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opinions on 15g finish nailers

alrightythen | Posted in Tools for Home Building on August 17, 2006 08:47am

lookng for opinopns on 15g nailers brands. including what you use them for. I really like the the belt clip the Dewalt comes with. and their depth adjustment seams more straight forward. I know the thumbscrew my 18g bostich I can never tell if it’s making a difference or not.

The more costly Hitachi has a blower built in as well as the switch for bump and sequential. But no belt clip, which may not seam like a big deal but I’m thinking about the time up on the roof or ladder when you need 2 hands while you get the next trim peice and that belt clip comes in pretty hand or saves you from bending down a few dozebn times to pick it up off the floor or plank.


Edited 8/17/2006 1:55 am ET by alrightythen

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Replies

  1. User avater
    IMERC | Aug 17, 2006 08:53am | #1

    brand or use...

     

     

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!

    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    1. alrightythen | Aug 17, 2006 08:56am | #2

      brands...but I'm also interested in what your uses might include

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Aug 17, 2006 09:37am | #3

        I have an old SN-IV... real work horse...

        any place I need a 1.5" to 2,5" nail as long as it isn't dainty or delicate material... 

         

        Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

        Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  2. Brian | Aug 17, 2006 07:22pm | #4

    I like our Hitachi - can you add an aftermarket belt clip?  It will last a long time - get the one you like.

     

    Treat every person you meet like you will know them the rest of your life - you just might!
    1. alrightythen | Aug 17, 2006 09:14pm | #6

      I dunno if they sell after market belt clips......

      anyone else know of one?

       

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Aug 17, 2006 10:01pm | #8

        yup... 

         

        Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

        Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

        1. Squash | Aug 17, 2006 10:10pm | #9

          I've had my Senco SFN40 for about seven or eight years and it's still going strong.  I had to have the magazine rebuilt/repaired this past fall and it's on its second or third set of nose guards but other than that no complaints.  If I had to replace it today I'd probably go for the Hitachi or MAYBE the newer oil-less model from Senco if I could test drive it first.  Can't say that I'd buy a Bostitch or a Porter Cable and I can't really get a Max serviced around these parts.  I've heard mixed reviews on the DeWalt nailers from the few people that I know who have them, they seem to have some nice features but I can't speak at all for their longevity. 

          Like IMERC said, anywhere I need a 1 1/2 to 2 inch finish nail indoors or out, this gun does the trick.  I've gotten away from using finish nails for MOST of my exterior trim, but obviously there are still plenty of exterior applications for it.  Like any other finish nailer mine earns its keep nailing crown, base, and door and window jambs and casing.

          Hope that helps.

          Nick

          Edited 8/17/2006 3:20 pm ET by Squash

      2. BUIC | Aug 18, 2006 12:56am | #11

        You can add a hook to almost any gun.  Senco makes one that mounts between the gun and air fitting.

          I've got it on my 15 ga. hitachi, works well.

          IIRC paid about $7 for it... Buic

        1. User avater
          IMERC | Aug 18, 2006 01:13am | #12

          or make yur own from 3/16 aluminium flat stock... 

           

          Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

          WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

          Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

      3. CAGIV | Aug 18, 2006 01:58am | #13

        You could fabricate a belt clip pretty easily.

        I've used a Dewalt that belonged to someone else and it seemed like a good gun, I have a Senco and while it has a depth adjustment I don't recall ever using it.

        I wouldn't worry to much about the bump fire option, I can't think of a time where I would have needed or liked it.

         

        1. alrightythen | Aug 18, 2006 04:42am | #18

          The switch is nice, with the Dewalt they give you an interchangable trigger, but I kinda agree with you, it's not like framing where you BAM BAM BAM...I'd hate to see what trim looked like put up that fast.

  3. Rayvan986 | Aug 17, 2006 08:43pm | #5

    I have been using the Porter Cable (DA250?) for 5 years or so and it has been trouble-free.  I use it mainly for trim work, both inside and out.  Don't know what I ever did without it.  It's like having a 3rd hand.

  4. JohnSprung | Aug 17, 2006 09:39pm | #7

    I have the Hitachi, and like it a lot.  I'm too klutzy for a belt clip, though.  Walking around trailing an air hose, I'd be knocking stuff over all the time.  Making a place to hook it on the top of the ladder might work better for me. 

     

     

    -- J.S.

     

    1. alrightythen | Aug 18, 2006 04:39am | #17

      I agree with you on the walking around with it clipped to your belt....too awkward. But it would be usefull once you get your spot, which I have experienced and loved not having to bend down so often.

