Need a pin nailer- Hitachi or Porter Cable?

[c_mccann]

First - I'd love a Grex, but $300 can go alot of ways in my shop. I have looked at the Porter Cable 18ga nailer as my price point choice, and a Hitachi 18ga as I have always seen good things from Hitachi. There are killer deals on Bostitch 18ga nailers, but I own a Bostitch and it is a crude machine, so it is out.

I currently have an old Senco, it is fine for a 10 ga nailer, but I'd like to keep the budget under $150.

Needing input from my GJ'ers, all help is appreciated.

 

[Altec]

Haven't used the nailer, but I've used, and abused my share of Porter-Cable. They always come back for more!

 

[mixxmstrmike]

I'm in the Senco camp. Their Customer Service is top notch. I have their 15, 18gg & headless micropinner. Used them exclusively in my home remodel and I can't say I had one nail jam.

-Mike

 

[RivennHewn]

Choices:
1 Senco
2 Hitachi
3 Porter Cable

Bostich doesn't make the list.

 

[91FE]

You didn't ask, but I'll throw it out there anyway. I got the HF headless pinner for occasional use. It actually gets pretty good reviews... but not from me. Even at $20, mine is a total *************. I can't count the number of times it jambed on the one project I bought it for.

I love my PC guns and have no complaints, although I've never used their pinner.

 

[bgriffin509]

Not a brand you listed, but I have had very good luck with a Ridgid

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...splay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

 

[archirelic]

With the exception of my framing nailer [bostitch], all my pneumatic guns are Porter Cable. I've had all these for close to 6 years and they see almost weekly use. Definitely can't go wrong with Porter Cable, IMO.

 

[Coach James]

How old are the Bostich you guys are using? Fine Woodworking did a review of pin nailers and gave Bostich their highest rating. I have a Bostich 18ga and it has been top notch for me.

Coach

 

[RKA]

I've got a newer Bostitch pinner too. It's seen limited use in the past year that I've had it, but it's fine. 7 yr warranty and it was $80 shipped from amazon which was $30 less than the others. For something I rarely use, I didn't want to put out more than was necessary, but I still want something that will do what I ask of it without hesitation, so call me happy.

 

[c_mccann]

Just found a reconditioned Hitachi 2" pin nailer with a warranty for $38. Could have a winner here..

 

[5lima30]

I've got a Bostitch 18ga brad nailer I've had a number of years. It works well but I have a Porter Cable angled finish, and framing guns that I really like. I like the Porter Cables better due to Bostitch requiring proprietary fasteners. A buddy recently bought a Hitachi finish nailer and it was a jamamatic. YMMV.

 

[jrsulo]

Have had 2 porter cable pin nailers...both ****.....have had my bostich for about 2 years,bought used on e-bay,and have never had a problem with it.