Framing nailers

rockcity

rockcity

everyday is a chance to get better
Joined
Apr 10, 2005
Location
Greenville, NC
after multiple days framing on a remodel Ive learned that a day or two managing with a simple framin hammer on a remodel is fine for... a day or two.

After that, time and fatigue (or laziness...) tell me to buy a framing nailer, especially toe nailing between ceiling joists and tight clearances on existing walls, etc.


So, anyone with any experience with a framing nailer? I'm specifically lookin for a cordless one so I don't have to drag my compressor out.

Weight is of a concern
Battery life is of concern
Availability is of concern
Multiple size nails with a single nailer is of concern
Head clearance is of concern for ease of operation at multiple angles in tight spaces is likely the biggest concern.

Thoughts or recommendations?
 
So based on your list, I'm guessing price is not a concern?
 
I think we have a Bostich and a Porter Cable but @shawn can elaborate.

edit: ours are not cordless... sorry I missed that earlier.
 
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My dad has a Paslode and its built a lot of stuff. It uses the gas cartridges, and is kinda loud, but works great.
 
The framing gun is a Porter Cable 21*, but runs on compressed air. I love it, but I own several compressors, so we're never at a loss for air.

My experience has been that the electric ones have a delay between nails, but I'm not sure that's always the case.
 
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Noise doesn't really bother me. It's construction and I don't have to worry with waking up a sleeping baby in an adjacent bedroom.


Price is somewhat of a concern but I have zero issues spending $ on the right tool if I feel it provides sufficient value for the cost.

Gas cartridges would be just fine as well as it would not require lugging my compressor around. This is a remote site and not at my house, so I have to load up all the power tools everyday I work so adding another larger tool (compressor) to lug around isn't the most welcome idea.


I do have a couple finish nailers that are Bostich and Porter Cable but nothing bigger. I have been happy with both so far but for what I need now, they are too small and air powered. :(
 
My dad has a bostitch framing nailer that's been used since he built his house in 92. Id hate to know how many strips of nails have been run through it but I don't believe we have ever had any trouble out of it. We have a few of the Paslodes and one porter finishing nailers they've all done well over the years.
 
rockcity said:
Gas cartridges would be just fine as well as it would not require lugging my compressor around. This is a remote site and not at my house, so I have to load up all the power tools everyday I work so adding another larger tool (compressor) to lug around isn't the most welcome idea.
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FWIW that is the only complaint I have with my passlode. Ive ran out of cartridges before and had forgot to replace and then the next time left the pack at home on the bench.

As for the second part of your complaint:
upload_2017-1-6_11-44-50.jpeg

and
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I like the gang box solution but it can be a week or more before I'm at the remodel house working on it. While everything locks up and the house is in a reasonably good area, I simply don't trust to leave my tools there. I pretty much just keep everything in the bed of my truck up under my tonneau cover so I have it with me when I go. Plus, some of the tools I use at home while I'm not remodeling.



I ended up ordering the Paslode 325xp and a few boxes of nails and fuel. It is light and small enough and has a 30* head to supposedly fit between 16" joists. That should work out perfect. And, the battery is supposed to be good for up to 9,000 nails on a single charge.
 
I have a gas Pasload that had no failed me. I have a battery Dewalt trim gun that has been great. The only thing I don't like about the gas gun is the smell. It makes me nauseous.

I believe Dewalt is making a framing battery powered gun now.
 
GotWood said:
I have a gas Pasload that had no failed me. I have a battery Dewalt trim gun that has been great. The only thing I don't like about the gas gun is the smell. It makes me nauseous.

I believe Dewalt is making a framing battery powered gun now.
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Funny you mention the smell. I had forgotten about it. I kinda like it, but have always used it outdoors. It's probably carbon monoxide or something from the combustion. I doubt they put much research into nail gun emissions.
 
We have a Paslode trim gun and a framer. The batteries have been the main issues but they may make lithium batteries for them now. Gas cartridges last a long time and the convenience of no hose is great. Get out you wallet and prepare to cry however.

We have Porter Cable battery staple and brad nailer that work well.
 
I like pneumatic stuff. If you're doing anything worthwhile for size, bring the compressor. You only need a small compressor, so a little one with wheels works fine for the impulse loads.

I think I've got a Hitachi, I have another but I can't remember what it is. They don't get used very often, like any of my 5 or 6 framers/finishers/staplers.
 
If you use the paslode regularly you will probably need to have it rebuilt about once a year. We have about 6 of them and they are great for small jobs but on big jobs we use pneumatic stuff. There are some local places that rebuild them at reasonable prices.
 
YotaOnRocks said:
If you use the paslode regularly you will probably need to have it rebuilt about once a year. We have about 6 of them and they are great for small jobs but on big jobs we use pneumatic stuff. There are some local places that rebuild them at reasonable prices.
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I agree!! I have four paslodes. Super great and convenient for 100 or so nails. But if you're doing anything that is a little technical or if you're trying to hold the work in one place and shoot it pneumatic is the way to go. All you have to do is bump and go.
 
R Q said:
All I can say is Watch out for the double tap!
hand4.jpg
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and keep wear in check, had similar happen to me week after i got married, Old worn out Paslode Pneumatic framer, framing a wall on my shed, double tap footer to stud and ended up wearing a resin coated ring shank into index finger ( yes, the same one i'm missing most of now, for other reasons )
 
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