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Getting Hooked on Air

MSA1 | Posted in Tools for Home Building on May 28, 2009 05:04am

Ive used Paslode 16ga trim nailers since i started my business. This week my buddy was on site and brought his 18ga air nailer. I loved it.

Guess what I want?

Which brand is your favorite and why. Gotta get one of these. I felt like Norm Abram in the NYW all week with little psst sound with every properly placed brad.

 

Family…..They’re always there when they need you.

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Replies

  1. User avater
    Dam_inspector | May 28, 2009 05:10am | #1

    I heard the Bostitch is a winner.

    1. MSA1 | May 28, 2009 05:16am | #2

      I saw a three gun Bostich kit at Lowes for about $240 today. Anyone have the Porter Cable kit? 

      Family.....They're always there when they need you.

      1. User avater
        Dam_inspector | May 28, 2009 05:30am | #4

        Make sure the kit can take the length nails you require. Some kits are not a good deal.Maybe you can win one here: http://finehomebuilding.taunton.com/item/7612/i-am-giving-away-a-milwaukee-finish-nailerI have no experience with porter cable nailers myself, but I like the Bostitch nailers and hitachi.I like the Bostitch 15ga nailer, but the nails are slightly harder to find, and the hitachi and Bostitch 18 ga. brad nailers I own. Some newer Bostitch brad nailers are not as good as the older ones in my opinion. I don't have a 16 ga nailer.

        Edited 5/27/2009 10:35 pm ET by Dam_inspector

      2. User avater
        FatRoman | May 28, 2009 02:32pm | #12

        Got a Hitachi 18 and a Nikle 23. Like them both very much.Only Porter Cable thing I have is their Job Boss compressor. Hate it. Waaaaaay too loud. Works fine, though. But if I did it over, I'd get a Thomas so I didn't have the entire neighborhood annoyed at me.'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb

        View Image

        1. seeyou | May 29, 2009 01:29am | #18

          Only Porter Cable thing I have is their Job Boss compressor. Hate it. Waaaaaay too loud.

          Couple of years ago, Chalio had one of those shingling a house. The plumber was inside and the noise was driving him crazy. He went home at lunch and brought back his Roll-aire, fired it up, unplugged Chalio's hose from the PC and plugged it into the Roll-aire and unplugged the PC. Never said a word to them. http://www.quittintime.com/      View Image        

          1. User avater
            FatRoman | May 29, 2009 02:03am | #19

            Don't think that I didn't consider smuggling that thing back on your trailer.I did offer it for los guys to use. Strangely they turned it down!Non sequitur alert: the pallets that the shingles came on. Can I burn them? Or is there some kind of preservative that will turn my neighborhood into a superfund site the second I light the match?'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt man doing it' ~ Chinese proverb

            View Image

          2. seeyou | May 29, 2009 03:10am | #21

            Those pallets are usually hardwood - no preserves.http://www.quittintime.com/      View Image        

      3. JTC1 | May 29, 2009 12:56am | #17

        I have A Porter Cable kit -- not sure it's the one you asked about.

        Bought some years ago - 6 gal pancake compressor, 16 ga gun, 18 ga gun, 1-1/4" narrow crown stapler, terrible hose.

        All working fine with 0 service parts added. I did change the drain valve on the compressor to a 1/4 turn ball valve.

        Bought a new PC 15 ga angled finish nailer on clearance for $80. It's also working fine.

        The only problem I have ever had was when I used some "Brand X" 18 ga nails on a job ---- bang, bang, bang, jam, &^^%%$#@, bang, bang, bang, bang, jam, *&^%#*, ......... you get the idea----- changed nails - back to PC and no problems.

        Compressor has also seen duty running my Hitachi framer, Bostich roofer, and Bostich palm nailer.

        JimNever underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

        1. MSA1 | May 29, 2009 02:14am | #20

          That does sound like the kit I was thinking about but I havent seen it at the big box lately. I'm thinking I may have a few bucks to blow in June so I might have to go to the local tool store and see what they have to offer.

          Thanks

            

          Family.....They're always there when they need you.

          1. jimAKAblue | May 29, 2009 09:05am | #26

            Mark, don't buy a gun from the big box. I'll hook you up with Greg, the tool guy that we used to buy all our guns and fasteners from. He'll always beat the big box prices and you'll never have to service any of your guns again. He always serviced our free. He's a great guy, an honest hard working service/sales guy.

            Of course, I'll have to check with Frank to get his number and make sure he's not bankrupted.

          2. MSA1 | May 29, 2009 03:18pm | #27

            I was thinkin about going to Butki. Us small guys can use every penny right now. 

            Family.....They're always there when they need you.

