Harbor Freight Framing Nail Gun

[RJMadigan]

Trying to find out if any of the HFT framing nail guns are equipped with a "hole locator" for lining up with metal joist hangers. Have any of you used one for nailing the hangers and, if no locator, could you line up the gun to shoot the holes?

Framing an office in my shop, MR. Arthritis won't let me swing a hammer anymore so I'm buying a nail gun. I'm hoping that it's possible to use it for the hangers but if not I'll just use screws.

Thanks for any input!

 

[JimDon]

Can’t answer your question on HFT. There are other brands that make a nailer just for joist hangers and similar Simpson Strong Tie connectors. You might consider a cheap palm nailer. You can easily locate the hole in the connector and then it will drive it home and save that arm, wrist, shoulder, or whatever is a no no with ye ol hammer. I think Bostich markets a joint hanger nail gun. Cheers, JimDon

 

[ca90ss]

You want a positive placement gun for joist hangers like this one. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000A79HWA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Don't use screws with joist hangers.

 

[OKDave]

Simpson now makes screws for their hangers. Might be an option with an impact

 

[RJMadigan]

I downloaded the Simpson guide and was looking at that option. I was always told not to use screws but if Simson says okay...

 

[mike93lx]

I have a HF gun and will reiterate what was said, no it doesn't. You would need a metal Connector nailer.

Simpson screws are rated for the application (don't just run deck screws), but they are a lot more money than nails. If you have a lot to install, the gun or a palm nailer might be worth considering

 

[riceaterSLC]

another vote for a palm nailer.

 

[mike93lx]

another vote for a palm nailer.

I love my ridgid. I tried a bostich first and it was way, way louder.

Super useful tool

 

[nadogail]

I have one Harbor Freight Framing Nailer, I have not tried it with anchors. I am very pleased with my nailer and feel that I bought the right tool for myself and the job I used it on.