Framing nailer

[ivwshane]

I plan on doing some light framing soon but plan on building a workshop sometime in the future so I would like to get a good quality nailer.

I'm not aware of all the differences one should look for when buying one so I was hoping you guys could give me some pointers.

While searching the forums I saw references to local codes about clipped and round head nails but I wasnt sure on what the arguement is. Based on what I've seen people talk about it appears the hitachi and pc nailers are good choices however I'd like to get all the facts before I make a decision.

[Hoover]

It appears that certain parts of the country where siesmic conditions, and hurricane regions use the full head nail. The link below might give you a better answer:http://www.iccsafe.org/cgi-bin/ultim...c;f=4;t=007258
Hope this helps.

[jhart]

I own a PC and have used the Hitatchi framing nailers. Both are excellent and you could not go wrong with either.
Some on the forum have bought the HF nailer and seem to like it.
In the Twin Cities, codes call for full head, and that's what my PC is. I would think your decision will really come down to how much you plan on using it. For under $100, the HF may be the way to go. If you plan a lot of use, The PC sure has the following and the name, as well as being repairable, usually locally.

[crokett]

My dad has the Porter Cable and it is a great nailer. For occasional lighter duty use the HF nailer will work.

[ivwshane]

It looks like frh for me.

I was thinking about the one from HF but I've heard that the nails for it are hard to come by.

[drumpriest]

I have the bosctich, like it a lot. Never fails me, full head. The full head nails are better regardless of where you are, but required in certain states. Not required here in PA, but I do some building out in california once in a while.

[tropicaffair]

I agree with Keith, I have been using Bostich nail guns for a long time. I suppose you could accuse me of brand loyalty. I have also used Hitachis's and love them as well. This past fall I was helping a friend frame his roof and he had just bought the PC framer. It felt light and plastic-like while I used it. Maybe I'm just accustomed to the metal bodies of the Bostich line but it did feel weird to me. Just my $.02. BTW, I no longer run a GC outfit, my nail pounding has evolved into a 4F plan - Friends & Family For Free (chuckle).

Russ

[jussi]

Another vote for the PC. I had a Senco SN60 for a bit but found it a little too heavy and not as balanced as the PC. From what I understand alot of contractors seem to like Hitachi.

[WayneJ]

Harbor freight has the 21 deg framing nailer on sale now. The flier thats not out yet has another one going on sale in another week or so. Of the three that they sell the 6 & 1 is there best seller, Its adjustable for all the different degree nails.I haven't seen any of them come back as defective.
Wayne

[Sam Conder]

For framing, I love my Paslode Impulse. No hose! It is quite pricey, but boy, is it handy when you're on a roof or way out in the backyard building a fence. No hose!

[jessrice]

I have a newer Hitachi full head, the green teenage mutant ninja turtle one.

I like the light weight of it, and the extra protected magazine stack, which even after 50,000 nails will still take a double stack and not jamb.

Like most framers, the nose tips needed to be filed down slightly so that the nose fits a bit better when toe nailing. Plus shortening them some, keeps the fine tips from being bent.

One thing i wish for any nailer is that it comes with a case since I don't use my often, but few of the full size nailers seem to come with them. My mothers "friend" (I think finance' now, do try not to pry), who is a framer by trade, and frames 250+ days a year, said he and his crew wouldn't take the time to case then every-night anyway, and that the cases just take up room in his trailer, so that may be the reason.

He is actually the one that gave me the green hitachi, because he thought it was taking to long to break in and get to the smooth sweet spot that the traditional hitachi framers eventually do. I cant tell the difference. He also didnt like the color. I like it, cause i can tell who grabbed my gun from across the work site!

However, his traditional magazines wont take 2 clips of nails after a few good falls, and he is always commenting on how nice it is when he does grab my gun and can throw 2 clips in, even after a few good drops to the ground.

I can say that i have not heard anything good about the Dewalt guns from several people, but have not used them myself, so it is just hearsay

Jesse

[scorrpio]

I got a Bostitch N88RH-MCN, I like it. 21 degree, full round head. I like the interchangeable nose system where you can either mount a variable depth framing tip (with teeth), that also has a plastic no-mar cap to go over those teeth, or a metal connector tip that has a guiding pin to place the nail into a metal connector hole.