Just wondering what everyone’s brand preference is for an air stapler (narrow crown, 1/2″ to 1 1/2″). A co-worker has the Hitachi, nice gun, but it’s been in the shop already (5 months old). We basically only use them for attaching drywall shims to framing. What other uses do they have. We do custom remodels, framing to trim, and dabble a bit in drywall, electrical, and touch-ups. I was thinkg about the Bostich.
Matt
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Replies
I'd probably opt for a smaller stapler if thats all you use them for.
blue
I borrowed a bostitch from one of our carpenters and had good luck with it. Cant remember the model though, sorry
For attaching drywall shims to framing - I use a hammer tacker
Cordless and fits in my bags
My husband and I are "DIY"'s. (Our motto: We're not very good, but we're slow.)
We have a Bostitch narrow crown stapler. We don't use it often, but it is very helpful when needed. The only bad thing (speaking as a amateur), is that if you decide to undo or redo something, it's very difficult to take apart.
So, when we're using it, we tend to say things like, "Are you sure we should be using a crown stapler on this?" " What if we don't like it in that spot?" Hmmmmmmm. And so on.
We bought one to install T and G pine on our cabin ceiling. I will say it does a very nice job where you want great holding power. But for most things, we use a regular trim nailer.
Talking about this also reminds me of my pet peeve. Why don't the manufacturers of nail and staple guns sell nails or staples for these tools in boxes that hold fewer than 12 million? Or, at the very least, sell them in boxes where the sides don't collapse as soon as you open them, spilling 11,999,970 nails onto the floor? Just wondering.
Got about 12 Duo-Fast KN-1848's. Used and abused, rarely seen the service shop.
Phat
Never underestimate your ability to overestimate your ability
Bostich NC stapler, 2.5 years old. No problems. I use it to tack up shims when hanging doors. Use it to fasten strips when firring out walls. Use it on leveling shims on thresholds or windows. I can't say I use it everyday, but when I need it, I'm glad it's in the truck.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
Porter-Cable 4 years old and no trips to the shop.
I have an old PC, which only takes 1' staples, so I recently bought a Hitachi that will take 1 1/2. Either gun works well, but the Hitachi has a nicer undefinable "feel" to it.
I use them mainly for attaching cabinet backs, and other misc things. I don't do much drywall, but after seeing a friend using his stapler to apply metal corner bead, I started doing it that way too -- which is one reason I got the Hitachi with the larger staple capacity.
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"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Depending on the thickness of shims you do: Senco makes a 3/16" crown 3/8-5/8" small stapler is trick and the staples won't split anything. Or you can go with the Senco (in order of cost and power) SLS 20 L, an oilless design, relative small size, 168 capacity. The SLS 25XP, has two year warrenty instead of one, same size and look of the previous, oilless, and probably same capacity. Then if you want Senco's most powerful and durable gun...the SKS...an oilless, larger gun I have used many times in cabinet shops and is a banger par excellance, it will staple anything just about, but the others are probably your better and usable choice since you don't really need that much power. All of these shot 1/4" crown, 1/2-1 1/2" staples. Good luck...these would be my basic choices. There are some other VERY good manufacterers of guns also, Fasco, BeA...since you are shying from Hitachi.
We use the Senco 1/2" narrow crown staplers for sheathing and 1" wide crown for cedar shingles, great service record and reliability. Been using them for over 10 years with no complaints.
Senco SKS, I dont know how many boxes of staples that gun has shot but it's quite a few and I've never had a problem with the gun.
Doug
Yea...they are true workhorses...if somebody is looking for the all-around do it allll that is the gun in my opinion. I know I'd still have mine, had it not burned in a fire....I don't know if I'll EVER have all the tools I used to but I'll slowly keep trying to aquire as I go.
The boss bought a Rigid 1/4" crown stapler today and I was putting down 1/4" luan ply onto 3/4" old Fir flooring, hard from age, and the 1 1/2"staples work fine here, I was sooting lots of staples. Was $120 at HD, oiless, magnesium, "no staples" lockout (nice to have it so it can't fire without staples in it), sequential or bump-fire switchable, has a hook, case, and allen wrenches.
The only thing that happened was it started to not fire....after checking I found that the two allen screws that pull the staple magazine tight to the nose assembly were loose and letting it gap away from the nosing...weird for a brand new gun. But, after tightening them (and checking ALL the other screws) with the wrenches, all was "rockon".
I bought a Paslode narrow crown for installing 3/8" subfloor for tile/ lino in houses I was trimming. I've laid hundreds and hundreds of sheets 100+ staples per sheet. 6 years later the thing is still tickety boo. I'd recommend the Paslode highly.
Gord