I am considering purchasing a Porter Cable package from my local big box. for $279 it includes a 16ga finish nailer, 18ga brad nailer, and narrow crown 1/4 stapler as well as a pancake compressor. My question is I want the stapler for cedar shingles on a shed. Can I use a narrow crown stapler with SS staples for siding a shed, or more importantly would it work?
Thanks in advance-
Replies
Shouldn't be a problem, just be sure to adjust the depth so the staple doesn't crush the wood. A little loose is best.
btw, I've had the PC pancake compressor for a couple of years and almost never drain it. Still no rust to this day, probably because the pressure stays constant. But when I just need to shoot a few nails or if I get a flat tire, it's always in my truck and ready to go.
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Pretty much a useless combo. The 16 ga finish nailer has a straight magazine that you can't get into tight spots with. It hits the wall too easily when doing crown. It shoots a square headed, thin shank nail. You have to twist the gun sideways so the head aligns with the grain. Going crossways, the head makes a tear in the grain. You have to hold it upside down on baseboard. The long nails stick out the bottom of the magazine.
You don't want to use staples on cedar shingles. Hand nail them or rent a specialized gun.
The brad gun might be useful in a cabinet shop or for someone that builds small items like bird houses. Too big for delicate work, too small for structural work.
The pancake compressor is a noisy rascal that doesn't hold much air and runs all the time. Cumbersome to lug around. Not enough capacity to run a paint gun or high volume air uses.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Someone at work bought that combo and I use it occasionally. No real complaints, but if that's what you are after HD has the same one with a Makita compressor and guns for $299 (Cdn) that is a nicer setup. The compressor is much quieter and the brad gun is of better quality.
God, that PC pancake is a noisy mo'fo! Also, 1/4" staples are just fine for shingles in my book.
God, that PC pancake is a noisy mo'fo!
My shingle crew was using one of those on a job and the carpenter working inside went and bought them a different compressor at lunch. Said it was worth every penny to not have to listen to that damn thing.View Image
I got the same compressor. Bought the PC 18 ga brad nailer and a PC 15 ga finish nailer. Per other posters the 18 ga and 15 ga should have you covered.
If your going to buy that compressor then get yourself a good set of earplugs, you'll need em!
Bought that combo 8 years ago and use them almost daily. Even run 1 frame/roof gun if I'm too lazy to bring out the big compressor. Have never had a problem with any of my guns. 16 ga, 15 ga, 2-18 ga, 23 ga, stapler. I like to use the 15 ga for setting doors but I think the 16 ga is better for average sized trim. My only complaint is that compressor's noise and it like's to cycle on right as Stern or Rome are about to finish their point, so annoying.
Chuck
It depends what your future use will be for the guns too...
Most of those kit brad guns shoot 1 1/4"
...the staple guns shoot 1" ...limited use.
Choose brad guns that can shoot at least 2"
Narrow crown guns that shoot 1 1/2"+...
As for the compressor...oil-less...yeah it's noisy.
But will get the job done.
The 16 gauge is ok, if it shoots 2 1/2"
A better gun would be an angled 15 gauge that shoot 2 1/2".
-CRF
I bought a finish nailer compressor combo a while back. The nailer is pretty good (if you don't mind the rectangular holes), but the compressor is a banshee. It annoys anybody in the house without ear protection even if it's a few rooms away with door closed.
It luckily got stolen and I picked up a small Craftsman oiled compressor on sale. It's much, much quieter.