Finish Nailer?

[Cobra_Bob]

Going to buy a nailer for basic around the house wood work. Ideally, would like to be able to cover everything from interior trim work to light wood work (building bookcases, etc.) What is the best compromise? A finish nailer? Electric or pneumatic? What price point till its a quality machine?

 

[Lightfoot]

Just last week, my wife bought for me a Bostitch 3 pack air nailer combo set. It came with the pancake compressor, and three different size Bostich nailers. She saw it at Lowes on sale for $229, and had a 10% off coupon and a 15 dollar credit to use. I used it some this week-LOVE IT!! I never knew just how handy these were but had always wanted one since i borrowed one from a friend. Wifey said happy anniversary, your gift is in the trunk. I have to say, i was pleasantly surprised. She's da best. It was actually a better outfit than i would have bought for myself, but she knows i have a weakness for tools. Now i'm on the spot now to get her something before next month's anniversary.

 

[demographic]

I own a Paslode gas powered finish nailer which I find great in my work but recently I've used a Paslode airline finish nailer which personally I think is nicer to use as long as I'm in a workshop setting where I can use an airline.
Its not much use for on site though as I can't be bothered with trailing the lines about.

I've used a few other makes before and to my mind the Paslodes are the standard that others try to get to.
Both fire 16 gauge brads and they are the straight ones and not the angled ones.

The angled guns are as good to use but its harder to get the brads from the companies I often work for.

 

[back2class]

The 3 packs are great deals. However, just a angle finish nailer woud be fine. I used 2 professionaly (though only used maybe once a week for a little) One was a generic from Woodworkers wearhouse. Never failed, though things needed to be toghtened up alot and in the end it would jam when it only had a few nails left. Other is a HF unit I purchased by mistake on EBAY. Has been good. I honestly think for typical homeowner levels of use, the HF unit is the best value ad will outlast it's owner. My guess is I wore the first one out doing the equivelent of trimming 5-6 houses. I have gotten great performance from my Craftsman framer and my Bostich brad nailer.

 

[Cobra_Bob]

Lightfoot,

Nice Vette. I just came back from a “Corvette for Vets” car show at a local winery. My 427 Cobra S/C was in good company.

I think I saw that Bostitch 3 pack air nailer combo set on the flyer at Lowes yesterday. I’ll have to look into it. Is it angled to get into the corners? Wife said I need to paint the downstairs walls and put up some chair molding. All I heard was a chance to buy more tools!!!

Bob

 

[Lightfoot]

Lightfoot,

Nice Vette. I just came back from a “Corvette for Vets” car show at a local winery. My 427 Cobra S/C was in good company.

I think I saw that Bostitch 3 pack air nailer combo set on the flyer at Lowes yesterday. I’ll have to look into it. Is it angled to get into the corners? Wife said I need to paint the downstairs walls and put up some chair molding. All I heard was a chance to buy more tools!!!

Bob

Thanks Bob! I can only wish for a 427 Cobra. I've had old blue for about 16 years, she's kinda like part of the family now.

The guns i got are not angled.
I'm in the process of remodeling a rental house we bought recently and i have used the heck out of the larger gun this week doing cabinet work, wall trim, and baseboard work and i would imagine i would still be working if i hadn't had the new toy. I imagine there are advantages to an angled gun, but for my use these are just the ticket.

 

[crewchief888]

i picked up the porter cable 3 gun/compressor combo from HD over the winter.
the compressor is surprising quiet for an oilless, and small enough to move wherever in the house i need it.

saved me a lot of aggravation, (and smashed thumbs) doing trim work around the house

 

[Cobra_Bob]

Are 3 guns really necessary? My preference is to buy 1 good one, but it needs to be able to do small interior trim one day and build a solid bookcase the next. Maybe I do need several guns?

 

[thrifty bill]

Subscribing: I am waiting to see more people wade in with opinions as well. I have a bunch of crown molding I will need to install, and would like to pick up a reasonably priced pneumatic nailer to do the job. I already have a framing nailer, so I don't need a 3 pack.

