Hi All,
Did a search through the archives regarding the strap shot nailer and saw several posts about framing nailer’s that also had positive placement for use on metal connectors. I got a Bostich Strap Shot for fathers day and think I’ll return it for a more versatile framing/hanger nailer, any suggestions about what you guys think works best is appreciated.
Kevin
Replies
Where can you buy the strap shot online?
Mine came from Lowes, $219, but I think Amazon might have it, google it.
The only one that I know of that has the attachment for positive placements is from bostitch. Check to make sure the nails that gun runs are available in your area, both the hanger nails and the framing nails.
I don't own the gun but have seen a number of comments from owners who have like it. All the comments I saw were a while a go and from people that had it only a short time. I don't know if the long term opinions are as good or if it lasts. One thing I remeber is that people said that for occasional use it worked very well for hangers but if you planned on using it a lot, it was not very good for that. The nailer you have is relatively small, the framer/strap nailer is a framer size. If you are using it all day or frequently, the size and weight are a problem. It is also much harder to get into some areas.
I think there are Bostitch and Senco guns that are convertible. If you really don't want to own two guns, I'd get one of those, but I'd suggest getting 2 separate guns if you can swing it.
The Bostich gun is an N88RH-2MCN I have one and it works fine. It uses plastic collated full head nails or plastic collated hanger nails. It comes with 2 nose pieces, one for framing and one for hangers. If I framed a lot I would own 2 seperate guns, but for what I do in remodeleing it is more than adaquate.
http://www.amazon.com/Bostitch-N88RH-2MCN-Industrial-High-Powered-Connector/dp/B00009K76M/ref=pd_bbs_2/102-5334647-5171310?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1183176213&sr=1-2
I've owned the same Bostich dual-use framer for about three years now and it works well. The positive placement tip can be ornery once in a while, but with practice you get better at it. I did have to replace some of the seals in the gun a few months back, but Bostich sent them for free. I'm always freaked out about losing one of the tips, but so far I've managed to keep track of them. I also have to remind myself to disconnect the air before switching tips, because it is tempting to just slam it home and ignore the danger. All in all it is a good gun, although if I did framing for a living I might want a separate gun for hangers.
John Painter
I have the convertible Bostick (sp?). I like it OK. First though, as someone said above, check to see what fasteners are available in your area. If you already have a viable framing gun I'd keep the present. OTOH, it wouldn't make sense to have the metal connector nailer and not a framing.
returned the Bostich strapshot, got a framing nailer with a palm nailer combo kit instead. Bostich was running a special through Lowes, 249.00 for the two. As it turned out, only the display was left. Manager took an additional 100 off, 149 for the two. framer uses plastic collated nails up to 3 1/2 " long. The picture on the display showed the palm used with hangers. Even if I have to go back and buy the hanger nailer, 149 for framer and palm seemed pretty good.
You got a good deal. Unless you're framing full time (or an awful lot) you're gonna find that you're fine with a palm nailer. Faced with your situation I'd rather have a framing nailer and a palm nailer any day as opposed to owning just one tool. But if you do ever buy a hardware nailer, for the money, you can't beat that Strap Shot. I've got one and we love it. I've had the Paslode and the Bostich with the interchangable nose piece and we all agree that the StrapShot is our favorite. I'm looking at buying a Hitachi soon too as we occasionally need to shoot 2 1/2" hardware nails and the inability of the StrapShot to do that is it's only real drawback. It gets into lots of tight places that others couldn't touch and it's about the same size and weight as a 15ga finish nailer.View Image
Seems Bostich is coming with a 2 1/2" nailer for metal hangers. Check it out before you buy the Hitachi.http://forums.taunton.com/n/mb/message.asp?webtag=tp-breaktime&msg=87145.1
dieselpig-Out of curiosity, what do you like better about the strap shot versus the dual tip nailer (is it the one mentioned above...N88RH-2MCN...?).I was going to get the strap shot but the dual tip nailer make more sense for my use (building a porch, don't need to nail too many hangers after this project).Kevin
Edited 7/5/2007 12:37 pm ET by kevreh
Like pretty much any 'dual purpose' type tool... there's always a trade off. With the N88 the trade off is bulk and weight. Not a big deal if you're doing a 12x12 deck's worth of hangers. Little bit bigger deal when you've got a 2000 sqft first floor system that's all flush framed. You've got to remember that in residential home framing... 90% of the time that nailer is going to be used held overhead while standing on a step ladder. Size is another issue... the StrapShot is a very small nailer... fits into a lot of tight places that the N88 won't get into.
Another problem I had with the N88 was the nose.... it will wear down over time and make it harder to find the hole by feel. (Don't go there!) This results in a couple things... first, you've got to get your grill right up there and see what you're doing and second is more richochets off the hardware if you don't find the hole. I owned and used that nailer (the N88) as a dedicated hardware nailer for two years and did end up replacing the nose for a new one after about 18 months. I prefer the Strapshot because it uses the head of the nail as a locator. So you've always got a sharp fresh point. Not a huge deal... but worth considering if you're in my shoes.
But all in all.... that N88 is a really great gun... especially for the money. But it's just my opinion that there are better options out there if someone is shopping for a dedicated hardware nailer.View Image
Nice. After using it in a few super tight spots, you might find the palm nailer perfect for remodeling, anyways. I have used them for all sorts of pain in the #### situations.
Good move.
As others have said, you will find quite a few other uses for the palm nailer.
As to compressor size - palm nailer is air hungry, but even a small compressor can handle it on a short duty cycle. I have a 4 gallon pancake that is usable for a few hangers - take a little break and let it catch up!
Jim
Never undestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Used the palm nailer for the first time Tuesday and I think it just replaced my sawzall as my favorite tool. We were replacing sill plate, used 4x6 SYP treated since it best matched what we were ripping out, and used hurricane ties to existing joists, 10 10D nails a piece. What a breeze with the palm nailer, can't wait to try the framing nailer.
Kevin
So, now that I own the thing, how much compressor to run it. Got the owners manual but too tired from digging footings, drinking wine, and tying rebar to read it.
I've had the Bostich F21PL switch tip framing nailer for about a year now. Hate it. Plastic colated nails are dangerous. I can't tell you how many have stung my cheek or chin. Always wear safety glasses with this gun. Always. My crew hates it. Even if you are working around that gun while someone else is firing, you're likely to get hit by the shrapenal.
Also the gun jams on those damn plastic fastners almost once a filling.
Just got the Bostich F28WW from LOWES with free palm nailer. LOVE IT!
Bye Bye F21.
It doesn't look like you can use the F28WW on straps/hangers? Couldn't find any mention of it on Bostitch.com.Kevin