I’m shopping for a 2 1/2″ finish nailer and a 23ga pin nailer.
Senco 41x finish nailer seems good, especially the non-oiling feature, and the Ridgid I played with at HD seemed to be well made, but it is hard to tell much without actually shooting some nails.
I’ve seen good reviews on Bostich pin nailer.
What guns do you guys recommend for a handyman like me who might use one of these tools once a week or so?
Thanks,
BruceT
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Replies
The Senco 41xp is a very good gun especially is you buy their aluminum gun hook with a washer, installed on the air fitting, for hanging from a bag or your pant pocket while working. You can utility knife surgery your case inside so the gun/hook will still fit. Check for other opinions on their pinner, 23ga., they are mixed for that gun. Good Luck.
Also check the talk regarding the MAX 15ga. nailer in the forum.....for a few dollars more, they are a superior build......the Senco is a fine gun though. Have used both. Was always a Senco man, but I own the MAX now, and of all the guns built now, I believe it is the most sturdily built construction.
Edited 2/9/2006 10:44 pm ET by zorrosdens
Zorro talked me into the 15 ga Max, after my old Bostich.
He's right -- it's a great gun. But the differences between Max and the others is pretty marginal -- mainly "fit and finish" kind of things.
From what I have read around here, the Hitachi brand guns pretty much lead the pack these days; but as long as you stay with the main line brands, there are really no "bad" guns. Thus, I think you would be safe to buy a 15 ga based on price, availability, ergonomics, and the features you like. With the Bostich, BTW, you must use their proprietary nails, while all the other guns will use generic nails.
Are you sure about the 23 ga pinner? If you don't have an 18 ga finish nailer, that should probably come before the pinner. I have two from PC, and they are cheap and very adequate; but the next one will be a Hitachi, just because I like their feel.
If you do want a pinner, let me know; I just went thru this myself, and will give you the low down on what I learned.
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"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Yes, I am interested in your experiences buying a pin nailer. I have an 18ga already.BruceT
Billy gave you the link where some of this was discussed.Here's the short version:Bought PC pinner; returned it because it would not countersink nails, exchanging it for Senco. Same problem.Went through discussions with Senco tech people; they said gun was designed to "slightly" countersink. Fine if you are painting, or using a dark stain. But unacceptable if you are trying to apply trim to maple cabs that have a natural finish (which I was). Needed a gun that would countersink enough to cover holes with color putty. Somebody said you could solve the countersink problem with Senco by filing the head slightly. Never tried that. Gave up, bought Cadex (made by Max), which I had been advised to buy earlier, but resisted because it was nearly twice the money:http://www.floydtool.com/cp2335.htmNow I have both.Want to buy a nearly new Senco............... cheap?********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
23 ga pinner thread:
http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=68151.1
Billy
I bought a Hitachi NT 65MA2 15-gauge nailer that's worked fine for installing window & door casing.
On a related theme, I have the very light 3/8" x 100' poly (sp?) hose and find that it likes to retain its coil. Somewhat annoying since my 20gal. compressor is parked in the basement and I have to wrestle with the coils when nailing on the 2nd floor.
Yes, that is the only draw back on this hose (that and you don't want to use it where it would be in high wear situations, like on roofing) but you really love the feel of it compared to all others, light as a feather. It's only a pain setting up to a new locate in a house/room and rolling it up....I know, but I still love it.