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Small Cabin Forum / General Forum / Framing Nailer's feedback needed.
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Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 17 Jun 2015 18:54
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We are moving along slowly in our build and expect to (hope) to be framing the Powerhouse this weekend if the concrete is poured as scheduled on Friday (weather permitting).

I can certainly swing a hammer to do the small job BUT there is no way my hands will endure building the cabin by hand nailing it... (both my hands are a bit buggered up).

So I am looking for a decent Framing Nailer setup. I've used the Bostitch Coil & Stick types and prefer the Stick type. Bostitch pricing though is ... well not for my budget.

I intend to use it to build the cabin and other smaller projects like pergola, greenhouse etc... So not super heavy or big use as such.

FYI, I'm in Canada so some of the great deals South of the border won't apply. Geez we get suckered on duties for tools.

Share your experiences and lessons learned. I of course need to get a compressor for these but that will have other uses as well...

Princess Auto has 2 Nailers both 34deg clipped
ProPoint @ 199.00
Powerfirst @ 179.00

Canadian Tire has 1 good and one junk (store clerks told me the stories) The good one: MAXimum @ 299.00 ouch

Home Depot CA has a Porter Cable, NuMax and Freeman (never heard of them) for 34 degree nailers.

Lowes CA also has a few as well.

I'm leaning somewhat towards the Princess Auto ones but should something go amiss then I have to drive 200kms to the store...

Thoughts, Ideas, Suggestions and AVOID brand X's (not just ex-spouses LOL) are welcome.

Smawgunner
Member
# Posted: 17 Jun 2015 19:28 - Edited by: Smawgunner
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I picked up a very nice Dewalt on eBay for pretty cheap. You may try there ??

Gary O
Member
# Posted: 17 Jun 2015 19:42
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I'd think Busy Bee tools, or Princess Auto up there as equal to HFT.
My HFT nailer was $100 a few years back, and has held up quite well. But then even though I've given it a workout, it's not been a daily thing.
Aaaand, it only weighs a ton.
Borrowed a Ridgid nailer...ohhhh-hohohohoho...n-ic-e

I'd forage on craig's list

Tarmetto
Member
# Posted: 17 Jun 2015 19:44
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I picked up this one a month ago based on reviews. I've driven a box of nails through it thus far with no jams and no issues at all. I paid $179 at Lowes.

http://www.cpobostitch.com/bostitch-lpf28ww-28-degree-3-1-4-in--wire-weld-framing-nai ler/bstnlpf28ww,default,pd.html?ref=pla&zmam=31282435&zmas=47&zmac=725&zmap=bstnlpf28 ww&kpid=bstnlpf28ww&gclid=CjwKEAjwtYSsBRCDx6rM1v_uqmsSJAAZgf2q19Yj6TZZ3wKUcJQbM-nA4Ww uqIHlx_QjbXz8fMM_PRoCf-3w_wcB

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 17 Jun 2015 21:13 - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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The 21' is much more common and I like the full round head. Both of yours were 34' and clipped head.

I paid $199 for my Porter Cable unit. The Maxim you listed looks like it is the same unit made for Porter Cable, the housing looks identical almost.

I have the Porter Cable. It does framing and siding nails with a slight adjustment.

There is many great brands, ie Senco, Hitatchi, DeWalt, Ridgid, Paslode, Bostitch, Makita etc.

Do you have electric power (grid)? Or will you run a compressor with a generator?

I cant imagine building a cabin or anything for that matter without a framing nailer. I have an air nailer for absolutely every application now and my workhorse nailer is my framing and then finish (16 gauge) I use those way more than any other ones I have.

http://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Hardware-Air-Compressors-Tools-Accessories-Nail-Guns -Pneumatic-Staple-Guns-Framing-Nailers/N-5yc1vZc2bf

turkeyhunter
Member
# Posted: 17 Jun 2015 21:43 - Edited by: turkeyhunter
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Quoting: Gary O
I'd forage on craig's list




I framed my camp with a Paslode ~ 40 dollar YARD sale one.....

then I bought a like new DeWalt framer of CList for 75 bucks...the gal said she used it one time..

