TIL that an 18-gauge pneumatic finish nailer is capable of shooting a nail straight through a copper water pipe.

I was literally putting the final nail into the final piece of baseboard molding in my kitchen remodel when I heard an odd metallic ringing sound. I knew the pipes were behind this particular wall, and thought I had adjusted my nail placement to account for them. Initially didn’t see any evidence of a leak, so figured the nail probably just hit it and turned, knowing it doesn’t take much to deflect this small gage nails, and surely they can’t penetrate a copper pipe. Decided to pull the baseboard and cut into the wall to check for my peace of mind. As the board pulled away - along with the nail - water began spurting out. Sure enough the nail had gone all the way through both sides of the pipe. Had to shut off the water and drain the line. Looks like I’m doing some plumbing work tomorrow.

Mar 15, 2025 - 05:21

I was literally putting the final nail into the final piece of baseboard molding in my kitchen remodel when I heard an odd metallic ringing sound. I knew the pipes were behind this particular wall, and thought I had adjusted my nail placement to account for them. Initially didn’t see any evidence of a leak, so figured the nail probably just hit it and turned, knowing it doesn’t take much to deflect this small gage nails, and surely they can’t penetrate a copper pipe. Decided to pull the baseboard and cut into the wall to check for my peace of mind. As the board pulled away - along with the nail - water began spurting out. Sure enough the nail had gone all the way through both sides of the pipe. Had to shut off the water and drain the line. Looks like I’m doing some plumbing work tomorrow.