Hand nailing seems to “draw” boards together tight, while power nailing seems to “shoot” the nail through one board into another with the possibility of leaving a small gap between framing members.
This tiny gap can shrink when the framing is “loaded”. Because the glue on the nail will heat up when shot into the framing, it tends to glue the boards instantly together. If the boards are not “set” tight together and already perfectly fitting together, they remain that way until loaded.
After the initial construction and wall finishes are installed, the framing could move when loaded, (i.e.: wind, earthquake, etc.) When this load causes the board to move, it 1) causes nails, etc. to move in finish wall material, 2) weakens the structure by allowing greater movement than anticipated.
Does hand nailing eliminate this possibility and make the framing stronger and more stable?
Best Answer
In the early days of air nailers hand nailing was better because the heads were moon shaped. I believe the moon shape was outlawed but not sure, but full round heads used with a properly adjusted gun are just as good in my opinion. If you think hammers are better to save your arm set the gun so the head sits up 1/8 inch and finish it off with the hammer. Go