Framing Nailers - Good / Bad ??

[Mike.VA]

I'm looking for a framing nailer and a trim nailer.

Would this be a good option?

This kit comes with Framing/Finish Combo Kit (4-Pieces) - for $203.81
Does anyone have experience with this Freeman Brand of tool?

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Freeman-Framing-Finish-Combo-Kit-4-Pieces-P4FRFNCB/202923678

 

[Acuratechva]

I know this doesnt answer your question but for me its either HF or All out Milwaukee/Bostich. Anything in between wont be that far from Pitsburgh HF.

All my nailers are Pitsburgh and work great. In fact they make a 2 in 1 stapler/finish nailer for 20$. Roofing nailer has gone through 5k nails no problem.

PS: I am all about saving space and not acquiring a million tools that one can do.

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-gauge-2-in-1-air-nailerstapler-68019.html

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Professionally speaking...framing: Hitachi, finish: Senco

 

[ddawg16]

Is this for personal work or, are you going into business?

For personal....I think that deal is pretty good.

I got the CH version about 10 years ago...still working well.

 

[CNGsaves]

Professionally speaking...framing: Hitachi, finish: Senco

^ ^ ^This. Add one more at top of quality level . . . . Paslode. My carpenter brother has used a VERY old Senco and it just takes a beating and keeps on shootin' nails.

From there, the next tier includes Bostitch, Porter Cable, Ridgid, Craftsman, etc.

I would avoid Harbor Freight on framing nailer as one I bought only lasted 1/2 of a roof. Replaced it with used Hitachi from CL and it ran circles around the HF and also Hitachi was much lighter as made from magnesium. I absolutely love that Hitachi although it's older and requires clipped head nails in paper.

KEY CONSIDERATION on the framing nailer is availabilty of nails. Pay close attention to clipped or full-head, angle degrees, and paper vs plastic.

In my opinion the HomeDepot brand of Freeman is just another China cheapy. I'd recommend buying individual Hitachi / Senco / Paslode / Bostitch / Porter Cable / Ridgid / etc. guns by the specific task you need to accomplish. Buy the right tool and it will last a lifetime. I'm afraid those Freemans will be a throw-a-way purchase.

 

[Mike.VA]

This will be for personal use. Need to complete the inside of my garage build.
thanks.

 

[Mike.VA]

^ ^ ^This. Add one more at top of quality level . . . . Paslode. My carpenter brother has used a VERY old Senco and it just takes a beating and keeps on shootin' nails.

From there, the next tier includes Bostitch, Porter Cable, Ridgid, Craftsman, etc.

I would avoid Harbor Freight on framing nailer as one I bought only lasted 1/2 of a roof. Replaced it with used Hitachi from CL and it ran circles around the HF and also Hitachi was much lighter as made from magnesium. I absolutely love that Hitachi although it's older and requires clipped head nails in paper.

KEY CONSIDERATION on the framing nailer is availabilty of nails. Pay close attention to clipped or full-head, angle degrees, and paper vs plastic.

In my opinion the HomeDepot brand of Freeman is just another China cheapy. I'd recommend buying individual Hitachi / Senco / Paslode / Bostitch / Porter Cable / Ridgid / etc. guns by the specific task you need to accomplish. Buy the right tool and it will last a lifetime. I'm afraid those Freemans will be a throw-a-way purchase.

I think the Ridgid had a great guarantee, I may just buy the framing one and then when I actually need the trim one, research then and go for it.
thanks.

 

[cashishift]

I have a Dewalt DW325PL

shoots 21 degree plastic collated nails.

It's been replaced by Dewalt with this model; http://www.dewalt.com/en-us/product...ree-plastic-round-head-framing-nailer/dwf83pl

For what I use it for I'm quite happy with it.

Hitachi was really close, but it was more expensive. the NR83's are apparently the bee's knee's.

Adding onto whomever mentioned availability of nails.. I didnt want clipped head nails, so full head was the option for me. I also like that the nails I use, also work in my buddies gun so we can use one box of nails.

 

[CNGsaves]

With light homeowner use, those FREEMAN from HomeDepot may be just fine for you.

However, don't get boondoggled into thinking those are RIDGID . . they are NOT.

Apparently those "Freeman" are replacement brand for cheapy HDX brand that HomeDepot would carry as "seasonal" item around Christmas.

If it were me, I'd shop CL for a used Hitachi, Bostitch, Porter Cable, etc. You really don't need a brand new nailgun. Let the other guy eat the depreciation.

I brought along a portable compressor when I bought the used Hitachi framing nailgun from CL. Shot some sample nails and for $100 had great nailer along with extra nails that the guy threw in on the deal.

