Framing Nailer - want to buy - help!

[MilDoc]

I've been looking at framing nailers. What I see is clipped head vs round head, and different size nails. Most shoot 2 - 3.5", some 1.5 - 3.5", others 2 2/8 - 3.5" and it seems the difference in length depends on the nailer configuration in most but not all cases (coil, angled, or straight).

I understand the difference between clipped vs straight. But is there one nail size range / nailer shape that most people would recommend? Main use will be for building walls.

[crokett]

My dad has a Porter Cable refurbed unit that shoots full roundhead. An angled nailer is handy - it fits places a straight nailer does not. Some of the guys have had luck with the HF nailer. My dad returned 2 before I bought him the Porter Cable for birthday/father's day

[p8ntblr]

I have a PC FR350A and have no complaints. I haven't had any misfires. You adjust the nail depth by a combination of air pressure and a dial at the nose. I used 3 1/2 nails to do assemble a shelf system in a storage room using 2x4. If you're going to mainly be using it for framing then you'd probably be using mainly 3-1/2. I have some shorter 1-3/4 (I think, forgot exact length) to install some plywood. One thing to remember is to install in the nails in the right angle. One time it was late in the project, and I was tired and not paying attention, I loaded the nails in the opposite direction. I shot it and it bent the nail 90 degrees and shot through the sleeve. I had one heck of a time getting the thing out without destroying the sleeve. I'll never do that again.

My neighbor is a contractor and has a Hitachi (much more expensive) and he swears by it. He says it what many of the contractors use.

[Tom Slick]

the Hitachi NR83A2 is consider "the gun to have" by the framing crews around here. I think if you buy something similar you won't be disappointed. the PC and Senco are considered "almost as good as the hitachi" accordnd to my friends in the industry, with one of them commenting that the senco would be a close second to the hitachi.

[ryan.s]

I have the bostich listed here on amazon which I bought from HD for $120 with a cooler and hose. I'm not sure how it compares to the Hitachi but I've had no problems, not one misfire yet.

http://www.amazon.com/Bostitch-F21PL.../dp/B000A79HWA

[newbie2wood]

Nail sizes depend on your code requirements and what you are attaching. For stud framing, most common size is 12 penny (3-1/4"). 16 penny (3-1/2") is the next common size. For attaching shealthing, 6 penny (2") nails are needed.
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SENSUALLADYX CAM

[Deadhead]

I too have a PC FR350A and have no complaints. So far, it has only been used for light duty.
One thing I did before purchasing was check around for availability and variety of nails for it at the local stores. Another variation between some framing nailers is the angle.

[messmaker]

I have used the Porter Cable and it is very strong. Built an entire deck(2 boxes of nails) and not one jam.

[430752]

Another for PC Framing nailer

I also have the PC fr350a, or whatever the model number, and vote for it as well. This the full head framing nailer, although there is a clipped head version, if I remember correctly. Anyway, i've run now 1 and 1/2 boxes of nails through it, at maybe 5000 nails per box(?) and no jams or nuthin. I run it off the little PC pancake compressor that came as a kit with a finish and brad nailer. The lil pancake compressor runs the nailer fine, although it does cycle on a bit more than usual when usuing framing nailer.

Anyway, it also gets my recommendation. But, of course, I've used no others.

Curt J.

[jessrice]

i really like my green hitachi lightweght, put well over 20,000 nail through it, (see my shop pics in the shop forum, i k), and never had a jam.

The light weight makes it nice to use all day, but I think it does recoil a bit more, and can cause a double tap if you arnet careful.

another thing to look at when buying a nail gun is the magazine construction. as Tom S said, the Hitachi NR83A2 is consider "the gun to have", i don't see to many that will load a double stack of nails without jambing after some heavy use. Look at the magazine difference in the pictures,

My green machine still holds a double stack, and when ever the "real" framers have come by to assist, they always mention how nice it is to have 2 strips loaded before they climb the ladder.

just my 2 cents, which might not be worth that!

Jesse

[Eric]

Campbell Hausfeld

I saw a 3 piece set at costco that had a 2-3.5" 21° framing gun, 16 gauge finish gun, and 18 gauge brad gun for $199.99

Looked at campbell hausfeld's website and they had the same set, refurbished for $139.30 shipping was $13.24 so figured I saved right at $60 by getting the refurbed set. Plus still get the 1 year warranty.

Just received it yesterday, didn't have any nails for the framing gun on hand so didn't fire it. But the other guns work fine.

Figured it wasn't the quality of a PC or other brands, but better than HF for about the same price.

Ah, figured I would include the link to the site:
http://www.campbellhausfeld.net/weba...egory_rn=10472

[scorrpio]

I have a Bostitch N88RH-2MCN, and I like it. uses 21deg plastic collated full round heads, up to 3.5" framing and up to 2.5" metal connector nails. Comes with two tips - a framing tip that has claws and can be adjusted for depth and a metal connector tip that has a guiding pin for placing nails precisely into connector holes.

[Crash2510]

I have the hf 6 in 1 framing nailer and I like it very much. It takes 21 degree full heads 28 degree clipped and 34 degree clipped. It will also take paslode 30 degree full heads at the 28 degree setting. I have put 5-10 thousand nails through mine without a jam. Only downside, its a little heavy. depending on your uses it might be a good bet and you can usually get it for $70 or so with a coupon. I have also used many other hf nailers and have never had a problem with them jamming. Good luck in whatever you choose.

[movnup]

I have had on a semi-permanent loan the Bostich ($269 at the borg for the 21 degree plastic full head) to build a double layer deck and it worked very well. It does get heavy after awhile but my little PC pancake compressor kept it moving all day long. The newer version has two tips that would be a nice feature to get in the angles.

As I am contuing to extend this deck across the back of my house (phase II) of the project I am looking hard at the PC (due to cost / amount of use) as I have two of their brad nailers and they work great. The Hitachi is the gun to have but I don't do this for a living so the Senco / Hitachi/ Bostich would be nice but not worth the extra cost to me.

You need to double check codes for what you are building as in Washington you have to use full head nails due to eathquakes.