HF Crown Stapler--Review

[JeremyM]

Steve,

I forgot that I found that out a little bit later. I have the HF cheapie pancake compressor and I still haven't got a pressure regulator put on it. I have bought two at that store thinking I have gotten what I need but I don't seem to have.

I believe I'll stop at the store and spend the whole $20 it will cost for the regulator. It just hurts, since that is 20% of the price I paid for the compressor!

I appreciate the tip on the staples. I'll try that. But I'm also not going to be afrain to break into that sucker and "modify" it. They are put together very straightforwardly. Why can't we do things like that in this country anymore?

Thanks again.

[LCHIEN]

I have some problems with mine, maybe you can help.

I broke out the 40073 yesterday and was making some utilitarian boxes for the shed. It seems like a great gun, but I had a couple issues.

First, it jammed. What I mean, it left a staple up where the striker should run. So I disassembled the front of the gun, pulled out the staple and reassembled it. After that (the gun had only had 20 staples shot through it before then) I couldn't get the sliding cover to positively lock down for more than a couple shots.

I'm thinking I can probably disassemble that back end and see what it looks like. But I thought I'd check with everyone and see if they've had the same prob and what fixes they might have.

I'm thinking maybe incorrect pressure and lubrication.
What pressure are you using? Are you using a regulator - the good kind (costs at least $10, not the one that costs $4.95 at HF-which is not really a regulator but a variable air flow restrictor.).
Did you use a few drops of oil into the air port of the gun before every days use?
I know the instructions with the HF units is not the greatest.

[scorrpio]

I presently have a small problem with this stapler. It came with a zinc-plated coupler fitting, and without a seal tape, it bled a bit of air. Not a lot - did not really drop the pressure, and it worked fine, the hiss being more an annoyance. So, I put a bit of yellow tap on the fitting, and screwed it in. I really don't think I applied too much force - but the piece into which I was screwing it in cracked. Have to say, a brass component would definitely NOT crack under that much stress. So, now air escapes due to crack, though still very little, and is much quieter now. still works fine. I am going to put some rubber and a steel collar around the cracked part, mostly to prevent the crack from getting worse.
Anyways, the thing works well, so far, but the metal it is made from is definitely weaker than costlier brands.

[ke4rdb]

Has anyone tried P/C or other brand 1/4" crown staples in the HF gun. HF staples seem to be out of stock right now. At the store they said they has a QC with the last order of staples being undersized.

JW

[scmhogg]

Scorpio,

I forgot to mention the problem I had when I first got the 40073. The male quick-connect that came with the gun did not fit my brass female connection well. It hissed constantly. I changed it with one of the HF brass males that I had on hand and no more hiss. I use teflon tape on all my screw in air connections.

JW,

I use PC staples with no problems. I get them at HD. They have a better finish than the HF staples.

Steve

[meika123]

I have to admit that I broke down some time ago, and bought two HF Brad nailers. I wanted something cheap to use occasionally at work, and figured what the H&*%. These things were $14.95 each, and came complete with a case, oil, an extra O-ring and other goodies with it.
Turns out, I have used them a lot, and they work great. I'm shocked.

Dave in NC