Pneumatic nailer problem...

[Jim Dawson]

I have several nailers/staplers that have all worked fine. A couple months ago I tried to use my Craftsman brad nailer and it won"t work, squeeze the trigger and It just lets out an anemic "psst" and nothing more. I just dismissed it as a cheap tool that only worked a few times before telling me that I should have bought a Porter Cable. Fast forward several months and I get out my Porter Cable 1/4" stapler and drive one staple and the next pull of the trigger and I hear the familiar "psst" and nothing.

Does anyone have any clues as to why and how to fix the thing. Or do I just go buy a $15 Harbor Freight nailer and count on replacing it once in awhile?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[jkwilson]

Have you checked your air pressure at the end of the hose?

 

[Jim Dawson]

Yes, the pressure is fine and I have used my finish nailer and other tools several times since.

 

[fury9]

The piston may be seized, driver may be broken or jammed up, the trigger may need to be rebuilt

 

[viikinki]

Spray some air tool oil to the air inlet, that may help

 

[My Old Tools]

Oil.

 

[Jim Dawson]

Thanks for the replies. I'll put more oil in them and let them sit awhile.

 

[crackerjack222]

My air nailer(s) have a passel of o-rings and a bumper that must be replaced from time to time. I would either take it to a repair shop that specializes in them or try to find a kit that contains all the replaceable parts and DIY. The shop charged me $45 p&l for the overhaul.

 

[gungatim]

you probably just need a new trigger. they are easy to replace. seals wear out over time. it's easier just to replace the whole cartridge than trying to do the O-rings one at a time, I paid $15 for the last one on my Bostich.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I'm sure the PC is nice, but the HF 18 ga Brad nailer is a solid buy. The only thing I couldn't find was a no mar tip.
I would try some oil and make sure nothing is jammed up in the piston. Mine have done that occasionally and taking them apart , cleaning and oiling have fixed it usually. hf always came with an extra piston and some o rings. Did your PC come with a piston you could try swapping out?

 

[rlitman]

The piston may be seized, driver may be broken or jammed up, the trigger may need to be rebuilt

+1

But the first thing to check for is if a nail is jammed up in the nose, keeping the piston from moving.

 

[wayne55]

I've had a Sears stapler and a Porter Cable brad nailer that both had the same problem. Although they were both seldom used, due to age, a plastic bumper or stop in both of them had totally dis-integrated. I got replacement parts and fixed them both. The hardest part was just cleaning out the plastic stuff from inside. The part for the stapler was about $10 and the part for the PC nailer was $18 from Amazon. I just did this to the nailer about a week ago.

 

[rlitman]

I've had a Sears stapler and a Porter Cable brad nailer that both had the same problem. Although they were both seldom used, due to age, a plastic bumper or stop in both of them had totally dis-integrated. I got replacement parts and fixed them both. The hardest part was just cleaning out the plastic stuff from inside. The part for the stapler was about $10 and the part for the PC nailer was $18 from Amazon. I just did this to the nailer about a week ago.

Yep, could be that too. The piston hits a bumper at the bottom of its travel. They can disintegrate over time. I had this happen to a Grex pin nailer of mine (after a LOT of commercial use; so no complaints about longevity there).

Sometimes they just wear out. Sometimes they disintegrate on the shelf as the rubber/plastic dissolves in the lubricating oil.

 

[Jim Dawson]

A lot to check, thanks. These aren't worn out from use, maybe from a lack of use. I'm going to buy a HF brad nailer today, it might be cheaper thatn fixing these.

I see they have combination 18 ga. nailer/ stapler for $15.99. With the 20% coupon I can't go wrong.

 

[Hawk]

A lot to check, thanks. These aren't worn out from use, maybe from a lack of use. I'm going to buy a HF brad nailer today, it might be cheaper thatn fixing these.

I see they have combination 18 ga. nailer/ stapler for $15.99. With the 20% coupon I can't go wrong.

Just remember to drop some oil in it before and after use. Sounds like that might be a large part of the problem.