Framing Nailer Advice

[bdeboer]

Listen to the advice on the full round nailers, if you ever expect to be inspected.

 

[Chilly807]

I mostly agree with Eddie about DeWalt stuff...with two exceptions. I've had some good DeWalt cordeless drills. The cost of their batteries prompted me to switch to Porter Cable for my current cordless drill. So far its been ok but its not balanced as well as the yellow ones. The other DeWalt tools that I like are my miter saws. I have a 12" compound miter, and a 12" sliding compound miter. I wouldn't trade those for any other brand. I checked them all out and went with DeWalt for both of them and have no regrets.
On the other hand I have a DeWalt reciprocating saw thats a toy compared to the Milwaukee Sawzalls I have. I also have a yellow 1/2" hammer drill thats junk.
I have to caution against buying those cheap compressor and nailer combo kits. My senco compressor was acting up and I needed a compressor right away. I went to Lowes and bought the Bostitch combo kit. The brad gun has been ok but I don't expect it to hold up long. Don't know about the finish nailer and stapler that came with it because no one around here sells fasteners for them! The Bostitch compressor crapped out after less than 5 hours run time. Ironically my trusty old Senco compressor was ok. I didn't drain the tank and some water froze up in the regulator. We bought that compressor in '92 for $229 and the salesman said he didn't think it would hold up. I put a $28 rebuild kit in it in 2000. Other than that it's been great and its been worked hard.
I've never regretted buying quality tools. Can't say the same about buying cheap junk.

You guys are both bang on about Dewalt, I've had good luck with their 14.4 cordless drill, a lot of the rest is junk. Both batteries lasted almost 8 years, the drill was still good so I actually bought new batteries and kept the old drill.

Senco has been good to me, I used an old (and borrowed) Senco stapler to put about 90 bundles of cedar shingles on my house last year. Kept it oiled and it never missed a beat. I'd consider their framing nailers too.

Paslode is good but pricey, I've no opinion on Hitachi.

I've got an Eagle compressor that's held up well too, though it doesn't get used commercially.

If it were me, I'd wait until the cheapy nailers come on sale for $50, then try one. If it does the jobs you want it to, then you're in money. We built a friend's garage last fall with a cheap nailer from Canadian Tire (read Chinese), had a couple jams and a few doubles, but it got the job done.

Ditto on nail availability and price. It's the real hidden cost in using an air nailer. If you pay twice as much for a few boxes of nails for the cheap nailer, you might as well buy the Paslode, enjoy it, and have something worth keeping or even selling down the road.

My 2 cents plus HST,

Chilly

 

[forgeblast]

I bought my paslode on ebay for 60 shipped. nothing wrong just right place at the right time. It takes full head and a varitey of sizes. I do have a dewalt brad nailer nothing wrong with it, between those two tools you have a lot covered.
From molding to crown the dewalt handled it all,
the paslode is going to make the coop im building a breeze.
i have a large craftsman compressor and an auto oiler/air drier from grizzley.

 

[BayouMan]

Eddie,
Most framing nail boxes come with 5,000 nails.

Mike

 

[CurlyDave]

Eddie:

It varies, some came 1000 nails to the case, some are 5000 in a case.

2000 to 2500 is an average for framing nails that I have seen.

 

[PA hayseed]

I bought a DeWalt from the local Ace Hardware and liked allot of things about it.
Now that I've had it for a few years, it's proven to be like all my DeWalt tools. It's falling apart and giving me issues feeding nails. I'm always hesitant to buy DeWalt, but usually do so because of the price.

For small guns, I've had Porter Cable and consider them to be junk. They are ok at first, but it doesn't take long for them to fail. I've since come to that conclusion with everything they make and will no longer spend money that brand.

Eddie

A couple of years ago, Dewalt ruined some of my favorite tools by buying out porter cable. Now most of the stuff is chinese, and has inferior parts. Look at several of their product lines, identical.

Porter Cable still has about the best routers and some decent dovetail jigs. They still make some other decent woodworking tools. Dewalt bought them for a reason, reduces competition, and they got access to some lines they didn't make.

Porter cable made a fantastic drill driver combo 19.2v - no longer available. I have used this set for about 10 years - The batteries and charger are fantastic. Funny, it is almost always the other way with other drills.

If you ever need parts go to their online parts place and be prepared to be confused. I left their site and went to a store and the store guy said the same thing I was thinking, they must not want you to fix your tools.

Best Random orbital sander I have ever owned was a Dewalt. They no longer make that one, and replaced it with an inferior product. I have been on ebay to buy new old stock replacements for the one I have. I got two in use and one on the shelf. I think I will cry when I have to pull down the last one. Wow, I am getting off topic. Just wanted you to know (if you didn't) that Dewalt bought out PC and is ruining their old lines.

