45x45 battens fixing

[Lincolnshire Ian]

I've just received the list of components for my TF home. It includes 2.3lkm of 45x45 battens for walls and ceilings. That's a lot of battening to do! 

Can anyone recommend a nail gun that will do the job without spending £5-600.

Thanks 

[mike2016]

I purchased a bare DeWalt first fix nail gun after trying to drive a single nail into a 45 x 45 baton. Glad I did. I only made it 1/2 way in - maybe the nails were too large a gauge but wow. Been using the nail gun for months and haven't looked back. Why it made sense to me was I've 2 x 5.0 amp DeWalt batteries already and didn't need a case / charger etc. Unless you wait for the sales have you any existing big batteries for a particular brand? Otherwise look for a deal with 2 x large batteries and a cordless screwdriver and then go for the nail gun after that. the bare unit is €385 currently in screwfix for me (DeWalt). The nails aren't cheap but you get loads in a box for @ €50. Hope this helps. Since bought a second fix nailgun (bare) for the next phase!! For the number of nails involved, rent, buy or borrow!! The only downside is I now have tennis elbow from the weight of the gun!! 

[Oz07]

You will have arms like popeye using the dewalt one. But you will save money buying nails exc gas. I'd be looking to hire in your case if can do it all in a week or 2. Otherwise just buy and re sell you won't regret it. 

[Russell griffiths]

Hire one for a day and see if your happy with the fixing, 90mm nails are thin, you don’t get the pull in you get with a screw and you also get a bit of side to side movement with a nail gun nail. 
 

I would do some experiments. 

[Thorfun]

I bought a Hikoki battery nail gun. It lasted about 2 months and the started misfiring and double firing. I was told this is quite normal for it! I got my money back and bought a Paslode. It’s light and rock solid. Don’t regret it for a second. 

[JohnMo]

I used a DeWalt air driven 1st fix nailer, with serrated shank nails.

 

Be careful are they actually 45 x 45, ours came supplied as 45 x 50mm.

[Crofter]

I screwed all my battens. I like to know that I've actually hit the stud/rafter which I found impossible to tell with a nail gun. 

 

Long screws can be pricey, I watched the specials on Screwfix/Toolstation for weeks and managed to pick up some bargains. 

 

Note- I was exempt from building regs so I don't know if my approach would pass muster with a BCO.

[crispy_wafer]

Got the dewalt battery first fix gun myself, I find it heavy, but don’t know how it compares.  It’s ok really!  

 

Have a think, if it’s a job you are going to rip through and complete in a week or two, then hire.  If you are going to bit and bob it, then buy one for the convenience.

[Lincolnshire Ian]

I have the dewalt 18v batteries, I am guessing this is what I'm looking for when installing 45x45 battens.

 

[Oz07]

Yep and some 90mm ring shank nails. Although isn't the old rule nail length 3x whatever your fixing through. 

[Thorfun]

10 hours ago, Oz07 said:

Yep and some 90mm ring shank nails. Although isn't the old rule nail length 3x whatever your fixing through. 

I fixed all our 45mmx45mm battens with 90mm ring shanks and the cladding is still up!