Which type, then brand of framing nailer?

[newbury]

I've several projects coming up that support my buying a framing nailer. I've got air compressors that will support 6-7 CFM. I've also got an investment in DeWalt 20V max tools.

The projects are finishing basements, building a 12x20 shed, adding on to another shed, rebuilding a deck, etc. Thus I need to drive 16d nails. I've got an air driven palm nailer for the big spikes.

Prices seem to range from $60 (after coupon) HF air to $500 DeWalt Kit.

There seem to be 3 major types - Air (vast majority), Cordless Electric, Gas/cordless (paslode). Since most of my foreseen projects will be small jobs, which if done with air wouldn't involve long runs of hose, I'm leaning to air and HF or Ridgid. BUT the DeWalt 20V max is really tempting.

So, TBN, what's the advice? Air? Cordless? Gas? Diesel? And brand?

thanks

 

[/pine]

I'd check the nail specs and for price and availability...a lot of building codes now require full headed nails (as opposed to the clipped heads)...FWIW.

As for a gun...Hatachi makes a very reasonably priced gun that is as light as I've seen...

 

[davesl708]

Sounds like some good projects. I would go with air. I have found the electric are inconsistent in seating depth when driving nails.
Bostitch makes a very good nailer. Shoots 16 and 8 penny nails and not a bad price. Mine is ten years old and has built several houses in its life. Has a good selection of nails too.

A small 18ga. nail will work good for trim work.
Porter Cable makes good finish nailers.

 

[newbury]

I'd check the nail specs and for price and availability...a lot of building codes now require full headed nails (as opposed to the clipped heads)...FWIW.<snip>

Good point.

Sounds like some good projects. I would go with air. I have found the electric are inconsistent in seating depth when driving nails.
Bostitch makes a very good nailer. Shoots 16 and 8 penny nails and not a bad price. Mine is ten years old and has built several houses in its life. Has a good selection of nails too.

A small 18ga. nail will work good for trim work.
Porter Cable makes good finish nailers.

I've got two of the HF $16 18ga nailers. They jam about every 4 nails with HF nails, I've put in about 100 Hitachi nails w/o a jam.

 

[George2615]

I have 2 Porter Cable air nailers bought from HD. I have the small nailer that does brads and nails from 5/8" to 2". The framing nailer does 2" to 3 1/2" nails. I have 2 small compressors for field use or can use the large garage compressor for work around the house. Never had a problem with either one. I thought of buying the battery powered ones but price was quite a bit more than the air units. Didn't look at gas powered. I'm not a contractor so I don't use them every day (as can be seen by the dust on the cases) just for general projects around the house.

 

[Billrog]

I've had Senco nailers since 1974 and their still gong strong with only a few O rings replaced.

 

[SirReal63]

I have the Porter Cable framing nailer, I have shot almost a full case of nails through it without a single jam or hiccup.

 

[Citydude]

I've several projects coming up that support my buying a framing nailer. I've got air compressors that will support 6-7 CFM. I've also got an investment in DeWalt 20V max tools. The projects are finishing basements, building a 12x20 shed, adding on to another shed, rebuilding a deck, etc. Thus I need to drive 16d nails. I've got an air driven palm nailer for the big spikes. Prices seem to range from $60 (after coupon) HF air to $500 DeWalt Kit. There seem to be 3 major types - Air (vast majority), Cordless Electric, Gas/cordless (paslode). Since most of my foreseen projects will be small jobs, which if done with air wouldn't involve long runs of hose, I'm leaning to air and HF or Ridgid. BUT the DeWalt 20V max is really tempting. So, TBN, what's the advice? Air? Cordless? Gas? Diesel? And brand? thanks

What the hey? Did you somehow give that list to my wife? I've got the same projects handed to me minus the shed. . I do have porter cable nailers and they have performed very well for me.

 

[EddieWalker]

Shop Hitachi 1-Piece 3.5-in x 0.14-in Roundhead Framing Pneumatic Nail Gun at Lowes.com.

I've owned DeWalt, Senco, Porter Cable, Bostitch, Ridged, and Hitachi. I've also tried other brands that belong to guys on jobs I've been on. Hitachi is by far the best one that I've owned and the only one I would buy again. The other brands are either super heavy, awkward, or they just start to fall apart after a couple cases of nails.

Eddie

 

[JimRB]

I have a Paslode air framing gun (kind of heavy) from a pawn shop years ago. More than a few boxes of nails through it.

My question is this. Does a framing nail gun shoot nails legal/code for pressure treated? I am redoing some work I did 18 years ago and nails have dissolved that were in pressure treated that seemed to stay damp. Or got damp more than stayed dry. I tried to redo where things would not stay damp.

Paslode framing air gun serviced once. Paslode Mustang trim gun serviced once. Senco narrow crown stapler serviced once. Bostich brad nailer. Some generic roofing nail gun. All three of the air tools serviced in the same year a few years ago. All tools are 25-30 years old.