Framing Nailers

[JoeyGee]

I am in the process of putting together several framses using 2x4's. Currently I am gluing and screwing them (3" screws, pre-drilled). These are simple butt joints. For what I need to do, I think a framing nailer would be good. I figure I would need 3" nails.

Are the HF nailers (~$80) any good? I am not framing a house. I am thinking about just renting one for a couple Saturdays instead, since I won't need it after my current project.

I have a HF pancake type compressor. Is this enough? I know it would probably run constantly.

[sparkeyjames]

The resale value of an HF nailer of any type is low. If your only going to do this one project you are better off renting. The pancake compressor should be fine. You will probably not over tax it with the small project you have. It may cycle a bit more than usual but nothing extreme.

[DUD]

I have an old pancake compressor from HF, and it does a great job. I use Porter Cable nailers, but I have read some good reviews on some of the HF nailers. Bill

[JoeyGee]

WOW, I may not do either. I just called and a framing nailer for the day is $29. I think I'll keep doing it the way I am. Of course, I could always use a regular hammer. Ha! like anyone would ever do THAT...

[messmaker]

Some of the 15g finish nailers will shoot 2 1/2 inch nails. They are very handy for a lot of things. I would look at one of them.

[Almightymoonpie]

I bought one of the HF 6 in 1 guns a few weeks ago when it was on sale for $99.00. Figured what did I have to loose. A few thousand nails later I have no complaints other than it's kinda heavy compaired to my old Paslode. I really like it can shoot many diffrent makes of nail, I have run the Paslosde 30 degrees and two diffrent degreed HF nails(they are cheap) and have yet to have a jam. I have had a few miss fires, due to me not setting it correctly. I truly hated to spend 300.00 ad only use it a few times.

[LinuxRandal]

A finish nailer should be fine for non structural walls. (like finishing a basement)

If your pancake compressor is like mine, buy another regulator for it and place it on the outfeed. Mine (HF pancake model) only has the one for the tank and full length framing nails (used to make my brothers pole barn rafters), would stop 90% of the way in, without it (just shy of enough pressure). It may have been the gun (old Bostich), but a $5 regulator fixed that.

[blame]

i have the HF 6-1 nail gun i hate the dang thing, i only gave $75 for it new only thing i've shot thru it is 2 1/2" 8d sinkers and it misfires more than it shoots. should of bought the PC 350 but you get what you pay for i guess

blame

[Crash2510]

also have the 6 in 1 nailer and love it have shot thousands of nails very few misfires and no jams. I learned that most misfires are user error. I originally found after reading the directions that their is actually three adjustments to make before changing nail size. Blame if your still having trouble after checking all adjustments I would take it back because it really is a nice gun although kind of heavy.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

I used the HF 21 degree unit pretty extensively powered by PC Pancake. Had no problems. It is a good deal IMHO. Ditto the flooring nailer. Heck of a deal.

[WayneJ]

The HF where I work has the 28* nailer on sale for $60 thjis month. Good bang for the buck on that gun.
Wayne

[Bushmaster]

HF 21 Deg

I bought the HF 21 Deg this weekend for $50 ..at that price it is almost disposable. It seems to run fine off of my PC pancake compressor. The verdict is still out on its long term value.

[Skip]

I saw one yesterday at HF for something like $44. Grab it if you need it. You won't see it much cheaper than that.

[Bob Webb]

I bought the 28 degree framing nailer at HF on the first day of the Thanksgiving sale they had last year. Paid $49.00 for it. Have used is to rework a deck at the house. No misfires or other problems. Works great.

When it comes to HF tools, to me it is a waste of time thinking about long term value. They have a great return policy and, as indicated above at their sale prices they could be considered disposal.

Maybe one of their "better" tools.

Bob

[dbuche]

HF 6-in-1 works with HurriQuake nails

Can report that HF 6 in 1 works with 0.113" 21 degree 2" HurriQuake nails (HurriQuakes have big heads, good for 170 mph when used with sheathing).

I do agree the nailer is heavy and QC may be iffy ....