Thinking about buying a new round head nailer in the 21 degree range. I know the Hitachi NR83A2 has a high reputation still but I’ve used Hitachi NR83s, Max Superframers and Bostitch N88s and I don’t think any of them is so much better than the rest, maybe the Hitachi has the best combination of balance, power, durability, and speed but I don’t like the big nubs on the nosepiece and don’t especially like the trigger/handle feel. I always liked the feel and short length of the Paslode Powermasters and the Mainframe looks like a 20 degree roundhead version of the powermaster. Does anyone have any feedback from the field as for its reliability, durability, power, and speed?
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I know a framing crew that really likes Duo-Fast guns...they switched from Hitachi. The reason they gave was cold weather reliability (in single digit and below zero temps).
Personally, I have a Bostich I like just fine (but I'm mostly a trim guy so I shouldn't be giving framing advice).
Never actually used one, but yes it's a 20 degree version of the Paslode Powermaster Plus.
There are two disadvantages I can think of offhand: 1) The Paslodes we've been using (the newer ones) have not proven as durable as the old ones, especially when dropped-- the top cap seal leaks every time. 2) Neither the DF or the Paslode have a tool-free depth adjust.
OTOH, if you're looking mainly for this gun to do just framing (no sheathing) it has good power, reliability, it's light, and it toenails like no Hitatchi will.
I'd still go with Hitatchi just because you can rebuild them on a tailgate and they are bombproof. I have six.
Thanks for the information Jason and Basswood. I went ahead and bought a mainframe, so I will see how things go with it. On first inspection I can say that it has good symmetry. The dealer that I spoke with said the same thing about cap leaks and he said that two months from now Duo-fast will be releasing nailers with a reengineered more durable cap.