If I bought a palm nailer from Harbor Freight would I be hatin’ it? I have just about every air gun except maybe a siding nailer, and have a one time need for a palm nailer, but would probably find other uses if I had one. Not planning on any heavy dut usage? Anyone have a HF palm nailer? POS? I’m sure it’s made in China, or if I’m lucky Twiwan. 🙂 I’m warry of their stuff but for something that would be rarely used I might give it a try. Thoughts?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=93496
Replies
Depends -- how many people are you planning to crucify?
I'll admit to buying a cheap palm nailer. I don't buy many cheap tools, certainly not ones that I plan to use a lot. But a palm nailer is a once-or-twice a year thing for me, so I went cheap. It's fine, but I don't expect it to last long.
Nonetheless, even good ones (Bostich) are less than a hundred bucks, so if you're planning to use it for any sort of extended time, I wouldn't go cheap.
Also, consider used. You might find a Bostich, Max, Hitachi, who knows, on Craigslist.
I've got one. Been through at least three jobs already with fairly heavy usage. I was certainly not disappointed. It drives framing nails eventually, but for joist hangers it is the best. Exactly what I bought if for.
Thanks guys.... mostly ;-)
Excaliber: Stupid question: What is the advantage to using a palm nailer for joist hangers as opposed to just using a hammer? I know occaisionally there is a joist hanger nail that is very hard to get to but those are pretty rare. Also, doesn't a palm nailer vibrate the heck out of your wrist, forearm, and potentially elbow? My right elbow is bad but works fine as long as I don't put too much repetitive impact on it.
Sorry, I've been extremely busy lately.
I've built two decks with it, and nothing is wrong with using a hammer, but if you've ever nailed joist hangers before you know just how tedious it is. Especially with a fairly decent sized deck. I use it mostly for framing hardware it is the absolute best for that.
I'm sure Bostitch or Senco or someone makes a better one, but for me, the $14 HF nailer works just fine. I've bought plenty of lemons from them, but that nailer was definately a deal.
EDIT: as far as vibration goes, it wasn't as bad as could be expected. I always wear work gloves though, and you can also get a leather cover for it.
$14 ??
The one I linked to above is $40.....
Reply to Buying Air and Pneumatic tools from Harbor Freight
I asked a X manager of harbor Freight Stores, would you personally buy any air and Electric tools from Harbor Freight.
He owns several Harbor Freight tools and recommends only to buy the Harbor Freights more expensive tools,which will stand up very well and forget the low price tools.