 

[cashishift]

With light homeowner use, those FREEMAN from HomeDepot may be just fine for you.

However, don't get boondoggled into thinking those are RIDGID . . they are NOT.

Apparently those "Freeman" are replacement brand for cheapy HDX brand that HomeDepot would carry as "seasonal" item around Christmas.

If it were me, I'd shop CL for a used Hitachi, Bostitch, Porter Cable, etc. You really don't need a brand new nailgun. Let the other guy eat the depreciation.

I brought along a portable compressor when I bought the used Hitachi framing nailgun from CL. Shot some sample nails and for $100 had great nailer along with extra nails that the guy threw in on the deal.

Also consider refurbished tools, great deals can be had!

www.cpooutlets.com

www.bigskytools.com

For what you are doing - this would be a great model. Offers depth of drive adjustment, and tool free selective fire. Weights only 7.5 lbs.

https://bigskytool.com/hitachi-nr90aepr-3-1-2-plastic-collated-framing-nailer-reconditioned.html

 

[ishiboo]

With light homeowner use, those FREEMAN from HomeDepot may be just fine for you.

However, don't get boondoggled into thinking those are RIDGID . . they are NOT.

Apparently those "Freeman" are replacement brand for cheapy HDX brand that HomeDepot would carry as "seasonal" item around Christmas.

If it were me, I'd shop CL for a used Hitachi, Bostitch, Porter Cable, etc. You really don't need a brand new nailgun. Let the other guy eat the depreciation.

I brought along a portable compressor when I bought the used Hitachi framing nailgun from CL. Shot some sample nails and for $100 had great nailer along with extra nails that the guy threw in on the deal.

All my nailers are Bostitch that I use frequently. That said, I have a Freeman flooring stapler and it's been flawless. Read the reviews of the Freeman products, that's how I ended up with it - the air nailers get great reviews. Freeman is not a HD house brand, I bought mine off Amazon 3-4+ years ago and it was sold new by Amazon.

OP - I think you'll be very happy with the Freeman products for your needs, and that's certainly a good deal for well-reviewed nailers. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one with those reviews to back it up.

In terms of the selection I think it's a nice kit they put together... that framing nailer will fire 3.5" full-head nails, so you won't have any issues using it to meet code anywhere. The only thing I don't like is the brad nailer is only a 1.5"... I do fire 2-2.5" brads for some things. But I think for what you want, you can get by with that work with the 15ga finish nailer or a combination of both. (IE, 15ga into the stud for door casings, and a 18ga 1" into the door jamb) I can't speak for nail availability, I have a 28 degree wire weld and a coil collated for my framing nailers so I've never bought paper/plastic-collated nails, but that is something to consider. I've found the coil collated nails to be a lot cheaper for full heads in many applications.

 

[gtae07]

I used the adjustable HF nailer to build my shop. It lasted the duration of the build and was still working at the end, so I got my money's worth and it did all I asked of it. I may never need it again. Didn't see the point of buying a new "professional grade" tool for one-time use, and decent used tools are uncommon on Craigslist here.

If I were using it professionally I would have chosen differently.

 

[Mike.VA]

All my nailers are Bostitch that I use frequently. That said, I have a Freeman flooring stapler and it's been flawless. Read the reviews of the Freeman products, that's how I ended up with it - the air nailers get great reviews. Freeman is not a HD house brand, I bought mine off Amazon 3-4+ years ago and it was sold new by Amazon.

OP - I think you'll be very happy with the Freeman products for your needs, and that's certainly a good deal for well-reviewed nailers. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one with those reviews to back it up.

In terms of the selection I think it's a nice kit they put together... that framing nailer will fire 3.5" full-head nails, so you won't have any issues using it to meet code anywhere. The only thing I don't like is the brad nailer is only a 1.5"... I do fire 2-2.5" brads for some things. But I think for what you want, you can get by with that work with the 15ga finish nailer or a combination of both. (IE, 15ga into the stud for door casings, and a 18ga 1" into the door jamb) I can't speak for nail availability, I have a 28 degree wire weld and a coil collated for my framing nailers so I've never bought paper/plastic-collated nails, but that is something to consider. I've found the coil collated nails to be a lot cheaper for full heads in many applications.

Thank you for the taking the time to provide your take on the question. It did seem like a fair deal, four tools for 200 bucks. I have a need for two of them, and would most likely find a good use for the others.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I bet that kit would do fine
I could see using the brad nailer for trim and such. The finish nailer is handy too. For the price it isn't too bad. I haven't priced it all separately at HF with a coupon etc, so if it's handy location- may be worth it.

