Recommendations on framing nailer

[CJ2A]

I'm looking for recommendations on replacing a Paslode Impulse framing nail gun. I loaned it out several years ago and never got it back. The gun worked great at first, but even after two rebuilds, would misfire on a regular basis.

I would like something light weight, RELIABLE, budget priced, and while not a deal breaker, would prefer USA made. It will be used infrequently, mostly small projects and building deer blinds. Has to be compatible with the boxes of nails I have for my old Impulse nailer.

Looking at the options listed below, which would you pick?

Metabo HPT® 30-34° Pneumatic Framing Nailer $199 https://www.menards.com/main/tools/power-tools/pneumatic-tools/air-nailers-staplers/metabo-hpt-reg-30-34-deg-pneumatic-framing-nailer/nr90ads1/p-1545895708553-c-12912.htm?tid=3967831628813538619&ipos=14

This one comes in a 7 pounds, and feels really well balanced. I couldn't find the country of origin.

Paslode® 30° Compact Pneumatic Framing Nailer $229
https://www.menards.com/main/tools/power-tools/pneumatic-tools/air-nailers-staplers/paslode-reg-30-deg-pneumatic-framing-nailer/513000/p-1444450609237-c-12912.htm?tid=3967831628813538619&ipos=6

At 5.9 pounds, it's the lightest but also most expensive of the bunch, USA made. Holds 44 nails. Even though it's the lightest, the Metabo felt better balanced.

SENCO® FramePro® 30-34° Pneumatic Framing Nailer $198

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/power-tools/pneumatic-tools/air-nailers-staplers/senco-reg-framepro-reg-30-34-deg-pneumatic-framing-nailer/4z0101n/p-1444453735214-c-12912.htm?tid=3967831628813538619&ipos=19

At 8 pounds, it's the heaviest, but is USA made. The rest of my air guns are Senco and they have been decent guns.

Grip Rite® 30° Pneumatic Framing Nailer $199
https://www.menards.com/main/tools/power-tools/pneumatic-tools/air-nailers-staplers/grip-rite-reg-30-deg-pneumatic-framing-nailer/grtfc83/p-1444439561138-c-12912.htm?tid=3967831628813538619&ipos=11
At 7.3 pounds, it is only slightly heavier than the Metabo. While I've used Grip Rite nails, I have no experience with their pneumatic guns. I couldn't find a country of origin for this gun.

Thoughts?

 

[Crabman]

Subscribed

Also interested in cordless

Bruce

 

[MoonRise]

I'd say a Hitachi (now Metabo HPT) NR90xxxx (whatever the current model number is).

3-1/2" pneumatic nailer.

You can get it in a 21 deg plastic collated full round head version, or a 30 deg paper tape collated clipped-head version.

30 deg version:

https://www.nailgundepot.com/metabo-hpt-nr90ads1m-clipped-head-framing-nailer

Note that some places do not 'allow' clipped-head nails per Code.

(I personally just use a full round head nailer and then don't ever have to worry that it doesn't meet Code). YMMV and all that.

 

[theoldwizard1]

What happened to the old stand by, Bostitch ?

 

[RTM]

Since I am currently fighting with an old Senco gun, I am reading a lot of reviews, here and elsewhere. None of these are my opinions. Lots of threads to read, some VERY recent.

Bostitch is frequently in the Pig category, frequently derided.

Senco is mixed on framing size, loved on the finishing size.

Metabo, formerly Hitachi Power Tools, is highly rated for framing.

 

[toyotadriver]

My Hitachi seems to be a good one. It uses full head nails

 

[lardy1]

I'm a few years removed from it now but I worked as a carpenter for over 30 years. Paslode was my favorite and I still have one I bought back in the late 80's that has never failed.

 

[superduty1]

Hitachi, now metabo is my choice.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

 

[1Garageman]

Is this a good deal on Amazon??


