I’m about to break down and buy a roofing coil nailer for an upcoming job. Have used a Hitachi and Bostich in the past. In my limited experience with them the Bostich definitely loaded faster and seemed to set the nails more consistently than the Hitachi (I found that surprising!).
Local price is ~$260 for the Bostich and ~$310. for the Hitachi; the price difference is not significant to me and I am not tied to either one. I do need something which will run off of a standard compressor so I guess any Max models are out of the running.
Imput / experience / warnings appreciated.
Thanks to all!
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Replies
There are Max models that run off of standard tanks. They also make a high-pressure framing system, which may be what you're thinking of.
I have no experience with the roofing nailers, but I hear more general satisfaction with Hitachi guns than Bostitch. I do own a Bostitch flooring nailer and it's a tank.
Thanks. I have already have a Hitachi framing nailer - workhorse - highly recommended. Also have a Bostich palm nailer which have given no problems. Was surprised at my personal experience with Hitachi vs Bostich roofing nailers.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
the Bostich rocks..
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I'd stay away from the Dewalt - I used a PC and Bostitch - both well used rentals - before buying a reconditioned (new) Dewalt, since they were only $170. The new guy on the block could not feed coils nearly as well as the other two (I had my reservations about buying an unproven gun) - I've had to open the thing up and reset the lead nail so many freakin' times. Sure, I don't carry coils in a little protective case, but I'm not putting smashed up coils in it, either. I'm looking at the MAX 445, but would like to know if I can find the anti-double fire trigger kit for it (it comes only rapid fire, vs. the anti-double on their older 450. BTW, there are many Bostitch's on eBay right now and I, too, don't think you can go wrong with it. I simply like to go with the Caddy's if I can afford it (or if I just can't say no).
I've got PCs and Bostiches. The Bostiches are a little heavier, but they spend much less time in the repair shop. They seem to jam less as well. I normally have to get a front end rebuild on the PCs about twice a year.
"Let's go to Memphis in the meantime, baby" - John Hiatt.
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I'm new to this subject, but my subs have always used the Bostichs so that is what I bought. I have only run a case of nails or so through mine, but it never missed a beat until the coil is gone each time.As far as weight, I have nothing to ompare to other than hand nailing, and I wsa a lot lless worn out using the gun than using a hammer
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I have both, about 10 yrs old. I like the feel of the hitachi better, but it has had to visit the doctor 3 times and the bostich has not, and the bostich still works like new, the hitachi is currenly broken.
I have had a Bostich since 1990 and used it professionally (Im not a roofer so it's not everyday but maybe 5-10 roofs a year as part of remodeling projects and additions. Never had a problem with it. It fell off a roof shortly after I bought it and a piece broke off of the shoe but it's still worked fine. I've also had a Bostich Framing Gun since 1989 with no problems. (A Bostich finish and stapler had broken on me) The longevity of these guns should tell you something. The framer is actually pretty much aluminum in color since most of the paint has worn off. I've been through at least 5 compressors during the same time. d I've also had Senco and Paslode guns, but both have broken to the point of not wanting to spend the money to repair.
Thanks to all for your input! This is how it seems to sum up: Bostitch loads faster and easier, sets more consistently, jams less, spends less time in the shop and one 1990 model is still working fine 16 years after having survived a fall from a roof. The only minor negative is a little extra weight. Stay away from DeWalt and PC.
I think IMERC had it right - Bostitch rocks - time to go shopping! Additional thanks to davidmeilland for quietly correcting my spelling - I guess if I'm going to buy it, I should be able to spell it!
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
The Hitachi is slow and the Bostich is like dragging a school bus around on the roof.
Buy the Paslode. Faster and lighter than the Bostich. It can shoot 8 nails into a shingle as fast as you can slide the gun across it.
Edit I also like how the reloading of the Paslode, quick and easy compared to the Hitachi, and most Bostich models.
Edited 10/1/2006 8:58 pm ET by Stilletto
How about the loading on a MAX - anybody? Anyone with the newer 445?
Never tried the Max.
we have a new Max... and two Bostich..... they only grab the Max when we have to drive 1 3/4 hot dipped galv. roofers thru Hardie... other than that.... it's always the bostichMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Ignore Mike,
He doesn't know what he's talking about. LOL
Currently I own a Max and a pair of Bostich
The Max is my personal gun-----no one else is allowed to use it. Reasonable weight, easy loading,nimble and I love the depth of drive adjustment.
Bostich is for helpers,employees,loaning to subs etc.---------Heavy as a tank----------but nearly indestructable( what you want in a gun "others" will be using)
After using the Max----I would go back to handnailing before I would personally use the Bostich again.
I run the Max all the time off of a 3/4 horse,15amp Rol-air compressor----zero problems.
formerly I owned a Paslode as my personal gun---along with the Bostich "helper" guns. the Paslode is light--------Too light I think. Problem is that it is sooo light you won't practice good posture-----you will fire it off in bad positions. It took me 5-6 years to get over the elbow problems caused by the Paslode gun.
