Framing Nailer Advice

[Robert_in_NY]

I haven't looked for new ones lately but we have a couple Bostich framing nailers that have put in a lot of nails and never gave us a problem. They are very reliable as long as you use common sense and don't abuse them.

 

[MarkV]

Like Pops15, I own a lot of pneumatic nailers and staplers because of my business. Given your criteria, I would look at three things. First the local availability of nails, both brand name, generic and price. Second, weight of the gun, becomes more important the older I get. Third, availability of repair service, less important for a weekend user like yourself.

I'll apologize in advance for the next part, I just can't help myself. I've had surgery due to a framing gun and they do require respect.

MarkV

 

[Pops15]

Oh it has the roundheads with the flat side on one side of the heads.

Those are called clipped heads and are not legal in many areas. You can probably get full round head nails for it. The round heads are just offset.

 

[woodlandfarms]

I buy a lot from these guys...

CPO OUTLETS

 

[GPintheMitten]

I never regretted getting a framing gun. Mine is a Paslode air gun. It'll shoot framing nails as well as the shorter nails for sub-flooring or other sheathing.

We (my son and son-in-law) have used it for a number of projects.

I'm sure other brands are great as well. Just be careful when using it.

 

[Pops15]

Like Pops15, I own a lot of pneumatic nailers and staplers because of my business. Given your criteria, I would look at three things. First the local availability of nails, both brand name, generic and price. Second, weight of the gun, becomes more important the older I get. Third, availability of repair service, less important for a weekend user like yourself.

I'll apologize in advance for the next part, I just can't help myself. I've had surgery due to a framing gun and they do require respect.

MarkV

All good points.
You need to watch the angle of the generics. Some are ok, some are made to work in a variety of brands with different angles. That can cause jams.

The only reason I retired my SN4's was the weight. It can take its toll over 30+ years. No one wanted to arm wrestle me back when I used those heavy guns!

Service can be a consideration but theres really nothing in a nailer a guy couldn't easily fix if he had the parts. Parts availability is another story though.

Oh yes, they do require respect! I hope you didn't get hurt too bad. A guy that worked for me shot himself through his index finger. Thankfully it just went through the skin but when I first saw it, it looked like it had gone right through his knuckle.

 

[CurlyDave]

All of the pros I have seen, both in CA and OR use Hitachi. There is a reason for this.

 

[MarkV]

All of the pros I have seen, both in CA and OR use Hitachi. There is a reason for this.

Dave like so many things they have a regional following. I've owned one Hitachi gun and didn't have much luck with it. It seems to be favorite on the West coast from what I hear though. You don't see too many of them here in the Atlanta area.

MarkV

 

[Pops15]

All of the pros I have seen, both in CA and OR use Hitachi. There is a reason for this.

Don't see Hitachi much here in the midwest. Nearly everyone uses Senco or Paslode around here.

 

[2manyrocks]

Paslode in middle TN.

If you can still gets the parts kit, rebuildling is not hard.

The suggestion of a palm nailer shouldn't be overlooked. They use common nails, and you can nail in really tight spots. Getting the nail started without pinching your finger is the hard part. Cheap, too.