          3. jimAKAblue | May 29, 2009 04:48pm | #28

            I stopped using Butkis back in the 80's. Occasionally, I'd wander into their new store up on M 59 but everything always seemed too expensive in there.

            Do you want me to dig out that number for Greg? He'll come to you if you are in his territory. Its been a few years since I've seen him so I don't really know for sure if he's still in the biz or where his territory is.

          4. MSA1 | May 30, 2009 12:33am | #30

            Not right now Jim, I have work coming in and will probably be buying in June but i'm not gonna spend the money before I get it.

            Cant believe it, I went from a dead Apr/May to an almost fully booked June.

            Thanks Though. 

            Family.....They're always there when they need you.

          5. jimAKAblue | May 30, 2009 06:44am | #31

            I'll be talking to Frank sometime before now and then and I'll find out if Greg is still working.

          6. MSA1 | May 31, 2009 03:07am | #32

            Thanks. Funny I had a client buy me an 18ga air trim gun about four years ago, its still in the box. I've never owned a working compressor. 

            Family.....They're always there when they need you.

          7. MSA1 | Jun 10, 2009 12:24am | #33

            Jim, did you ever find your tool guys number? I checked out Butki today and felt more like an annoyance than a customer. I guess they dont need anymore money.

            I'm looking for an 18ga that shoots up to 2" and a compressor. Didnt think it would be that hard to find.

             

            Family.....They're always there when they need you.

            Edited 6/9/2009 8:04 pm ET by MSA1

          8. jimAKAblue | Jun 10, 2009 04:15pm | #40

            Mark, I had to go back two phones to dig his number out. I called him and the number didn't work. I called Frank to see if he was still in the biz and Frank told me that he was up until this year and he was folding the wagon.

            He worked for Linc. They have a shop near you. I'd check with them directly. I'm sure there are still people on the road for them...I think.

          9. MSA1 | Jun 11, 2009 03:28am | #41

            Thanks Jim, i'll check them out. 

            Family.....They're always there when they need you.

        2. User avater
          Jeff_Clarke | Jun 10, 2009 12:41am | #34

          Jim - I've got pretty much the same setup (PC + Hitachi framer) except I bought it with the Goodyear hose.

          Jeff

  2. paulbny | May 28, 2009 05:29am | #3

    Bostich and Senco.  Get a 15ga and an 18ga.  The 15 should shoot 2 1/2" and the 18 2".  If you do kitchen trim or a lot of punch list work you might want to consider a 23ga headless pinner.  I have a Grex that shoots 1 3/8" pins that are practically invisible.  I use it way more than I ever thought I would.

    1. MSA1 | May 28, 2009 05:35am | #6

      Kitchen crown is a big reason id like at least an 18ga. The 16ga is too rough on fragile crown. 

      Family.....They're always there when they need you.

      1. paulbny | May 28, 2009 05:51am | #7

        For kitchen crown I use a 23ga and Titebond thick CA with an accelerator.  It's an awesome combination, cut the crown glue it together with CA, it's good to put up in 20 seconds and that CA really holds.  Use the pinner to put it up and no nail holes to fill.

        1. MSA1 | May 28, 2009 05:57am | #8

          Ive thought about a pin nailer. If i end up getting a compressor ill have to check one out. 

          Family.....They're always there when they need you.

    2. User avater
      observer | May 29, 2009 08:05am | #25

      Saw your post about the 23 ga pinner and thought it would be a perfect solution to a little problem so went out and picked up a Rotek today.Great idea! It's going to be very useful.

  3. bubbajames | May 28, 2009 05:31am | #5

    love my Hitachi...

  4. alwaysoverbudget | May 28, 2009 06:24am | #9

    i had this one for about 4 yrs and finally it bit the dust,i really liked the way it felt.

    found this guy on ebay sellin it in a recon,for 40. how can you go wrong?

    http://cgi.ebay.com/Bostitch-BT200K-BT200K-2-BT200-Brad-Nailer-Nail-Gun_W0QQitemZ330333057596QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4ce962723c&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262&_trkparms=%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A30

    also bought the pinner from harbor frieght,for 20.00 can't be beat, but if i was making a living with it i would spend more money ,just so it didn't look like i was a titeazz.

    YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T
    MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE
    DUCT TAPE.

  5. oldbeachbum | May 28, 2009 11:20am | #10

     my P/C 16 ga & Cadex 23 ga (shoots headless & brads)....small Emglo 1 gal compressor........quiet,  dependable & lightweight

     

    I'm not flippin' you off.........just counting cubits

  6. catfish | May 28, 2009 02:23pm | #11

    Hitachi, bought a 16 gauge theought I paid a lot   10 years later its the one I bring out when something breaks down.

    Sent me to Hitachi for all nail guns as old ones were replaced.

