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Framing nailers

PaulGC | Posted in Tools for Home Building on December 23, 2008 08:19am

I was looking at buying a Bostitch framing nailer (#F33PT) because I found a good price on it plus the company has a good reputation in nailers. Unfortunately I live in a small town area no where near a city where I could buy the 33 degree nails for this gun. Sure I can get ’em shipped in but the weight of the boxes of nails would be too much in terms of shipping cost. Nail I can buy lots of 34 degree nail strips locally so I’m kinda hesitant on buying the F33PT.

 

Here’s my question: would this nail gun take and fire, without jamming up, 34 degree nails even though it states on Bostitch’s website that the nailer takes 33 degree nails.?

 

Have any of you guys ever used 34 degree nails in a gun that “requires” 33 degree nails and have you had any problem(s) with it?

 

Thanks kindly

 

Paul

 

 

Reply

Replies

  1. FastEddie | Dec 23, 2008 09:04pm | #1

    I have never tried that, but I suspect there is enough tolerance in the gun that it won't even notice the 1 degree difference.

    "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

    "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

    1. PaulGC | Dec 23, 2008 09:21pm | #2

      Hey Eddie, I went on Bostitch's website and spoke to someone online who told me they couldn't guarantee that it would work. gee they were helpfull.

    2. unTreatedwood | Dec 23, 2008 10:21pm | #3

      I was tracking down the nails allowed for my Hitachi cordless framer.  According to the website, it will allow 20-22 degree!!  I don't know how, but I can't imagine 1 degree is THAT big of a deal.  it's worth a try, i'd think!
      At its most basic level, capitalism offers people the freedom to choose where they work and what they do … the dignity that comes with profiting from their talent and hard work. … The free-market system also provides the incentives that lead to prosperity -- the incentive to work, to innovate, to save and invest wisely, and to create jobs for others.” -President George W. Bush

      In other words, free-market capitalism is the best path to prosperity.

      1. arcflash | Dec 26, 2008 07:58pm | #23

        How do you like that Hitachi cordless? I bought a recon at a bargain, even though FHB mag gave it a bad review. Let me tell you, I shot a few nails into some scrap and thought that I had wasted my money, but after taking it on a dormer job, I was quite impressed with it. It saved us alot of hassle. I framed a short wall in my mom's basement two days ago, and was impressed again. I had a Paslode cordless glued to my arm several months ago nailing blocking for like two months straight, and I do notice a little more power with the Paslode, the Hitachi has come through for me every time it really counts. Even Paslode cordless has its limitations, you just have to know what they are and work around them. Best $160 I ever spent, not to mention the fact that it shoots 21 deg nails, just like my air gun.

        1. unTreatedwood | Dec 31, 2008 08:50pm | #24

          I responded to this last nite, but it did not post.  I was beginning to think I'd been banned from the tool forum.  Now THAT would be feat...

          I love the Hitachi.  I've never had the problems noted by many of the critics.  I use it for remodel, and I think it may have jammed once in 1 1/2 years.  I am concerned about who will work on it if I need to have it maintenanced... but that should be a long time off.  I use a Paslode 16 gauge finish nailer, so I have both brands.
          At its most basic level, capitalism offers people the freedom to choose where they work and what they do … the dignity that comes with profiting from their talent and hard work. … The free-market system also provides the incentives that lead to prosperity -- the incentive to work, to innovate, to save and invest wisely, and to create jobs for others.” -President George W. Bush

          In other words, free-market capitalism is the best path to prosperity.

          1. arcflash | Jan 01, 2009 12:49am | #25

            I got you bro! I've got the Hitachi 21 deg. cordless and the Paslode 16 gauge straight cordless. My paslode is currently out of action, not because it is broken, but my boss returned it to me without the filter and filter cover, and no explination. Last time I let him borrow it. It shoots fine, I just don't want to use it without the filter and everyone I've talked to has to order it with a ridiculous shipping fee (even though the parts might cost two bucks a piece). I was a little worried about the Hitachi. FHB gave it a scathing review in a recent issue. I will have to say from experiance using both guns that I do not agree with FHB. I think that they've got it in for Hitachi or something. They were right that the Hitachi seems to have a little less power, but the difference is barely noticable. Neither guns like 3" or longer ring shanks in anything dense or pressure treated, so I've been kicking around the idea of buying stainless steel smooths in that size for decks and whatnot. Both guns will absolutely burry a smooth nail into green lumber. I bought the gun reconditioned, it was worth every penny, and I'll pay full price whenever I have to replace it.Speaking of Hitachi, they've just come out with a new line of cordless trim guns that look like something out of a video game. I'm rather curious to know how well they work. Anyone tried them yet?

