FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Subscribe
Tools & Materials

Metal-connector nailer is a leap forward in technology

MCN 150 StrapShot

By John Spier Issue 186

• Manufactured by Stanley Bostitch

• 800-556-6696; www.bostitch.com

• Cost: $230

A few years ago, my crew switched from hand-nailing hurricane ties, joist hangers, and all other metal connectors to using Paslode’s Positive Placement nail gun. It provided a huge savings in time and energy, but the trade-off was a heavy gun that was hard to fit into tight spaces. When I got to the job site one day and broke out Bostitch’s new compact metal-connector nailer, everyone’s eyes lit up.

This tool isn’t a standard nail gun retrofitted to become a metal-connector nailer; it was designed from scratch just for this application. As a result, the StrapShot is about half the size and weight of the Paslode, and it fits more easily into nooks and crannies — even between 12-in. on-center framing. Older metal-connector nailers have a probe on the gun’s tip to guide the nail into metal-hardware holes. Instead of a probe, the StrapShot is designed so that the nail itself protrudes from the gun to guide placement. The safety features are a bit different as well. When the trigger is pulled, a shield pops forward around the nail. If the shield senses contact with the hardware, the nail is fired.

Krysta S. Doerfler
Justin Fink

Despite all its positive features, the StrapShot has some weaknesses. For one thing, it shoots only 1-1/2-in. nails, not the 2-1/2-in.nails that we use for a lot of large hangers. Also, unlike the probe found on other metal-connector nailers, the protruding nail point can’t be used to press hardware into position before fastening. For some tasks, such as pushing the sides of hangers tight to the framing, the Paslode works better. But for repetitive jobs like installing a roof full of hurricane clips, the StrapShot is a giant leap forward.

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Sign Up

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

×
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Adaptive Rainscreen Siding Clips

This fastening system from Nova USA Wood Products accommodates natural wood siding expansion and contraction.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Cordless Drywall Cut-Out Saw
  • Podcast 454: PRO TALK With Greg Palese of Klein Tools
  • Small, Problem-Solving Square
  • Non-Permanent Markers

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Justin Fink Deck Building Course announcement
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Video

View All
  • How to Install Faux Stone-Veneer Siding Panels
  • Podcast Episode 165: Live from the Builders' Show: Strong Sheathing Systems and Show Favorites
  • How to Cut a Sheet of Glass
  • Fitting Wallpaper Around Trim
View All

Power Tools

View All Power Tools Articles
  • An image of a person cutting wood with a cordless saw
    Why You Should Use a Cordless Saw
  • cordless miter saws
    Compact Cordless Miter Saws
  • taper flat stock
    Taper Flat Stock
  • Must-Have Concrete Tools
    Must-Have Concrete Tools
View All Power Tools Articles

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition
    Buy Now
  • Outdoor Projects
    Buy Now
  • 2021 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 307 - June 2022
    • How to Raise a Post-Frame Home
    • Trimming Deck Stairs
    • Evolving an Energy-Efficient Envelope
  • Issue 306 - April/May 2022
    • Framing Stairs to an Out-of-Level Landing
    • Building a Zero-Energy Home for Less
    • Good-Looking and Long-Lasting Traditional Gutters
  • Issue 305 - Feb/March 2022
    • The Steady Surge in Residential Solar
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: William B. Rose
    • How Good Is Your Air Barrier?
  • Issue 304 - Dec 2021/Jan 2022
    • Why You Need Blower-Door Testing
    • Passive-House Standards for Everyone
    • Window Replacement With a Side of Rot Repair
  • Issue 303 - November 2021
    • Compact Cordless Miter Saws
    • Maximize Space with Thoughtful Built-Ins
    • 10 Essentials for Quality Trim Carpentry

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2022 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to set_percent%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in