air framer
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Junior User
Joined: May 2003
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air framer
Hello
I have been looking into purchasing an air framer. I am trying to decide between the Porter Cable and the Bostitch. My main question is whether to get one that shoots headed nails or the clipped type. I thought I would ask this vast audience for their opinion.
Thanks
Wes
I have been looking into purchasing an air framer. I am trying to decide between the Porter Cable and the Bostitch. My main question is whether to get one that shoots headed nails or the clipped type. I thought I would ask this vast audience for their opinion.
Thanks
Wes
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 26
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I bought the Porter Cable last summer for some shop finishing and fence building. It runs the headed nails. Nail selection is great, I run 8d to 16d depending on the job. I shopped around and talked to some contractor friends before I bought and am still pleased with the decision. Any air nailer beats the crap out of a hammer for speed of work. The weight of the gadget reminds me that I spend all day at a keyboard but you get used to it.
Bryan
Bryan
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
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From: Northwest Fl
I read somewhere (on another forum) awhile back that in some cities, states etc.. that the clipped heads would not pass certain building codes. I have never read anything, anywhere else that backed that claim, but if you are required to meet local building codes in your area, you might want to run it past the inspectors.
Both guns mentioned appear to be good nailers but my but my preference would be Senco followed by Porter-Cable.
Both guns mentioned appear to be good nailers but my but my preference would be Senco followed by Porter-Cable.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 887
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From: MN
The Paslode Impulse nailers are incredible. I use one to build a 60ft 14ft tall shop wall. Cordless and very powerful. One fuel cell lasted for a whole weekend worth of work. It is great not having to be near a compressor or pull hose around. Little pricy ($380), but if you do work on outbuildings or away from power sources it is a great asset.
FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 53,911
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From: NY and VA
Some places are doing away with clip head nails in const. I bought a Bostich coil framing nailer because of the full head nails.. what a piece of ... it wont feed properly factory rebuilders unable to fix all it is good for now is 
nails. I bought a DeWalt because they sponser a Ford in NASCAR and I got a hat for a penney. The DeWalt works great.
nails. I bought a DeWalt because they sponser a Ford in NASCAR and I got a hat for a penney. The DeWalt works great.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 145
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From: Cross SC
I've heard that Bostich is a pain to get service from, but they are good and reliable. I like the Senco and Porter Cable. A fellow that uses Paslode says that when they get some milage on them they get cranky ( don't we all?). I beleive that I would go with the round head nailer, then you won't have to worry about code. My .02 worth.
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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Finally got to use my Porter Cable FR350 framing nailer while building my shop - it works great, and beats the usual slow & inaccurate method of pounding nails in. It drives .113 thru .148 inch diameter nails with round(full) heads from 2" to 3 1/2" in length. The nails come in straight "sticks" and load easily into the magazine of the gun. On top of the gun, there is an exhaust baffle that can be manually rotated to discharge the exhaust air away from the operator in almost any direction desired. Power is good, it will "bury" a .131 x 3 1/4" nail @ 120 PSI easily. The trigger is adjustable for single or contact firing. I recommend the single setting for safety, that way you can place the nail perfectly with each shot. Eye protection is mandatory while using ANY tool, remember that blindness is forever..... Be careful & enjoy whatever tool that you buy 
Last edited by captainal; Nov 9, 2004 at 06:10 AM. Reason: info content
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 513
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From: Zimmerman, MN
I purchased a Porter Cable FR350 on ebay. Remanufactured from PC. Paid about 1/2 the price of one off the shelf. Also added an FN250 finish nailer to the order, and it was still less than the price off the shelf for just the framer.
Heavy nailer, but does the job quick. Will probably get Popeye arms if you use it often.
Good all around tool.
Heavy nailer, but does the job quick. Will probably get Popeye arms if you use it often.
Good all around tool.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 543
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Porter cable, Senco, Bostich, Paslode are all good -just really depends on the model and your luck, I guess. I would get the headed for sure. P. Nailers are a god save when they work and and expensive paper weight when they don't. I would get a new one or rebuilt with warranty. I have no experince with Dewalt nailers, but their other tools have been really realible for me so I would think the same for their nailers. You also might consider the feel of each one. Depending on how much you use it, nothing is worst than having something uncomfortable in your hand- all hands are different.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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The Truth...
Speaking as a union carpenter, there isn't actually a single framer that will hold a joint as good as the old trusty 23oz Estwing and a 16d cc (Cement Coated). There are several companies that won't allow their workers to use framers, because of the fact they produce less than desired results. We generally use them on sheeting, which is about the only thing frame wise they are good for if you want the best possible results. Now, there are many contractors/handymen that will use them, but usually they are remodeling, and not actually building a structural component. For trim you can't beat a cordless Paslode. I would personally recommend choosing the method of fasteners on a case by case basis. Don't just use the framer because you have it. There really is a much better hold with a 16d cc.
Best of Luck,
Corey
Best of Luck,
Corey
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
the bostitch has the most power i just bought one it has 1,000 pounds of driving force and it is full round head and it is true clipped head will not pass inspection on buildings in some areas.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 125
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I got the coil bostitch with the full heads. Im happy with it. I like how long you can go between reloads with the coil guns. It was also one of the less expensive framing nailers out there.
I do agree that the fasteners on the air framers in general are weaker and pull out easier than most other fastening methods. I use screws on anything critical. With a cordless impact driver that is no big chore.
I do agree that the fasteners on the air framers in general are weaker and pull out easier than most other fastening methods. I use screws on anything critical. With a cordless impact driver that is no big chore.
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 56
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I've been using paslode nailers for about 15 years and love them. Very seldom have any problems and if I do they are simple to fix. The newer guns accept both clipped and round nails. I've been told starting in 2006 clipped nails will be gone but for now there still good. At least in NJ. I am also union carpenter and this is all we use. If you are concerned with the nail not holding just use the ring shanks. When shooting plywood make sure the nail does not penetrate beyond the first veneer as this is a no good. If your just using the gun for weekend projects the cordless are a great choice. No compressor and hose to lug around is convenient. The only drawbacks for cordless are they hold only 1 clip of nails and the cycle rate is much slower.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,483
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From: Northern California
I've had great luck with Senco and I know guys that have used the Paslode for along time and are pretty happy with them. I used Porter Cable for awile and had more jaming issues with them than the Senco or Paslode.