Senco 902 XP

[HoosierMark]

I was just given this framing nailer from my son in law. It has never been used. He figures if he gives it to me I will have it set up and ready for him to borrow when he needs it, pretty smart guy. Anyway, I have been trying to find nails for it. I have read the operating instructions multiple times but cannot find the angle nails it needs. I went online and it takes 20 degree nails. I found a bunch at Menards for a 21 degree nailer and looked at HD and Lowes and never found 20 degree ones. I bought a box of 21 degree ones but am not sure if I should try them.. I also bought 2 & 3/8 for nailing some 2 x 4s to create door frames in my basement. The guy said 3 inch were too long and there is nothing in between at the stores. I do see where I could get 2 1/2 on line and 20 degree but is this really necessary?
I also noticed that there is no info in the paperwork as to how to load it correctly. I find this odd. I guess it is a professional type model but it seems it should still remind users of the basic methods to insure trouble free usage.
Any advice greatly appreciated.

 

[The Cobbler]

I believe you can use 20 to 22 degree nails
I don't see why he would say 3" nails are too long for nailing 2x4's...

 

[HoosierMark]

His comment was that if you were toe nailing them in they would pass thru unless the angle was really shallow. He also indicated that if you nailed two 2x4s together and the nail sunk in at all, the tip would push thru. It made sense to me when I considered a 2 3/8 nail would give me 7/8th of an inch into the second board. That seems like a sufficent amount of holding power. I am hoping knowledgeable people will enlighten me if I need to get the 3 inch ones or if the ones I have will work OK.

 

[MrMark]

that guy was a bone head. 2 3/8 is not enough nail for face nailing anything with 2X. I own and use a Senco 902XP framer quite a bit it takes the normal 20 degree nails.

http://www.senco.com/ToolDetails.aspx?k=4H0001N

It is an awesome gun. I use the .148 nails in 3 or 3 1/4, which this gun will take. They are bigger and stronger than the normal box nails (.130) the framers usually use.

How to load? Push nails in and pull back slide. Put a couple of drops of oil in when you use it. Run about 95 psi. I like the flexilla hose for this one. The nose adjustment is nice for sheathing where you want the nail just snug and not breaking the ply. The gun is light and compact and it will fit between normal spaced studs. I've never once had a misfire. Made in USA as far as I know.


You use 3 inch nails to nail two 2X's together. I've never had a tip stick out. 2 1/2 or 2 3/8 nails are for sheathing. Most people just load that gun with 3 1/4 inch nails for any and all framing. If banging two 2X together, the nail point will stick out a little with that nail unless you angle it a hair. 3 1/4 is fine for toe nailing too although it is far better to use 4 8d nails for toenailing. The 16d's will split the wood every time.

I have the Senco nails but others like Hitachi will work as well.

 

[HoosierMark]

Thanks for the post MrMark. That is exactly the kind of response I was looking for. I printed it out and put it with the instructions for future referance. It came with the 25 foot flexible hose also.