  7. CAGIV | May 28, 2009 04:36pm | #13

    I'd strongly suggest a pinner, it's amazing how often it comes in handy.

    Every now and then Home Depot has a Senco Kit that has a 15ga, 18ga, and a narrow crown stapler kit for around $250-$300.  Locally they seem to bring them in every couple of months and then close out the last few at $200.00.  They're not the best guns in the world but I've had my set for 4 or 5 years now and one of my guys who uses them far more often has had his for 2-3 years and never had a problem.

     

    Team Logo

  8. User avater
    PeterJ | May 28, 2009 08:37pm | #14

    I've used Bostitch, PC, and own the Senco SLP20. I don't know the model on Bostitch, but shoots up to 2". Not a bad gun, buddy has it and it seems trouble free. The PC belonged to another contractor I subbed to; loud, clumsy and broken more than working. Needless to say, it wont go on my list of candidates!

    Having said that, I'll admit to being biased towards Senco, I own several, but not their DIY stuff. I love that little SLP20; quiet, oiless, reliable, it's only limitation being shoots up to 1 1/2", but I've never had a need beyond that. The wire safety is easy to see around for nail placement. I've never done a thing other than stick nails in it and use it...definately a keeper.

     

     

    Everything will be okay in the end.  If it's not okay, it's not the end. 

  9. gordsco | May 28, 2009 09:58pm | #15

    I've owned a few guns and like the PC 18ga.

    Small nose, gets into tight spots and sinks them.

    When I started finishing full time in 95 I used a 16ga paslode gas. Switched over to air shortly after because the guys who had air nailers were blowing my doors off.

     

    1. MSA1 | May 28, 2009 11:50pm | #16

      Maybe my gas Paslodes need a service check cause lately the hammer has been slipping off naips too. I just really like how neatly the air gun placed the nails and how much quieter it is (excluding the compressor of course). 

      Family.....They're always there when they need you.

      1. gordsco | May 29, 2009 05:13pm | #29

        Same thing happens with my 16ga Paslode. 20 fires 18 nails. Can't remember how many times I replaced the wire nose. Bump the end and the wire snaps off.

        Looks like Blue can set you up. Get an oil lubed compressor that runs at low rpms. You will not be unhappy when it kicks in and purrs. I have a small Eagle that runs at 1720rpms, nice and quiet and quick recovery with 3.6cfms at 90psi. No problem at all bringing the compressor into customer homes.

         

          

  10. RichMast | May 29, 2009 03:11am | #22

    hitachi 15 and pc 18, 2"

    pc 15 didn't last long - hitachi is great, and has cool air blower built in.

    Hope this helps.  Rich
  11. Shoeman | May 29, 2009 04:28am | #23

    Just making sure you are aware that Paslode makes a cordless 18 gauge - if you don't want to lug around a compressor and hoses.

    I have had mine for a few years now and really like it.

    I know what you mean about the feel and sound of the pneumatic nailers - just can't bring myself to drag the hose around for my jobs.

    Wish Paslode made a cordless finish stapler - that and heavy framing are all I use my compressor for.

     

    1. MSA1 | May 29, 2009 04:35am | #24

      Yeah i've seen it. I'm also getting a little concerned with the growing sloppiness in my 16ga guns though. The nose on an airgun is totally different so hopefully i'll get less hammer misses. 

      Family.....They're always there when they need you.

  12. Dave45 | Jun 10, 2009 12:47am | #35

    I have a Porter-Cable 16 ga angled finish nailer, an 18 ga Bostich brad nailer, and a Senco 23 ga micropinner. If I need one, my buddy has a couple of framing nailers. Somewhere (I think) I have a collection of hammers and probably even a few loose nails. - lol

    Air nailers are one of those tools that make you say "How long has this been legal, and why didn't somebody tell me!!??" - lol

    1. MSA1 | Jun 10, 2009 03:00am | #36

      Air nailers are one of those tools that make you say "How long has this been legal, and why didn't somebody tell me!!??" - lol

       No kidding. I've always used my Paslodes uptill about two weeks ago. My buddy has been working with me and he brought his air gun. It really is night and day. 

      Family.....They're always there when they need you.

  13. quicksilver | Jun 10, 2009 03:06am | #37

    I have a Paslode which is about six years old. Reliable and takes from 5/8's to 2'' brads. The fact that it takes the 2'' brad is the most important thing for me.

    1. MSA1 | Jun 10, 2009 03:21am | #38

      Gas or air? I have two 16ga gas guns. I'm not knocking them but for some of the things I do 16ga is just too big. 

      Family.....They're always there when they need you.

      1. quicksilver | Jun 10, 2009 05:57am | #39

        Air

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