Not familiar with nail guns, and expect I will only need it to replace shingles on existing roof, and then again on garage roof I hope to build in near future. Any suggestions on type, and brand nail guns. Thought I would look into a combo package and suspect I will need both a braid nailer for the shingles, and possibly siding, and a roofing gun for the plywood roofing. Any suggestions, rec's appreciated!.

 

We use these at work http://www.cpobostitch.com/nailers/?ref=ysm1158
and we have magnum nail guns also.Look around on prices but we have used the bosh for years now,with good luck.

Compressure wise make sure you get one you can change the oil in they seem to last long than the cheaper sealed ones.

 

Purchased from CPO in the past, likely give them a call and see if it's possible to swap air for lube compressor for few $'s more. Seem lubricated air compressors are getting as hard to find as hen's teeth. Came across a combo kit with lubricated compressor by Porter Cable, have couple power tools and pleased with the quality, not sure about their nailers. Thank you, appreciate the suggestion and link. !

 

You need a roofing gun for the shingles. I have a Bostitch coil nailer I bought on Ebay for 25.00 a few years ago. I think Bostitch makes the best roofing gun. As far as plywood, you'll need a framing gun. One that shoots 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 nails. I have both a Paslode and a Hitache, both are great guns. I bought the Paslode on Ebay for 30.00 and the Hitache from a friend for 20.00.
I also have a Bostitch brad nailer and a Porter Gable 1/4 stapler, never had a problem with these either.
Just so you know what I am talking about, I have been a carpenter for over 18 years, doing framing and remodel work. So I use my tools just about everyday.

 

Appreciate the info. on type nailers needed, and suggested brands. I will add Ebay to my list of sources. Noticed some models come in degree's and wonder what that is about. Also, understand the coil are preferred. Need to pull the trigger within next couple days or it's going to be the ole nail and hammer. Thanks again!!.

 

If you plan to use that roof nailer for just a single project, I'd look at renting (or borrowing) one. By the time you get the nailer, compressor and hoses you have made a sizable investment.

If you are like many of us and just *have* to own a nail gun, look at one of the cordless models. I needed to build a shed and wood walkways around the house and picked up a Paslode framing nailer. This type of tool makes building stuff *lots* easier than the traditional hammer and nail method.

Which ever way you decide to go, don't get an off-brand nailer. One of the quality ones will make your job easier and the tool will last forever.

Lou Braun

 

Paslode makes gas powered framing, finish, brad and staple guns.
Great for little jobs. No need to set up a compressor and drag a hose around.
*Be warned you will need to 'field strip' them for cleaning fairly often to keep them working their best.
Also do not let the gas cartridges freeze or they will cause all kinds of frustration.

The two brands I look to for in roofing and siding coil nailers are Bostich and Hitachi.
Parts are readily available here, as are the nails.
There are regional preferences so make sure you buy a brand that you can get serviced and easily find fasteners for.

If you're talking wood shingles you need a siding nailer, or a medium crown staple gun.
Plywood roof sheathing is usually applied with 8d nails (2 1/2")
1/2" plywood can be applied with 6's but check your local codes for fastener length and nailing schedule.

FWIW.
I like to spend the extra $ for zinc plated ring shank sheathing nails.
The whole house isn't covered in black stains if it does get caught by rain and my GC's appreciate that I go a little extra to insure an A1 job and that the site looks good for their customers.

If it's just you (a homeowner) using the gun most any 1 1/2 Hp compressor will keep up.
Find one with 4 or more gallon capacity so it's not constantly cycling on.

Check the local lumberyards/trade tool stores near you. Often they will have manufacturers Demo days. You can pick up a package/starter deal at a great price.

 

Going with 1/2" sheathing, and compo shingles so it appears I can focus on the roofing and framing nailer. Currently looking at couple Paslode, and Hitachi gas framing nailers. Have access to a small shop compressor and plenty of hose so now have the option of going with air nailers, either Bostich, or Hitachi. Definately go with the zinc plated sheathing nails, appreciate the suggestion. Thanks all!!!

 

Problems with the gas powered nailers are. it has to cycle between nails, meaning the gas has to charge up, so it will be slow going, if you have the patience and all day to nail down sheeting, then it won't be a problem.lol
The cost of gas cartrages, isn't exactly cheap, and you will go through quite a few of them.
Then you have to keep the battery charged,, when a battery gets to about half charge, the gun doesn't operate properly, so figure in the cost of at least one more battery.

If you go with the compressor, you'll need at least 100 feet of hose, depending on where you plug in the compressor and how far you have to run the hose up and over the roof.
You will be able to run other air tools in the future, and air up your tires etc. And if you ever buy a plasma cutter, you may even be able to use it for that depending on how big a compresor you get.

 

Went to Home depot to get a feel for the various nailers and found some of their stores have a rental department and come out with a list once a month of equipment they intend to sell. Unfortunately, did not have a nailer, have to check and see if Lowes has a simular practice. Considered renting but fiqure since it's going to be a learning experience I could end up renting the equipment for couple extra days and could put the money into purchasing either a new or used brand named nailer. Expeience a computer meltdown and ended buying a laptop and it's going to take awhile to get use to, can't, abuse a touch pad like u can a mouse. Anyhow, it put the nailer on hold couple weeks, I can use the extra time to decide, again appreciate the suggestions!!

 

You might try a pawn shop too.

No telling what kind of condition they might be in, or whether it's hot or not.
I generally stay far away from those places, but it might be another option for you.

 

Appreciated everyone's suggestions, just pulled the trigger on a Hitachi framing gun, slide type, and though I would check and see if any suggestions on a source for nails, full round head framing nails. Is it best to stick with the manufacturers' brand nails, or can I shop around for the best deal? Probably should check with local hardware stores, there's only a couple, and since they are the only game in town they tend to inflat their prices. Also see where some brand nails have not received very favorable reviews. Now keeping an eye out for the roofing gun. Again, thanks to all!

 

I have a Hitachi NR 90 AD clipped head stick nailer. Mostly because it can share nails with my Paslode gas gun.
I have used the Paslode brand roundrive nails with a simple modification.

FWIW, I have had pretty good luck with Interchange brand from Western Tool Supply, but these are the paper collated clipped head generics.

 

Purchased a used Hitachi 83A2 framing nailer and was working fine until it jambed and not sure how to clear the chamber. Long story short, unable to download pdf operator file, new computer does not have the adobe reader and would have to pay adobe $100 for the software, use to be free. Anyhow, thought before jumping in and start disassembling the nailer see if any members are familiar with the tool and could be me advise.

 

Dave,

Do you mean the driver rode up over a nail and got wedged in the nose of the gun?
Are the nails you're using within proper spec for the gun?
Is the driver blade worn?

At work I'd just remove the magazine assembly(3 allen screws), hammer the driver up with a punch and peel the offending nail out with a pair of dikes.

Look here for exploded diagrams in HTML: Advanced Search : eReplacementParts.com

I reviewed the manual here: http://www.hitachi-koki.com/manual_v...S)&marketSeq=1
and find no specific procedure to clear a jam under troubleshooting on page 17.
Just the two questions I asked first.