Spring Tools Combination Nail Set
I’ve had the same one for almost ten years. Sometimes called the “two-bit snapper,” it’s a very simple and clever spring-based hammer that you use instead of the nail set-hammer combo normally used to pound in finishing nails. It’s excellent when you need to put up molding in tight spots and corners. Its compact size means that it can always live on your tool belt. You just pull back one end and the spring does the hammering for you.
It seems to be a lot more accurate than a center punch-hammer combo, since one hand holds the tool and nail together, while the other pulls back to snap the spring; you get fewer errant holes around the nail you’re trying to punch in. It’s one of those tools that is so simple, I wonder why more people don’t have one. I’ve only used it for finishing nails, but Spring Tools makes it in other variations, as well. This tool is just so elegant: simple, functional and as utilitarian as a bicycle.
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Simon
Hi,
I'm working instead with two other kind of tools: a nail driver (http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/page.aspx?c=1&p=32023&cat=3,41306,41331) and a standard center punch (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=56652&cat=1,43456,43461).
This combination is my workbelt kit. For bigger jobs, I'll get my compressor and a finishing nailer.
Keep on your good work,
Simon
Joel Spangler
I didn't get it until I went out to the website. I thought the spring just made the thing easier to hold while hitting with a hammer.... but apparently you pull back and the spring expands and acts AS the hammer... so you don't need to even carry a full sized hammer... excellent. My reading comprehension must be horrible b/c when I read your comments a 2nd time it makes sense.
My only concern with this tool would be getting pinched - looks like it'd be easy to rip out hair (furry hands) with the spring or possibly get a flap of skin pinched... did you ever have an issue with that?
Moon
Joel Spangler, that's the first thing I thought of, too. It looks pinchy.
Moon
Also, I thought it might not have enough power for a lot of jobs.
suraree
I have had the center punch for years. I always keep it in the cordless drill case. It is a good tool. Now I can use it for a nail set too!
Erik Knutzen
I've had a mild pinch or two when using this thing--never enough to break skin--if you hold just the end part your hand is away from the "pinchy" portion of the spring. Wear gloves and it won't be a problem. Again, the snapper is always in my tool belt--it's become indispensable around our old house.
John
Don't spread it about but much used by crooks to break the glass in cars as a means of entry
PutnamEco
Re:
John
Don't spread it about but much used by crooks to break the glass in cars as a means of entry
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I believe EMTs and crooks prefer automatic center punches for that.
David S
I have used this tool for years. It is the best nail set and best center punch ever! Try it one time and you won't want to use the hammer again.
Joel
Perhaps I am out of line, but saying "a lot more accurate" sounds awkward to me. Shouldn't it be "much more accurate"?
Pete D.
Simon - the nail driver looks like what I call a brad pusher. If so, the issue is that it will put the head flush with the surface, but it won't sink it. The spring thing looks like a neat, one piece solution to some tasks. I'll be trying one myself. (Already have a brad pusher, which is great for pushing brads flush.
Robert
I recently moved in to an apartment with old wood floors that tend to work nails loose and into the path of my shuffling feet. Its probably not what the makers of this had in mind, but I've started keeping one of these on a bookshelf in my living room so I can smite the offending nails when they (literally) pop up. Works great, the smiting is fun, and it saves me a trip to the toolbox to get a hammer and nail set.
bruno
I was just lent this tool the other day and did not believe it would work . I have been a carpenter for over 25 years and seen alot of GIMMICK TOOLS ............THIS IS NOT ONE !! it really works . I had driven 2in. brad nails into crown moulding and set the nails that did not countersink with this tool .................went out and got my own ..........i reccomend you do the same .