Bostitch compressor/nailer deal at Lowes, and a quandary

[tjr]

Browsing in Lowes yesterday (Bashford Manor KY store), I came across the new Bostitch brad nailer/compressor kit with a shelf tag of $99 Everyday Low Price. Seemed like a deal; when I checked out it rang up $199. They cheerfully adjusted my price altho they said it probably should be $199. Anyhow, if interested check the shelf signs at your Lowes, you may find one for $99 and I've normally found Lowes to be extremely non-hard-nosed about saving customers money.

Now for the quandary: I also bought a Porter Cable kit at HD's Black Friday doorbusters for $99. So which one do I keep for my Christmas present from my sweetie? Specs:
Bostitch kit # CPACK1850BN includes compressor CAP2000P-OF & 2" brad nailer # SB1850BN, hose, nails

Porter Cable kit # CF6102 includes compressor & BN125A 1.25" brad nailer, hose, nails

Both are 150PSI 6gal compressors. Bostitch has 2.8CFM/90PSI capacity while Porter Cable is a bit less at 2.6. Bostitch has a bit nicer shroud and a slightly easier to use drain valve, altho it sticks out a tich more. Bostitch nailer has 2" capacity vs. 1.25" for PC. So, on paper there are some advantages to the Bostitch kit. On the other hand, both PC items have been around for quite a while and seem to be well liked by reviewers while this Bostitch kit has very few reviews thus far.

Opinions, anybody?

[LCHIEN]

price being the same, the Bostitch is better.

[poolhound]

I have the PC compressor and the 3 gun kit. I use the BN125 a lot but it does only go to 1 1/4". PC does have an 18ga nailer that goes to 2" but you would have to get that separatley. I picked up the Bostich 2" nailer from CL for about $25 so I have both options now. I kind of prefer the PC nailer but for no technical reason, it just fits in my hand better, the bostich performs well but I tend to only use it if I need longer brads.

If you are going to stick with one of these then I would pick the bostich primarily due to the 2" capacity.

[Gator95]

I've use both the Bostitch compressor and nailers and the PC.
My neighbor had the PC nailer and pancake combo that I borrowed from time to time, and when I got tired of doing that I got a refurb Bostitch compressor and 3 nailer combo kit using Live.com rebate a few months ago for $150.

My thoughts:
The PC nailers had better fit and finish than the Bostitch nailers, could countersink a tad deeper, and the compressor seemed to run more smoothly, and the regulator pressure was the most steady. Price being equal, I'd go PC... but the differences were small enough that I'd not pay more than 10% premium for PC vs. Bostitch. Both work just fine for hobby/home improvment use.

[JackAZ]

That is a quandary. I have the PC and it does a great job, and I can attest to the fit and finish. Use mine mainly fot the pinner and that's where I can see the quandary. The 2" pinner capacity is worth a lot although its purely a matter of how you will use the beast. Good luck

[dbhost]

FWIW, if you go with the PC, you are gonna kick yourself in the tail the first time you need to drive 2" brads for a project...

On the counter side of that point, how often are you going to drive 2" brads?

[LCHIEN]

FWIW, if you go with the PC, you are gonna kick yourself in the tail the first time you need to drive 2" brads for a project...

On the counter side of that point, how often are you going to drive 2" brads?

yup. and pretty often for me.
if you nail any 1 X lumber to something with a 1.25" brad nailer, only 1/2" of brad will be holding onto the backing. With a 2" brad you'll have 1.75" in the backing, coming very close to the recommended 2/3 of the fastener.

[spykmyk]

yup. and pretty often for me.
if you nail any 1 X lumber to something with a 1.25" brad nailer, only 1/2" of brad will be holding onto the backing. With a 2" brad you'll have 1.75" in the backing, coming very close to the recommended 2/3 of the fastener.

I'm no expert, but the math on this seems a little bit off.

Now if only somebody on here knew an INTERNET FACT CHECKER so this can be verified!!

lol

[tjr]

Thanx, everyone.

The 2" capacity does seem like a big advantage, especially since I won't have a finish nailer like those in the 3 nailer kits. Didn't want to spend that much, plus I didn't think I needed the stapler. Maybe I can get by with the 2" brad nailer and in future pick up some sort of framing nailer for larger projects?

I do wish I had the opportunity to hear how noisy the Bostitch compressor is - I've read the PC is pretty loud.

[Gator95]

I do wish I had the opportunity to hear how noisy the Bostitch compressor is - I've read the PC is pretty loud.

Just as loud. They're pancake compressors. Wear earplugs.

[Daveman38]

yes they are very loud