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What framing nail gun ???

xtal_01 | Posted in General Discussion on May 20, 2021 01:19pm

Hey!

In the middle of framing up my workshop and my nail gun died.  It was a 20 year old Ridgid.  Life time warranty but 6 – 8 weeks to repair!

I need to get a new gun tonight (borrowed one for the day).

What should I pick up (Lowes or HD) …..

I am using full round head collated 21 deg nails.  Using this gun for framing and sheathing … so say 2″ – 3 1/4″ or there abouts.

The same (newer version) Ridgid is $229

Porter- Cable is $199

Metabo (Hitachi) NR90 is $179

Metabo (Hitachi) NR83 is $279

I don’t mind spending close to $200 if it is a better gun  …. still lots of nails to drive ….

Mike

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Replies

  1. User avater
    sawdust_steve | May 20, 2021 02:18pm | #1

    Did you take the gun apart? I had one of my porta cable guns die recently and when I opened it up I saw the exploded plastic piece right away and was able to fix it pretty easily.
    Have you considered Harbor Freight? I have their nail gun and it's fully functional. They're going to cost you $100 have a l 90 day warranty but it should be long enough to see you through until your Rigid is repaired.

  2. xtal_01 | May 23, 2021 08:22pm | #2

    Frustrated .....

    Bought the Metabo NR90 .... light weight ... worked flawless on 3" nails .. put in 2 3/8 sheathing nails ... jammed every 40 or 50 shots!

    I even have a video of me using it and it jamming .... not sure if I got a lemon or is this a real issue? Seems like it might be trying to force two nails in when it gets down to the last couple. I know my Rigid had an adjustment of the thickness of nails so this did not happen.

    Took it back ....

    So, now I am trying to decide do I spend and extra $100 and get the Metabo NR83A5?

    It has been out since 1980 ... seems to be "the standard" ... but still has issues when I read reviews!

    Still searching ....

  3. User avater
    tfarwell | May 23, 2021 10:51pm | #3

    Hitachi / Metabo

    1. xtal_01 | May 23, 2021 11:18pm | #4

      As I said, I had an issue with the NR90 .... Is the NR83 (the "old" standard) a better gun?

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