Nail Gun Nails...Are the Cheaper ones a Deal or a Mistake?

[Jbear]

Hey All,
As I continue this journey toward learning reno and such, I have come upon another question. With regard to nail gun nails, I do understand that stainless and galvanized (hot-dipped or otherwise) are indicated for outside applications and damp/humid areas in general. I see quite a price range though, so naturally I wonder...right? I have no issues spending for quality, but I've also learned that cost and quality aren't always a direct corollary. So...in a build that I want to last should I just spend the money and bypass the inexpensive stuff, or...?
Thanks again all...I am learning so much here...I wish I didn't have to wait until this spring to really apply it up in ME. Of course, we have to get our house here in GA ready to sell, so...I'll get to do some stuff soon.

 

[dscheidt]

I doubt there is much difference in how long the nails last (unless you buy stuff that isn’t really stainless). but there is a difference in how the gun deals with them.

 

[Jbear]

Mine are Milwaukee 15 and 18 ga.

 

[danielbuck]

I've only ever used Metabo nail strips in my Metabo nailers, no problems feeding or anything. I don't use nailguns alot, so the original big boxes of nail strips I bought are still lasting me.

 

[gahrajmahal]

I tried different nails in both of my Metabo’s and they didn’t like them. I have to use name brand nails for trouble free performance.

 

[Jbear]

Not an option with Milwaukee that I can find.

 

[liliysdad]

I've run piles of Metabo, GripRite and Harbor Freight nails though my Hitachi Framer and Metabo (Hitachi) 15ga guns. Never had any issues with any of them.

 

[tarmy]

My Milwaukee 15ga M18 finish nailer works with every make I have fed it…but I usually buy name brand nails.

 

[Jbear]

Good to know.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I just buy whatever the big box store carries to sell.

The way I look at it, the box stores wou carry them if contractors weren't buying them. Contractors wouldn't be using them if they were junk.. . . and a contractor isn't going waste time dealing with junk nails.

 

[Jbear]

One would hope.