Framing nailer question

[handirifle]

I figure you guys would know this as well as anyone.

Been considering a framing nailer for some time. Don't have a lot of uses for it, but occasionally one would be handy. I see there are 21* and 30* models but have no clue which I should get or which is better.

I the steeper 30* just for easier access to tighter ares, or is there another purpose? Which is most common?

 

[Deere Dude]

I got a 28 degree nailer I believe and is okay for tight spots. I would make sure any nailer you get is rated for at least 125 deg. I got a HF nailer rated for 90 I believe, but at that pressure a 3-1/2 nail wouldn't seat. I crank the pressure up enough and then the head seal blows gaskets. They are getting better now, but watch for that.

 

[WranglerX]

Just a heads up...

Check local building supplies stores, see what collated nails they normally have in stock.... 21° or 28° ... Locally (small burg) there is only one real source for collated nails, and they only carry 21°... Also decide if you want full round head or clipped head, degree of collation may make difference....

Though I got a good deal on 28° nailer only to discover nobody locally carried 28° nails, nearest 28° nail's are 38 miles away...

Dale

 

[handirifle]

I ask because Harbor Freight just started a new line called Banks, supposedly higher end products. They have a 21 and 30*, kinda odd since you guys talk about 28*, so the 21 might be the ticket.

Will investigate the pressure concern. Their write up says working pressure 70-120 PSI. Their normal price is $99 but sale is $79, so a pretty good price, if the quality is there. I don't need one for everyday use. I have one of their 18ga finish nailers and a 15ga Hitachi finish nailer. Both have lasted me years so far with no problems.

Will look a little closer.

 

[BoylermanCT]

I have the older HF nailers. My framing gun is adjustable so it can take 21, 28 and 34 nails. So I can buy whatever nails are on sale. Never had a problem with any of my HF nail guns, and I have 8 of them. My only advice is buy good nails at Home Depot or Lowes. The HF nails can cause issues.

 

[handirifle]

Yea I have had issues with their welding wire, so no surprise on the nails. Good to know about the nailers too.

 

[gsganzer]

I've had this Milwaukee for quite a while and it's been flawless. Milwaukee framing nailer The nails are available at any big box store. Drives the 3 1/2" no problem and the selectable trigger, rotating exhaust and simple depth control are all nice features.

 

[DJ54]

I've had this Milwaukee for quite a while and it's been flawless. Milwaukee framing nailer The nails are available at any big box store. Drives the 3 1/2" no problem and the selectable trigger, rotating exhaust and simple depth control are all nice features.

I've been drooling over one of these for several months now. Looked it over at Home Depot again, just yesterday. I've got a tack/feed room in the horse barn to build, and a firewood/coal crib to build in the new storage building this Fall when it cools off. Sure would save a lot of wear & tear on the ole' right arm driving 16 penny nails.

 

[/pine]

Hitachi makes a very light weight nailer that has been flawless...many building codes will not accept clipped headed nails for many applications...

 

[TractorNH]

Hitachi makes a very light weight nailer that has been flawless...many building codes will not accept clipped headed nails for many applications...

I have a Hitachi as well, and older clipped head version but I haven't had a need to upgrade since I don't use it very much anymore.

Important to point out though is the full head nails are plastic collated whereas the clipped head are paper collated. You really need to be careful of the plastic bits that fly out when driving full head nails, really easy to get them in your eye.