I need a translation

Hi Bob

My guess is 1 1/4 inch length X 16 gauge finishing nail used with a pneumatic nail gun.
They may be straight or angled depending on your nail gun.

Like this.

Actually if you Google this you see 1-1/4" finishing nails, no gun required but could be used if bought for one.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-16-x-1-1-4-in-Zinc-Plated-Steel-Wire-Brad-45224/202105642

That would be 31.75 mm long and I would think the diameter would be 1.29 mm. Just a small brad nail.

A picture is worth a thousand words.
Thanks for that.
Now I know what to buy.

16 guage is a very thin nail with a very small head that can be countersunk . Think of the type of nail that you would use to attach molding, this would be what you would want to use.

Hey, Bob; over here pneumatic finish nailers are most commonly available in 15, 16, 18, and 23 gauge styles.
The gauge refers to the thickness of the sheet metal the strips of nails are stamped from. The 23 ga style are very fine and headless; in a lot of cases the entry hole doesn't even need filling.
Products - Prime Fasteners
https://www.engineersedge.com/gauge.htm
https://www.amazon.ca/HIGH-GRADE-Ca...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B000P6LY2C
Prices vary hugely!

Dan, this is a one off deal. No way am I buying tools just for this, it will wipe out what small profit I'm hoping to make.

I'll just go with "panel pins" 'cos thats what we call 'em.

I read once that sheet metal gauges started out as the number of sheets stacked together to make a pile 1" thick. I'm not sure that's true anymore but it might not be too far off.
Shotgun gauges were how many lead balls that would fit the barrel and equal a pound, except for the .410 which is the actual diameter in inches.

Hmm, interesting. But I only glue up my projects, can't recall doing anything like that with metal brads. Have used dowels a time or two, like them.

"Dan, this is a one off deal. No way am I buying tools just for this, it will wipe out what small profit I'm hoping to make."
Ha! Never let that [/I ]stop me...

well.nothing ever goes EXACTLY to plan, does it?
Panel pins are everywhere in the UK, in Cyprus not so much.
I found some nails that go into nailer guns. with a T head and 25 mm long (1") in strips of a 100.
Dirt cheap, and I've tried just breaking a nail off and hammering it in and it works fine. The T head goes flush. but using a drift and a couple extra taps with the hammer and they sink in fine.

What you need is one of these

https://www.amazon.com/GreatNeck-BD1-Magnetic-Brad-Driver/dp/B000GAWXCC

Depending on the hardness of the wood, you can push the brad most of the way in and then finish off with a small hammer and nail set - kind of hard to hold something that small and get it started without nipping a finger now and then. Used one a lot putting up small trim molding around kitchen cabinets when I couldn't get in with a hammer (but then I bought a brad nailer - and then I bought a pin nailer, life just kept getting easier and easier).

Those brad starters are a 'must have'; I think I bought my first one in the early 70's. Don't know if they all are but mine is magnetic...holds the brads like snot.

sunnybob said:

Dan, this is a one off deal. No way am I buying tools just for this, it will wipe out what small profit I'm hoping to make.

I'll just go with "panel pins" 'cos thats what we call 'em.

Click to expand...

Over on this side of the pond we can go to Harbor Freight and pick up a nail gun for about $20 dollars. I'm not sure if you can find the same kind of a deal but even if you can't once you try one you'll wonder how you ever got by without one. There are times when you simply can't nail something together but with a nail gun it's no effort at all. The wood doesn't shake the nail simply goes in. Invest in one and you'll see what I mean. You'll find it one of the best investment in tools you will make.

https://www.harborfreight.com/18-gauge-2-in-1-air-nailerstapler-68019.html

Assuming you already have the compressor...

This is what you want.https://www.lowes.com/pd/Grip-Rite-1-1-4-in-16-Gauge-Steel-Finish-Nails-1-lb/3059143