I drive past HF to go to HD, so it's a non issue on distance. I have used Harbor Freight 18ga 3-1 nailer for years. The only drawback is there is no pad to protect the wood. I have also used the coil nailer to do a 12x14 shed with Hardin plank and the roof. It didn't quit either.

My assumption is the freeman kit is probably similar quality, if you aren't keen on the HF route, keep it oiled and try not to drop them from large distances . Good luck and happy shooting.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I went with a HF framing nailer... did my whole house remodel and then some. When it came time to do the hardwood floors I got a gun from HF.

Worked for me... I wouldn't buy nails though from HF. The only thing I didn't care for was the sticks [nails]. Friend lent a Bostitch that was a nicer gun and the coiled nails were much cheaper, go figure and lasted longer between refills.

For trim work, I've been using a Ridgid 18 ga to do simple casement and baseboard.

 

[bczygan]

I bought a similar HDX set to that at HD for $50 on Black Friday a couple years back. Use for all but framing and roofing.

Hitachi for framing.

Bostitch for roofing.

Bill

 

[derosa]

Looks similar to the husky set HD used to offer, the framing gun did fine and will last through a house build, the pin nailer didn't last long at all. Personally I've found no use for an 18 crown stapler and now that I have a good 15g nailer for trim haven't bothered with an 18g nailer. Never liked how well the 18g held the little trim I did with it. Spend the extra and go Hitachi, wish I had, it would have saved me the money.

 

[ez-duzit]

Though I've never heard of the brand, that Freeman 4-pc kit shows good reviews from HD's customers.

I wound up with an extra 15-ga Ridgid finish nailer that I'll put in the classifieds. I already had a brand new one I'd never used, but completely forgot about. So when this one came up I thought "I really should get one of those."

 

[DFB]

That same kit is also on Amazon for the same price. You don't need all those nailers

Also take a look at the Numax products. They can be found online both at Amazon and at Home Depot too and read those reviews too.

They have the 21* framing nailer same as everyone else and also a 16 gauge straight finish nail gun (which I have and has been flawless) plus 18ga brad nailer staplers and also one that does all 3... 16/18 and stapler.

The only issue I have with combo stapler/brad nailers is the pin mark is a slightly wider the nail point not a really big deal especially with paint but if a perfectionist would probably have stroke and definitely want something more pin point


I have a Numax 16GA straight finish nailer, a HF Professional 18 ga combo brad nailer/stapler, a Porter cable framer, a Porter Cable crown stapler, and a new Milwaukee cordless.

The most trouble free for me so far has been the NuMax, though I don't anticipate any problems with new Milwaukee haven't put thru the motions yet.

The PC's see I got them from somebody else who claimed they had problems with them but once I dissembled and cleaned them good. got all the gunk out they have worked just fine for me.

And the HF well that has been beat on and still performs just fine, It was a nice deal at the time had a hard case, wrenches and an assortment of brads for starters. I did loose an external tension spring for the depth adjustment one time which gave me an issue on a job but I easily added another spring one from my parts bin once I figured what was up and that's worked just fine

Here's both the Amazon link and the HD I also read that Freeman 7 year warranty isn't really worth much IMO.

I figure two guns up to around $120 or so and you can spend difference on buying different sized fasteners

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=numax&rh=i:aps,k:numax

http://www.homedepot.com/b/Search/N...ded/Ntt-numax?Ntx=mode+matchpartialmax&NCNI-5

 

[-Brent-]

This will be for personal use. Need to complete the inside of my garage build.
thanks.

I was a Hitachi guy when I was framing. This past year when I needed a gun to do some framing I went to the pawn shop and picked up a Porter Cable for 60-something and it's been a decent gun. Parts are readily available and I would have had no problems keeping this on the truck with the other guns. It won't take the beating my Hitachis did but if you're doing home stuff, it'd suit you well.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Get a refurb name brand like Bostich or Senco.

 

[ishiboo]

That same kit is also on Amazon for the same price. You don't need all those nailers

Also take a look at the Numax products. They can be found online both at Amazon and at Home Depot too and read those reviews too.

They have the 21* framing nailer same as everyone else and also a 16 gauge straight finish nail gun (which I have and has been flawless) plus 18ga brad nailer staplers and also one that does all 3... 16/18 and stapler.

The only issue I have with combo stapler/brad nailers is the pin mark is a slightly wider the nail point not a really big deal especially with paint but if a perfectionist would probably have stroke and definitely want something more pin point


I have a Numax 16GA straight finish nailer, a HF Professional 18 ga combo brad nailer/stapler, a Porter cable framer, a Porter Cable crown stapler, and a new Milwaukee cordless.