 

[oldwino]

Are 3 guns really necessary? My preference is to buy 1 good one, but it needs to be able to do small interior trim one day and build a solid bookcase the next. Maybe I do need several guns?

I've never looked at the three gun sets, bu the three guns are all for a different purpose...usually a finish nailer which shoots only finish nails (up to 8 or 16d), second gun is a brad nailer for the little stuff and either a framing gun for standard nails (up to 16d) or a stapler so depending on what you are doing you probably will need more than one

 

[jrsulo]

Paslode 18 gauge cordless......use mine almost everyday...has not failed me in over 4 years of use.

 

[John316]

I have a Hitachi 18ga as well as a 15ga and they both rock! I trimmed a 2000+ sq. ft. house last summer and these performed flawlessly. They are solidly built but at the same time they are light on the arm as well as light on the wallet ;-)

 

[MalibuLX3]

I've got a few different nailer, but I find my Bostitch Angled Finsher nailer to be my go to gun 90% of the time.

 

[back2class]

Book cases and trim is best with a 15.16ga finish nailer. I will be the best size. Brad nailers can do dome of that too, but nothing structural.

 

[BQuicksilver]

Look into the Dewalt 18v XRP nailers. I have both the 18ga and 16ga.

Pros:
- Consistent depth
- 500-1000 shots/charge
- NO NOISY COMPRESSOR
- NO CORDS
- no rebuild interval
- no gas to buy and have go bad if you're a homeowner who isn't using the gun every week.
- handles 1/2"-2" brads

Cons:
- 7.x lbs, so heavier than most.
- not as great if you don't have the 18V dewalt set already

 

[Vinko]

Subscribing: I am waiting to see more people wade in with opinions as well. I have a bunch of crown molding I will need to install, and would like to pick up a reasonably priced pneumatic nailer to do the job. I already have a framing nailer, so I don't need a 3 pack.

Subscribed as well. I'd like a nice finish nail that can handle most jobs. Something commercial quality would be nice -- my experience with older Porter Cable gear was always good -- less happy with the newer stuff. Anything made in the US or Western Europe, I'd particularly like to hear about, if it's out there for finish nailers.

 

[filtered]

I have a 3 gun Porter cable set with compressor I got off CL for $100. Barely used. I still haven't found a use for the staple gun yet. A good finish nailer is all you need though. I haven't had any issues with the porter cable guns I have.

 

[WheelsNT]

For trim, you do need at least two nailers -- a 15 or 16 gauge finish nailer and an 18 gauge brad nailer. For example, on door casing, you use the 15 gauge to nail the casing into the 2x framing, and the 18 gauge to nail the inner edge of the casing to the jamb. For baseboard, you need the finish nailer for the base, and the brad nailer for the shoe and also for the cap if you're doing a 3-piece base. Etc., etc. The 3 piece sets are fine for homeowner use. The third gun is usually a stapler, so you won't get as much use out of that one, but the first two guns are absolute musts.

 

[RKA]

To the OP, your needs seem to indicate a need for a 15/16 ga. finish nailer AND an 18 gauge brad nailer. A 23 gauge pinner might come in handy down the road for glue ups, but wait until the need presents itself. If you were buying one, cordless would be a great convenience despite the price, however, if you're going to buy more than one, the cost of the cordless guns gets prohibitive. The air guns are lighter too, which you'll appreciate if you're doing extensive overhead work. If you were going with two guns, I'd recommend an angled finish nailer (angle helps you wrestle the bigger gun into corners and stuff) and a regular brad nailer. Make sure you can readily get the nails your guns require at your local HD or Lowes. Bostitch has a 7 year warranty on their guns now, and all mag construction for lighter weight. Dewalt is good (I got a refurb from CPO), Hitachi is a great value, Porter Cable is an old stand by for many (packaged with a compressor, you often get a great deal). If you're doing fine finish work where you don't want oil marking up your surface, consider an oil free nailer. They won't have the longevity of an oiled nailer, however, for homeowner use it's not likely to matter. My dewalt can be run with oil or without. Usually I put a few drops of oil in there, unless I'm concerned about marking up the wood, then I'll go without. You might still get a little oil trace, but much less than if you had added oil to the gun before working. As for compressors, generally the oiled will last longer and will be quieter, but I think Dewalt makes a pretty quiet and compact oil less compressor.

