FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

porter cable bammer

jstew | Posted in General Discussion on January 6, 2006 02:36am

Just bought a used porter cable bammer cordless nailer.  It physically appears good.  However, it dosen’t work well.  Even at maximum setting the nails will not always set, even in pine.  Just wondering if there is a problem with this nailer or if they are all just crap.  Anyone have any experience?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. rasconc | Jan 06, 2006 02:48am | #1

    Should have done a search here before you bought it.  You are going to get a few "I am sorry for you responses".  I personally have no experience but have read many thumbs down comments.  Likewise the early Paslode black version.

    1. jstew | Jan 06, 2006 02:55am | #2

      Thanks that is what I was afraid of.

      1. User avater
        razzman | Jan 06, 2006 03:06am | #3

        Sounds like the gas canister. I'd get a fresh one and not something that's been sitting on a shelf gathering dust.

        The Bammer can be used, kind of. It's almost like an art form to get a rhythm going where you can shoot several nails in a row before a miscue.

        I'm thinking the original design was intended for a fast paced machine where you could fire off nails similar to a standard compressor air nailer.

        That's unlike the Paslode Impulse series which demands a slower rhythm between shots  or just single nail placement.

        If I ever find my Bammer I'm going to get it out and try to see if I can get the thing working as designed.

         

        be open to a challenge or be a glutton for punishment

         

        'Nemo me impune lacesset'No one will provoke me with impunity

  2. User avater
    Sphere | Jan 06, 2006 03:07am | #4

    Sell it to Gunner here..then his and yours can die togther before breeding and stop that nonsense.

     

  3. User avater
    Mongo | Jan 06, 2006 03:19am | #5

    I got one years ago as a gift, right when they first came out.

    I ran several thousand nails through that thing, it worked great...right up until it blew apart and pieces flew everywhere.

    I still have the pieces in a box. I come across it every once in a while when shuffling boxes around and have a nice chuckle when recalling the day the Bammer died.

    1. Piffin | Jan 06, 2006 03:41am | #7

      Did you laugh when you saw this title - kind of like the inside joke, "Radio"?or the really good one - "Elephant"? 

       

      Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

      1. User avater
        Mongo | Jan 06, 2006 10:25pm | #14

        No soap!Gotta find that old t-shirt.

  4. Piffin | Jan 06, 2006 03:38am | #6

    It never worked well

     

     

    Welcome to the
    Taunton University of
    Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
     where ...
    Excellence is its own reward!

  5. User avater
    Gunner | Jan 06, 2006 03:58am | #8

      It's like Rez said. It takes some getting used to. I'd rather pack around a compressor then deal with it.

      It's a good tool if you want to walk in shoot a few nails and leave. But that's about it. Try pumping it twice. Just a thought. Personaly mine has always worked fine. the little I used it.

     

    http://www.hay98.com/

  6. jstew | Jan 06, 2006 04:46am | #9

    did you guys use porter cable nails only.  I think i was using hitachi.  They did list porter cable on the box.  Just a thought. 

    1. User avater
      razzman | Jan 06, 2006 05:23am | #11

      I always use the manufacturer's nails in my guns. I don't use them as often as a full time builder so the increased costs are negligible.

      Old threads buried in the archives somewhere dealt with imperfection sizing of the generic nails that might/could possibly cause premature wear and failure of components in the guns is the summary I gathered from the posts.

      Cheers

       

       

      be thinking do I smell a nailwar coming?

       

      'Nemo me impune lacesset'No one will provoke me with impunity

  7. User avater
    RichBeckman | Jan 06, 2006 04:46am | #10

    I don't have that problem with mine.

    Fully pump it twice, then depress it fully and pull the trigger. If that doesn't work and you are sure the gas canister is full, then there is a problem with the gun.

    It has it's problems, but it works great for my limited needs.

    Edit: Don't leave the canister in the gun when it is not in use. Gas will leak out.

    I have never used Porter-Cable nails. I forget what brand I use.

    Rich Beckman

    Another day, another tool.



    Edited 1/5/2006 8:50 pm ET by RichBeckman

    1. User avater
      Mongo | Jan 06, 2006 10:25pm | #13

      Rich, You still have one?Remind me when the next fest comes around, I have several boxes of nails and fuel cannisters still in their original wrapping.Mongo

  8. DougU | Jan 06, 2006 07:47am | #12

    I cant believe that you found one of those thing still floating around out there!

    Boy their must be one happy guy out there, he probably thought he'd never be able to unload that thing.

    Doug

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Listeners write in about fostering trade work and proposed changes to Canadian code and ask questions about roof and wall insulation for an old house.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data