The most trouble free for me so far has been the NuMax, though I don't anticipate any problems with new Milwaukee haven't put thru the motions yet.

The PC's see I got them from somebody else who claimed they had problems with them but once I dissembled and cleaned them good. got all the gunk out they have worked just fine for me.

And the HF well that has been beat on and still performs just fine, It was a nice deal at the time had a hard case, wrenches and an assortment of brads for starters. I did loose an external tension spring for the depth adjustment one time which gave me an issue on a job but I easily added another spring one from my parts bin once I figured what was up and that's worked just fine

Here's both the Amazon link and the HD I also read that Freeman 7 year warranty isn't really worth much IMO.

I figure two guns up to around $120 or so and you can spend difference on buying different sized fasteners

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=numax&rh=i:aps,k:numax

http://www.homedepot.com/b/Search/N...ded/Ntt-numax?Ntx=mode+matchpartialmax&NCNI-5

Freeman and Numax are the same. Not only are they the exact same tools, they're the exact same company - not just the same factory. Look at the photos of the two - just different colors. Freeman has a "7 year" warranty just as Numax has a "1 year".

And you can definitely use all 4 of those nailers on most builds.

 

[Jon_E]

All of the contractors in my area use Bostitch or Hitachi for framing, or if they've got especially deep pockets, Max nailers. I have a couple of Bostitch framing guns and a Max coil siding nailer, and all have been flawless.

All of my trim guns and staplers are Porter-Cable. I did have some issues with the narrow-crown stapler, but a teardown and good cleaning got it back again.

I've bought more than half of my tools from a local used-tool store. I go in there every couple of months and each time I walk out with a nearly-new tool for 50-75% of the cost of a new one. The Max coil nailer came from there - I'm not sure that it was used on more than one job, it still had half a coil of nails in it and looked unfired.

If I was buying just a couple nailers - I'd skip the kit and just buy what you needed. Make sure the gun(s) you buy have nails readily available. Different brands use different geometry and collation, and you might wind up with a good nailer and a scarcity of nails. Paslode is famous for their proprietary nails. The new Senco nailers look really nice, not sure if they've changed much over the years other than appearance. Bostitch always seems to be reliable. Hitachi is worth paying full price for, they're probably the best on the market.

 

[braidmeister]

Paslode, Senco, Hilti, Bostitch have all been great. My dad's Paslode framer from the 70s is still kicking it 40 years later...

If you're a homeowner/weekend warrior/garage band just get the HF ones. They work fine & you wouldn't know the difference.

 

[bczygan]

Narrow crown stapler was perfect for reinforcing cheap cabinets that started coming apart.

 

[finn]

Never had an issue finding nails for my Paslode framer. All of the off brand nails seem to work fine and the nailer has been flawless.

 

[Finky198]

We have six Paslode framing and trim guns, a bostich stapler and roofing gun all have been used for 5-20 years. The only thing that goes bad is the gas and batteries on the paslodes and the seals, trigger and sometime a piston on both brands. Maybe one gun a year needs maintenance. But over time the lack of consumables is one benefit I see in pneumatic ones.

Hilti makes a new gas powered nailer that doesn't use batteries but their pricey.

Ours have shot 10s of 1000s of nails in those years. I doubt you'll see that in a life time so save your money now. If this is a once in a while tool. I can't comment on the latter end of the spectrum.

 

[Mike.VA]

I greatly appreciate all the suggestions and comments. I will have to digest all this and will report back later on what I end up getting how it works.

thanks again for all the reply's.

It really helps due to the fact the guy / gal on the isle knows where the nailers (most of the time) are but hasn't ever used one and has to ask someone else where the nails are.

 

[bdelmar2]

I recently bought the cheaper Hitachi 21 degree framing nailer ($179) and finally got a chance to really use it last weekend framing up some odd walls to enclose a lean to off my shed.

Works good, but I wish I had waited a bit longer.

A couple of days after I bought it I went and got a old Grizzly table saw from someone I found on Craigslist. Along with a lot of other stuff they had laying around was an older Senco framing nailer with case. Looked to have been used about twice and I could have gotten for $50 I imagine.

The Hitachi I bought doesn't come with a case, but did come in a fairly heavy duty cardboard box. Fine for me, but not so much for a contractor.

 

[larry4406]

The framers that build the homes I manage all use Paslode. Claim high reliability. 30 degree nails with paper clip. They don't like the other style nails with plastic clips; plastic becomes air borne into their face and jamb.

I have had good luck with the Paslode Impule (gas not pneumatic) nail gun.