I've got a Makita oiled compressor, Dewalt angled finish gun, Milwaukee brad, and bostitch pinner and stapler. I'm very happy with all of them, and none see more than typical homeowner use. Among the guns the dewalt is probably my favorite. Just the way it feels in the hand, quality of construction, etc. But I've not had an issue with any of them really.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I recommend two different nailers for what you want. For finish work (trim) go with a 15 gauge angled nailer. I always start with Senco for air nailers. Two other very good ones are the Bostitch and Hitachi. You'll find the angled magazine nice to work with in tight spots. For project work I would go with an 18 gauge brad nailer from the above manufacturers. They are all quality guns with handy adjustments. I"ve had my Senco angle trim nailer for around a dozen years or more and it's trimmed out more than a few houses. It still works like it was new.

I don't swing a hammer much on most projects now that I have my nail guns. Hammers are for moving wood into place or pulling out nails, not driving nails!!!

 

[robertwhite]

As others have said, you need a finish and a brad nailer. Bostitch, Hitachi, Paslode are all great guns.

Just do yourself a favor and stay away from Bostitch combo sets as the compressors are absolute junk.

 

[TOOL MASTER]

Senco or hitachi

 

[Lightfoot]

Just do yourself a favor and stay away from Bostitch combo sets as the compressors are absolute junk.

Really? Friend of mine has had one one for 7 years, used almost daily, never a problem. That's a fairly general statement you're makin there padre. I would imagine there are good and bad in most products.

 

[Cobra_Bob]

Thanks for the feedback. I went to Lowes and bought the Hitachi set. Came with a 6 gal compressor (EC 510), an angled finish nailer (NT 65MA4 (S)) and a brad nailer (NT 50AE2 (S)).

It was more expensive than the compressor/3 nailer kit from Bostitch, but when I compared the individual nailers, the Hitachi nailers were the next level up. Bostitch had equivalently priced nailers, which were for sale individually, but not in their combo kit. I can’t vouch for how well any of them work, I just looked at features and price point and was willing to spend a little more.

I’ll post feedback once I try them out. Did turn the compressor on. Noisier than I expected. Rats.

Bob

 

[back2class]

Most pros use Bostich and in general is regarded as as good as a nailer that can be made so I would be curious to know what you found substandard about them over Hitachi?

 

[Coach James]

For trim work, I think a 16 and 18ga are an excellent combination. My Bostitch 18ga is A+ to use. One of my employees has the Portar Cable three gun kit, stapler, brad nailer and finish nailer and she likes it.

Here's a good review of portable compressors.



http://toolmonger.com/2011/06/01/tm-portable-shop-compressor-test-part-ii/

Coach

 

[Mr Ratchet]

You did good with that Hitachi combo. The nailers in that set are as good as they get. You'll be better off with the two nailers that you got than with three that don't fit your needs as well.

 

[Conor]

i use a Hitachi NT50AE2 18-Gauge 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch Brad Nailer for all my woodworking.

I mainly use the brads to hold the pieces in place while the glue dries. I LOVE it.

I have also trimmed out 1500 sqft home with it and it has never jammed on me.

I've been eyeing up the Harbor Freight 23ga pinner for 25.00 because it would give me more options, but i've never wanted to go with a 15ga gun yet.

I think you did well with the Hitachi combo kit!

 

[rockchucker]

When I was solely a Finish Carpenter I would use the Porter Cable guns daily. Both Straight Nailers with Compressed Air. I dislike the Butane Guns. Especially when you use it inside and the G/F or whatever starts bitching about the smell. They also **** IMHO.

