I recently talked to a buyer for a regional tool supplier. He commented that he was one of the first to offer the new Hitachi Gas Framing gun. He said since they bought the first ones in spring, only one has sold. I got the impression from those using it that it was a great tool. But it certainly has not caught on here. Any comments from those of you using it?
“The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program” -Ronald Reagan
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Just found this thread....
I've got one... the full round head nailers. I bought it at the JLC-Live show back in March. It's a nice cordless nailer. Pretty much the same unit as the Paslode in just about every way except that it shoots the FRH nails.... which is the one thing that had made me hold off on buying a cordless framer for so long.
It cycles much faster than I expected. The only thing I don't much like about it is the ridiculous amount of pressure you need to apply to get it to fire. Maybe I'm just so used to my Hitachi air stick nailers that fire so easily, but to me, it's a PIA.
Overall... it's a nice unit. The Paslode gas cartridges will work in it too in a pinch. But I only use it for quickie stuff like punch out or when I just need a few framing nails here and there.
thanks. FYI, I just talked to one of the store managers yesterday and he said the framers don't really need/want cordless. They use the gas powered nailers for punch list stuff (finish nails, etc.) going into the client's house toward the end. During framing, they don't care if there's hoses involved. That seemed to make sense to me.
I almost got one on Ebay for around $200... got outbid toward the end. It went for $227. I don't feel so bad... it was probably hot and I don't want to support that sort of thing. Found out it was being offered by a pawn shop. Once I saw that..I stopped bidding. I should have noticed earlier. Oh well. But it seems like a solid tool ... thanks for the input.
"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
Edited 8/14/2006 11:13 am ET by unTreatedwood
I got to play with one at the local yards vendor day last week. Real nice, feels good in the hand and shoots well. It has a better battery set-up (positive locking) than the Paslode. I've had the Paslode framer for about 6 years now - it was a reconditioned, somewhat beat-up HD special when I bought it and it just keeps on running. Started acting up a few months back but sent it in for service and runs great again. But if I do decide to upgrade I'll look closely at the Hitachi. Can't beat the cordless guns for punchlist, small basement/garage remodels, etc. (IMO anyway).
-Norm
thanks. those are my sentiments as well."The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan