Alright, I went against my better judgement and bought a DeWalt 18v finish nailer a little over a week ago. I usually shy away from DeWalt, but this gun fit my needs the best. When I first started using it, I really liked it except for the extra bulk which really isn’t too big of a deal for what I’ll be using it for – punch-list trim and jobs when I don’t want to wrestle a hose – hanging doors, etc. However, it consitantly jams upon reaching about a half clip or so of nails, and yes I’m using the correct angle. I originally thought the magazine or even the advancement mechanism was off, but now it seems as if the little rubber bands inside don’t quite have the uuumph to pull the driver blade back. Has anyone had a similar experience before?
I already contacted the shop that I bought it from and they’ve offered to take the yellow wonder back and exchange it for whatever I want, but I wanted to hear a few other opinions before making a final decision. Its competition for replacement is a Hitachi 15g paired with a smallish compressor – probably another Makita or a Thomas.
So… have at it.
Nick
Replies
I have a dewalt 18v straight nailer for over a 9 months and have not had a problem. Is your nailer angled or straight? I also own a compact Mikita oiled compresser that is light and quiet that I use for finer work.
George
maybe its your batteries? mine never gave me a problem... or the type of nails you are using? The dewalt brand is better than the paslodes...but the local boxes only carry paslodes...
It's a brand-new battery. The gun fully sinks nails into solid oak when it doesn't jam so I'm not concerned with power. It's a 15 gauge gun, the DC628 which is a new addition to the 16 gauge models. I use Senco nails with my other guns, all DA style which is the same as the DeWalt takes. I noticed that the return mechanism for the driver is essentially two rubber bands which retract the driver back into position... perhaps this is the source of the problem. The smaller Makita compressor is looking better and better...
Nick
makita is going to be releaseing a 18 v ion finish nailer too... maybe this might interest you?
I have the angled 16g Dewalt 18 volt and love it.I occassionally will put a rack in before the first rack is used up and this can give me trouble in any of my trim guns.
But I have very little to complain about the Dewalt, it does need a full charge on the battery or it won't run the air pump.
I definately like it better than the Paslodes.
In fact I plan to get the 15g at some point in time.
ANDYSZ2
WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
i bought one when they first came out and i love it
its always ready to go, no gear up time required and i have had no trouble with it, it jams a little less then my compressor finish nail gun
i have not been as lucky with my bosch tools, the magnets that are glued to the motor housing keep coming loose