I’ve got a Hitachi NR83A framer as well as a Senco SN65. I have a major stockpile of Senco plastic collated nails, which work sorta OK in the Hitachi but not well enough to keep it. I suspect that the angle at which the nails are collated is slightly different for the Hitachi, but I’m not sure about that part. Anyone else tried this combo, and should I (a) switch to Hitachi nails for that gun, or (b) sell the Hitachi and buy another Senco? Or, it there an adjustment I can make to the gun?
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david, I just ran two boxes of Senco PC nails through my 83's today with only one prob, and it wasn't due to the nails. They actually work as well or better than both Hitatchi and Grip Rite generics, IMHO.
I found the 83's stay swell if you spray 'em with Paslode gun cleaner and then oil the mag springs with silicone spray about once every 3-4 weeks. If that doesn't work, maybe try one of the Supco magazines that Diesel brags about?
What exactly is happening?
Jason Pharez Construction
Framing & Exterior Remodeling
Different things happen, not consistent, not everytime. First, the gun gets unhappy if the plastic collating material is sticking out at either end of a clip. That means that any clip that has lost a nail, been dropped, or just has more plastic is hard to use. The spring-loaded keeper that drives the nails forward does not seat well if the plastic is not almost flush with the nails, and the firing pin end has problems also. Second, the gun seems to break the last couple of nails in a clip apart. I get a lot of loose nails falling out of the gun as one clip finishes and the next one is ready to start. Third, the gun just seems happier with one clip in it and not two. Fourth, there are times when it seems like a clip will get off of the correct drive angle. When that happens the gun will only drive a nail about 2/3 of the way, and at a funny angle, which is my cue to check it out.
I was stoked when I found this one brand new for $200, but now I guess I know why. I was thinking of sending it to Hitachi for a rebuild. Would that do any good? It was much inferior to my Senco, and from all I've read I thought it would be at least as good if not better. The Senco works flawlessly if you keep a lot of oil going thru it.
David, you described all of the problems I've had with my (relatively new) Hitatchis!
But, knowing they are slightly higher maintenance than my Paslodes were, they also don't blow a top seal every time someone drops one. Honestly I was thinking about it today before I bought my fourth NR83 in not so many months, why I would buy yet another? The answer is that despite their quirks, they should last much longer between rebuilds than the Paslodes, and more importantly, the more use (and abuse) they've received, the better they work! I think there is a definite break-in period with these guns.
The biggest problem I have with them is that if someone "limp-wrists" the gun while bump-firing, they tend to underdrive the nail by about 1/2" as you described. Again, I feel that is more due to operator error than with the gun itself.
Break that sucker in, learn to quickly visually inspect the nail strips before reloading, and enjoy a lifelong power tool!
Oh PS RE the follower not keeping up with the nails, you can remove it and use a cutting wheel in a grinder to "cut" a deeper groove under the top so it doesn't ride up over the nail heads. Takes less than a 1/2 hour for my trio.Jason Pharez Construction
Framing & Exterior Remodeling
Thanks for the input. This one has not been broken in, but I have two framing jobs in a row so it will get there. Or, I could sell it to you...?
I'll have to pass on buying yours; besides, after you get the hang of it, you'll love it.
One other thing I've noticed (especially after today where I cut and stacked 3K SF of ceiling joists myself) is that the toenail "spikes" aren't nearly as sharp as the Senco or Paslode...gonna take a file or grinder to 'em Monday and fix that.Jason Pharez Construction
Framing & Exterior Remodeling