Metabo HPT Framing Nailer 21° Plastic-Collated 2" to 3-1/2" Framing Nails, (NR90AES1) $144.87

 

[toyotadriver]

Looks identical to my Hitachi and the price is right. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy that one.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I picked up a nailer to help my son on his shed and later to use on my shop. Here is what the salesman/tool guy said about the Bostitch "if that's all you are using it for, it will be good enough."

 

[ddawg16]

Important point....

Is this for business or personal use?

I have an old Campbell Hausfield set I got from HD 16 years ago...3 nailers, framing, trim, brad...along with a compressor for $350. That airless 60 gallon oil less POS is long gone, but the nailers are working fine.

 

[usa#1]

Subscribed

Also interested in cordless

Bruce

I have a 21 degree battery powered metabo htp framing nailer. Works very good. Very convenient. Doesn't hold as many nails as the air version, which i also have. Would buy it again. Doesn't have to spin up like some of the other brands. Feels like you're shooting an air nailer. Only down side to the plastic collated nails is the little pieces of plastic go everywhere.

 

[dr_clyde]

My dad built houses for 20 years with Senco and Hitachi nailers. I am very happy with my Hitachi/Metabo.

 

[GrantCee]

Some people will turn their noses up, but I've had a Bostitch F21PL for 14 or 15 years. It's used regularly (but not professionally) around the farm, and has been flawless.

 

[My Old Tools]

For hobby use, the HF that handles both round and clipped head works just fine. All of my guns are Senco, but my framer walked off. The HF was a quick replacement. Still here.

 

[The Cobbler]

none of the top guns are as good as their older lines were . Hitachi sales rep at at a trade show even agreed with me they are crappy compared to the old line

 

[jonshonda]

I have been wanting a framer for a while, but not enough to buy new. I found a Paslode FR350 locally and did some research. All reviews are positive, but I found it interesting that the two display units at two separate Menards were rusting.

 

[dscheidt]

Some people will turn their noses up, but I've had a Bostitch F21PL for 14 or 15 years. It's used regularly (but not professionally) around the farm, and has been flawless.

I have one of those. Works great. I did have a problem with it jamming the first time I used it. I forget what I did, but it's not happened since.

I got it because it shoots 3 1/2 nails, which I had need for, and it can do structural nails (have to change the nose, bit of a pain, and parts to lose). I had to retrofit a bunch of hangers, and it was worth it just for that.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Coil nailers work better for blocking.

When I was framing, nailers were just showing up. Bostitch were the best then.

 

[RTM]

Is this a good deal on Amazon??


Metabo HPT Framing Nailer 21° Plastic-Collated 2" to 3-1/2" Framing Nails, (NR90AES1) $144.87

That is about 50¢ less than my Black Friday deal at Lowes this year.

 

[1Garageman]

Is this a good deal on Amazon??


Metabo HPT Framing Nailer 21° Plastic-Collated 2" to 3-1/2" Framing Nails, (NR90AES1) $144.87

I ordered it! It’s on sale and I got some free money to use for it so it’s shipping on its way to our house.

 

[Notgrownup]

Built my shop with a Harbor Freight 21 degree nailer and haven’t used it since...cheap throw away but worked fine. If I used one every day I would go Metabo/Hitachi but tons of guys use Paslode around here.

 

[KnurledNut]

I'm looking for recommendations on replacing a Paslode Impulse framing nail gun. I loaned it out several years ago and never got it back. The gun worked great at first, but even after two rebuilds, would misfire on a regular basis.

Ive had these guns completely torn down and rebuilt many times.
They are very robust under factory tolerances.
They have gotten a bad reputation because people shoot subpar generic nails and mess with them on the job site in desperation to get them going when they fail, only to end up with a box of parts. Then the tool gets blamed, not the fact its been abused and neglected of maintenance.
Did you happen to replace the spark plug on your gun or check the plug wire?
Operating on internal combustion, repairs have to be treated more like rebuilding an engine than making a sandwich.

Getting back on the rails, i would recommend a F350S. Great gun, lightweight and powerful. The seals die at 125; thrive at 95.