          2. gfretwell | Jan 01, 2009 09:34am | #26

            My Hitachi shoots 3.5" galv into .80 PT SYP with no problems at all.
            It is no virgin either, I got it on Ebay for $75 and it was well used when I got it. I liked it so much I bought it's little brother in a roof nailer suit. ($55 on Ebay)

  2. User avater
    JDRHI | Dec 23, 2008 10:22pm | #4

    I haven't checked....but Amazon carries nails for most guns.

    They often offer free shipping on items over $25.

    Worth a peek.

    J. D. Reynolds

    Home Improvements

     

     

     


    1. PaulGC | Dec 23, 2008 10:26pm | #5

      I'm in Canada and they don't sell tools up here.

      1. User avater
        JDRHI | Dec 23, 2008 10:28pm | #7

        Sorry missed this post before posting.

        J. D. Reynolds

        Home Improvements

         

         

         

  3. User avater
    JDRHI | Dec 23, 2008 10:28pm | #6

    Just peeked....the gun uses clipped head nails, yes?

    Here's what I got when searching 33 degree nails....

    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_hi?url=search-alias%3Dtools&field-keywords=33+degree+nails

    Says free shipping.

    J. D. Reynolds

    Home Improvements

     

     

     


  4. DonNH | Dec 24, 2008 02:13am | #8

    I have a Paslode cordless - the paslode nails are listed as 30 degree, Amazon lists some 33 deg nails for it, and I believe I've used 34 deg with no problem.  So, I certainly wouldn't worry about it.

     

    Don

     

  5. User avater
    hubcap | Dec 24, 2008 02:51am | #9

    I have two F33pt guns and they both will fire anything within a couple of degrees of 33.

    they jamb up if the nail is 4 to 5 degrees off...

    No Tag
    1. PaulGC | Dec 24, 2008 03:25am | #10

      Thanks Hubcap, how have you found the F33PT over time? The name is reputable but I'd really prefer to hear it's long term results from someone who has experienced the gun.

       

      Thanks & merry xmas

      1. User avater
        hubcap | Dec 24, 2008 03:57am | #11

        I have had these a little more than two years- pretty constant use.

         no problems.

         cold doesn't seem to phase them- falling two floors onto the concrete below didn't hurt the gun that made the leap.

        easy to clear nail jambs

        easy to change fastener depth

        hanger nailing tip works well and is simple to put on

        so

        durable and easy to use

        at 90psi it won't drive a 3 1/4 " nail flush into a microlam sammich but how many guns do? Hitachi maybe...

        most of the micro's I see anymore are through bolted anyway

        pretty good gun

        merry christmas to you too

        No Tag

        Edited 12/23/2008 7:58 pm ET by hubcap

        1. PaulGC | Dec 24, 2008 04:06am | #12

          I was just checking the customer reviews of this gun on Amazon.con and one guy gave it a bad rating whereas others like it.

          1. User avater
            hubcap | Dec 24, 2008 04:28am | #13

            well-

            I have the bostich and a couple of senco guns for framing and I like both of them fine.

            The bostich guns seem to get more use...No Tag

          2. pobrecito | Dec 24, 2008 04:43am | #14

            Hi Paul,

                I just use the garden variety 30 degree Paslode nails you find @ Rona, Home Depot & etc.  No problems with them.  I do have a box of the Paslode RounDrive¯ but haven't tried them yet.  You probably won't have to worry about these as I have yet to see them in Canada.  As for the Amazon review,  it seems his big complaint is that head kept falling off.  I don't see how this could happen unless he did not properly seat it.  I have both the F33PT & an older N88RH which both use the interchangeable nose pieces. and have never seen that problem.  Furthermore,  if you look at  the reviews for the F21PL (Updated N88RH)  there is no mention of such an issue.    BTW.  Where do you live in Canada?  If you live near the border,  you can always have Amazon ship to a US PO box and pick it from there.  I paid half of what it cost in Canada for my F33PT.

