Whether you’re doing general home repairs or a woodworking project, a nail gun is beneficial to have on hand as a homeowner. Learning how to properly use a nail gun can feel intimidating if you aren’t a handyman or seasoned DIYer. Moreover, making errors during the construction process can damage your latest project or nail gun itself. Explore the top three mistakes to avoid when using a nail gun to help you reap the most benefits from your power tool without getting interrupted due to these rookie mistakes.
Not Checking the Oil
Pneumatic nail guns have a system that requires oil regularly. If you neglect to refill the oil, the remaining oil expels through the exhaust, and the O-rings of your nail gun dry out. Infrequent oiling will eventually keep your nail gun from firing. Be sure to check the required maintenance for oil refills in your nail gun between uses. If you prefer to avoid the task of adding oil, there are nail guns available on the market that have an oil-free mechanism.
Bruising the Material
Out of the top three mistakes to avoid when using a nail gun, the process of driving the nails into the material is a common step where errors occur. A material can become damaged from overdriving or underdriving the air pressure inside your nail gun. An inconsistent force of air pressure from your nails means they may split a material in half. Examine your nail gun’s label to determine the recommended maximum and minimum air pressure to set your tool at before using it.
Springing out the Nails
A spring out occurs when the nails strike out on the left or right side of the material you’re trying to place it in. Spring outs are likely to occur with more thin and flexible nails, such as brads, when driving them into dense materials. So be mindful of the angle at which you’re holding your nail gun for application. If you don’t position your nail gun at a 90-degree angle or place the tip too close to the material, you increase the risk of a spring out. Therefore, you should position your nail gun in the center during firing.
Before operating any nail gun, you should assess that it’s the appropriate kind for the job. Always read the manufacturer’s instruction manual to know what maintenance your specific nail gun requires to keep it performing at its best. Be mindful of avoiding these rookie mistakes to maximize your nail gun use. This way, you can maintain it as an essential asset in your toolbox.
A day to listen deeply, learn humbly, and honor the living wisdom of Native communities on Native Heritage Day on November 28th.
Opening Reflection
Native American Heritage Day is more than a mark on the calendar. It’s a living invitation to hear the first voices of this land, voices that carry stories of stewardship, innovation, courage, and care. As we step into this observance, we honor the people whose cultures, languages, and traditions continue to shape our shared future.
Artificial intelligence isn’t just a theory from science fiction anymore. It’s reshaping industries all over the world, and construction is right at the center of this shift. From automated machines on job sites to smart data analytics behind the scenes, AI's role in shaping the future of construction is about more than efficiency; it’s changing how people build, design, and manage structures. Instead of simple automation, we're seeing smarter, more responsive worksites that can adapt to challenges faster than ever.
Picture this: the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow across your patio. Laughter fills the air as you grill steaks to perfection, a chilled drink in hand from your outdoor refrigerator.
Owning a car provides incredible freedom, but it also carries the responsibility of basic upkeep and preparation for unexpected events. You cannot predict every issue, but a curated kit turns a major headache into a minor inconvenience.
Thanksgiving on November 27th this year is more than a meal; it’s a stage for storytelling. Families are rediscovering the joy of sharing origin tales, funny mishaps, and heartfelt memories. Some hosts place a “story card” at each seat with prompts like “What tradition would you invent?” or “What are you most grateful for this year?” These sparks of conversation transform dinner into a living archive of family history. Recording or writing down these stories ensures they’ll be cherished for generations.
