We’re looking for a framing nailer for a fairly busy schedule of home improvements (redoing a roof including rafter work and redecking, “moving” walls, adding closets, and a shop addition to a garage) over the next couple of years. I had it narrowed down to Porter Cable FR 350 ($225 at HD) or a Bostich N95RHN ($249 at Lowes) when two wrenches got tossed in the works. First, my wife will be using it sometimes while I hold things in position, and she likes the light weight of the Dewalt 51845 ($329 at Lowes) but I haven’t seen much about Dewalt on this forum, although we like our 18 volt stuff from them. Second, HD is clearing out the Bostich N79RH for $219 (including a tape measure, which we can never have too many of). Neither HD or Lowes have any specs on the differences between the two Bostich models, although I think they use the same nails.
Any strong opinions, or should I just accept that I’ll probably have to spend the extra $80 to $110 for the Dewalt?
– Curtis
Replies
check out the Paslode Power Master Plus too. All mentioned will be good quality(though not sure of the PC). See what feels best.
...but...if the helper/wife is happiest with the DeWalt.....ya might be better off accepting.......Jeff
"That's like hypnotizing chickens........."
Edited 6/12/2002 7:12:05 PM ET by Jeff J. Buck
Unless the Dewalt is being manufactured by Bostitch and then spray painted bright yellow, save the cash and buy the orange/brown Bostitch.
Maybe Im alone in feeling Dewalt aint all that?(Except for thier cordless drill/drivers, Im not impressed!)
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
If I remember correctly FHB had a nice review of framing nailers a few issues ago. Check your old issues.
I got the DeWalt 1845 nailer, the full round head gun and it works great so far. I like the feel of it, the fact that it shoots 6 through 16 penny nails, jams clear easily, it has a depth guage for shooting siding nails and is light weight. I have had great luck with the DeWalt tools I have purchased over the past 10 years. I know I could have purchased tools cheaper, but I've used them hard on framing and trim jobs and they are like an old Timex watch, they take a licking and keep on ticking. I haven't had to have many repairs and no replacements on the DeWalt tools I have, so I've been well satisfied with them.
We have the porter cable nailer and it works great, but frankly, I can't use it with just one arm. I can hold it up, but I'm kinda shaky and not that accurate. I would think it would be worth the money to have a nailgun that I could use without needing both hands. Maybe I should just work out and/or take steroids?
Anyway, I'd go with the DeWalt unless there is some obvious problem with it.
Edited 6/13/2002 2:58:44 PM ET by Paula
The review in FineHomeBuilding #145 was an excellent one and served me well in my search for a framing nailer.
If you're planning to use it all day long, abstain from coil nailers as they are much heavier when freshly loaded. I ended up at an excellent shop in the Valley here in CA and received further good advice (with my FH #145 in hand) and ended up with a Senco, "full round head" framing nailer. (I think it's #750) This shop highly recommended Bostitch or Senco even though I was there for the Max, I walked away with the Senco and it is one fine tool.
remember to oil 15 drops twice daily under heavy use...
Edited 6/13/2002 11:20:12 PM ET by gordon
Like Gordon, I went to a reputable local shop after reading the FH review, figuring it was time to replace the handed down, handed down PC nailer I had. This store carried Senco, PC & Max, let me try all three in the store, and I walked out with a new Max. The FH review was spot on. The Max is a really sweet unit. Not cheap, however, it was almost $400 including 7 3/4% donation to Gov Pataki's slush fund.
Hoping to get the Max finish nailer for Father's Day.
Hey Baddoglt,
If you choose a Dewalt, or a Portercable, or the Bostitch, in a roundhead nailer, they should use the same nails. Clipped head nails are coallated at a different angle.
I would also advise you to look at Senco's framepro 600 or 650. They are super compact, powerful and light weight, they are very comfortable to use. Lowes carries the 600 and it is about $270.00 around these parts. It would take a different nail, due to the fact that it is a clipped head nailer.
I hope this helps.
Chris
Do you ever shoot the tough ones? You know, Glue lams, hardwood etc. Ya got no choice. Buy the Bostich it's light, tough easy to set nail depth with two fingers, tool less air discharge adjustment. so far it's been reliable as heck.
Anyone who tells you to get any framing nailer other than the Hitachi full head strip nailer, the one with the steel track, is wrong. It's reliable, almost never jams (out of ten Hitachi nailers I've used in the last six years, I've only had to take one apart once to clear a jam). I've never seen one die. They always sink nails. There's just no reason to take a chance on anything else, and I've used lots of other brands. P.S. I'm not a Hitachi sales rep.
best framer i've seen or used... Bostich N88 RHN... round head nailer..will sink the nail in anything.. fully adjustable easily adjustable nose, light (titanium )...and uses any plastic collated nail...Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore