HF Framing Nailer(s) Specials

[gordons]

HF have these two nailers on special. I am looking to get one of these. Main uses will be for installing new Hardiplank siding, framing new additions and constructing and installing a new deck and decking.

Any suggestions as to which one to buy? Pro and cons? All help appreciated.

Thanks.

[Mr__Bill]

You want a roofing nailer for hardiplank. You can get the spec sheets from them on line. Roofing nails hold better and don't break the siding as easy as regular nails. You also don't want to set the nail. HF has a coil roofing nailer, often on sale too. Long galvanized roofing nails are rated for something like a 70 mph wind.

In addition, read carefully the instructions. Prime all cuts edges. Use a Poly caulking material and look at just how much hardiplank expands and contracts with the heat and cold and leave enough gap between the ends to allow for this. If you don't it will buckle in the heat on the sunny side of the house. It is also recommended to install over building felt. the felt provides some cushion and prevents water from penetrating, so make sure the felt will shed water with all overlapping seams.

Cutting, if you can borrow one or have one a set of power sheers made for cutting hardiplank it is the preferred method. The other way is to use a cheep circular saw and a cheep blade from HF. Wear a good dust mask when doing this and with the wind blowing towards the neighbors you don't like. You want to use the throwaway saw because the dust from the hardiplank will eat up the innards of the saw.

They also make neat little clips that attach to the top of the first course of planks and supports the next one. As you nail it you just remove the hanger and use it on the next. You only need two of them.

[tjr]

I wondered about these also - the 6in1 was $89 at the 3 day blowout that ended today. Looked at the 28deg at the store - supposedly it'll fire either clipped or round head nails, altho all the 28deg nails HF had in the store were clipped head. Did you already get the coupons expiring 2/28 in the mail?

[LinuxRandal]

Look at both and where you would buy nails (borg?). The six in one was what I was leaning towards when I was looking, since I could change which nails I could buy. (angle they go into the gun)
I would look at the first responders post on the roofing nailer.

[Mr__Bill]

HF has the roofing nailer listed at $99. I am not sure what the regular price is but I bought a new PC off of EBay for about that two years ago. Just be sure that you can get nails locally that fit the gun you get. You also need to use the longest nails 1 3/4 for the siding. If you need to get the job inspected be prepared to have the spec sheet handy to show the holding strength of the roofing nails. Some inspectors will insist that longer nails are necessary.

[messmaker]

I have the 28 degree model and it works but I would get the 6 in 1 model if you can swing it. The nails can be pricey but if you can use anything it gives you a lot more options. I always see partial boxes at lowe's for about 1/2 price.

[just started]

I have the 28 degree model and it works but I would get the 6 in 1 model if you can swing it. The nails can be pricey but if you can use anything it gives you a lot more options. I always see partial boxes at lowe's for about 1/2 price.

+1 The nails for the cheaper gun are ONLY available from HF. The other gun can use nails available everywhere.

[gordons]

Thanks for all the good advice. It will help me to make a better decision.

Bill, your input was invaluable, but now you have me in a quandary. Do I really have to buy two guns? One for the Hardiplank and one for general framing work? What you say makes sense, but there goes the budget again. I was thinking of pulling the trigger on the 6 in 1 for everything.

Back to the drawing board I suppose.

[Mr__Bill]

Thanks for all the good advice. It will help me to make a better decision.

Bill, your input was invaluable, but now you have me in a quandary. Do I really have to buy two guns? One for the Hardiplank and one for general framing work? What you say makes sense, but there goes the budget again. I was thinking of pulling the trigger on the 6 in 1 for everything.

Back to the drawing board I suppose.

If you see no further use for the roofing gun, sell it when your done. It really will make the job easier to do. I kept mine because I expect to have to re-roof this place in a few years and... I'm not really done with the siding. I will have to tackle the gable over the garage someday when I am feeling stupid and daring. I watched my neighbor fall off of his roof and it kind of slowed me down.

Bill,

ps. about a year ago I asked a fellow who worked in a HF store about the 6 in 1. He said that they get lots of them back. Didn't say why just sort of dismissed it. He liked the Magnesium ones they had, more expensive but lighter. Whatever you buy get one that is easy to clear a jam in. Note that in many areas clipped nails do not meet code in sheathing.

[Crash2510]

I would highly recommend the 6 in 1 nailer its great. I've run probably 20000 nails through it with no problem. Just be very careful to read the directions on switching between nail angles.