Hitachi Nailers, opinions?

[Recoil Rob]

Looking at this finish nailer on sale at Amazon, are the Hitachi's well thought of? I have a Hitachi recipro saw for about 25 years now and it's held up well but that's the limit of my experience withe the brand.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003QTWNTS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[rtoms]

sitting next to my buddy who does carpentry for a living and loves em, has 4 guns, 16 an 18 gauge finish nailers and full round head framing gun and a crown stapler and loves em all.

 

[american lockpicker]

Aren't they made in Japan?

 

[robertwhite]

Aren't they made in Japan?

Isn't every nail gun sold in the USA? (maybe not Japan, but Asia)

As for the Hitachi guns, I have trim, staple, finish, etc. and all are 100% reliable. The only thing you need to watch for is when trying to use Bostich nails (especially finish). They aren't identical and will make the gun malfunction. Stick with the Hitachi nails and you are good to go.

Now if this questions goes into the framing nailer scene, Bostich is the ONLY gun worth a look.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

Hitachi is one of the better nailer companies. I put them right up there with Paslode, Senco, and Bostich. They have good quality and durability.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Isn't every nail gun sold in the USA? (maybe not Japan, but Asia)

As for the Hitachi guns, I have trim, staple, finish, etc. and all are 100% reliable. The only thing you need to watch for is when trying to use Bostich nails (especially finish). They aren't identical and will make the gun malfunction. Stick with the Hitachi nails and you are good to go.

Now if this questions goes into the framing nailer scene, Bostich is the ONLY gun worth a look.

As long as you have a round head Hitachi framing nailer, you should not have a problem. I will agree the Hitachi clip head nailer is not the best though.

 

[wolflrv]

I've got the 2" finish nailer and the 18g crown stapler and love both of them!

 

[Recoil Rob]

So, for a finish head nailer I have to use only Hitachi nails? Around here they are not readily available, will anything else work?

thanks, Rob

 

[teleman37]

I love my Hitachi full head framing nailer! I built my entire shop with it....over ten thousand nails through it so far and not a hiccup one.

 

[Mike F]

I have that nailer and have put more than 6000 nails in with it. It is reliable, seems durable, and has never jammed on me. You can use any nails compatible with the gun. I needed stainless nails, which were not hitachi brand.

 

[robertwhite]

So, for a finish head nailer I have to use only Hitachi nails? Around here they are not readily available, will anything else work?

thanks, Rob

You just have to make sure the package says they are compatible. There is some kind of difference in the way the Bostitch and Hitachi finish nails are linked (wire vs.?) and the Bostitch wouldn't feed. You can get the Hitachi nails in any Lowes and most lumber stores.

 

[robertwhite]

I love my Hitachi full head framing nailer! I built my entire shop with it....over ten thousand nails through it so far and not a hiccup one.

I certainly wont argue about the full head framer being a good gun, but I went thru a trial run of several brands and the Bostitch won hands down. There has to be a reason why Bostich frame guns are on the vast majority of worksites all over the world.

 

[MrMark]

Not around here. Hitachi framers are the standard on the West coast. I've never even seen a Bostich.

As for the question, I have that 15 gauge nailer and it's the best gun I've ever had, but it is made in Japan. It has never jammed once and I've used it to shoot 2.5 inch stainless nails.

The one you are looking at is China made. Production shifted a few years ago.

 

[boiler7904]

I've had an earlier version of Hitachi's 15 ga and 18 ga nailers for about 4 years with zero problems. I'm thinking their 23 ga pin nailer is next on my list.

For the nails, check Lowe's in your area. The store near my house carries project packs of 15 ga Hitachi nails. The difference between Hitachi and some other manufacturers is a slightly different collation angle. I'm thinking the difference is 34 degrees for Hitachi vs. 28 for others like Bostitch. You can also buy bulk packs online.

 

[5lima30]

A buddy of mine has a tool rental business and he has had several different brands but he has the best luck with Hitachi. That is a testament to their durability because rental tools get abused. That being said I've had good luck with PC...but I don't abuse them either.

 

[cowboy73]

I never used a Hitachi, but have rebuilt several Bostitch. If you planning on using the gun alot, look into the availability of repair parts. I would base my decision on that.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Hitachi nailers are considered by many to be the best in the business. They aren't cheap, and hopefully they are still made in Japan.
The Hitachi electric power tools are good, but usually not the best available.