Don_P
Member
# Posted: 17 Jun 2015 21:56
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Ditto, my framing nailer and large trim gun are the most used. By the end of even one job I think there will be more in nails than the nailer, for whatever that means but it is a point of perspective. I imagine clipped heads and their nails will slowly disappear. I've used mostly bostitch since the early 90's, good guns terrible service, luckily they don't often need more than you can do. I'm deep into my third one of their stick framing guns. I guess the second one was getting pretty old and I had it on a job. The flooring guys came in and admired it, they said they had never seen a gun that old... heck to me it was still my "new" gun, the old one was still on the shelf for backup. My current new gun is really the 4th, the third crapped out pretty fast out of the box, to my knowledge they never returned it to the lumberyard from service. After a few weeks of us waiting and calling the owner sent me a new gun out with one of the deliveries. This gun has been good, rafter hook breaks too easy. Paslode's are or used to be about the easiest to rebuild... which was a good thing because they needed it more. I've got a few no name guns for infrequent applications, they've been ok for light use. I like wire collation, paper is too fragile and plastic seems to find my eyes too often.

Compressor starting is hard on generators, the tiny pancakes seem to be able to work over the broadest range of sketchy power. Our Lowes sometimes has a package deal on the bostitch pancake and 2 guns.

Gary O
Member
# Posted: 17 Jun 2015 22:08
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Quoting: Don_P
the tiny pancakes seem to be able to work over the broadest range of sketchy power

yup

bldginsp
Member
# Posted: 17 Jun 2015 22:16
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I've got 2 Paslode cordless gas nailers, framing and finish. Very happy with them. Not cheap, but don't need a compressor.

Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 17 Jun 2015 22:36
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Lot's of good info ... keep it coming. I figure with fathers day weekend, sales etc, now is the time to buy something.

The compressor will run from genny. I have a 7.2/9.0 generator so it should handle the compressor.

On the compressor, I have mixed feelings... Besides using it for framing and such, I want to be able to use it for air tools and even occasional paint spray. I know 2 Stage Big tank is ideal but I figure I might get away with a 20 gal 1.5/2.0hp for most things.

creeky
Member
# Posted: 18 Jun 2015 08:14
Reply 


If you want to spray paint only occasionally I would go with an airless sprayer. busybee has some nice models.

remember you want to move the gun around a lot as your work progresses. so a smaller/lighter compressor may be better.

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 18 Jun 2015 08:56
Reply 


I have an 80 gallon 2 stage upright compressor at home, but its not the rig to run for nailing in remote areas such as a cabin built. In fact, its not mobile at all. I have the 6 gallon Porter Cable pancake compressor. Get the diaphragm type, not piston type, its starts up with little effort on the smaller generators. I know, I used my Honda EU2000i on "eco mode" and it starts up without a whimper.

Al Burton
Member
# Posted: 18 Jun 2015 11:14
Reply 


I happen to have bought both the Princess Auto nailer and the Canadian Tire version. Both have been used a fair bit and both have worked without issue. I am not sure which Canadian Tire version I have but I remember it was on sale for 99.00. Canadian Tire website lets you flag an Item to receive an email when it does go on sale. The only reason I have both is that when I needed one at home it was at the cabin. Gee that hardly ever happens! I think I am slowly getting 2 of everything.

Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 20 Jun 2015 20:26
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UPDATE:

Bought one of the Maximum Framing Nailers from Canadian Tire on sale for 199.00 (100.00 off) which is a 34 degree stick nailer. The warranty is an in-store exchange so in case something goes amiss there is 2 CTC's within 45 minutes drive.

