You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Recommend me a 3 1/2” framing nailer
- Thread starter ive
- Start date
driz
Well-known member
Hi all.
Have a shed to build. Looking for a framing nailer, 3 1/2? Any recommendations?
If you’re not getting something for professional use just grab a HF. I’ve used a couple and they work fine. Even their roofing nail gun works fine . Just make sure the nails you get match the degree angle of the gun as they’re all pretty close in degrees but one don’t work with the other.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Handyandy23
Well-known member
OP is in Canada, so I doubt he has easy access to HF.
However speaking from experience and from being in Canada, I can say I went the 'cheap' route when I finished the basement in my first house, and regretted it. I got the Mastercraft from Canadian Tire when it went on sale for dirt cheap, and it did the job OK, but it jammed a lot, double fired a lot, and overall wasn't enjoyable to use. I put it away and pulled it out a couple years later to use on another basement framing job, and the darn thing couldn't drive a single nail. I had oiled it when I left it, oiled it when I got it out, really fed the oil to it after I realized it had no power, but alas it never worked properly. Waste of money.
Ended up picking up the Bostitch gun in the link below from Amazon.ca:
https://www.amazon.ca/BOSTITCH-LPF33PT-33-Degree-Framing-Nailer/dp/B009HBZVWK/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=framing+nailer&qid=1563966850&s=gateway&sr=8-4
I couldn't be happier with the performance of it so far. Did a basement and some odd jobs with, going to be doing another basement with it in the near future. It's literally never jammed or double fired on me. And for the price on Amazon you can't really get much of anything locally in brick and mortar stores.
I did a ton of research before buying it, after the first experience, wanting something that will last me. What I did find is there are quite a few similarly good framing nailers out there, but the Bostitch had the best value IMO. Paslode and Hitachi also make very good framing nailers.
Also pay attention to what degree nails your local stores sell. I'm just east of Toronto, and all the hardware stores around here sell 31-33 degree nails, and none stock 21 degree nails, which is the other common nailer configuration. I was actually about to buy the Hitachi 21 degree nailer on Amazon, until I realized I'd have to buy all the nails online forever. Hitachi also makes a 33 (or 31?) degree nailer but it was quite a bit more expensive on Amazon, which is why I ended up with the Bostitch. Also beware Bostitch has a 28 degree framing nailer as well that is their own "custom" design. HD and Lowe's near me sell the Bostitch 28 degree nails, but then you're stuck looking for those specific nails. In 31-33 degree HD sells Paslode, Bostitch and DeWalt nails.
However speaking from experience and from being in Canada, I can say I went the 'cheap' route when I finished the basement in my first house, and regretted it. I got the Mastercraft from Canadian Tire when it went on sale for dirt cheap, and it did the job OK, but it jammed a lot, double fired a lot, and overall wasn't enjoyable to use. I put it away and pulled it out a couple years later to use on another basement framing job, and the darn thing couldn't drive a single nail. I had oiled it when I left it, oiled it when I got it out, really fed the oil to it after I realized it had no power, but alas it never worked properly. Waste of money.
Ended up picking up the Bostitch gun in the link below from Amazon.ca:
https://www.amazon.ca/BOSTITCH-LPF33PT-33-Degree-Framing-Nailer/dp/B009HBZVWK/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=framing+nailer&qid=1563966850&s=gateway&sr=8-4
I couldn't be happier with the performance of it so far. Did a basement and some odd jobs with, going to be doing another basement with it in the near future. It's literally never jammed or double fired on me. And for the price on Amazon you can't really get much of anything locally in brick and mortar stores.
I did a ton of research before buying it, after the first experience, wanting something that will last me. What I did find is there are quite a few similarly good framing nailers out there, but the Bostitch had the best value IMO. Paslode and Hitachi also make very good framing nailers.
