OT - Anybody ever use a palm nailer underwater?

Re: OT - Anybody ever use a palm nailer underwater

Steve jenkins

I haven’t but have used a pneumatic jack hammer about 120 feet underwater. Works fine but was hell on the ears. Pressure waves from the operation. I imagine the nailer will work ok. If your head is underwater you’ll find out real quick if you want to keep it there.

Gonna work a lot better than the other options

John in NM

Neither a power drill or a ramset will work.... pneumatic looks like the only thing to try!

I hope you're planning way far ahead January is not when I want to do dock work!

Re: OT - Anybody ever use a palm nailer underwater

Alan Schaffter

Pneumatics and hydraulics work fine underwater, just as long as the pressure differential between the air supply and pressure at depth is greater than or equal to the tool's operating pressure. At 120' the pressure is 51.87 psi so you would only realize 73 psi from a 125 compressor/air hose. You'll likely be no deeper than 2' - 3' deep so no problem.

One problem, depending on the design of the palm nailer is it may need make up air when the piston returns to the firing position if only via spring. In that case water may be drawn into the cylinder, so when you are done flush the nailer with fresh water, lots of air, then pneumatic tool oil. These posts from other websites:

"I used an inexpensive palm nailer from harbor freight today and it worked GREAT!

Was shocked that it worked and didn’t lock up like some replies in this thread indicated it might. I was 7 feet down driving 16 penny galvanized nails through a 2x6 into an old dock pile. Worked great. Good luck."

another:

" I have, since I posted this answer, used multiple cheap pneumatic tools underwater. I can report that I have had no problems at all in doing so, as long as the tool is disassembled within a day (preferably ASAP) after being used and lubricated throughout."

and this from an Amazon page:

"Senco A9 Palm Nailer

Brand: Senco

4.5 out of 5 stars 13 ratings

Currently unavailable.

We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock.

Compact, well balanced

Lightweight, only 2-1/2 pounds

Drives 6d to 16d nails

Works underwater

*Hose and fittings not included

› See more product details"

So there ya go! Be prepared for lots of bubbles.

Re: OT - Anybody ever use a palm nailer underwater

Pete in Holland MI

Marine contractor that I worked for nearly 40 years ago use air tools under water all the time. Lots of bubbles in your work area to contend with. They worked fine though. Just need to make sure to give them a good drink of WD-40 at the end of the day.

Old school

Jerry Gibbs

Another method would be to pre-drill holes in the repair. Under water insert a couple of 1/4 lag screws, hit them with a hammer, and use a ratchet. Nowhere near as dramatic.

Re: OT - Anybody ever use a palm nailer underwater

William Duffield

Palm nailer? For under water, you should use a flipper nailer or fin nailer.