Nail Gun Opinions

[WVH1977]

I have started another building project and am thinking about getting a nail gun. Last shed build I did, I used screws on the whole thing. I have an air compressor but thinking about the battery so I don't have to worry about the hose.

Any recommendation from the pro builders on here what to buy? I will be using for framing.

 

[Rustyiron]

YouTube isn't a bad place to start.

 

[JJT]

I have several air nailers. My first was a harbor freight framing nailer, so cheap I bought a pair thinking they were going to be short lived, one project, disposal.... 20 years later they both are going strong. I've put 10's of thousands of nails through these, dropped them 12'+ off scaffolding and abused the heck out of them, they have been surprisingly trouble free. They owe me nothing.

 

[Roadworthy]

I bought a Harbor Freight framing nailer fifteen or twenty years ago for some project or another. I've used it since - it's a really neat tool. If you just want a framing nailer for the one project it's probably not worth dropping a bundle of money on it. The warranty on the Harbor Freight unit will probably outlast your project but in my experience the nailer will outlast any warranty. Just add a bit of oil now and then.

 

[chevy]

If you currently have cordless power tools, go with a nailer that uses the same batteries as your power tools.

 

[Jstpssng]

If you currently have cordless power tools, go with a nailer that uses the same batteries as your power tools.

That was my thought also, until I started pricing them. The HF air nailer is $89.99. Dewalt starts at about $348.
I've been considering one myself so this is a timely question. A couple of more questions: 21, 28, or 30 degree? Also, paper or plastic collated?

I don't mean to hijack the OPs thread, but these likely are of interest to him also.

 

[RustyA]

Paper collated dissolve when wet. Price the nails before deciding on the gun. Some brands of nails are stupid expensive. Use safety glasses and work gloves with plastic collated, they throw shards of plastic. Bil has DeWalt cordless framing gun. It seems finicky on what nails it likes to shoot well. If it jams it's a job to disassemble to clear misfire.

 

[rocco611]

21 degree are the most popular with pro builders I know. paper collated nails hold better than plastic and leave less debris to deal with. Its been several years , but I didn't have good luck with Harbor Freight nailers when I was reroofing a house. HF has a 90 day warranty on pretty much everything they sell. some of the HF tools once out of warranty have no replacement parts available. I returned the HF nailers, picked up a used Hitachi roofing nailer . I also found used Porter Cable and Senco framing , brad and staplers. Over the years I have had to put a few parts in them , but the parts are available for most all name brand nailers.

 

[scootr]

I ran nail guns daily for many years - Hitachi was our preferred gun. The steeper angle allows access into tighter spaces. Not an issue for everybody whose just framing 1 building or such. The battery operated units look like the way to go today.

 

[Southernspeed]

I use a Paslode. You get over 1000 rounds per gas cylinder and the battery lasts for several gas cylinders. Not light but manageable. I've built a lot of run in sheds and hay feeders with it!

 

[Hay Dude]

I have DeWalt for cordless and Bostich for air. Little to complain about.

 

[timbatrader]

I ran nail guns daily for many years - Hitachi was our preferred gun. The steeper angle allows access into tighter spaces. Not an issue for everybody whose just framing 1 building or such. The battery operated units look like the way to go today.

I went with Hitachi (now called Hikoki ) because the paslode gas guns seem to be good for professional use but if you leave them in the shed for a few months between projects they always need a new gas canister and maybe a service, where as the Hitachi just put a battery in and she goes. The down side for me is it it heavy compared to the paslode. My advice don't go with the big battery buy several small light ones it makes it much easier using overhead

 

[rangerfredbob]

When I built my pole barn (36'x48') I bought a HFT model to put in the nearly 20 pounds of nails that came with the kit... they were plastic collated 28 degree I think, they worked with the harbor freight nailer fine... I ran it on a $20 garage sale compressor that wasn't the most consistent on pressure but it didn't miss a beat. I did warranty one but it was because we dropped a board cutoff on the trigger sideways somehow... they replaced it...

I was set on going cordless until I saw the Dewalt or Milwaukee were almost $400 where the air was $90... I have no regrets on my decision, the HFT nailer works great and I've loaned it out a couple times...

 

[Hay Dude]

Make no mistake, the cordless units are more expensive and not as fast, but when you are in tight spots, or don’t have to do thousands of nails, they are an excellent tool. Not having the hose to lug around is less fatiguing and you also get rid of the need for compressor noise and electricity for that matter.
Both have their place, but the compressor powered nailer is the way to go when you have a lot of nailing to do.

 

[2manyrocks]

I’ve got a paslode air framing nailer. Shoots 3.5 inch coated nails. There is a coating on them that heats up when shot that then adheres to the wood. Good luck pulling it out.

I haven’t looked to see if there are any cordless framing nailers I would buy today to avoid having a compressor and hose. I would look into that option.

have to be careful not to shoot yourself. Never try to hold the backside of what you are nailing. Seen guys nail themselves. Imagine trying to pull a nail out of bone.

 

[D&D]

That was my thought also, until I started pricing them. The HF air nailer is $89.99. Dewalt starts at about $348.
I've been considering one myself so this is a timely question. A couple of more questions: 21, 28, or 30 degree? Also, paper or plastic collated?

I don't mean to hijack the OPs thread, but these likely are of interest to him also.

Pick up a palm nailer too. They are fantastic for joist hangers and rafter ties.

 

[LouNY]

I'm certainly not a professional. I have a coil roofing nailer it will take up to a 1 3/4" nail, it's a Dewalt. My finish nailer is a Millwaukee cordless because most of my battery tools are M18 Millwaukee. I just picked up a used Bostitch N80C coil nailer to have for a siding job. If it fails I'll pick up the Harbour Freight coil nailer.
The Dewalt will be used for the Soffits, the Millwaukee for the trim and some of the Fasia, and the Bostich for Fasia and siding (all James Hardie cement board) Both the coil nailers will be using ring shank SS nails, 1 3/4" in the Dewalt and 2 1/2 in the Bostich.

 

[Rustyiron]

Just for giggles

That's a "normal" 3 1/2" pasload framing stick nailer next to bostich's "big bertha", talk about heavy!

I do a lot of full dimension sawmill lumber and a 3,25" nail just doesn't get it.

 

[D&D]

(all James Hardie cement board)

My in-laws family runs a small chain of building supply and they are going to stop carrying hardie plank/board. Seems too many people buy it, don’t install exactly per manuf. directions and get p.o’d when the warranty claims are rejected.
Really good stuff when installed correctly, just gotta do it their way.

 

[D&D]

Just for giggles

That's a "normal" 3 1/2" pasload framing stick nailer next to bostich's "big bertha", talk about heavy!

I do a lot of full dimension sawmill lumber and a 3,25" nail just doesn't get it.

With a side handle, looks like that is loads of fun on a ladder