Framing Nail Guns

[LandShark]

I am looking to buy a framing nailer (2" to 3 1/2" nails) for light personal use and need some advice on what's best to buy. Clipped head or round head. 28, 21, 18, or 34 or other? degree nails? I would like to be able to use a variety of nails... . ring shank, galvanized, etc. I like the prices a HarborFreight.com ($99) for the clipped head nailers.

Thanks... .....

 

[Chipstien]

My dad bought the Magnesium Nailer from Harbor Frieght and says while not quite the quality of his Porter Cable or say a Senco... ... . it seems to be fine for the average homeowner. Get the round head nailer, nails are more readily availiable.

 

[CEpp]

i would get the pasload nailer. we own 4 of them and they are about 5-7 years old and other than normal service, they have never let us down

 

[CFAR]

I've had problems with the Paslode, when they work they are fine, but I don't think you can beat the Air. Porter cable, Senco, all are fine for average use, oil them or buy an oiler. If by occasional use you mean once or twice a year, get the cheapest you can find. Round heads, not as many nails per stick, but more selection, seems the clipped heads are going out of style, I understand they don't meet code in some parts of the country.

 

[jtisdale]

Paslode, period.

 

[ACoyle]

I have a psalode IMCT, They also make an air model. I love it so much, I replaces it when it as stilen.



AC

 

[LandShark]

Thanks for the replies. I'm not sure why the psaload guns are being recommended. Aren't they expensive and require gas cartridges?



I have a decent compressor and will use the gun a dozen times a year for minor framing (small shed), picnic tables, refastening decking, and minor repairs. Don't need a expensive pro model; just a gun that will handle a variety of nails.



Sounds like round head nails are the way to go. What angle nails are most popular?

 

[Rob Thomas]

Originally posted by LandShark

Thanks for the replies. I'm not sure why the psaload guns are being recommended. Aren't they expensive and require gas cartridges?

If your talking about the Paslode Impulse nailers, yes, they use a gas/battery and are not cheap (guns are $400ish, gas is about $6/cartrage), but are by far the best cordless nailers available, IMO. I have both a Paslode, framer and a trim gun, love 'em, and are worth they're weight in gold IF, you need cordless. They are a little tempermantal when the mercury drops below 20*, but keep the gas cartrages warm(read truck heater, NOT torch, ) and they are fine.



If your talking air nailers, either Paslode or Senco get my vote, have used both and own both, framers and trim guns, no complaints on either. BTW, you get a free gun when you buy a pallet of nails, such a deal.



Rob

 

[QRTRHRS]

I have a Duo-Fast full head going on ten years or so. Although I am not in the construction business, the nailer has seen a fair amount of use with minimal problems.



Price and quality wise, I like Porter Cable. I have two PC finish nailers and a coil roofer. The roofer has seen some pretty serious use including being loaned out several times without failure.



Senco makes a serious duty gun but the price is relative. No experiance at all with Paslode.



Regardless of your choice, lubricate the tool with quality air tool oil and nothing else. You can get an automatic oiler to fasten directly to the gun. Or, if you go the safe route and disconnect your air line while reloading, put a few drops in maybe every other reload.

 

[JIM S.]

my vote goes to paslode too... the f350s (air) is by far my favorite. . light and balenced well, and personly I have never had one misfire on me... . the bostich ones at work ... . well I wont get into that! OH. . and the paslode looks more sexy!! LOL

jim

 

[jtisdale]

I was refering to air compressor powered nailers. I suppose the impulse would have its place, but as far as any co2 or battery powered nailer goes, you can keep it.