Also bought a 3HP, 20Gal portable compressor from CTC on Sale for 249.00. Single Stage direct drive oil less type. It put's out enough to run most air tools including an HVLP sprayer. This "should" serve my immediate & future needs.

conquistador
Member
# Posted: 22 Jun 2015 08:09
Reply 


I've got a Paslode Framing Nailer run by a cheapo Harbor Freight compressor. Both have performed flawlessly, with the nailer having survived many a fall from the cabin roof, a garage I built, and other general carelessness. Its heavy but does the job and I've not had a minutes trouble with it over the past three years. I think the prices keep dropping on them all the time, well worth looking at.

morganplus8
Member
# Posted: 24 Jun 2015 01:55
Reply 


I have 6 nailers/staplers and my latest one is a Hitachi that a guy bought in the US and thought it would fire his 34 degree framing nails. He was wrong. So I bought it off him (new) for $ 150 bucks and it is perfect. Have a look at Kijiji in your area and save some money on a name brand unit. If you look, you can buy one with a box of fasteners too. Many people buy them for a small job and end up with 80% of the fasteners left over and that is where the money is lost. I'm an engineer and spent my life designing manufacturing equipment that use nailers and staplers. The most reliable units where Hitachi and Senco. GL

Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 7 Nov 2016 06:35
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Quick Update on this thread....

Well the Maxximum Nailer has been working overtime and has certainly earned it's keep BUT alas a most horrific incident just had to occur. The worst of the worst nail jams between the receiver & the firing piston... After some tedious disassembly and much effort (by 3 of us mechanically inclined folks) the determination that the gun was now officially junk, the CALL WAS MADE to the warranty folks. Lo & Behold, this is not a unique problem as the receiver is made of aluminium (dumb) which wears and after a while will jam in such a way...

Good news, they didn't argue or deflect the poor design issues and issued an RMA, so after a quick jaunt to the local Canadian Tire, I have a new gun in hand ! 17 months after purchase...

CHANGES AT CTC ! ** To CTC Shopper's.... **
Maxximum Tools now come with a 1 Year Warranty, no more 5 year warranties... The Lifetime Exchange products (like the socket's, wrenches) are gone... They will now also have a 1 year exchange warranty.... The CTC of old is fading fast and barely recognizable anymore... A loss to all shade tree mechanics and the general handyman...

ColdFlame
Member
# Posted: 8 Nov 2016 10:37
Reply 


CTC has been going downhill, fast, for a number of years. It's really unfortunate and they are going to lose a lot of loyal shoppers as a result.

I ended up buying a Bostich LPF28WW 28 Degree Wire Weld Framing Nailer from Amazon.ca for $220 including free shipping. While checking out, they threw a special offer at me for a Bostich BT1855K 18-Gauge brad nailer for $69. Comparable prices at the time for both of those guns were significantly more, so I gobbled them up. I've been happy with both so far.

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 8 Nov 2016 19:28
Reply 


I bought an air nailer for every type of nail made. The 2 nailers I used way more than anything else was my framing nailer and 16Ga finish nailer. The 2 bread and butter nailers.

The framing nailer can be adjusted to do 8D siding nails also. I like the full round head, 21 degree type usually .131 diameter. They are easier to obtain than coil types, comes in many length from about 2 1/2 to 3 1/2.

Mine is the Porter Cable from Home Depot. Cost $199. I would have shot shoulders if I used a hammer. Especially doing sheeting, ie the seams and field nail schedule is huge/massive. I wont even think of building without a framing nailer.
framing_nailer.jpg
framing_nailer.jpg


Mike 870
Member
# Posted: 8 Nov 2016 21:05
Reply 


I lovemy bostitch framing nailer. 21 degree round head, $199 on amazon and big box stores.

toyota_mdt_tech
Member
# Posted: 10 Nov 2016 01:11
Reply 


Quoting: Mike 870
I lovemy bostitch framing nailer. 21 degree round head, $199 on amazon and big box stores.


I cant even imagine building anything with a hammer and nails anymore. Usually the banging will work your stuff apart, framing nailer instantly "glues" it right in place. And if you do use the vinyl sinkers, it heats it up so fast, those nails are glues in. I stick to galvies though.

Mike 870
Member
# Posted: 10 Nov 2016 08:15
Reply 


It's crazy how much faster it is! Just framing walls, trying to face nail a stud through a top plate while trying to keep the whole thing from moving, forget about it. The bostitch has fastener head, that you can use for nailing hangers and whatnot in place, that thing is invaluable in itself.

