This German made nailer, first launched in 2005, fires clipped head (D head) nails from 50 to 90mm, hence the D90, but what does the ‘S’ stand for? Not sexy – but it could be. In fact, it stands for short or standard, because there is also a long version (L), which gives you 97 nails per loading. If you are trying to get the tool into tight spaces between studs or rafters the shorter magazine and long nose is ideal, and the L version’s longer magazine gives a slightly better balance to the tool.

Firing nails into timber is what these tools are designed to do and, because of the power of gas nailers, you will have no trouble doing that. D head clipped nails can easily be driven 20mm below the surface of pressure treated soft wood, which effectively gives you penetration into the second timber equivalent to a 100mm nail. There are some concerns over the possibility of clipped head nails pulling through, and in earthquake and hurricane areas they prefer full heads.

If you don’t overdrive the head there should be no real difference, since the ring shank does a lot of the holding, which you will know if you ever have to pull the nails out. 
The BEA drive depth adjuster allows you to adjust the depth quickly according to the timber or board you are fixing. One test shot gives you an indication.

The fuel cell is said to be good for 2,300 shots and, because each 2,000-nail pack has a fuel cell, you end up with more fuel than you need. The gas itself is said to be clean and contains a lubricant to extend servicing intervals. The gas will also work down to -10° C. This is about as cold as it gets in the UK but don’t overlook the wind chill. Even at -3°C there can be sufficient wind chill to achieve an effective -10°C, which makes all gas nailers decidedly sluggish, so it pays to keep your fuel cells in a sheltered spot and not to leave the tool lying in an exposed area.

Safety
All nailers, whether gas or air, need to be treated with respect because, although everything has been done to make sure they are safe to use, there is no way that the manufacturers can eliminate user error. Remove the battery when the tool isn’t in use or when you are clearing a jam. Leaving a fuel cell on your dashboard during a hot day is just one example of a potentially dangerous situation that can happen without a thought.

Gas versus air
BeA is a company with a great deal of experience in air nailers, and I have no doubt that they would like to see the UK market for air grow. The tools are cheaper to run and last longer than gas. Talking to carpenters in Germany they are surprised to see us Brits using gas nailers for general construction. The gas nailer is the ultimate convenience tool and the increased competition in the market has made the gas and nail packs more affordable.

For further information on the BeA Dynamik visit:
www.bea-group.com

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