Top-Notch Metal Connector Nailer - Fine Homebuilding FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Main Menu
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
Main Menu Subscribe
Tools & Materials

Top-Notch Metal Connector Nailer

MAX's SuperLocator metal-connection nailer uses the nail itself to find the holes in framing connectors.

By Andrew Grace Issue 290 - April/May 2020
Article Image
Hanger handler. MAX’s SuperLocator uses the nail itself to find the holes in framing connectors.

One of my first responsibilities as an apprentice was nailing joist hangers. Flash forward 20 years and a skilled-labor crisis later, and I’m still hand-driving connector nails. In that time, the number of connectors used on a typical build has exploded, and I’m reminded of this every day by an ever-shrinking carpal tunnel.

Given my aching hand, I jumped at the chance to try MAX’s SuperLocator metal-connection nailer (SN438J). The nailer uses common 10d, 11⁄2-in. connector nails, and it’s the tip of the nail that you use to align the tool to the hole in the metal connector being installed. The tool’s slim profile and 34° angle make it easy to squeeze into the tight spaces where this sort of nailing always seems to occur, and when not in use the handy multiposition rafter hook makes it easy to keep the nailer nearby.

The tool performs flawlessly. I’ve fired a few cases of nails through it without one misfire or jam, and my connector nailing has sped up considerably with far less wear and tear on my body. I’ve also used a few different brands of nails with no noticeable change in production.

At $280, the SuperLocator costs more than some other connector nailers, but I have found MAX’s tools to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve never had a problem with my three other MAX nailers (the SuperFramer, SuperRoofer, and SuperSider). Whether you’re seeking to boost productivity.

Andrew Grace, a remodeler in Ligonier, Pa.

Photo: courtesy of MAX

From Fine Homebuilding #290

More about nailers:

Choosing Trim Nailers: Which Finish Nailers Should You Own? – There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a Finish Nailer. Here’s how to make the best choice for you.

Tool Test: Cordless Finish Nailers – Patrick McCombe profiles several Cordless Finish Nailers.

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

×
X
X

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Comments are closed.

Up Next

Featured Story

how to choose the best windows and doors

The Cornerstones of Comfort: How To Choose the Right Windows and Doors for Your Climate

In this webinar, Passive House expert Enrico Bonilauri shares his strategy for evaluating the wide range of window and door options on the market so you can make the best choice for your budget and your needs.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Get an overview of the process of creating a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes from experienced mason Mike Mehaffey.

Related Stories

  • Ditch the Hose

  • Successful Floors With Trusses

  • Foundations for Success

  • Truss Options

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

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

Highlights

  • Fine Homebuilding All Access
  • Fine Homebuilding Podcast
  • 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
  • 2020 FHB House: Framing Changes and Construction Delays

  • framing a roof with larry haun

    Framing a Roof With Larry Haun

  • framing walls with larry haun

    Framing Walls with Larry Haun

  • Framing Floors and Stairs with Larry Haun

View All

Framing

View All
  • Types of Roof Trusses

    Types of Roof Trusses

  • Introduction to Roof Trusses

  • Rafters

    Rafters vs. Trusses

  • The Loads Carried by a Roof

    The Loads Carried by a Roof

View All

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Fine Homebuilding Magazine Slipcase

    Buy Now
  • 2020 Fine Homebuilding Archive

    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition

    Buy Now
  • Musings of an Energy Nerd

    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 297 - February/March 2021

    • Foundations for Success
    • Staircase Renovation
    • Ditch the Hose
  • Issue 296 - Dec 2020/Jan 2021

    • Insulating Glass Keeps Getting Better
    • Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb
    • Making Sense of Minisplits
  • Issue 295 - Kitchens & Baths

    • Condo Kitchen Reimagined
    • Row-House Remodel
    • Rise of the IAQ Monitor
  • Issue 294 - Oct/Nov 2020

    • Schoolhouse Reimagined
    • Tool Test: Folding Sawhorses
    • A Better Way to Build Tall Walls
  • Issue 293 - Aug/Sept 2020

    • A Practical Guide to Fall Protection
    • Installing Frameless Cabinets
    • Make Any Tablesaw Safer

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Newsletter

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

Sign Up See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

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

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility

© 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Main Menu

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

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Account

  • Log In
  • Join

    Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • 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

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 52%

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