Palm Nailer

Jim M

We are in the middle of a radiant install, underfloor using extruded plates. I've read on other posts on the wall that using a palm nailer is the best way to put the tubing in the track. As I have no experience using a palm nailer, I was wondering if there was any concern about protecting the pex, any tricks to using the nailer. Thanks for any assistance.

Jim

Ron Schroeder_3

palm nailer to push tube into plates

I retract my comments in view of the prevailing consensus.

hr

I'm in the middle of

a 6000 foot plate job right now. A couple tips..
Make sure the ends of the plates line up well so you don't pound the tube against a sharp edge.

Keep the nailer as flat to the tube as possible. If you use the edge you will see small dings in the tube.

Get a nice flexible, lightweight air hose. I like the small ID Flexsteel brand. Much easier than a rubber hose to work overhead. A swivel is nice, but a bit of a finger pincher.

Invest in the best ear plugs money can buy! Keep some extras for any other subs that are working on the job. It is a very loud operation, above or below the floor!

Eye protection is also a must as the hammer rattles all the saw dust from the seams of the decking

Light weight leather gloves are a good idea.

Whatever you do, don't get your finger between the tube and the nailer. you will end up with the mother of all blood blisters

Get a rolling scaffold and a second person to move you along and you will really speed up the operation. Hold the nailer with three fingers and thumb, then use the extra digit to guide the nailer along the groove. It will pound in tube as fast as someone can roll the scaffold.

Stilts are nice if you get some practice in first. I just bought some nice double rail jobs, very stable. Watch that you don't get tangled in the air hose, however

hot rod

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hr

I'm in the middle of

a 6000 foot plate job right now. A couple tips..
Make sure the ends of the plates line up well so you don't pound the tube against a sharp edge.

Keep the nailer as flat to the tube as possible. If you use the edge you will see small dings in the tube.

Get a nice flexible, lightweight air hose. I like the small ID Flexsteel brand. Much easier than a rubber hose to work overhead. A swivel is nice, but a bit of a finger pincher.

Invest in the best ear plugs money can buy! Keep some extras for any other subs that are working on the job. It is a very loud operation, above or below the floor!

Eye protection is also a must as the hammer rattles all the saw dust from the seams of the decking

Light weight leather gloves are a good idea.

Whatever you do, don't get your finger between the tube and the nailer. you will end up with the mother of all blood blisters

Get a rolling scaffold and a second person to move you along and you will really speed up the operation. Hold the nailer with three fingers and thumb, then use the extra digit to guide the nailer along the groove. It will pound in tube as fast as someone can roll the scaffold.

Stilts are nice if you get some practice in first. I just bought some nice double rail jobs, very stable. Watch that you don't get tangled in the air hose, however

hot rod

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hr

I'm in the middle of

a 6000 foot plate job right now. A couple tips..
Make sure the ends of the plates line up well so you don't pound the tube against a sharp edge.

Keep the nailer as flat to the tube as possible. If you use the edge you will see small dings in the tube.

Get a nice flexible, lightweight air hose. I like the small ID Flexsteel brand. Much easier than a rubber hose to work overhead. A swivel is nice, but a bit of a finger pincher.

Invest in the best ear plugs money can buy! Keep some extras for any other subs that are working on the job. It is a very loud operation, above or below the floor!

Eye protection is also a must as the hammer rattles all the saw dust from the seams of the decking

Light weight leather gloves are a good idea.

Whatever you do, don't get your finger between the tube and the nailer. you will end up with the mother of all blood blisters

Get a rolling scaffold and a second person to move you along and you will really speed up the operation. Hold the nailer with three fingers and thumb, then use the extra digit to guide the nailer along the groove. It will pound in tube as fast as someone can roll the scaffold.

Stilts are nice if you get some practice in first. I just bought some nice double rail jobs, very stable. Watch that you don't get tangled in the air hose, however

hot rod

Sorry, for some reason I can't get an attachment to stick??

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Climate Creator

It is also good for

nailing in register boots, among other things, great for joist hangers also, if anyone should have the need, I like HR's tips, noisy, dusty, hand hurtin over long time periods. its worth the money.

CC

Jim M

palm nailer

Hot Rod & Climate Creator, thanks for the info that was exactly what I was looking for. This is a great forum, I followed the advise from a previos post and got a rolling scaffold and a roofing nailer, the plates were a breeze to install. I'm hoping like hot rod says that the tubing will move as fast as the scaffold will move. again thanks for the help.

Jim M

P.S. what pressure setting do you use on the compressor.

hr

Try 80 psi

and see how it works.

Also you will need about a 2 hp compressor to keep up with the nailer if you start to move fast! My 2 HP Cambell Hausfield needs a dedicated 20 amp (120V) circuit to run and start. Use a heavy extension cord to avoid damage and extend with more air hose, not extension cords, to protect the compressor motor.

Did I mention ear protection

hot rod

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