Replies

1. 
   Framer | Dec 12, 2002 12:41am | #1

   Dick,

   I have the Dewalt clipped head framing nailer. Great gun. For $180.00 don't even think twice about it, buy it. Maybe I'll buy another one . I'm sure the full headed nailer is just as good.

   Joe Carola

   
   

   ---

   Edited 12/16/2002 9:36:34 PM ET by Framer

1. 
   FramerJay | Dec 17, 2002 05:16am | #2

   I second Framer's opinion, as I also have the DW clip-head nailer and I have nothin' but love for it. Although I only use it occasionally (when my crew leader's Paslodes finally all piss me off), it has never jammed and is much lighter and more comfortable to use than any other nailer I've had experience with. It's only fault is that the yellow paint quickly starts chipping and the little side rubber "grippies" have fallen off...otherwise an excellent gun. Even fellow crew members who've used my gun like it better than our Paslodes for the same reasons I listed above. Get it!

1. 
   suntoad | Dec 17, 2002 06:42am | #3

   I've had the Dewalt full head framing nailer for about 6 months now.  Fired a half dozen boxes of nails through it, both siding and 16 penny.   I bought it because I liked the removable magazine feature (for removing jams).  I've found I've really needed that feature.  A word to the wise is sufficient.

   No, I'm being too cryptic.  It's a pretty good nailer..I like the light weight.  Like the 'rafter' hanger.  Like the easy removal of the magazine.  Here's the prob:  It jams with most brands of galvy siding nails.  BAD.  Dewalt nails help, but not much.  16 penny sinkers go pretty well--rarely jams.  But if you're going to use it a lot for siding or sheathing, think about buying the Hitachi.  The Dewalt HATES hot-dipped galvanized nails.  It won't fire the whole stick (you must eject that last 4 or 5 nails so they won't inevitably jam).  It likes to shear the heads off of these nails and wedge the firing pin in the DOWN position.  It likes to double fire galvies (and full size nails as well).  The electro-plated galvi nails are slightly better, but these nails suck and have no holding power.  I haven't tried ring shanks in this gun yet. 

   Had a Hitachi framer once.  Will buy it again when my Dewalt dies or is put to death.

   Oh yea, one other thing.  I've had to take it to the Dewalt repair shop once so they could take it apart and remove a nail which had been sheared and sucked up into the piston somehow.  Up side is that they performed this surgery for free AND that they were local.  But, then, that was another reason why I bought the Dewalt...local service and free for the first year.  Down side is, you'll no doubt need it.

2. 
   Timuhler | Dec 17, 2002 07:05am | #4

   I use the DeWalt full-headed framer exclusively now.  We have two old Hitachis' which are dependable work horses.  I love all of the DeWalts features.  I can't understate the rafter hook.  Now I can hook the gun to my belt when I'm on a ladder and need both hands to lift something!  Why didn't Hitachi put a hook on their gun?  I love everything about this gun.  For that price, buy it!  I agree with Framer (aka Joey Carola).

1. 
   scotcrpntr | Dec 17, 2002 10:47am | #5

   I'm a hardcore haitachi user for the same reason I love skil worm drives, you can't kill em. I've tried the dewalt and in all honesty, it just didn't feel right. But I also tried dewalts worm and whil I really likede it, particularly the50 degree bevel and that awesome guard that would let you trim a sliver of  a 12/12/tail with oout pinning, it pooped out after about a year and a hslf. I would never gear up a whole framing crew with dewalt. Also, concerning rafter hooks, all my saws and guns have hooks, after market that uses existing bolts. By the way, I loved the dewalt 12" compound miter, but alas, someone else lov ed it more, along with my trailer full of tools...humbug 

1. 
   Dick38 | Dec 17, 2002 05:37pm | #6

   Thanks for all of your input, I think this will be my Christmas gift.

   Dick