 

[Pops15]

They're putting fewer nails in a case instead of raising the per case price. That game started about 12 years ago. Most brands available in my area will have 4000 or 5000 in a case. Can't recall the brand name but Menards recently started carrying a US made generic that costs less than Paslode or Senco.

About full round......the nailer isn't the issue. Nailers designed for clipped head nails have full round head nails available. The heads are offset compared to the shank of the nail so they can be collated in the stick.

 

[Pops15]

A couple of years ago, Dewalt ruined some of my favorite tools by buying out porter cable. Now most of the stuff is chinese, and has inferior parts. Look at several of their product lines, identical.

Porter Cable still has about the best routers and some decent dovetail jigs. They still make some other decent woodworking tools. Dewalt bought them for a reason, reduces competition, and they got access to some lines they didn't make.

Porter cable made a fantastic drill driver combo 19.2v - no longer available. I have used this set for about 10 years - The batteries and charger are fantastic. Funny, it is almost always the other way with other drills.

If you ever need parts go to their online parts place and be prepared to be confused. I left their site and went to a store and the store guy said the same thing I was thinking, they must not want you to fix your tools.

Best Random orbital sander I have ever owned was a Dewalt. They no longer make that one, and replaced it with an inferior product. I have been on ebay to buy new old stock replacements for the one I have. I got two in use and one on the shelf. I think I will cry when I have to pull down the last one. Wow, I am getting off topic. Just wanted you to know (if you didn't) that Dewalt bought out PC and is ruining their old lines.

I wasn't aware DeWalt had bought Porter Cable. Black & Decker bought DeWalt 15 years ago with the intention of shutting them down. They found DeWalt tools were better than their own. They merged the DeWalt line with the B&D commercial line and kept the B&D line for the low price market. Quality of much of the DeWalt line has been in decline since the B&D buy out.
Porter Cable used to make some of the highest quality power tools available. Their belt sanders were second to none. It's a shame the way their quality has dropped recently.

 

[gsganzer]

I just bought a Milwaukee round head framing nailer. I love it. It's very light with some great features. The price was very good too.

I've had great luck with Milwaukee's. All of my power and cordless tools are Milwaukee's.

 

[NuBota]

I think Black and Decker just merged with Stanley recently - I think the whole conglomerate owns DeWalt, Bostitch, Porter-Cable, Proto, Kwikset, Mac Tools and some others

I think Bosch owns all the rest... Skil, Dremel, etc

I went with the Paslode to frame my basement. I really like it - no compressor or cords to deal with. It is powerful and effecient with battery and gas charges. My rational was that when I build the pole barn and other outdoor projects, I wouldn't need to worry about power at the site

The only thing I noticed when working inside - the exhaust fumes are a little annoying in close spaces - so I keep a window cracked

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I think Black and Decker just merged with Stanley recently - I think the whole conglomerate owns DeWalt, Bostitch, Porter-Cable, Proto, Kwikset, Mac Tools and some others

I think Bosch owns all the rest... Skil, Dremel, etc

I went with the Paslode to frame my basement. I really like it - no compressor or cords to deal with. It is powerful and effecient with battery and gas charges. My rational was that when I build the pole barn and other outdoor projects, I wouldn't need to worry about power at the site

The only thing I noticed when working inside - the exhaust fumes are a little annoying in close spaces - so I keep a window cracked

I thought Porter Cable and Delta were associated somehow. If Dewalt does own PC that's almost a deal killer for me. Dewalt does not live up to it's name in my book. Milwaukee lives up to its name, but I can only afford a few Milwaukee tools.

I'm still not sure what I'll get. After all of the comments here I'm debating between the Bostich and the Harbor Freight nailers. I'm pretty sure I'll go full pneumatic vs. the cordless option. My shop air line is only a few feet from the basement where the construction is taking place. I can have the air without the noise. It will be the same when I do the shop addition later.

 

[PILOON]

Hitachi, for me, is hands down the winner!
I purchased mine used 12 yrs ago and have gone thru PALLETS of nail strips and have never spent a dime on it yet.
Also probably the most common nails to be found in any store and will take from 2" to 3 1/4" strips.

Strip guns are the best, IMHO, as you can stuff 5-6 strips in your belt and even if U drop a strip it is usable.
Coils are throw-a-way if dropped! + you can't carry a spare coil..

Correct ;re B&D/Stanley merger!
B&D own a big production facility in China and virtually produce most private branded lines of air tools sold by others.
Stanley never actually built air tools, actually jobbed them out.
Big players are B&D/DeWalt/Stanley, Hitachi, Makita.
For my money, Hitachi and Makita lead the pack in quality.

 

[timswi]

I use a Paslode framer..Love it..No hoses...Went with Porter Cable air powered for the finisher...Slow moving with that, so hoses aren't a big deal.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I suppose I ought to start thinking toward a finish nailer too. I'm going to be doing the trim too, but it won't be for a few months.