All in all---I love the Max gun
Good luck all, Stephen
stephen.. you shoulda bought a new bostich to go with your new duds and toolbelt
what were you doing on that roof all dressed up ?
btw.. have you got the new RN 46 or the older bostich ?Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Mike, I usually dress pretty much like that in Fairly new clothes. Much easier to sell the neighbor a new roof when I am dressed respectably, rather than in tar covered rags---LOL
Current Bostich guns are RN45B---which is a model about 2-3 years old. Very dependable---but HEAAAVY.
BTW-----you wouldn't recognize me now------- I have dropped 26 pounds since early august----------trying to bicycle about 8-10 hours a week and having a ball doing it.
my current project is building 2 eyebrow windows for a customer-----laminating them out of quarter sawn white oak bent around a form. used, I think 14 clamps----next time I will use 28 clamps LOL.-----a LOT of fun ,though.
26 sq. roofing tear-off on for monday and tuesday.
Stephen
stephen .. good news all around...
beat the snow... and don't forget to post some pics of your eyebrow.. sounds like great fun
try the RN46.. lots of nice featuresMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
mike, I am doing more and more oddball things like the eyebrow window------and trying to do less and less ordinary roofing-------so I doubt that I will ever be buying any new roofing guns before I retire.
however, I am running up some alarming bills for new routers, router bits, table saws, spoke shaves, marking gauges, card scrapers etc.----good thing uncle sam helps pick up the tab,ehh?
Stephen
Uncle Sam is no fool.... deductible expenses = greater income = more tax revenue in the end
did you buy an EZ-Guide yet ?Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Be careful saying those things about "Uncle"...someone "inside the beltway" might decide to plug some deductibles.
Mike,
I haven't bought an "easy guide". I don't work with a lot of sheet goods, don't anticipate building cabinet carcasses------------when I DO handle sheet goods it's usually 1/2" cdx or osb on roof decking and a chalk line is precise enough for cutting that.
when Dan Morrison was here a couple weeks ago he comped me a copy of Tauntons "Tool Guide". I bought the Bosch router recommended in there and I am really impressed--------quite an upgrade for me from my previous router.
currently investigating table saws-----to upgrade from a delta I have had for 18 years and NEVER been happy with.
Although customers keep "forcing" roofing projects on me I find myself less and less interested in them. Basically I am using roofing$$$$ to finance my preparations for semi-retirement as I slowly step sideways out of roofing and into some of these bizzare carpentry projects. smarter guys would have done this 20 years ago-----but I didn't have the patience for these projects then( and they don't generate the private college tuition & nursing home payments I find myself in the lead on LOL)
Best wishes all,
Stephen
Mike,
Will I have trouble nailing Hardi siding with a Bostich RN 46 roofing gun? I haven't bought it yet so feel free to recommend. I don't want to buy a dedicated siding nailer if I can avoid it.
Thanks"With every mistake we must surely be learning"
no.. we only had occasional drive problems using hot-dipped 1 3/4 roofers, some we had to finish setting with a hammer
95% of the nails were driven perfect ... the RN46 has a very easy drive-depth set Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Just bought a senco at lowes, it was the least expensive . Works o.k.
When I am done with this shingle job, I will be putting it on the Breaktime classifieds.
I do about 4 -5 roofs a year as well as shingling additions and other renos I end up with...I previously had a Stanley-Bostich coil nailer that was made around the time Jesus was learning carpentry...I finally broke down at the start of last year and after some careful research I settled on the Ridgid coiler. It has the same features as the Stanley Mag, is the same weight and has better (IMHO) depth adjustment and balance/feel than the Stanley, Paslode and Hitachi's I checked out. It's very reliable and rugged. An all-day, every day gun. I wish they had come out with it years ago.
"Good Enough" is NOT good enough.
I only do a roof every 4 or 5 years.
Prior to a few years ago, did it all by hand due to differential cost of nails.
Now, differential cost between bulk and coiled is minimal, so bought a new Craftsman coil nailer off ebay for $100. looks like bostich copy.
No problems with it so far, but only about 5 squares so far. Need over 95 psi for good depth control though one old layer and 3/4 ply, had to reset compressor settings.
I'm from a small town north of Toronto...I incorporated my company..N2O Construction in 1998. The "Good Enough" thing came from my Dad. Used to drive me nuts when he'd say that to me, now I drive my guys nuts when I do it. But it's my way, and my dad's. Where are you at?
"Good Enough" is NOT good enough.
I had a Bostich that I thought was great. It was the old model rn45. I got it a sears for $150. Did about 6 roofs with it, then I quit roofing and sold it for 150 (not bad huh?).
My new reccomendation for a roofing nailer......someone elses, I dont roof anymore. Not worth the insurance premium for the amount of roofs I did.
Sub it out.
BTW my bostich was a heavy gun but once again it worked great and the weight didnt bother me as i'm kind of a big guy.
Edited 10/7/2006 10:14 am ET by MSA1
Thanks for confirming my info, bought a reportedly heavy, bulletproof Bostitch last week.
Only do my own project's roofs, please don't call me as a sub, don't think I'd be very competitive anyhow, what with having to drive to MI!
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.