Pneumatic Nailers
New User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Gene,
Do you mean a framing nailer, or a coil nailer ?
Personally, I've always used the Bosch brand air nailers for both. They are a bit pricey, but I've never had to replace one, and mine have been used in commercial roofing applications for the last 5 years.
I've also had a couple of Craftsman nailers over the years, they don't hold up to commercial use, but depending on your application you might be able to get away with one.(I know they have the "hassle-free" exchange policy but it does me no good to be constantly exchanging a nailer)
The bigest thing, whatever brand you get, is to use the lubricant that they sell before each use of the nailer, it keeps the diaphram inside the gun well lubricated.
Do you mean a framing nailer, or a coil nailer ?
Personally, I've always used the Bosch brand air nailers for both. They are a bit pricey, but I've never had to replace one, and mine have been used in commercial roofing applications for the last 5 years.
I've also had a couple of Craftsman nailers over the years, they don't hold up to commercial use, but depending on your application you might be able to get away with one.(I know they have the "hassle-free" exchange policy but it does me no good to be constantly exchanging a nailer)
The bigest thing, whatever brand you get, is to use the lubricant that they sell before each use of the nailer, it keeps the diaphram inside the gun well lubricated.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
I use the bostitch brand nailers when it comes to down time you lose money and with the bostitch nailers i know i will have no down time they have served me well my framing nailer puts in about 3,500 nails a day and the stapler puts in about 5,000 a day as long as you use a oil they will be fine i would skip the craftsman,porter cable and dewalt they are all made overseas and don't last long i have used them all the bostitch ones are made in Rhode Island. I have never heard of the bosch brand air tools i didn't think they made any.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Senco.
IMO, IME (in my experience), the best of the best, bar none.
Why:
Customer Service
Tool durabilty
Craftmanship
Parts availability
Parts support for older tools
Do your own side by side VISUAL comparison. The difference will be obvious, not matter what brand you compare it to.
IMO, IME (in my experience), the best of the best, bar none.
Why:
Customer Service
Tool durabilty
Craftmanship
Parts availability
Parts support for older tools
Do your own side by side VISUAL comparison. The difference will be obvious, not matter what brand you compare it to.
Last edited by RocketScience; Jun 10, 2005 at 06:37 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 278
Likes: 6
I have been a framing contractor for over 25 years, and the only nailers we use are Hitachi, specifically the NR83A. Go on on any tract of homes being framed in Southern California and 90% of the nailers being used are this one. Very reliable and easy to repair and the parts can be used on guns that are over 20 years old, I know because of my 11 nailers two are over 20 years old and still used daily.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 278
Likes: 6
Four responses and four opinions really doesn't rate a whoa. WHOA is over at the oil and lubrication forum, where I believe they are up to around eight million opinions and at least double that many responses. If you decide to head over there, take a sidearm.
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,983
Likes: 2
Well here's a tie breaker: Hitachi for framing Senco for finishing. That's they way I went at least. However, I have NO WHERE near the experience as FramerBoy.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 53,957
Likes: 2,387
From: NY and VA
To really spread things around... I have a Bostich coil framer for full head nails that is junk, it wont feed 16D at all factory repair has been unable to fix. It does work ok up to 10D nails. My DeWalt stick framer works great, only thing is with a stick you run out of bullets more often. I also use a Senco finish nailer and stapler good products. My roof nailer is a Porter-Cable Which has been used a lot with no problems. Hitachi seems best for using generic nails at least around here that's what the rental places use. How's that for confusion???
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 1
From: Great NW
Originally Posted by framerboy
Four responses and four opinions really doesn't rate a whoa. WHOA is over at the oil and lubrication forum, where I believe they are up to around eight million opinions and at least double that many responses. If you decide to head over there, take a sidearm.
I don't even bother going in there, it's such a cluster...
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Originally Posted by framerboy
Four responses and four opinions really doesn't rate a whoa. WHOA is over at the oil and lubrication forum, where I believe they are up to around eight million opinions and at least double that many responses. If you decide to head over there, take a sidearm.
New User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
nail guns
i am a semi retired gen contractor, teach construction trades, adult ed. everyone has their own opinion, I like Hitachi for framing the new nr 93 will fire 3 1/2 inch 161 dia nails some of the structural engineers are specking out larger sizes but they will split out dry wood the nr 83 and 93 have the easy to adjust depth wheel and the new 93's have a switch lever to single fire only or bump fire only, a good safety feature. I like my senco M III Stapler, spot nail small crown for cabinets , senco finish hitatchi joist hanger, my old bostitch finish nailer had a weak nail feed spring but it disapeared, lost? or stolen? Fine Homebuilding magazine does tool comparisons chech out their web site.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 289
Likes: 1
Senco. Lasts & lasts
That said, I have had a Harbor Frieght 1 1/2" narrow crown stapler for about 8 yrs now that has outlasted a few other guns. Doesn't see nearly as much use, but it keeps on working everytime I pull it out! I think I paid $39. No one is more suprised as me that it is still around.
I also have a Porter Cable clipped head framing nailer that I like. Not a strong as the Senco, probably won't stand up the same abuse but it uses less air, is lighter and was $60 cheaper. Not a bad weekend warrior gun IMHO.
But for a tool that my business depends on, I prefer Senco.
That said, I have had a Harbor Frieght 1 1/2" narrow crown stapler for about 8 yrs now that has outlasted a few other guns. Doesn't see nearly as much use, but it keeps on working everytime I pull it out! I think I paid $39. No one is more suprised as me that it is still around.
I also have a Porter Cable clipped head framing nailer that I like. Not a strong as the Senco, probably won't stand up the same abuse but it uses less air, is lighter and was $60 cheaper. Not a bad weekend warrior gun IMHO.
But for a tool that my business depends on, I prefer Senco.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
My father installs cabinets, and here is what I see. About twice a year he has to replace the driver assembly in his senco finish nailer. The tip breaks off and causes a missfire. The parts are cheap enough, and easy to replace. But it's just a pain when he uses it alot.