That old framer at the supply yard told me to stop using my nail gun for everything

He watched me nail off a temporary brace and said 'son, that gun is a tool, not a cure-all.' I switched to using screws for any joint that might get adjusted later, and it saved me from ripping out a whole wall in a remodel last spring. Anyone else get called out by an old timer for overusing a specific tool?

3 comments

3 Comments

fiona_murphy15d ago

Nailed a few things with my framing hammer after getting the same talk.

the_mila15d ago

Three nails into my thumb over the years makes me think this whole "lock up your tools" thing might be a little overblown. I mean, yeah, kids can be clumsy, but a framing hammer is not exactly a weapon of mass destruction. Most of the time the worst that happens is a dented floor or a bruised finger, not a trip to the ER. I think people get worked up over stuff that sounds scary but really isn't that dangerous if you just supervise a little.

rosebarnes15d ago

My buddy's kid once grabbed his circular saw while he was getting a glass of water. Didn't even have time to yell before the kid flipped the switch and the blade caught the edge of a workbench, kicking back and slicing his own leg open. Nine stitches and a lot of therapy later, he keeps everything locked up now. Is that one freak accident really worth the gamble just to avoid locking a cabinet?