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Senco vs. Bostitch Framing Nailers

AllDesign | Posted in Tools for Home Building on April 10, 2007 04:58am

Hello!

I am trying to decide between a Senco FramePro 602 and a Bostitch F28WW. I’d be using it for small homeowner type projects like building a shed, deck, additions, etc. It would never see day-in day-out use or extreme situations like cold weather.

They both seem to be quality tools with a couple of differences – I like the selection of Wire-Weld Bostitch Nails. I’ve heard that collation style is best to work with. I don’t like the super long magazine on the Bostitch though…it seems awkward and a little clunky.

It seems like Senco has the name reputation, but the “recommended senco brand” fasteners for that nailer are hard to find. It’s got sort of a bare-bones feel to it as well – probably a good thing.

Does anyone own either of these or feel strongly one way or another about which one I should go with? Any insight is appreciated –

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Replies

  1. User avater
    DDay | Apr 11, 2007 05:17am | #1

    From what I've heard, Senco's are not what they were years ago. Bostitch is fine but I would push you towards the Hitachi's. I think they are the best out there. If you want an all around nailer, look at the hitachi NV75 coil nailer. That will do everything from framing to siding, decking, etc.

    Make sure you have access to the nails that whatever gun you buy runs. If you don't mind a used gun, check ebay, you can get some very good deal there.

    1. brownbagg | Apr 11, 2007 05:46am | #2

      senco is what everybody here had, They was the top of the line. But then the dealership wentout of business and nobody could buy nails. So I would get something that you can buy nails at HD or Lowes. I have the Bostick, alot of people claim the Hitatic is good. Get what you can buy nails for.

    2. User avater
      Woody78 | Apr 11, 2007 07:41pm | #5

      Like DDay said!!

      The Hitachi NV75AH is a very versatile gun. Shoots from 1 1/4" to 3" framers and most any 15 degree coil nail made for Bostich guns.

      If you frame for a living it is not for you. If you are a DIY homeowner or are building a garage for your motheror neighbor it is a great gun. Can do the siding, trim etc.

      I think a previous post by DDay or someone else led me to this gun last year and i couldn't be happier with it. Buy watch the nose, it is very touchy, and can double fire easily. Much more sensitive than any Bostich or Max i ever used.

      1. User avater
        montanaman | Apr 11, 2007 08:59pm | #6

        What about the paslode framing nailer?  A friend of mine won't buy any other brand.  He says the repair shops told him they are the best.

  2. IdahoDon | Apr 11, 2007 09:12am | #3

    I bought the clipped head version (601) about 5 years ago.  At something over 100,000 nails the gun began leaking air through the trigger until warmed up a bit.  The nose of the safety (big teeth) cracked about the same time because of the way I tent to jamb it into the wood hard at times and was $40 for the new part.

    It's a great gun, regardless of what others will say about Senco's current lineup.  For some reason this particular gun shoots with more umph than most, including a new 701 and 702.

    The downside to this gun is how the depth is adjusted.  Two nuts have to be loosened, move the nose, and tighten the nuts.  Very slow and almost not worth switching between nail sizes. 

    An exelent alteration is converting a flip out rafter hanger from a skill77 by egging one of the hanger's holes, grinding one of the projections so it mates well, and replacing two of the hardened #10 bolts holding the magazine on with longer ones.

    Good nailing!

     

    Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

  3. IdahoDon | Apr 11, 2007 09:23am | #4

    That Bostich you listed has less than a perfect track record.  A young carp working with us bought one as his first gun and had a series of problems with it. After he returned it and the replacement ended up with a faulty trigger after a few weeks he gave up and bought a decent hatachi.  The two months all his drama was unfolding he asked how common problems like his were all I could say was the Senco will get a simple nail jamb about every 5,000-10,000 nails and that's it. 

     

    Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.

  4. User avater
    Matt | Apr 12, 2007 02:56am | #7

    I have a Bostitch, although a different model than the one you mentioned.  I also have used a few other people's Bostitch framers.  The one thing I'd say is they operate anything but smooth.  I'm not a frame carpenter, so my use is very intermittent.  Hitachi is very popular around here. 

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