Nail pins, also known as pin nails, are used with a pin nailer to fasten materials, often for delicate or temporary holding purposes. Here’s how to use them:
How to Use a Pin Nailer
The process of using pin nails primarily involves the use of a pin nailer tool. Here's a breakdown of the steps:
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Load the Pin Nailer: Begin by loading the pin nailer with the appropriate size of pin nails. The tool has a magazine that holds these pins, and you'll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to load it properly.
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Position the Pin Nailer: Place the nose of the nailer against the material where you want to drive a pin. Ensure the nailer is level with the pieces you are attaching. As shown in the reference video, you'll want to ensure it is “pretty level with the pieces."
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Drive the Pin: Once positioned, activate the nailer to drive the pin into the material. The video mentions that you would "drive a few nails right here."
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Ensure Proper Setting The reference video explains, "Now the other thing is you want to make certain that." You'll want to ensure the pin is driven to the proper depth without being over-set.
Key Considerations
- Pin Nail Size: Select the correct length of pin nail for the thickness of the materials you are joining. Using nails that are too long can protrude through the other side of thinner materials.
- Material Type: Pin nails are most suitable for softwoods, thin materials, and delicate applications where a small, less-noticeable fastener is required.
- Holding Power: Pin nails provide very little holding power compared to brad nails or other types of fasteners. Therefore, they are often used in conjunction with glue or clamps and primarily serve to hold pieces in place while the adhesive sets.
Examples of Use
- Holding intricate trim: When you are attaching delicate trim pieces to a project, pin nails can hold them without splitting or damaging the wood.
- Securing temporary parts: Pin nails can hold pieces during assembly and are less noticeable than other fasteners.
- Craft projects: For small, delicate craft projects, pin nails can be a suitable choice to prevent damage or unwanted visibility.
Conclusion
Using pin nails effectively relies on using a pin nailer and carefully positioning and driving the nails. Understanding their limitations in terms of holding power and choosing the appropriate nail size for your project are essential.