      2. arcflash | Dec 24, 2008 06:44pm | #16

        I've had my Bostitch N88RH for over a year now, and it has seen alot of use. One of the best nailers on the market, in my opinion. I can't find a bounce trigger for it, and I do alot of production-type framing with the guys I work with on the weekends. I have a few DeWalt air tools and I really like them, so I'm thinking about the DeWalt framer. I hate to replace a tool just for a bounce trigger, but when speed is important, it will save me alot of time.

        I don't think you will regret the Bostitch as long as your compressor can handle it......it demands alot of air. By the way fastenerusa.com will have all types of nails for you in all types of finishes with free shipping. They specialize in stainless fasteners and you can buy little boxes at a time. Enjoy!

        edit: I didn't notice the Canada thing. Check there anyways and see.....

        Edited 12/24/2008 10:58 am ET by arcflash

        1. danno7x | Jan 01, 2009 04:48pm | #27

          We've been using a dewalt clipped head framer fairly heavily for almost a year and no problems.  I feel its the lightest and most compact gun out there.  The head on the Bostich, Hitachi, PC, practically all of them seem huge compared to the dewalt, and I feel that it is very important. 

          When I can I will get one for myself.  I personally like the pasoloade roundrive nails for the clipped head nailers, costs more for sure but you get a full head nail in a clipped head size.  Also with the dewalt even if you prefer roundrive like me you still are guaranteed to find clipped head nails for it everywhere, so you'll never have a problem finding nails in a pinch. 

          Cant stand the huge gun heads anymore because of those times it limits where you can fit it.  Dewalt - highly recommended

          1. arcflash | Jan 01, 2009 10:10pm | #28

            Thanks! I own a DeWalt roofing gun and 15 gauge trim nailer. Both have made me a bit of money. A little short on bells and whistels, but a good basic, powerful gun. I knew that the framing gun would be a good buy, not to mention, I came across a tool store near the job site that has a reconditioned round head nailer for $150! It looks brand new and has a warranty! I swung by there day before yesterday and they only had two left. I'm hoping I can get there Saturday, but its a long drive for a day off. Guy at the counter said they will eventually get more, so for now, my Bostitch will have to do (poor me). Happy New Year!

  6. NEXTLEVEL | Dec 24, 2008 02:23pm | #15

    I have the Bostich finish nailers and have not had any problem.  For framing, I have the Duo Fast guns.  I do not know if Canada has these but they are excellent guns.  I have 4 of them and one of them I have had for 25 years. 

    James

  7. frenchy | Dec 24, 2008 09:09pm | #17

    I've got to add my 2 cents worth.. I choose the Bostich N88WW because it has greater impact than other nailers 1000 pounds veris 880 with other brands

     the differance is night and day when I nail into hardwood or Glue Lams etc..

      I don't have to pull out my hammer to finish the nailing..

  8. KenHill3 | Dec 24, 2008 11:07pm | #18

    Hitachi NR83 A. It's the shizzle-dog. Never had a problem with sinking nails, but then again I haven't framed with oak or walnut.   :o)



    Edited 12/24/2008 3:09 pm by kenhill3

    1. Karl | Dec 26, 2008 04:46am | #20

      Kenhill,
      I've had an NR 83 Hitachi for years and don't use it much lately. I pulled it out the other day to shoot some 16D nails. I was doubling up some fairly dry doug fir 2x material and I happened to put some hot dipped galvanized 16's in the gun and it wouldn't sink the final 1/8 to 1/4" of the nail.Is this due to the dry lumber and hot dipped galvies or do you think my gun is in need of some repair or maintenance if it won't sink the nail? The compressor is an emglo that seems to cut in around 90psi and cut out around 120 psi and I was using 50' of flexeel hose.Karl

      1. arcflash | Dec 26, 2008 04:52pm | #21

        It sounds like a combination of all three. 90 psi is a little low, especially for dry lumber with ring shanks. My compressor will sink galvies at about 100 psi into anything, but once it drops much lower than that, I'm reaching for a hammer. One of the reasons I'm buying my fourth compressor. You live and you learn.

      2. frenchy | Dec 26, 2008 06:45pm | #22

        Karl

         if you read the specs on that Hitachi you'll find it hits with 880 pounds of force same as most other hammers.. only the Bostich hits with 1000 pounds at the same supplied air pressure.. that 120 pounds is the differance in tough applications such as you mentioned. 

  9. mike4244 | Dec 24, 2008 11:29pm | #19

    As a matter of fact 34° is all I used in this gun. Every gun I have used will shoot 2° in either direction without a problem.

    mike

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