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Need a pneumatic framing nailer

71PA_Highboy

An Unknown but Engorged Member
Joined
May 20, 2020
Member Number
442
Messages
261
Loc
Near the Triad, Lookin' at the freeway
So I have to help a friend tomorrow and my pneumatic framing nailer is nowhere to be found.

On me to bring one, So if I have to buy one tomorrow, any recommendations?

Offset feed, High angle? What are your preferences and why?

HF good enough for an occasional use tool?
 
71PA_Highboy said:
So I have to help a friend tomorrow and my pneumatic framing nailer is nowhere to be found.

On me to bring one, So if I have to buy one tomorrow, any recommendations?

Offset feed, High angle? What are your preferences and why?

HF good enough for an occasional use tool?
Click to expand...
No experience with HF, but I've had a few Mastercraft (canadian discount brand) and they've consistently failed quickly. I've had multiple because they were warranty replacements. Finally got my money back, haven't bought a quality one yet, so I'll watch this thread.

Essential Craftsman seems to love his Hitachi nailers, not sure it it's because the old ones were good, or if they're still good. I've watched lots of his videos and he seems to know his stuff for what it's worth.

 
71PA_Highboy said:
So I have to help a friend tomorrow and my pneumatic framing nailer is nowhere to be found.

On me to bring one, So if I have to buy one tomorrow, any recommendations?

Offset feed, High angle? What are your preferences and why?

HF good enough for an occasional use tool?
Click to expand...
Where you located?
 
Metabo from Lowes are awesome

So is Makita but not sure if that's available in your area

Either of the 2 are what we mainly use.
 
Most important consideration is what nails are common and easy to find where you are at. Then pick out a gun that shoots them. The more money you spend the better the gun. Put a few drops of oil in it and shoot a dozen nails when you are finished with your job. Do not store it somewhere damp. Remember where you put it away and you will be fine next time you need to use it.
 
I've got a Bostitch from lowes I picked up a few years ago. its been great but doesn't get used much. One good thing is that lowes always has nails in stock when I need them. one bad thing is that its heavy as fuck.
 
wvracer821 said:
I've got a Bostitch from lowes I picked up a few years ago. its been great but doesn't get used much. One good thing is that lowes always has nails in stock when I need them. one bad thing is that its heavy as fuck.
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A very reliable brick.
 
Air still used even?. I figured Cordless is what most guys use.
 
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I have all Max guns and would buy them again no question. Over the years I've tried most of the the major brands and keep settling back on those Max guns. Not sure on the harbor freight for occasional use, zero experience there.

I'd go full head 21° plastic collation for compatability with other's guns and consistent availability.
 
I have never seen one of these that was just so worn out that it could not be rebuilt by a simple kit. I have seen lots of them junked because parts kits have been discontinued. I have bought rebuild kits for all of my air tools and have ebay searches for a few that have been discontinued. Buy a name brand tool, buy an overhaul kit AND and an extra bumper and you are set for life.
FWIW I think Bostitch framing guns are the least reliable fastening "Name Brand" , I bought a Bostitch N88 Magnesium and it was the least reliable air tool I have owned. I am a huge Senco fan but they are not cheap and more gun than a once every 3 years framer needs. Ive been impressed by the new Hitachi/Metabo framers for less than Senco money. I like plastic rather than wire or paper collated nails.
 
Most of the "kits" are just a pile of standard size o-rings.

If you have a good assortment of O-rings you can usually rebuild any gun by measuring the rings that come out of it and picking from your stock, sometimes you gotta order a couple of the big ones.
 
I have a porter cable that as best as I can tell is a gray Bostitch that has been passed around our family for 20 years and has probably gone through 10-15 boxes of nails at this point with no complaints. If I had to buy another gun today I would look at whatever they stock the most of at the hardware store and then go buy a gun that uses those nails out of the pawn shop.
 
jpndave said:
I have all Max guns and would buy them again no question. Over the years I've tried most of the the major brands and keep settling back on those Max guns. Not sure on the harbor freight for occasional use, zero experience there.

I'd go full head 21° plastic collation for compatability with other's guns and consistent availability.
Click to expand...
I don't likey MAX gun.

Right off the bat, it wouldn't consistently drive 3" nails all the way, and definitely not 3 1/4.

So I used it as a dedicated sheeting nailer, which was great for a while. Now, after prolonged use or cold weather, the piston seems to "cease up" and it doesn't retract for the next shot. Even with a fresh oiling.
 
I have a Bostitch that uses the 21* plastic collated full head nails. I have no complaints. I haven't used it a whole lot, but I did build a 12x10 wood framed shed for the backyard a few years ago and it worked great for everything from the ring shank nails for building the rafters/trusses to the smooth shank nails for fastening the frame together.
 
I ahve the HF one.....i have no complaints for the price....it's a tank, but no idea if others are lighter...
 
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