 

[NedNorton]

Professionally speaking...framing: Hitachi, finish: Senco

Hatchi for framing, If you can justify the difference in price from the others. It really is a better gun. These are what we used and abused and fall into the buy once category. Make sure whatever you buy has a depth adjustment.

For trim nailers, any of the big guys will do. Senco, PC or Bostich. Senco are my favorite with PC second.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[tarbellb]

I would highly consider buying one of those pancake compressor and gun packages, then add whatever framing gun you want.

My PC 3 gun/comp package has been used and abused and still ticking, all for $175 10yrs ago. There is always a deal on those packages.

Check these guys out- www.bigskytool.com -

Refurb'd stuff, has always been good for me.

 

[finn]

I recently bought the cheaper Hitachi 21 degree framing nailer ($179) and finally got a chance to really use it last weekend framing up some odd walls to enclose a lean to off my shedp

The Hitachi I bought doesn't come with a case, but did come in a fairly heavy duty cardboard box. Fine for me, but not so much for a contractor.

I've never seen a contractor put a nail gun in a case. I suppose it does happen, but I usually see guys throwing the nailer in the back of the pickup at days end, or just leaving it on the ground (around here, where theft isn't a problem).

They're tools, not treasured keepsakes.

 

[cashishift]

I've never seen a contractor put a nail gun in a case. I suppose it does happen, but I usually see guys throwing the nailer in the back of the pickup at days end, or just leaving it on the ground (around here, where theft isn't a problem).

They're tools, not treasured keepsakes.

Ditto - if anything the gun gets locked in a job box. Anymore its just another deduction.. so the only downside to one breaking is the downtime.

However - one of the big lumberyards here does nail gun repair - they are busier than a one armed paper hanger fixing stuff.

 

[back2class]

Purchased a nice new Craftsman framing gun years ago. Banged it around hard..not holding up well, but limps along for my limited use now. Also picked up a new generic angle finish nailer from Woodworkers Warehouse..fell apart. Another new one I purchased was a CH brad nailer. Jams a lot. On the other hand my Bostich brad nailer has been awesome since new. Get a brad nailer than shoots the longer nails though. You will use them much more than you think. Have had a few other air nailers and honestly, they are really simple tools. I would think as a homeowner....get a framer, brad nailer and 15ga angle finsih nailer from HF and you will be more than good to go. Or go to a pawn shop with a decent return policy and get some used ones. If I were contracting full time I could see going top shelf. But just get the HF...I assume they are as good or better than the HD cheepies and if you keep them clean and lubed should be good tools.

 

[gsmith22]

have Bostitch framing (21deg full round head) and smart point brad nailers (16, 18ga) and Cadex pin nailers (21, 23ga) and no complaints with any. would buy them all again in an instant

 

[Rarified27]

Purchased a nice new Craftsman framing gun years ago. Banged it around hard..not holding up well, but limps along for my limited use now. Also picked up a new generic angle finish nailer from Woodworkers Warehouse..fell apart. Another new one I purchased was a CH brad nailer. Jams a lot. On the other hand my Bostich brad nailer has been awesome since new. Get a brad nailer than shoots the longer nails though. You will use them much more than you think. Have had a few other air nailers and honestly, they are really simple tools. I would think as a homeowner....get a framer, brad nailer and 15ga angle finsih nailer from HF and you will be more than good to go. Or go to a pawn shop with a decent return policy and get some used ones. If I were contracting full time I could see going top shelf. But just get the HF...I assume they are as good or better than the HD cheepies and if you keep them clean and lubed should be good tools.

Looking at a similar collection (framing, brad, finish/stapler) to what you mentioned and was considering the one below for the things not on the level of building a house. Would this be regarded as a similar quality to the Hitachi's praised above?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000H399PC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[thickhead]

I greatly appreciate all the suggestions and comments. I will have to digest all this and will report back later on what I end up getting how it works.

thanks again for all the reply's.

It really helps due to the fact the guy / gal on the isle knows where the nailers (most of the time) are but hasn't ever used one and has to ask someone else where the nails are.

To add my two cents, I bought the Porter Cable stuff from Home Depot some years ago and it has been faultless after 1000's of shots each.
It will run you $200 for the framer and another $200 for a pancake compressor that comes with 2 finish guns and a stapler. Best $400 I have ever spent on tools as far as effort saved.

 

[Jazzman442]

Buy Freeman's they are great. I have a few HF but the Freemans are better. I have the entire set. Never an issue I even bought the Siding nailer.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

My 4 piece finishing nailing kit from Porter Cable and a Porter Cable framing nailer is going on 15 years. They all get used a lot. Have gone through two basement refinishes, one kitchen remodel, furniture building and a ton of other stuff.