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Discussion Forum

Framing nailer advice or mistake

highkamp | Posted in General Discussion on February 14, 2007 06:56am

OK, so I picked up the Ridgid framing nailer (big orange store) but wondering if I should go with something else instead.  I am using as a part time home repair stuff, so dont need the caliber of a Hitichi, etc.  But want something half decent to get the job done. Also, I wanted a shank of up to .162 capability (how important is that really though for Calif.).  I liked the deal with the Senco, they through in the palm nailer too, but it only shoots up to a .148 shank, and that scared me away.  Thanks for any advice on this subject from you pros.

HK

 

Reply

Replies

  1. User avater
    txlandlord | Feb 14, 2007 07:40am | #1

    Hitachi has truly proven itself here in Texas.

    Is Hitachi more expensive than Rigid? 

    Have Rigid guns been around long enough to establish a performance record?  

    Mexican framers with Japanese guns building in America, with plans stamped by Indian (india) engineers, a lumber pile from Canada, end of the day beer from Germany bought from a store owned by Iranians.  

    1. tashler | Feb 14, 2007 02:29pm | #3

      LOVE that tag line.I've got to write that down and hang it everywhere.Glenn

      1. User avater
        txlandlord | Feb 15, 2007 05:31am | #4

        Not a tagline yet, it was post / thread specific created on the spot. 

    2. hasbeen | Feb 15, 2007 06:01am | #5

      Love the tagline, tx!Reminds me of the time we marveled at a package printed: New Zealand Lamb Company, such and such a town in New York, "Product of Canada".Just try to buy local!

      "Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd."

      ~ Voltaire

    3. framerboy | Feb 15, 2007 06:38am | #6

      I work in sunny SoCal, so not only do I love the tagline, I live it every day. I will be making a take to work poster this weekend.

      1. User avater
        txlandlord | Feb 15, 2007 07:45pm | #11

        Nice to know my stuff is getting around.

        I have another that has been welcomed and used as a foundational element by husbands in marriages:

        Happy wife, happy life.

        And, as the boss another that is not entirely mine:

        Don't stop looking for work, just because you found a job.

        "Work" refering to finding things to do on the job.

  2. User avater
    Woody78 | Feb 14, 2007 02:11pm | #2

    I am also not employed in the trades but built a 3 story addition and have tons of work to do on the wreck of a house my BOSS had us buy 2 years ago.

    Bought a Hitachi NV75 and couldnt be happier. It shoots anywhere from 1 5/8" siding nail up to a 3" framer. Coil gun @ 15 degrees. Takes a lot of Bostich nails which are readily available at Home Dopes. It may be a bit touchy but the versatility for someone who does not want to invest in 3 guns is great.

    (As A disclosure I did borrow a Bostich stick framer for most of my heavy framing so i could use 3 1/4" nails, but for all the interior framing Hitachi is fine)

    Best of luck what ever you do.

  3. gb93433 | Feb 15, 2007 07:13am | #7

    Hitachi is the best and most dependable. I have used others but do not like any of them as well. The Hitachi seems to toe nail with greater ease than any of the others I have used.

  4. User avater
    BruceT999 | Feb 15, 2007 08:27am | #8

    I haven't used the Ridgid framing nailer, but I have their 15ga and 18ga finish nailers and they are great. Their quality seems to be very good on a lot of tools.

    Ridgid may or may not turn out to be as tough as Hitachi, but you aren't going to go beat it up all day every day, so it may not matter anyway.

    BruceT
    1. dovetail97128 | Feb 15, 2007 08:42am | #9

      Hi-Jack here...
      Anybody else still have and use a Halstead nailer?

      1. User avater
        MarkH | Feb 15, 2007 02:28pm | #10

        Anybody else have a Haubold stapler?

      2. framerboy | Feb 16, 2007 04:02am | #12

        You realize that you are really dating yourself with that question. I still have a Halstead nailer, but I haven't used it in many years, mostly because when you attach it to a pressurized air hose it cycles and shoots a nail. Sort of amusing, but we stick with our Hitachi's anyway.

        1. dovetail97128 | Feb 16, 2007 05:00am | #13

          Well darn, but hey if you replied I guess you know just which gun I am talking about. And don't tell me You inherited it . ;-)
          I used mine last yr. Keep it as a back up tool. Still firing strong after all these yrs. I actually was asking just to see if anyone knew if it would handle the 12-16 commons. Haven't had an occasion to try them and was curious about that.

      3. MikeSmith | Feb 16, 2007 03:52pm | #15

        Halstead ? ......used one for about 15 years.. sold it to one of our customers last year..

         we have two Bostich  RH88's now with the dual nose set-upsMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

  5. User avater
    xxPaulCPxx | Feb 16, 2007 06:55am | #14

    If you are going to pick up a tool to do occasional jobs, you should think about getting one that can shoot shear connectors as well as framing nails... ESPECIALLY since you live in Cali!

    Bostitch has the new PL21 ($230), as well as the recently discontinued NR88 ($160).  Hitachi has something similar too.

    Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA

    Also a CRX fanatic!

  6. pill128 | Feb 16, 2007 09:46pm | #16

    I have the Bostitch N88rh-2mcn as well that I purchased over the Ridgid. In my area I could only get the clipped headed Ridgid framer and that just won't do. I like the two other ridgid guns i have, but save your self some money and buy the Bostitch.

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