air nailers


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Old 12-02-16, 12:49 PM
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air nailers

Hi All, I am looking for input on air nailers, I am going to be building a family room and need a nailer for the rough framing, i don't want to spend a ton of money on it as this will probably the only project i will use it on.
Thoughts!
 
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Old 12-02-16, 12:56 PM
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If this is the only time you think you'll use it, maybe borrowing from a friend is in order as the gun alone will likely run you more than two bills plus the compressor.
 
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Old 12-02-16, 01:59 PM
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The cheap [under $100] framing nailers like Harbor Freight sell work decent BUT when the day comes that they fail, it's unlikely you can find anyone to work on them and finding parts can be difficult/impossible. If you don't already own an air compressor or have other needs for one you might be better off hand nailing.
 
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Old 12-02-16, 02:53 PM
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Another option is using construction screws with an impact driver. An impact driver will come in quite handy for lots of household DIY projects. A drill/driver is usually the first tool of this type that people usually buy but there are lots of kits available that include the drill/driver and impact driver. Lots of sales going on now.
 
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Old 12-02-16, 04:03 PM
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Check with your local code people to see if they approve the use of construction screws. While I like using them in remodeling, they are more brittle than nails and your AHJ may have an objection (probably not founded very well). Sort of like Florida and clip head nailers. You must use round head nailers there. I have never had a failure using a clip head, although I own both types.
 
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Old 12-02-16, 04:27 PM
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I picked up a factory refurbished Porter Cable framing nailer probably 12 years ago and only paid $125 and it has work flawless.

I've had excellent success with with refurbish tools, figure it's got the bug already resolved.

The speed and effort that comes with a framing nailer vs had nailing or screws is incredible.

Worst case you can always resell for close to what you paid!!
 
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Old 12-02-16, 05:19 PM
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You could also buy a decent name brand used nailer off ebay, then when you are done with it, turn around and sell it for exactly as much as you paid for it.
 
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Old 12-03-16, 07:28 AM
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I have the compressor and other pnumatic tools just never had a need for a framing nailer,what should I look for as to nail size and gauge?
 
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Old 12-03-16, 07:46 AM
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Framing nailer you want one that will take 3 1/4" - 3 1/2" 10 ga nails. I have heard some places do not allow you to use clipped head nails so you might want to check on that.

If you don't have a big project you could just buy a palm air nailer and buy loose nails. They run about $20
 
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Old 12-03-16, 01:23 PM
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Never heard of them, I'll check them out first.
 
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Old 12-03-16, 01:58 PM
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One thing to look for is the availability of nails... to fit whatever you buy. Its a good reason to stick with a common name brand and maybe to avoid some unusual but cheap Chinese tool. Framing Nailers have magazines set at a certain slope, 30 degrees, 27 degrees, 21 degrees, etc. Your nails are collated at that pitch to fit the magazine. Some guns are picky about what nails they will shoot and others that seem like they should work will jam up. And as mentioned, some of that sometimes has to do with the angle and the nails being either full or clipped head. Price and availability of nails can be a factor too depending on where you live and how much selection they offer.

Personally I'm partial to my Paslode framing nailer.
 
 

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