For Quarter round installation, do I really need a nail gun?
Question:Or can I just hammer them in? Its not a HUGE amount of hammering, and i dont mind doing the work, i just want to make sure that there isn't a difference in the quality of work.
Answers:
Hammering the quarter-round in with a regular hammer is just fine. I've done several rooms of my house this way. Make sure you are hammering into something (either the subfloor or wall) and hammer the nails just below the surface. You can fill the small indentation with spackle and then paint.
if you are good with a hammer and can quarter sink them you will be ok
If you use composite and not real wood, it is probably better to use a hammer so you don't run the risk of splitting it.
Not really, but you do have to be careful such that you don't bruise the quarter round with the hammer. This requires a little more work as you will have to get a nail tap to recess the nail head. NOTE: IF YOU DON'T RECESS THE NAIL, YOU'LL SEE THE NAIL EVEN AFTER PAINTING.
A nail gun keeps you from hitting your fingers, But you can use brads or small finish nails for the job. Use a little glue here and there to really do the job, Just use enough nails to keep the trim straight, dont try and comform the molding to the wall where it is uneven, your eye will catch this quickly and your work will look shotty. If you are painting the trim, then fill the gaps in with paintable calking, if you are using stain, then use a good stainable wood filler/puddy. be sure to use a nail set to drive the nails just under the trim and fill the holes, dont hit the wood with a hammer. take your time and you will look like a pro.
This stuff was installed for years with a hammer. Just be careful not to mash the wood. Use a nail set to sink the nails in below the surface.
Get the proper cupped nail set for the size finish nails you are using.
A lot of fine homes were built and immaculately finished long before the invention of the modern nail gun.
A hammer will work just fine. A nail set & a nail holder are almost necessities.
A nail set for setting the head of the nail beneath the surface of the quarter round (you are using finishing nails!).
A nail holder so you don't hit your fingers & the nail is held squarely. A comb with close teeth will also work.
here's a little trick to keep you from splitting and beating up the trim. take one of your finish nails and use it like a drill bit, it will make your job go faster and look better.
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