What to look for in Framing and Finish Nailers?

redvalkyrie · Feb 1, 2011

Owning a house has brought about a need for a whole different type of tools--some that don't have anything to do with a car.

I'm looking into getting a framing nailer and a finish nailer. What should I look for or be aware of when shopping for these?

Thanks
JP

c_mccann · Feb 1, 2011

Have had Senco, Makita, Bostitch and Hitachi. Hitachi framers are the industry standard, I really loved my Makita though. I have a Senco finish nailer and a Senco pin nailer- go with the pin nailer- anything with a head on MDF moulding will be messy. I have a Bostitch and frankly do not like it, the Senco is much smoother.

scott37300 · Feb 1, 2011

For home use pretty much any of the brands will do, portercable, bostitch, ridgid, senco, paslode, etc.

Busted_Knuckles · Feb 1, 2011

Look at where ever you buy your supplies to see what nails they sell, then figure out what framing nailer you want. Watch prices, Id avoid "clip head nailer's". I have a paslode framing nailer (because I can find the ring shank/glued nails I like locally and affordably), and 6 different Bostitch finish/specialty nailer's/staplers. Finish nails are pretty interchangeable.

mixxmstrmike · Feb 1, 2011

I have the Senco SFN 30 (15gg), FinishPro 18 (18gg), & FinishPro 10 (23gg, headless micropinner).

I also have a Max 15gg nailer (Japanese brand) and it definitely packs in more power than my Senco SFN 30. This is great if you're working with hardwoods.

Other things to consider is if you want an oil-less design. Working with decorative pieces, you may want to consider this so you don't get unwanted oil on the project.

I went with Senco because of their great customer service and overall bullet-proof designs. I called customer service for a replacement part for the FinishPro 18. The representative asked me to register my product via the internet and sent the replacement FREE OF CHARGE! How's that for customer service? :thumbup:

-Mike

dwm · Feb 1, 2011

Busted_Knuckles said:
Look at where ever you buy your supplies to see what nails they sell, then figure out what framing nailer you want. Watch prices, Id avoid "clip head nailer's". I have a paslode framing nailer (because I can find the ring shank/glued nails I like locally and affordably), and 6 different Bostitch finish/specialty nailer's/staplers. Finish nails are pretty interchangeable.

+1. A nailer without readily available nails is close to useless, and it's generally expensive to have nails shipped (weight).

Busted_Knuckles · Feb 1, 2011

dwm said:
+1. A nailer without readily available nails is close to useless, and it's generally expensive to have nails shipped (weight).

Ive burned through 7 boxes for 3" framing nails at $58 a box, would hate like hell to know what that would have cost to pay freight on. I can get mine at Lowes and Menards, the two local "home centers". The freight would have probably been just shy of the cost of the nails?

HarveyM · Feb 1, 2011

We put up a 600 sq ft addition last year. I acted as the general contractor. We bought two Paslode cordless framing guns (the IMCT model). Not having to drag an air hose around when hanging off the rafters is a joy. When the job was done our foreman kept one and I the other (and I never use a nail if I can screw it :lol_hitti

)

KCarGuy · Feb 1, 2011

I agree, no Clip head nailers, only a full round head nailer.
I bought a set from Lowes, A Campbell Hausfeld 5 piece set (all in a Case)
a 21" round head Framing Nailer
a 2.5" 16 Gauge finish nailer
a 2" (2 in 1) Brad nailer-stapler
a Pin Nailer
and a Mini Air Palm Hammer
The whole set was a steal for $200
They might still be a few left yet...not sure!

What to look for in Framing and Finish Nailers?

redvalkyrie

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c_mccann

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scott37300

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Busted_Knuckles

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mixxmstrmike

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dwm

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Busted_Knuckles

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HarveyM

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KCarGuy

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