MY first new tool!


Tools. An investment, that if chosen properly, can last a lifetime. I have learned in my 39 years that not all things are made the way they used to be. Not just tools, but trucks, appliances, toys, etc.  So finding a well made tool that will last through all your projects and whatever wear and tear you put it through, is worth the time to research and possibly spend a bit more money for quality. 


Many of the tools I use for projects had already been purchased by my husband. Long before he had a garage to organize with drawers and cabinets and pegboards, he had been collecting ratchet sets, drill bits and all the other things that (I thought only) men collect in garages. For years, I would roll my eyes when he would tell me about something he found on sale at Home Depot for a fraction of the cost. I would zone out when he explained why we needed a new impact drill or trays for sockets.  I never, EVER, imagined a day when it would be me researching tools or scoping sales or GASP ðŸ˜®getting EXCITED about a new tool! But the smell of wood can change a person, and guys, if you don’t want it to happen to you perhaps you should just stop reading now (don’t stop!).


The very first tool I really asked for was a Brad Nailer, for our 14th anniversary no less!  We typically don’t exchange gifts other than cards for our anniversary, and I certainly don’t ask for something specific, so he didn’t hesitate. 


If you are not familiar with a Brad Nailer, it is a powered nail gun that uses compressed air to drive small nails in to wood. The nails are typically very thin, which means it can be used on thinner pieces of wood, and best of all... the holes it leaves behind are so small, it is sometimes unnecessary to fill with putty.  This makes a Brad Nailer ideal for projects such as installing trim, baseboards, crown molding, ship lap or any other project that needs a smooth finish. I had a few wood art projects on my to-do list and thought a Brad Nailer would be a stronger option than just glueing the wood together. 


There are several brands of Brad Nailers to choose from, as well as choosing between cordless and corded nailers, but for this particular tool and the projects I foresee myself using it for, I wanted to go with a cordless option. Several of my favorite DIY accounts I follow recommended the Ryobi 18 volt cordless Airstrike, and although I have never had any issues with my husband’s Ryobi tools, I am a HUGE fan for Milwaukee products.  We have several M18 products that use an interchangeable, rechargeable battery, and the 18-volt Brushless nailer has just come out with a Gen-II addition... it was a no brainer! 


I have used this Brad Nailer now for several projects and have never had any issues.  The nails are universal, so I have been able to purchase a couple different brands based on size needs and preferences, never having issues with off-brands jamming the cartridge. The Milwaukee is lightweight and convenient thanks to the cordless feature, and uses an M18 lithium-ion battery that we already had. 


So there you have it ladies and gentlemen, my first tool in the garage that is my own, although my husband has heard me say they are ALL mine at this point, it was fun to research, want and acquire my very own power tool! 


I will post some projects very soon that I have in my rough drafts that utilized the Brad Nailer, as well as more tools I have acquired over quarantine for my projects... yes, there are more!! 




Stay tuned!

Shan

RDW

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