Replies

1. 
   fingers | Nov 14, 2008 06:09am | #1

   The new (Jan 2009) FHB has an article by Rick Arnold and he likes the Bostitch FN16250K2 for best value and best overall.

2. 
   KenHill3 | Nov 14, 2008 07:51am | #2

   Sure you want a 16 gauge? My own recommendation is for 15 gauge.

1. 
   hfhcarp10 | Nov 14, 2008 04:28pm | #4

   "Sure you want a 16 gauge? My own recommendation is for 15 gauge"

    

   I'm with kenhill3 - I find very little use for my 16g nailer, instead using mostly 15g and 18g nailer.

    

   Carl

    

    

1. 
   enduringcharm | Nov 14, 2008 05:02pm | #5

   Carl:

   I totally agree--I have 15s and 18s, plus a pin nailer and that's all I need.  I think most contractors have standardized on this model.

   John

3. 
   DonCanDo | Nov 14, 2008 02:58pm | #3

   I have the Paslode cordless.  It's a little expensive (both to purchase and operate) compared to a pneumatic, but for what I do, it works out pretty well.

4. 
   frenchy | Nov 14, 2008 05:12pm | #6

   The standard seems to be the Hitachi. for durability reliablity and ease of repair I own several Bostich but The trim nailers are all Hitachi..

5. 
   unTreatedwood | Nov 14, 2008 05:31pm | #7

   I have pneumatic 15, 18 and 23. I use the Paslode cordless 16. Because I have been doing a lot trim and moulding, I have found that the 16 works very well...it runs a lot less chance of splitting the moulding. For hanging doors, nothing replaces the 15 for jams and casing, but for trim, I love the cordless...convenient and reliable. Yes, it's bit costlier, but it's worth it IMHO. I got the 16 on Ebay for less than 1/2 the retail price from a factory refurbish site. It was a great move and I couldn't be happier!!

   "The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program"  -Ronald Reagan 

1. 
   KenHill3 | Nov 14, 2008 08:00pm | #8

   View Image

   This is the 15 gauge that I use, Senco SFN40, what I would call the classic workhorse. Was not cheap, though, I think over $200. Geez, I don't think they even make this model anymore. Senco's current version is the XP42 or something. Now made in China or Taiwan. Mine is made in USA.

6. 
   cargin | Nov 14, 2008 09:53pm | #9

   Bill

   I agreed with kenhill.

   I use have a 15 ga and a 18 ga, both Bostich. It's the most widely sold gun in this area and I haven't had too many problems.

   I use the 18 ga for most casing and base. I only use the 15 ga when I want to nail 3/4" stock.

   Rich

7. 
   Biff_Loman | Nov 15, 2008 02:41am | #10

   Well then. Describe to me how you use your two nailers together. 'Cause I thought 18 gauge was a little wussy for most stuff.

   I ended up hand-nailing some trim in my house because it has plaster, not drywall, and the 18 gauge nails just crumpled up. Considering I already had the compressor out, that counts as a waste of my time.

   Would you actually use 15 gauge for that?

8. 
   ted | Nov 15, 2008 03:19am | #11

   I've had Paslode in the past but really like the durability and weight of th Hitachi. I've also used some Italian brand (Fasco?) in the past and liked that also.

9. 
   oldhand | Nov 15, 2008 03:31am | #12

   I have a couple bostitch believe they are 1664 anyway they are current enough to be sold new as late as last month . Perhaps not as nice as the latest model but  bargains are available. I use 15, 16, and 18 guages and find the 16 to be the most useful, but everyone has a different take.  All three guages have a niche.

   Retired until my next job.