Replies

1. 
   BoJangles | Dec 07, 2006 07:04am | #1

   I don't know about the combo nailers, but those yellow ones that look like the Bostitch are almost an exact duplicate.  They even claim they use Bostitch parts for repair.

   Grizzly sells exactly the same unit in a Grizzly green for $195.  At least with Grizzly you can get repair parts easily. 

   I have looked at both units and in my opinion, the cheaper ones on e-bay & Grizzly actually seem to have made slight improvements over the Bostitch.

   Some patent must have expired to be able to sell something like this.

   Our local rental places rent floor nailers for $45 / day.  It doesn't take long to pay for a $195 nailer!!

1. 
   midlebury | Dec 07, 2006 04:28pm | #2

   I bought one of the cheaper yellow ones that look like Bostich and use their parts, I think it was $180.   Had to send it back the next day.  Minutes after beginning to use it, I had to take it apart as the plunger would not release back up, fooled with it for an hour plus.  Upon starting up the next day, same thing.  Called the guy and he reminded me that it is stated on his e-bay  that there are absolutly no returns......  I pleaded and he consented to credit my paypal account, which was nice of him.  Have to wonder though, if it didn't happen the first day, but a month later what would have happened.  Was doing my own house and hated to pay for a new Bostich for one job, but DW reminded me how much we were saving by me doing it, so went and bought one

1. 
   BoJangles | Dec 07, 2006 04:36pm | #3

   It could have been an isolated case..or the norm????  That is why I would never buy anything like that off of e-bay.  These people that sell them have no interest whatsoever in satisfaction after the sale.

   The Grizzly model is a nice tool.  I have used them and they look and act just like the Bostitch.

   I just bought a brand new Milwaukee heavy duty cut off saw and went through two of them before I could get one that worked.  Junk comes in all colors!

1. 
   Sbds | Dec 07, 2006 05:31pm | #4

   I can not comment on a nailer, but I have NEVER had a good experience with E-bay. Never buy any thing of great cost on Ebay. If you do buy any thing that has a big price tag, look for an item close to your home so you can look at it before you buy it.

    

2. 
   FatRoman | Dec 07, 2006 06:02pm | #5

   I don't know anything about your nailer/stapler, but I can tell you that I've had nothing but fine experiences with ebay.

   I've purchased tools (2 Hitachi nailers in the last month) and cycling equipment (frames, forks, wheels, etc.) this way for the last 5 years and have never had a problem.

   Does that mean there are no problems with ebay? No. Just do your homework:

   Know what the item in question really sells for.

   Pictures are king. If it's not a new item, the manufacturer's photo doesn't count. Likewise fuzzy, dark or out of focus photos usually mean that there's something to hide. But you can request that they take some new photos and post them or send them to you. If the tool looks like it was well cared for, I'll consider bidding on it; if it looks like it was thrown down 3 flights of stairs on a daily basis, no.

   Be sure to find out what the shipping cost is before you bid. Some places will artificially lower their sale price just to jack up the shipping charge.

   Look at the seller's feedback rating and if it's not perfect, look to see why -- sometimes it's a legitimate issue and sometimes it's not. If there was a conflict, look to see how it was handled. If the only glitch was regarding the first item they bought or sold, chalk it up to learning how the system works. If their response to criticism was to start with the name calling, move on; you'll just wind up with the same problems.

   Avoid people that sell all manner of things -- a good place to get your tools is not from the person that also has crates of baby clothes, auto parts, and computer parts for sale. Find someone who specializes in what you are looking for.

   Good luck.

   Tua res agitur, paries cum proximus ardet ~ Horace
1. 
   BoJangles | Dec 08, 2006 03:53am | #6

   I agree with your overall assessment of e-bay.  I have bought a lot of stuff there and have never been skunked....but unknown tools like the floor nailer are a different story.

   Avoid people that sell all manner of things -- a good place to get your tools is not from the person that also has crates of baby clothes, auto parts, and computer parts for sale. Find someone who specializes in what you are looking for.

   That ^^^ is the kind of guy that sells these floor nailers !

1. 
   FatRoman | Dec 08, 2006 04:04am | #7

   Hmmm, I can say that I've also seen a few PortaNailers on craigslist here over the last two months. Usually listed for around $150. At least you get to see them before you hand over your money that way.Tua res agitur, paries cum proximus ardet ~ Horace

3. 
   gordsco | Dec 08, 2006 04:52am | #8

   Hardwood flooring company I work for uses staples for full sized hardwood and undersized cleats/nails for engineered. Bostitch guns spent so much time in the repair shop they were sold to installers and replaced with Prime Fastener brand. If you have a Prime Fastener location near you, check them out.

   I don't know about the combo guns but I saw one on buy, sell, Kijiji Toronto. $300 CDN

   http://toronto.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-tools-equipment-Hardwood-Flooring-Nailer-and-Stapler-W0QQAdIdZ6897092

   May neighbors respect You, and troubles neglect You.

   Gord

                           

    

    

4. 
   vinniegoombatz | Dec 10, 2006 12:08am | #9

    

   if it's made by Max air tools itz gotta be a good tool     have their coil framer and finish guns, but didn't know about a flooring gun   if itz made by a company using a knockoff name close to theirs i'd be careful    try coastal tools  or duo-fast, both carry Max air guns     Max used to make the Bostitch line when it first came out, before they went independent    i have the bostitch guns, someone here said they didn't like them    i've had no trouble with the staplers or the nailer type, but don't use generic fasteners, they jam    also lube the gun before use and again midday with 2-3 drops oil into the air fitting     been using Cat Oil in the guns for a while now, synthetic gun oil, does't gel up in the cold, seems to lube the guns better      try keeping the guns out of the cold because of condensation      tip...the staples are a lot cheaper then nails, lotta argument about nails/staples, both get the job done