ClimberKev
Member
# Posted: 11 Nov 2016 15:42
Reply 


Check out the local pawn shop. I got a great deal on a framing nailer, roofing nailer and finish nailer.

Dekagoldwingers
Member
# Posted: 11 Nov 2016 22:42
Reply 


I have a Canadian tire, Campbell-hausfield framing nailer and finish nailer. Paired with 5 hp double tank ct compressor, (about $160 ph sale) drove about 10K nails 34 degree wire weld nails, no problem. Dropped it off roof once, whack it with a hammer and pliers, back to work. Used lots of pneumatic oil, worked great! Bought a Princess Auto siding nailer, can't remember brand but silver box, in black bag, upscale Princess Auto. Drove 1 full box of nails, coil,wire world, a few problems but quite good. No regrets

Dekagoldwingers
Member
# Posted: 11 Nov 2016 22:43
Reply 


The compressor and nail gun lets me drive about 8 nails without restarting. I hardly had to wait at all, while framing my cabin.

Steve_S
Member
# Posted: 12 Nov 2016 06:22
Reply 


Smiles, when I posted the update about the Maxximum Nailer I didn't think this thread would light up again but seems that it did. Good Info for anyone looking to buy a new Nail Gun, GREAT STUFF.

Well with the only issue I had I can't complain and considering it was replaced under warranty... Can't say much about that...

Just trying to think how many nails I fired through that gun I have ... I figure probably around 15,000 nails and that's just the boxes 3-1/4" of 3000 Passload Nails ... Then there 2-1/2" Galv & Glued nails which I think was 5 or 6 boxes of 1500. My hands just LOVE using the Nail Gun VS the Framing Hammer - Ohhh the relief ! LOL

BTW: For fellow Canadians, Home Hardware carries Big Boxes of C-A Strip nails from 2" to 3-1/4" at very reasonable prices compared to Passload (tm) which adds up pretty quick !

I used the original Bostitch Nailers a decade ago and while they worked terrific and certainly took it in stride, although a tad on the heavier side, they are (were) industrial grade. Even though they were bought out by a holding company (who also owns Black & Decker, Porter Cable, DeWalt and several other Brands) the Quality has remained high along with the price.

To those that think a Nail Gun is overkill... You don't realize how many nails you use when building cabins, sheds & what not and boy does it add up fast... You think your hands get sore after pounding 100 3-1/2" nails with a framing hammer..... Avoid that whenever possible - your hands will appreciate it and so will you over the long term... (coming from someone with severe Carpal Tunnel Damage - believe me, I ain't kidding ! )

Malamute
Member
# Posted: 12 Nov 2016 11:57 - Edited by: Malamute
Reply 


Ive had pretty good experiences with the Hitachi framing nailer. after several years of use, it started getting occasional nail jams. after taking the cylinder off and clearing it, I started oiling the holy heck out of it. If I didn't after the jams, it sometimes jammed again, so I wised up and just oil it heavily and often, and its helped it a lot.

If you don't have a rafter hook on your gun, they are extremely helpful quite often. a folding hook you can hang the gun on to use both hands when up in tough spots and need to feed more rafters or trusses up, or whatever.

Another handy item, a flush nailer attachment. If you use your framing gun for siding, especially log type siding, the flush nailer helps keep the nail heads from blasting into the boards as much. Its just a small ring type thing that attaches to the safety tip of the nail tip with set screws. Also keeps the teeth on the regular safety tip from marking the wood up on finish work. I was told about it by a guy that saw my 8p ring shanked siding nails blasted into the log siding (heads 1/4" or so below surface), I was surprised how many people don't know about them. When I asked for one at the tool supply, one guy didn't have any idea what I was talking about, another knew, and dug one out of a box somewhere.

As to nail stick jams, Ive found that cheapo nails don't feed as reliably as the Bostich nails. My supplier didn't regularly stock them but would get them for me when I asked for them. It was well worth the little extra per case for the lost time messing with the cheapo nails. On some 8s, I could only load one stick, two would jam up where they met when used.

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