What do you think is the all around best, most reliable nailer for nailing off sheathing?
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Hitachi NV-83A2
You really like those Hitachi's don't you? Are they the real deal or what? Do they hold up better than others you have tried?
Tim Uhler endorses them too. I may have to test drive one of these.
I use the crap out of my Paslodes and Bostitch's, they won't die. They do lose the occasional spring though, turns them into fully automatic pistols then.
I'll look into into one soon.
Yeah, I have really great luck with the Hitachi nailers dude. That's why I always recommend them. I can't make the leap and say they're the very best or even say that none others are their equal. But they've always done everything I've ever wanted them to do.
For comparison, I've owned a Senco, a Bostitch, a Max, and a PC. We always came back to the Hitachi's so that's really all I buy now until I find a good enough reason to try something else again. The only other thing I'm even considering right now is a high pressure system from MAX but I think that's out of the question as I'd need to run two compressors to handle the air demand, especially since I'll be up to 6 men in a few weeks.
The Hitachi's just work. To be fair, I do mod the stick nailers a bit. I put a Supco magazine on them and add a Tool Hanger's Unlimited folding rafter hook to them. I don't do anything to the coil nailers except tear off the clear plastic shroud thing. I'm sure there's other nailers with more features and frills but I've never found a need for them. I maybe have to throw a set of rings in them every two years or so and maybe a driver once in a blue moon, but really we don't do anything to them except oil 'em and use 'em. And they get beat on. I know I've got a good tool, when the tool hardly ever crosses my mind. What I mean is, I just grab it and use it. I never have to fiddle with the Hitachi's, or worry that I'm pushing them too hard, or be afraid to look down if one should take a fall. They just work. For me anyway. So I don't rock the boat and push my luck. I just keep doing what works. View Image
Hitachi framing guns are not that common here so I haven't used one yet. I can get nails for them easily.
Paslode and Bostitch are the common framers here, I started on Paslodes. And Paslodes coil nailers are finicky with the kind of nails you put iin them. Thats why I tried the Bostitch (N80), it doesn't care what you put in it. Just a work horse. But the weight of it is it's only downside.
I'll ask my tool rep about one. See what he has in stock.
Bostitch N66c-1 has my vote.
I will remember before I forget.
Bostich coil nailer, can't recall the model #. Can't seem to kill mine either.
Mike
Maybe the bostitch N80C?
I like mine for sheathing. except that it's hard to get nails for here, and I don't think it will run the huge nails used for shear around here (.163").zak
"When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin
"so it goes"
Yea, that sounds right. Nailer brands seem to be kinda regional. We can get nails all day long at my local yard & they have a Bostich rep in there every week. There is a service center right here too. Great for the odd spring or little part that might break, plus they'll rebuild them if need be also. Always best to go with a brand that has good local support.
Not sure about the nails for shear walls, we don't have to deal with that around here.
Mike
I have a N80 as well. Built like a tank, weighs a ton. Not my ideal gun for sheathing.
The N66c is Bostitch's "siding" gun. It shoots up to 2-3/8" nails. But weighs less than half of it's big brother.
For sheathing walls already standing up, I'd use the N66c. For sheathing walls still lying down on the deck I would use the N80 and save myself some money on extra guns.