricians out there, they also make the ElectriCalc Pro. This calculator is a must for anyone who needs to make electric calculations. I have used their products in the field for years and have been delighted. I'm sure you will be satisfied as well if you purchase from them.

ULTRASONIC MEASURING DEVICES

Calculated Industries also makes an ultrasonic measuring device called Pocket Dimension Master. This device eliminates the need for tape measures when attempting to measure between walls or objects. It uses sound to measure. The device comes with a nifty aiming light so that you can get accurate results. The manufacturer claims a 99.5 percent accuracy rate up to 50 feet. I tested the device and found this to be true. The device also has a calculator that works in any format (see above). This allows you to use feet and inches, or whatever.

Sonin, Inc. makes the Multi-Measure Combo Pro for measuring upto 250 feet. It claims an accuracy of +/- 1/4 inches. I was unable to obtain a sample to test, so I cannot verify this claim.

LASER LEVELS

Laser levels come in two types: smaller torpedo levels, some of which can be mounted on tripods, and larger models that resemble builder's transits. Both operate basically the same. They emit a narrow visible laser beam. This beam is projected to wherever the laser is aimed. The beauty of these devices is that once set up, you can walk away from the levels and mark where the laser beam hits. No need for two people to operate the device. Manufacturers include:

• Macklanburg-Duncan SmartDot Laser levels

• Laseraim Tools

• Laser Tools Company

• CST/Berger

• Topcon Laser Products

REMOTE SENSING DEVICES (wide band radar)

Zircon Corporation makes an electronic stud/joist/beam finder.This device uses sound waves to find solid objects in hollow walls. It can actually sense different wall densities. I have used this device with great success. It can tell you just where studs begin and end, even through plaster!

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Electronic Tool Maintenance & Care

As you might imagine, electronic tools have sensitive internal components. These components are the brains that allow these devices to produce highly accurate results. As such, they must be protected from extremes of heat, cold, moisture, dust and impact.

Virtually every tool has the capability to be easily re-calibrated in the event it gets out of adjustment. The trick is to minimize abuse. The tools are constructed from rugged materials, however, the temptation is to treat these tools just like the old tools which were commonly left out in the rain or dropped from the scaffolding. Do that with these tools, and you will regret it!

Each of the tools has specific care instructions. Most of them come with foam padded carrying and storage cases that offer superb protection when not in use. All of the manufacturers recommend that these cases be used when the tool is not in use.

Extreme heat can sometimes damage electronics. Be sure to read the owner's manuals about this topic. Leaving these tools on the dashboard of your truck or car may not be the best thing to do. Temperatures can climb dramatically inside of closed cars and trucks in summer months. Use common sense!

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Pneumatic Nailers - Safety & Use Tips

I remember clearly the first day I used a pneumatic nail gun. My crew and I were working with a friend of mine who was a carpenter. He had recently purchased a used air compressor and a framing nail gun. The size of the gun astonished me. It appeared bulky and heavy. When I picked it up, my observations were confirmed. However, when I began to use it those feelings quickly vanished!

The Need for Speed

Pneumatic nailers do many things well. One of the most impressive is the speed with which they can drive nails or staples. I would venture to say that for every nail that I could hand drive on my best day, a pneumatic nailer would drive and set twelve! That is no exaggeration.

Although there is no need to go this fast, a reasonable speed would allow you to be 400 to 800 percent more productive. Nailing large subfloors and roof decks is a breeze. Hours worth of work becomes minutes. This means that contractors who use these tools can save you money. They are much more competitive.

Holding Power

The nails that are used by pneumatic nailers are precision made. Often they come in strips. They are held together by a resin/adhesive that coats the shaft of each nail and allows the nails to stick to one another.

This resin performs additional functions. When the piston drives the nail rapidly into the wood, it creates quite a bit of friction. The friction turns to heat which melts the resin. This melted resin acts a a lubricant helping the nail to penetrate the wood more easily. Within a matter of seconds, the resin resolidifies and becomes an adhesive! Pneumatically driven nails generally have up to twice the holding power of regular hand driven nails.

I can easily attest to this claim. Virtually every frame wall we built required bracing to hold it in place. We would nail a 2x4 diagonal brace to the top of a vertical wall stud until the structure was secure. Several days later when we removed the braces, the nails would pull through the brace as we hammered it away from the wall! In other words, the nails would not budge. They remained in the vertical wall studs!

The Many Uses

There is a nail gun that fits just about every need. The big ones will drive a 3.5 inch nail into a piece of oak with no effort. Or you can purchase a gun that fires roofing nails. Small brads (1/2 inch!) can be driven for picture frames. My favorite gun is one that fires trim nails for woodwork. I actually have two different trim guns. One fires nails up to two inches long, while the other can shoot a 2.5 inch nail. The first trim gun I purchased was so fantastic that it paid for itself within the first week of ownership.

