Help! I am seriously considering buying the Stanley-Bostitch N88RH-MCN-2 (the one that converts from framing to a metal joist hanger nailer), but I am having trouble locating one. Does anyone know where I can find one for around $300?
Also, I am planning on buying a PC air compressor (CPDF23400S) to go with it, anyone have any experience with this compressor?
Thanks.
Replies
Scott: On the nailer, it's listed as available on Amazon.com for $289.99 with 1-2 weeks shipping.
You probably already tried but the http://www.bostitch.com has a product finder with dealers and on-line dealers. I have the clipped head version of this nailer and it had power to spare. Report back if you get the nailer. Like to hear what you think of it.
Rugby
Thanks, I found a store that will order it, but I have to wait to tomorrow(Mon.) to see how much and how long.
Sorry it has taken so long to get back on the Bostitch nailer. Ended up getting it about a month ago, but it sat in the box till a couple of weeks ago. Gone through a dozen or so rails without any problems, I like it alot. I won't be giving it a true work out untill next summer. The attachment for the metal joist hangers looks like it might be hard to see if you stand behind the gun or in tight spaces. Overall, so far I'm glad I went outta the way to get this gun even If I have to drive 20 miles one way to get nails and thats after I call about 4 days in advance so they can order them.
Hey Scott: Have you just framed or have you shot some joist hangers? Would be greatly interested to hear how the hanger nose works out.
Rugby
The hanger nose works great. Set the tip in the hole, squeeze the trigger. If you're not perpendicular to the hole, however, the nail doesn't sink fully. I had to special order the hanger nails from HD and they were not cheap. Am hoping for another (cheaper) source.
As a side note, I've used the gun for a few months, and the plastic collation idea stinks. The nails are always breaking off, and the gun jams in between sticks. I have better success using one stick at a time, but that gets time consuming. (Incidently, the joist hanger nails MUST only be used one stick at a time. I don't know why, it's a caution on the box.)
I never met a tool I didn't like!
Nick,
what does a box of the hanger nails go for in your neck of the woods?Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, Professionals built the Titanic.
$70 bucks for a box of 3000, 2.5" x .162" galvanized. $60 for a box of 3000, 2.5" x .131" galvanized.
Imeant to order 1.5", but got the number wrong. Back to the hopeless depot.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
Thanks for the info. The one stick at a time makes me wonder but it seems like a good tool investment anyway. Really, if I had the funds I'd go for the Max nailer.
I bought mine from http://www.toolnut.com , 877-934-8665. I got it at a convention at a sale price of $214, but it was a promotional sale.
The nails are difficult to find, at least here in CT. I had to order them through HD, at about $60 a box of 5000 for the 1.5" galvanized nails, $60 a box for 2000 2.5" galvanized.
The gun is powerful and nice to use. The two replaceable tips are loose, however, so whichever one is not in the gun is prone to get lost. Figure out a way to keep it close or attached. And when you do figure out a way, let me know.
Thanks, I'll give him a call later. If I figure anything out for the tips I'll let you know. Offhand maybe some canvas stitched together and attached to a tool belt, but attached to the gun would be best.
Have had mine for about a month now and love it. Don't know if it's recommended but can shoot framing nails with the placement tip on. Use that for driving framing nails through joist hangers into ledger. Yes, the two tips is something you have to watch you don't lose the one your not using, but when one gun can do two jobs I'm happy. Framing nails are inexpensive but metal connector nails are pricey because they don't do the volume in them. They are stocked at at least one place here in Raleigh, N.C.
Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
Not trying to rip you bro, but....shooting framing nails into joist hangers is pretty irresponsible and could be dangerous. Wire framing nails have a pretty crappy resistance to shearing off compared to "hanger nails". Hardware companies specify a specific nail for very important reasons...re-engineering their decisions in the field is a bad idea. I agree that at $90 per 3000 galvy nails (in MA anyway) is pretty steep, however you can save that cash back in labor pretty quick using a hardware gun. Take a look at some of the threads on failed decks if you still think you should be engineering your own connections.
I do use the proper metal connector nails, with their larger diameter, to nail the joist hanger to the ledger and joist hanger to joists. As I understand it their larger diameter increases their shear strength. But for any force trying to 'pull' the joist away from the ledge, given that there shouldn't be any to speak of, I shoot the framing nails on an angle through the hanger and into the ledger, more or less as an extra measure of security.Let's not confuse the issue with facts!