 

[EastTexFrank]

I used a Harbor Freight framing gun for a few years. It really surprised me. It stood up well to my occasional use. When I built the decks I thought that I needed something better. I got a Paslode cordless and it's one of the best purchases I ever made. These days is mainly used for repairing and rebuilding the board fences around the house and the pastures. I may still have to haul the generator out to power the saws but no more compressor. It's magic.

 

[bdeboer]

Milwaukee lives up to its name, but I can only afford a few Milwaukee tools.

I purchased a new Milwaukee circular saw last summer, was somewhat surprised to see the "Made In China" on it. I like the saw, but....

 

[woodlandfarms]

Just FYI

Black & Decker (the corporation) is distinct from "Black & Decker" the brand; the latter is used by more than one corporation. In particular, "Black & Decker"-branded household products in the Americas (but outside of Brazil) are marketed by a division of Applica, a Florida-based corporation much smaller than Black & Decker Corporation.

Brands include:

* DeWalt
* Porter-Cable
* Delta Machinery
* DeVilbiss Air Power
* Kwikset
* Baldwin
* Weiser Lock
* Price Pfister
* Emhart Teknologies
* Oldham Blades
* Black and Decker Firestorm
* Vector


The Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation is a manufacturer of heavy-duty portable electric power tools and accessories.

The company was established by A. F. Siebert in 1924 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation manufactures its products in 12, 18, 28, 120 and 230 volt configurations. Their product line includes some 500 power tool models, including reciprocating saws, circular saws, drills, driver drills, hammer drills, rotary hammers, band saws, bench grinders and sanders.

The company is now headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, with production facilities currently operating in Greenwood, Mississippi (150,000 sq ft. operational since 2002) and Jackson, Mississippi (60,000 sq ft. plant operational since 1974).

Milwaukee’s power tools and accessories are shipped to power tool distributors worldwide from Milwaukee’s distribution centers located in Olive Branch, Mississippi, a city located south of Memphis, Tennessee, and Hoeselt, Belgium.

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation was sold to Techtronic Industries, a Hong Kong-based company, in 2005.

 

[PA hayseed]

Nice post woodland.

To further illustrate how mixed up the whole market is, stanely and bostich were different companies. Stanley bought bostich.

For woodworkers it is becoming increasingly more difficult to discern who is making your tools. A Jet jointer is identical (minus paint) to a Grizzly jointer.

Hitachi - Actually Hitachi Koki
?948 Hitachi Koki founded as a manufacturer of coal mining machinery and equipment, and electric power tools .
?957 Production of electric power tools reaches 1 million units .
?960 Manufacturing of pneumatic tools started .
?968 Production of electric power tools exceeds 5 million units .
?973 Began export operations of electric power tools to the US .
?974 Total cumulative power tool production surpasses 10 million units .
?979 Cordless drills introduced to the market .
?980 Hitachi Power Tools USA founded .
?982 DV20VA 釦ype microprocessor- controlled impact drill, the world痴 first electric power tool equipped with a microprocessor, shipped .
?985 Production of power tools surpasses 30 million units .
?988 Established Research and Development center, as well as, a Power Tool Test Center in Katsuta Plant in Japan that includes state-of-the-art Robotic and Automated testing equipment .
?994 Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A. was renamed Hitachi Koki U.S.A to denote the addition of manufacturing to the United States .
?995 Electric Power Tools Division Awarded ISO 9002 certification .
?997 The Progress Prize of the Japan Electrical Manufacturers Association obtained for the development of a separation-use small-sized centrifuge (150,000 revolutions/minute), the highest speed machine of its kind in the world .
?997 Hitachi Koki Canada Co. started .
?000 Implemented simulation design technology, which uses a 3-D Cad system to digitally engineer tools in advance in order to test and improve the tools before production begins .
?003 Hitachi develops and patents new IDI (Internal Double Insulation) technology .


pony clamps are now Jorgensen ADJUSTABLE CLAMP COMPANY

I kinda live tools and read tons on them. No matter what anyone tells you, there is absolutely a difference why one tool costs 100 and another costs 35. I am not a HF fan, by any means.

 

[SuperCobra]

I'd never used a nail gun before I got the cordless Paslode. Used it to build a barn. Worked great since I didn't have power in yet. Sided and stalls lined with green rough cut 4/4 oak. No problem handling that. Also used it to build fence out of same. No need to drag around cord or compressor. I've since bought a corded finish nailer and I'll usually just grab a hammer for small jobs but for the framing nailer, it's always ready and always used - even if it is just one or two nails.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

For all you HF framing nailer people...

What nails do you use in your framing nailer? Can you use nails that are found at your local hardware store or do you have to go back to HF to get their nails?

I just found out that my wife is going to be passing by the nearest Harbor Freight store (an hour away) tomorrow. That changes the equation a bit. I won't have to pay to ship it, and I'll have it for the weekend. Any of the other nailers I've mentioned considering would be internet orders, and I'd have to wait for shipping.

Any good deals going on right now on HF framing nailers?