      1. JohnSprung | Aug 18, 2006 09:24pm | #23

        My problem is, I'd forget and walk away from my spot dragging the hose.  ;-) 

         

        -- J.S.

         

        1. User avater
          IMERC | Aug 18, 2006 09:30pm | #24

          short leash... huh.... 

           

          Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

          WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

          Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          1. JohnSprung | Aug 19, 2006 01:04am | #25

            Short memory, too.... ;-) 

             

            -- J.S.

             

          2. User avater
            IMERC | Aug 19, 2006 01:14am | #26

            you have the fully BT sanctioned CRAFTS too then... 

             

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          3. JohnSprung | Aug 19, 2006 01:40am | #27

            Um, OK.  I'll bite -- what's CRAFTS?  ;-) 

             

            -- J.S.

             

          4. User avater
            IMERC | Aug 19, 2006 01:50am | #28

            goes along the lines of...

            Can't Remember A Flocking Thing Syndrome...

            Andy Engel gets the credit for the diagnosis... 

             

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          5. mstmartin12 | Aug 20, 2006 08:06pm | #29

            Not to change the subject too much, but has anyone tried the new 16 ga angled pneumatic finish gun from Paslode.  (Or any finish gun for that matter?)  I love their framer and just bought the 18 ga brad nailer, they both work great.  Is there anything the 16 ga couldn't do that the 15 ga could?  I believe it comes with a belt hook as well.

             

            Matt

          6. User avater
            IMERC | Aug 20, 2006 09:35pm | #30

            length and nails verses pins... 

             

            Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

            WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

            Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

          7. CaseyF | Aug 28, 2006 10:11am | #31

            I just bought the Senco gun refered to here at HD, and it came with an 18 ga. brad and 18ga. stapler for $157.50. I had seen this combo before for around two hundred, but didn't really need it. I just couldn't pass when I saw it in St. Louis while visiting my family. If cost is any issue to ya.Peace,Caseyhttp://www.streets.org

  5. kayaker | Aug 18, 2006 12:16am | #10

    Senco SFN40 several guys that I have worked with have used these outside for 9-11 years on a weekly basis and they are still going strong.   Somewhere after the 6 year mark they will need a new drive pin but thats easy.  Did I mention we use these guns ALOT!!!

  6. User avater
    NickNukeEm | Aug 18, 2006 02:07am | #14

    I bought a new Hitachi a few months ago and loved it.  Yesterday, it fell out of my truck (along with a few other guns) and I immediately went and bought another.  It is my primary finishing gun.  As for the rafter hook, if you aren't inclined to make your own, check out this link.

    http://www.gunookproductsinc.com/skyhook.html

     

    "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."  Invictus, by Henley.

  7. jerseyjeff | Aug 18, 2006 02:28am | #15

    I have the hitachi and I LOVE it.  great gun,  I added a swivel fitting

    http://www.coilhose.com/products.asp

    (click on ball swivel connector)

    and it is fantastic.  For ladders I got one of these

    http://www2.northerntool.com/product/200314559_200314559.htm

    and it looks like you could get one of these two

    http://www2.northerntool.com/product/200314563_200314563.htm

    never a missfire,  and the blower turns out to be pretty handy.  

  8. davidmeiland | Aug 18, 2006 03:35am | #16

    I have a Senco SFN40 and a Hitachi. Love them both. Having two guns at one time with different nails in them is often a major plus... or so I told myself as I plunked down the cash for the Hitachi. The blow gun is a must-have.

  9. joeh | Aug 18, 2006 06:31am | #19

    I have a Makita, love it.

    Joe H

    1. alrightythen | Aug 18, 2006 10:02am | #20

      Haven't seen the Makita

  10. SBerruezo | Aug 18, 2006 10:08am | #21

    I have a Senco FP41XP, or some combonation of those letters and numbers.  I like it pretty well, it came with two switches (one sequential, one probably not), but I haven't bothered to switch them, and a belt hook (like a monster hook).  It's worked like a charm so far, and it's oilless.  I use it for mostly trim, flooring, and a third hand (like when I'm working solo, and can't quite pull off balancing the board, nail, and hammer).  It's a nice little gun, but I've heard a lot of good things about the Hitachi too.

     

    Young, poor, and eager to learn

  11. User avater
    Pondfish | Aug 18, 2006 01:45pm | #22

    I have the Hitachi and love it.  Got it from Slowes when they had a special: buy the 15g, get the 18g for free.  The built in blower is great, and I use it all the time to clear out the drywaller's mess.

    A monster hook on the belt eliminates the lack of a belt hook problem for $3. 

    Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005

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