Hey folks! I'm building a fence for my new home and I'm looking to get a nail gun for the job. I'm planning to use 5/8" pickets attached to a 1 1/2" thick rail. Originally, I thought a 1 1/2" nail would do the trick, but I've seen framing nail guns using nails from 2" to 3 1/4". Any suggestions on the right nail size or nail gun to use? Thanks in advance!
2 Answers
A good choice would be to use a coil siding nailer with 1-1/2” hot dip galvanized ring shank siding nails. Brands like Metabo and Bostitch are solid options—I’ve had success with them. I've found Pierce to be better than Freeman nails. Costs aside, Bostitch nails deliver great results!
Consider using screws instead of nails. Many builders tend to use nails for speed, but screws actually provide a more secure and long-lasting hold. This could really make a difference in how your fence performs over time.
I hear you, but we have dogs and I need to get this up fast! How much more time do screws actually take to install compared to nails?
I had a similar experience with my cedar fence—using screws made it easy to adjust the gaps between pickets if things went awry. Plus, replacing bent boards was a breeze!