The pneumatic nail guns that are used for trim work are especially handy. Have you ever goofed up and hit the wood instead of the nail? BINGO, a beauty mark! Or, you carefully drive the nail, begin tapping the nail with the nail set and oooooops!, the nail set slips and drives a hole next to the nail! This looks horrible on woodwork that is to be stained.

Nail guns don't make mistakes like this. They drive and set the nail in one motion! The only time they have trouble is when they hit a knot in a piece of wood. In these rare instances, the nail might bed or curl out of the trim. I'd say this happened to me maybe one in 5,000 times. I'll take those odds any day!

Safety - A Number One Priority

Pneumatic nail tools are powerful and dangerous. They must be treated with respect. I have hurt myself with pneumatic nail tools as well as hand driven nails. Every time I have injured myself, it has been a result of a lack of concentration and/or using the tool in a manner considered inappropriate.

For example, three years ago I was working in my basement. I was using a framing nail gun to toe nail a wall stud into a top plate. The gun bounced off the stud from the recoil and hit the top of my eyebrow. It knocked me off the ladder, bent my glasses, and caused me to see more stars than I can remember. After I got up from the ground I felt you-know-what flowing down my face. Fifteen stitches later I was as good as new.

I have seen photographs of x-rays where nails have entered heads, arms, legs, etc. In fact a fellow worker once nailed his big toe. He was in the hospital for a week after they surgically extracted the nail from his bone.

The point is this - the tools are wonderful, they produce lots of work, but you must be careful at all times.

Cost vs. Value

I have owned pneumatic nail tools for approximately 10 years. My first nail gun cost approximately $400. In addition, I purchased a gasoline powered air compressor. This compressor cost $500. Air hoses, nails, etc. brought the total to $1,000. Within a matter of years, I purchased three other guns. My total investment hovers near $2,300.

As for value, I can say that these wonderful tools enabled me to get jobs because I was more productive. My callbacks were less, especially regarding squeaking floors. I damaged less finish lumber. My guess is that the tools actually made money for me. Lots of it.

Reliability

The mechanism of the gun is somewhat simple. A piston is charged by air. When the trigger and safety mechanism are engaged, the piston pushes a rod which drives the nail. Moving parts are minimal. If a nail jambs, a quick release feature allows you to fix this quickly.

Believe it or not, I have never had to take one of my guns in for service! That claim is incredible when you figure that my oldest framing gun has fired in excess of 500,000 nails.

Two Types

A huge majority of manufacturers make pneumatic nailers that are powered by compressed air. This means that you need a source of air. The air is supplied to the gun through a hose.

However, one manufacturer, ITW Paslode, makes a gun which does not require compressed air! It basically is an internal combustion engine of sorts. The gun comes with a spark igniter and a fuel cell. Each pull of the trigger causes the fuel to ignite and pushes a piston which drives the nail.

Each system has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, I use the air hose to lower my tool to the ground. It works great. But, there are many occasions where the air hose gets in the way. Many times I have covered my hands in mud while coiling my air hose at the end of the day. See what I mean!

Whichever type of nail gun you use, the results should be fantastic. Stay alert during use, do NOT horse around, never point them at something other than wood, and you should be in good shape.

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Pneumatic Tool Manufacturers

Each of the companies listed makes pneumatic tools. They are very competitively priced. All of the tools are built to last. I would base my decision on service and availability of nails and parts. Yes, I know that the tools (at least mine!) rarely if ever break down. But, in the event it happens to you, who wants to have to mail it away?

Check out the following companies' web sites!

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Pneumatic Tools - Use Tips & Safety Issues

Pneumatic tools work best when you give them the respect they deserve. As with any mechanical device, they require periodic maintenance and cleaning. Here are some other helpful suggestions. I followed these to the letter when I used the tools. I suggest you consider doing the same.

Always read the instruction manuals that come with the tools.

Absolutely wear safety glasses! Chips of wood, concrete, or even a nail could bounce and cause a serious or permanent eye injury.

Don't power the guns with bottled gases such as oxygen, CO2, etc.!

Use clean, dry compressed air. Be sure the pressure is set accurately. Don't exceed the tool manufacturer's recommended air pressure!

Be sure that the tool is equipped with a fitting that releases air pressure when the tool is disconnected from an air hose. Storing air in the tool is DANGEROUS.

Always disconnect the tool from the air source or power source when performing maintenance or clearing a jammed fastener.

Never carry the tool around when connected to an air supply with your finger on the trigger.

If the tool requires lubrication (some do and some don't), lubricate each day. This will reduce or eliminate down time.

Always treat the gun like a loaded pistol or rifle.

No horseplay! Don't take target practice at lunch breaks. Only fire the gun into lumber.

Always check the underside of what you are nailing. It is virtually impossible to detect when a nail misses. You can't "feel" a miss as you would when hand nailing. Plywood roof sheathing and subfloors must be nailed securely. Inspect the underside for misses.

Also, check the air pressure. The pressure should be set so the nail head is driven flush. If the pressure is set too high, the nail drives deeply into the wood. The holding power of the nail is significantly reduced.

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