Also pay attention to what degree nails your local stores sell. I'm just east of Toronto, and all the hardware stores around here sell 31-33 degree nails, and none stock 21 degree nails, which is the other common nailer configuration. I was actually about to buy the Hitachi 21 degree nailer on Amazon, until I realized I'd have to buy all the nails online forever. Hitachi also makes a 33 (or 31?) degree nailer but it was quite a bit more expensive on Amazon, which is why I ended up with the Bostitch. Also beware Bostitch has a 28 degree framing nailer as well that is their own "custom" design. HD and Lowe's near me sell the Bostitch 28 degree nails, but then you're stuck looking for those specific nails. In 31-33 degree HD sells Paslode, Bostitch and DeWalt nails.
driz
Well-known member
Are you kidding, half of Canada drives into the US every weekend often just to buy gas.
Good point on the nails though. And I know first hand about the Hitachi nails being hard to get as the HF gun I got USES THEM[emoji2955]. They are bitchy to find as I well know. You do really have to watch those angles and proprietary designed nails.......
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Good point on the nails though. And I know first hand about the Hitachi nails being hard to get as the HF gun I got USES THEM[emoji2955]. They are bitchy to find as I well know. You do really have to watch those angles and proprietary designed nails.......
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
I have 3 framing nailers, Bostich, a red Tool SHop brand from Menards, and an older blue Central Pneumatic from HF. aside from the wire nails in the Bostich, all 3 work identically.
I bought the Bostich new about 16 years ago to finish a basement, and built a couple sheds and a pole barn addition with it. worked flawless until a couple years ago when the trigger started to leak. ($10 replacement from Amazon fixed it).
when it leaked, I was in the middle of building another deer blind so I bought the red one from Menards to finish it before it rained. I've been using that off and on with no problems but it takes paper nails instead of wire.
then I picked up the HF one at a yard sale for $3 because it was jammed (last nail will sometimes do that). easy fix. it is literally identical to the Menards brand except color, and also works perfectly, so I have been using that ever since. obviously came from same chicom factory...the new HF are different so can't comment on those.
point is, for home DIY use, about any brand short of a professional Paslode or Hitachi are pretty much the same and will work just fine. just decide what style nail you want and make sure they are available locally, since there are different angles,, paper, plastic, or wire collated, clipped head or full, etc. price and availability of nails can be the real cost factor, and I've found the wire nails are a little harder to find and more expensive than paper, though paper will work in the Bostich but it will jam quite often as the paper and glue get stuck and don't feed as well...JMO
I bought the Bostich new about 16 years ago to finish a basement, and built a couple sheds and a pole barn addition with it. worked flawless until a couple years ago when the trigger started to leak. ($10 replacement from Amazon fixed it).
when it leaked, I was in the middle of building another deer blind so I bought the red one from Menards to finish it before it rained. I've been using that off and on with no problems but it takes paper nails instead of wire.
then I picked up the HF one at a yard sale for $3 because it was jammed (last nail will sometimes do that). easy fix. it is literally identical to the Menards brand except color, and also works perfectly, so I have been using that ever since. obviously came from same chicom factory...the new HF are different so can't comment on those.
point is, for home DIY use, about any brand short of a professional Paslode or Hitachi are pretty much the same and will work just fine. just decide what style nail you want and make sure they are available locally, since there are different angles,, paper, plastic, or wire collated, clipped head or full, etc. price and availability of nails can be the real cost factor, and I've found the wire nails are a little harder to find and more expensive than paper, though paper will work in the Bostich but it will jam quite often as the paper and glue get stuck and don't feed as well...JMO
Bretny
Well-known member
We have had a bostitch for years. It has redone 4 houses with nothing but a trigger part. Our coiled roof gun is the same brand and has done as many roofs.
Theres not many more things fustrating than a nail gun that dosnt work when you need it the most.
Theres not many more things fustrating than a nail gun that dosnt work when you need it the most.
Jazzman442
Well-known member
I rebuilt a home with Freeman Nailers. They are fantastic. They have a long warranty and not that expensive.
nelstomlinson
Well-known member
I have an ancient Paslode I've been very happy with.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
My HF gun has worked great.
If you have no use beyond the shed, I'd probably either swing a hammer or use screws and an impact gun instead.
