Bostitch - N88RH-2MCN Metal-Connector Nailer

Editor's Review: Nail Guns for Joist Hangers

This tool does double duty as a metal-connector nailer and a framing nailer right out of the box and takes less than 15 seconds to convert. The removable metal-connector tip has a spring-loaded cam to guide the nail and a small 3/8-in. probe to locate the connector hole. This probe tip is fairly easy to index into hanger and tie-down holes, but its short probe reduces the sightline. We had trouble pinpointing the probe to connector holes when we had to tilt the nailer into position. When tilted, it left nail heads proud of the connector, and a hammer blow was need to seat them. This tool's switchable nail-guide nose made it easy to clear nail jams.

This was the only nailer we tested that accepts the full range of nail sizes. Because it doesn't require a magazine adjustment to accept different length nails, it's important to be selective when grabbing nails for connector installation. These should be 1-1/2-in. and 2-1/2-in. nails with thicker shanks (0.148-in. or 0.162-in. dia.).

Editor Test Results: