Replies

1. 
   johnharman | Aug 03, 2003 06:20pm | #1

   Rob,

   I am a framer and use both coil and strip nailers regularly. The strip nailers we use for nailing 2x, and the coil nailers we use for nailing plywood. The coil nailers hold more nails, so you don't have to reload as often. The strip nailers seem to have more power than the coiler nailers, so the nails get driven all the way in in 2x lumber. I have never used any nail shorter than 2 1/2" in either gun, so I personally don't think that is really a selling point. My coiler nailers seem to jam more than the strips, but that could be because of their age and hard use over the years. Also if the coil nails get dropped, it can be hard to get them to fit into the canister without alot of reshaping of the coil which can be a pain. I've only ever seen coil nails that are round head. I think the only reason there are clipped head nails is so the manufacturer can fit more nails on a strip. But I'm not 100% sure. In most places you can't use clipped head nails to nail plywood (shear) anyway.

   As for brand, strip I've got Bostich, Senco, PC (which is not good for high volume use,) Duo Fast and Hitachi. In the morning my crew always seem to grab the Hitachi's and Senco's before anything else. As for coil nailers, Bostich and Senco and the Senco's are the guns of choice. Seem to have more power than the Bostich's.

   I've never had much luck with Makita power tools. Never tried any of the nailers though and probably never will because of the bad luck I've had with their other tools. So I can't help you out there. If you aren't going to use it hard on a daily basis, I think any brand would work well for you. 

   Good luck and keep nailin'

   John

2. 
   fdampier5 | Aug 03, 2003 06:49pm | #2

   I wound up buying the Bostich N88ww.  hitting power is real important to me and the Bostich is king over all of the compitition.. 1000 foot pounds compared to around 800 for the better ones.  If you nail a lot of gluelams or into timbers the power of the Bostich pays for itself.. the N88ww is mag so it's not too heavy.. Now Bostich makes a non-clipped head nail version..

         I use ring shanks all of the time The N88ww has the power to set a 3 1/4 inch ringshank below flush into white oak..

     The downside is the first box of nails that I ran thru the gun jammed or hung up too often but by the second it was perfect and hasn't jammed since.. just new and stiff I guess..

1. 
   gdcarpenter | Aug 04, 2003 12:20am | #3

   A pitch for the new Bostitch 88 MCN that shoot full head nail, and can swith from framing nailer to metal connector in seconds.  If you do much joist hanger or hurricane tie installation its nice to have one gun that does two jobs.  I've had mine about a month now and love it.Let's not confuse the issue with facts!

3. 
   Astro | Aug 04, 2003 04:54pm | #4

   I have a Bostich N80CB coil nailer that I frame with. I prefer the coils over stick,less reloading, shoots many different size nails, and it fits between 16'' oc framing unlike some of the large stick fed framing guns, makes it a little easier for those shots in tight spaces.

1. 
   RobKress | Aug 04, 2003 11:36pm | #5

   Thanks all for the comments.  It is clear as mud now.  No, really I think I will do some more research but feel fairly confident that either one would do well for me.  I do like the idea of the Bostich stick framer with the metal hanger attachment.  Plus the Bostich gun I am currently working with is very reliable and powerful.  Call me crazy but, I really do feel compelled to check out the Makita coil gun.  I have had that much success with Makita tools.  And I'm not really all that nice to my tools.

   Anyway, thanks again for the comments.  No matter which way I go, I think that full round head will probably be my choice.  Seems to just make sense.

   Rob Kress

1. 
   rasconc | Aug 05, 2003 03:41am | #6

   Ditto what Astro said.  I bought an old n80cb when we started building the house.  It paid for itself many times over.  I have taken it apart and cleaned it once and replaced the trigger valve.  Only serious jam problems were when crew did not know enough to adjust the magazine when switching from frame nails to sheathing nails.  A little enlightenment and problem solved.  I believe a coil is about 300 nails which beats the strips.  As said before if dropped or deformed the coil will take some corrective action.

   I swear by mine much more than I swear at it.  In fairness can not say I have had much experience with stick framers or other brands.

2. 
   stossel1 | Aug 05, 2003 04:23am | #7

   I dislike coil nailers, mostly because they have a tendency to open up  and the coil rolls out like a red carpet.

4. 
   mbmmd | Aug 20, 2003 05:27am | #8

   i just gotta join in on this one!.  the same old arguement, but personal preference usually wins out!  I swear by (not at!) my 8 yo Senco stick nailer, only time it ever jammed was when i went cheapie and got the wire colated nails, BIG MISTAKE!!!! Reliable, not too heavy, never jams, did several roofs (cedar shingle) shooting 6d ring shank galvies all day long, no problem.  This gun takes a licking and keeps on ticking.  Tried coil nailers and can see the positives with less reloading, but watching that occassional coil roll off the roof, well u get the idea!

   Push comes to shove, it is all personal preference (and finance!)

5. 
   joeh | Aug 20, 2003 09:36am | #9

   Rob, I am using a 1968 vintage Bostich stick framer that weighs 67 lbs or so and can shoot a nail through tank armor. 

   I gave one of those away yesterday to a neighbor. He thought it was a thing of wonder, why would I give it away?

   You're right, with enough air, it'll put a nail into anything.

   I have a Paslode powermaster plusthat looks like Star Wars deisgned it but it wacks 'em in too. Weight is a little better, balance is too. Nice tote bag too with lots of pockets to keep junk I don't need in.

   Joe H

1. 
   luvmuskoka | Aug 20, 2003 03:22pm | #10

   I'm also in the market for a framer....have been looking at the Senco 702 XP. Anybody using one of these?Ditch

1. 
   IMERC | Aug 21, 2003 02:55am | #11

   Don't bother with the 750 FRH. Waste of money.