I use a 16ga 2 1/2" for Hanging Doors and setting things that are heavier. I use an 18ga 2" for everything else. They are both Porter Cable. I have shot literally thousands of Nails through both of them. I have hung several thousand doors and laid countless thousands of feet of Base/window trim with these guns. I have rebuild kits for both that have never been opened. I Oil them daily with Marvel Mystery Oil 5 drops.

They have worked well for me and still perform like the day I bought them today. I just pulled them out after sitting in their cases for about 6 months, Oiled them and started shooting. Never skipped a beat.


16ga 2 1/2"...


http://www.google.com/products/cata...a=X&ei=y5QTTqOVKMPQiAKDxb3NDQ&ved=0CFoQ8gIwAg

That is a picture of the Old style. The new ones I can not vouch for. They have the same model number as my old one though. So I would guess the guts are the same.


18ga 2" this one you will want to make sure you get the 2" capacity though. They came out with a model that has been selling like hotcakes that is only a 1 1/2 capacity and they are worthless when you need that longer pin to hold trim or whatever on. I usually use 1 5/8 pins and it won't even hold those. So make sure you get a 2" 18ga finish gun...


Here...


http://www.google.com/products/cata...a=X&ei=l5UTTpX6DrTTiALaovX_DQ&ved=0CFcQ8wIwAA


That exact one in the picture is the one I have used since about 2000 without issue. Keep it in its plastic bag in the case after every use and Oil it daily.


Just my 2¢

 

[robertwhite]

Really? Friend of mine has had one one for 7 years, used almost daily, never a problem. That's a fairly general statement you're makin there padre. I would imagine there are good and bad in most products.

Not to be argumentative, but just because your friend uses one doesn't make them any less crappy. Do a little research or make a few calls to multi brand authorized repair shops and see who is number 1 for pancake compressor breakdowns. I know lots of contractors who buy the Bostitch combo kits just to get the guns cheap and a month or two later when the compressor craps out, it is just chucked in the dumpster.

 

[Cobra_Bob]

Back2class,

Never used the word substandard.

In order to determine why the Bostitch 3 gun/compressor combo was less expensive than the Hitachi 2 gun/compressor combo, I went and found the individual guns. The individual Hitachi finish gun was about $150ish (don’t quote me on that). I then found the comparable $150ish Bostitch finish gun. Both looked about the same to me. Went back to the sets and saw the Hitachi finish gun in the set was not the same $150ish gun in my hand. In the set was a less expensive model, with fewer features. I liked the angled $150 Hitachi finish gun in my hand more than the $100 Bostitch straight finish gun in the set, so I bought the Hitachi set. Wasn’t worried about the price…just like that particular gun better.

Bob

 

[Flash21]

I've got a few different nailer, but I find my Bostitch Angled Finsher nailer to be my go to gun 90% of the time.

Agreed, I have the same one and it is my 90% go to nailer.

 

[toytech40]

Was talking about some home updates with my wife a couple years ago around Christmas and realised that an air nailer would be a nice addition to the arsonal. So started researching them and came to the conclusion that for what we were planning a 16 and 18 ga. guns were a good combination. At about the same time HD had a sale on the Porter Cable 3 gun(16, 18, and stapler), compressor combo pack w/hose and carry bag and small assortment of nails, pins and staples. the price difference between the combo set and the cost of just the 2 guns was not much, so the combo kit came home with me. Used them and have loved them so that since then I have added a used Porter cable framing nailer, a used Bostich palm nailer and a off brand 23 ga pin nailer with 2 in capacity. They each have their own area of expertise and are definintly a labor saver that I thouht I would never own but now wonder how I got along without them.

 

[Jeffksf]

I just bought the same Hitachi set as well. I'm very pleased with it. I got mine reconditioned from bigskytool.com. I couldn't find any evidence that the tools were used or reconditioned.

 

[ZRX61]

One of my employees has the Portar Cable three gun kit, stapler, brad nailer and finish nailer and she likes it.

Coach

Probably the same set I have. I need to remember to adjust the air pressure when using them as I've shot nails right through some lumber...