You might have a misconception that fencing is a very tough task to perform. Well, what you are thinking might be proved wrong as this step by step guide on how to use nail gun for fencing will clarify all the misconceptions and show you the right track.
As you may know, nail guns are multipurpose tools and they have a large field to work on. Considering fencing, it plays its own unique role. The content contains some basic steps by which you will easily cope up with the rest of the process.
Different problems might pop up anytime throughout the entire process even just because of the slightest mistake. Just stay alert and try to overcome those by the countermeasures.
Only continuing these processes is not enough. And for you some basic safety measures have also been described later on in the content which will assure your safety.
Step by step guide on using nail gun for fencing
Having a specific plan
Not only for fencing but also for all other matter, having a specific plan is the pre-condition for all. Fencing seems to be a lengthy and boring process but soon after having a plan being ready things gradually start to get a whole lot easier.
You may not quite get it at the beginning what you are supposed to plan but later on, it will eventually become easier for you.
The planning does not necessarily contain just the ingredients or just the procedure. It is like the whole process in a nutshell. You can also call it a blueprint in terms of the process itself. You have to get a clear concept about what exactly you want to do and how. That is how you can make your own plan.
Getting all the equipment’s ready
As the fencing is a time consuming and lengthy manual process, it is quite obvious that it would take a lot of things to carry out the entire process. To minimize the time in use and make the work even swifter, getting all the equipment’s ready is a very good option.
Among the equipment’s fence posts of different heights, hole-digger, level, shovel, measuring tapes all are pretty much obvious and basic. Anyone can choose them and it won’t be that much of a bother. But choosing the nail gun and the nails can turn out to be a tricky one.
The size of the nails is also an important factor. If the size and the measurement go wrong, then it can even harm the posts which will have a very bad effect on the fence. Usually choosing framing nail guns which have 2-inches nail is a good choice.
Digging the first hole
To determine the exact position of the first hole, trigger the rest of the steps and without it, the whole process can collapse. The trick to determine the location easily is to place the point at the edge.
To implement that, you should first draw out a fence line. After that, just turn right at the corner of the fence line that you had drawn before; dig a hole of the fence post. This is going to be your first one.
Though there is no exact measurement for digging the holes, there are always some standard sizes which might help you to carry out your work quickly without wasting time. A hole with the height of 2-feet and the diameter of 8-inches is a good quality standard size.
Marking the overall fence
Marking all the positions is a very effective way for fencing. It helps you to get an overall idea about the facts and measurements. This technique incredibly reduces the time and system loss.
To get the task done smoothly you had already marked and dug the first hole. It was meant to be done to give you a distinct idea about the area of the fence.
There is no strict rule when it comes to marking out the fence. You can just grab a pencil, take the measurements and simply draw out the lines.
Placing the other holes
After placing the first hole successfully, the rest of the job gets pretty much predictable. At this stage, the marked area and positions are going to work as your guidelines.
Use the mentioned guidelines and place the holes. After that, place the fence post right into the hole. While putting it down there are things to keep in mind as well. Make sure that one face of your fence post is parallel with what you had drawn before as the fence line. Do not forget to use the level. It will help the post to be kept plumbed.
Filling the holes
You have dug all the holes but is that going to keep in place? The answer leads you to no accurate answer as there is no surety.
However, there is a very interesting technique to get rid of this issue. After placing each post, seal the area around the pole with dirt. It is better if the dirt you are using is already tamped and the tamping is done in a manner that it is layered.
By following these, the holes get sealed and the structure gets a lot more durable.
Keeping the distance accurately
As we explained before in this content regarding how to use nail gun for fencing, the fence post holes were dug according to the planned measurements.
While doing this you should always make sure that the distance between them is kept in the correct ratio.
For example, you can measure from the center of the fence line and keep on placing the other poles on the certain distance.
You can keep the distance among the poles about 8-feet. It is quite a famous ratio and a lot of fences are built depending on this measurement.
Read Also: Difference between brad and finish nailer
Marking and placing the nail
After doing all the steps mentioned, it is time for you to place the nail. A two-by-four will have to be placed under the top marks. These have their ends placed at the center of the posts.
Now you are all set to place the nail. Carefully place the nail on the board. Each nail has to be given proper attention while placing. Any tilt or displacement can worsen the quality of your work.
Pulling the trigger, release the nail and keep on doing that for the rest of the nails. Repeat the whole step cautiously until all the nails are released accordingly to the plan.
Nailing precisely
Nailing precisely is very important to finish the task and set everything on the correct track. To carry that out just go to the first fence post and vertically place a picket. The cedar picket you are going to place has to be against the fence post.
Now, your location is almost set. It is better to keep the picket half an inch above the ground level.
Check whether the picket is correctly plum or not. Finally, nail it out using your preferable nail gun. Do the same for the rest of the pickets with the same length or height parting all the others by a quarter inch. Remain conscious and alert of being precise while carrying out this step. Otherwise, a slight mistake can ruin all your previous efforts by hampering it.
Safety measures
Throughout the entire process, many safety measures are to be taken. These measures are very useful for your safety.
Suppose, you finished all the steps but the terrain is no longer even. It can cause a lot of trouble and the whole balance can get interrupted. However, there’s no reason for you to panic.
You can always just adjust the position of your picket by setting it on the upper side of the level of the fence. But, before that, you need to trim the necessary pickets accordingly to the adjustment.
Again, safety gears are very important safety measures which you cannot ignore. Follow these, and keep yourself safe from the unnecessary risks.
Verdict
Hopefully this guide on how to use nail gun for fencing introduced you to the quickest and easiest way to use a nail gun for fencing. The whole process has a lot of steps apart from using nail guns. You have to combine all the steps and measures together to obtain a better result.
Do not get worried if you make mistakes. It is a lengthy manual process which needs proper attention and patience. Pull yourself together and follow the procedure step by step. It will surely guide you to the correct way to unlock the best experience working with a nail gun.
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