If you have no use beyond the shed, I'd probably either swing a hammer or use screws and an impact gun instead.
matt_i
Well-known member
If you have no use beyond the shed, I'd probably either swing a hammer or use screws and an impact gun instead.
My suggestion exactly, save your $ for something that's ultimately more useful.
Boilerhouse
Well-known member
I have a Campbell Hausfeld framing nailer from Canadian Tire. I have put a case of nails through it with no issues. If it does die, I would probably keep an eye on Kijiji and replace it with a used name brand like a Bostitch or Paslode .
Mr Ratchet
Well-known member
I always recommend getting a good tool that you will be less likely to replace down the road. I like framing nailers from Bostitch, Hitachi (Metabo HPT), Max, Paslode, and Senco. I used all of these brands with no issues.
I have a Senco frame pro that I like a lot. It has an inline magazine that's great for getting into tighter spots. The down side is more frequent reloads. Paslode also now make a similar model with an inline magazine. My Senco still shoots like new even though it's gone through more that a dozen boxes of nails of all sorts.
I have a Senco frame pro that I like a lot. It has an inline magazine that's great for getting into tighter spots. The down side is more frequent reloads. Paslode also now make a similar model with an inline magazine. My Senco still shoots like new even though it's gone through more that a dozen boxes of nails of all sorts.
Porter cable FR350 full head framing nailer is what I have... Love that thing so far. No Jam and plenty of power.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-...in-Full-Round-Framing-Nailer-FR350B/203555586
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Porter-...in-Full-Round-Framing-Nailer-FR350B/203555586
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
A palm nailer would be worth considering. Very useful for tight spots as well.
I love my ridgid.
If you do get a nailer, get full head, not clipped
I love my ridgid.
If you do get a nailer, get full head, not clipped
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Hi guys.
Thanks for the input. Reading and researching everything.
What is the difference in nail degrees, and why?
Thanks so much everyone.
Steeper angle gets the magazine out of the way. I use 21 degree full head.
Hi guys.
Thanks for the input. Reading and researching everything.
What is the difference in nail degrees, and why?
Thanks so much everyone.
21 degrees are full head nails -- just like the ones you hit with a hammer. Steeper angles have clipped or half heads. But they can be closer together in the strips, which means shorter magazines or more nails. Clipped heads are easier to overdrive, which greatly reduces their holding power, especially for sheathing. Some code jurisdictions (particularly in earthquake and hurricane areas) won't allow them for that reason. Round head nails also look better where you can see the nail (think fences). Some 21 degree nailers can shoot 0.162 diameter nails, which are the same diameter as 16d common nails, and are required by some codes. (LA requires that, and apparently has actually started inspecting for it. I don't know if anyone else does.).
Another difference is how the nails are collated. 21 degree nails are plastic, and the little plastic pieces fly off, and can be annoying (they also sometimes get stuck under a nail head. And where you can see them, that's ugly). the 34 degree nails are paper, which doesn't do that. They do fall apart when the get too wet, though. Plastic doesn't. There are also wire collated nails (28 degrees, I think only Bostich makes guns, but maybe others do now.).
You'd probably do well to buy what's easiest to get nails where you are, which varies by region.
I bought a 21 degree nailer, because I was building a fence, and round head nails look better. I bought a Bostich because it came with a head that lets it shoot nails for metal joist hangers.
jgromada
Well-known member
I have a Ridgid framing nailer that offers great bang for the buck. It may not be as good as a Hitachi (now Metabo HPT) but has worked great for me.
I too like Freeman, I have one of their siding nailers.
I also have a Hitachi finish nailer and i can see why tradespeople rave about the brand and is a go to choice. But a Hitachi framer would have been like 3x the cost of what i paid for the Ridgid. Also have a Ridgid brad nailer so I think all ridgid nailers are available up in Canada.
I too like Freeman, I have one of their siding nailers.
I also have a Hitachi finish nailer and i can see why tradespeople rave about the brand and is a go to choice. But a Hitachi framer would have been like 3x the cost of what i paid for the Ridgid. Also have a Ridgid brad nailer so I think all ridgid nailers are available up in Canada.