I bought a Porter Cable FN250B 15 gauge angle finish nailer about 2 weeks ago at Home Depot because I got it at $30 off the $169 list price due to HD’s power tool sale. It is still in the original package with the cellophane unbroken so I might return it if I find something I might like better. I am not a pro, and will be using the gun in the process of restoring my house. Does anyone have a strong opinion on the quality of this gun, or is there something better in this general price range. I don’t mind paying somewhat more for better quality. Everyone I have spoken to in any Home Depot seems to think the Ridgid 15 gauge angle finish nailer is the best they sell. Yes, I know this is their store brand, but they seem sincere (maybe I am naive!) and it comes with a lifetime warranty. Lowe’s sell the DeWalt and Hitachi 15 gauge nailers. Any suggestions?
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I have the Milwaukee (the same gun as the Ridgid, just a different color). I like to buy from local tool shops and avoid HD when possible.
The Hitachi is a great gun, as is the Bostitch.
senco sfn40 id my favorite gun. have three and love em"it aint the work I mind,
It's the feeling of falling further behind."Bozini Latinihttp://www.ingrainedwoodworking.com
I like to buy from the locals too. Where are they all?
Edited 5/15/2008 8:34 pm ET by JIMMIEM
We have a few good pro tool shops in my area. My favorite is Thomas Tool in Rochester, MNNice to shop where the help knows what they are talking about and where they service what they sell--in house.
I'm in Massachusetts. Just South of Boston and there aren't many nearby me that I know of. There must be some for the trades people...just not too obvious...maybe they don't us weekenders to bother them.
I've used that PC, it's okay....did what was asked of it. We have the Hitachi, and it is an excellent tool, I'd buy another anytime. Senco does not seem to be at all what it used to be. Bostitch....never really had a chance to use one, except as rentals.....they're in all the stores, but I have yet to see a tradesman using one unless it was rented.
Cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
Jim, here's two in your neightborhood:
Marathon Tools in Medford.
Burns Tools in Fall River.
PC is a little heavy and awkward compared to a Senco... and when the driver wears out, which doesn't take too long, it's around 60 bucks to replace.Rigid is great, at first. Mine won't set a 2 1/2" nail in hardwood after less than a year. If you want to find a wothless warrantee, try to cash in on the Rigid lifetime joke. If dogs run free, then what must be,
Must be, and that is all.
True love can make a blade of grass
Stand up straight and tall.
In harmony with the cosmic sea,
True love needs no company,
It can cure the soul, it can make it whole,
If dogs run free.
Thanks. I am leaning toward the Senco.
Thank You
Squash, Marathon Tool is in Medway, not Medford. About a 50 mile difference. There's also ToolHauz in Needham which might be a big more accessible to him.View Image
Hehe, I just saw this. I don't even think I've ever had reason to venture down to that part of the state. Mendon, Maldon, Medford, Medway... all the same to me, although I know they're pretty spread out from one another.
hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi
so i like to cut and paste, what's your point?
I've had the same dewalt 15g angled nailer for years--it works and that's about all I'll say about it.
If i were to buy another today it would be the Hitachi model. It's got a button at the top to discharge air--blow off the work area. Great little feature.
A buddy of mine bought the Hitachi cuz it was light and had the blower, we both found that it lacked powwer compared to the senco.
Senco or Hitachi
Porter Cable is being Black and Deckerized. That is, a formerly good brand name is being attached to garbage for maximum profit. That said, as a homeowner, the gun will likely be good enough for your purposes. (PC does still make a good sander). If you want a real pro gun, then Hitachi or Senco.
Thanks for the feedback to everyone that responded. Senco and Hitachi seem to rule the roost.
I have the Ridgid finish nailer and I'm realy happy with it. One of my favorite features is the belt hook, so I don't have to find a place to lay it down when I'm up on a ladder. I also like the light-weight plastic body. The magazine is shorter than that of other models, so easier to get into tight spaces. Overall, I think the Ridgid is a better tool.
You'll probably be happy with the PC, but given the choice I think have to agree with the Depot Pepot, the Ridgid is better.
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pwood
Porter Cable is a good nail starter. I wouldn't can it a finish nailer because too often you'll need to pull out your set and finish nailing the nail the Porter Cable started.
Others have said it Hitachi
That's the best one out there..
hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi hitachi
Ditto.
I bought the Hitachi (before they modified it to look like something from a Transformers movie) a few years ago when I got tired of my Bostich. The Hitachi fell out of my truck (along with the 18ga, nc stapler, and other stuff) so I immediately bought a replacement. The gun has an air jet with button to blow away dust with, that is cool, but the gun is just as good without it.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
I'm a home owner also and bought PC 18 Ga FN based on several mag reviews. Had good luck with it so I got the PC 15 Ga from HD. Both have worked well. But, the guys that use the tools day in and day out are probably your best source for advice. I try to buy the best that I want to afford but sometimes can't justify the higher price for something that will only get weekend use.
I have a PC BN200A 18 gauge brad nailer also, and I like it a lot based on very limited use. Think I will consider some other brands also as far as 15 gauge goes. Thanks.
Senco SFNII is still my favorite 15 gauge finish gun
Don't make them anymore, but if they can build something that can take the abuse it has and keep on working, I'm there
Senco SFNII is still my favorite 15 gauge finish gun
Those are tanks. I have several of those old Sencos, SN1, K body, M2. Can't kill 'em.
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
Tank is right, I think that thing weighs around 8 lbs. I've had it along time, 18 yrs or more?, and the only thing that I've had to do for it is change the o rings a few times and a couple of drivers.The return spring is getting weak, but my repair guy says he can't get parts, may have to put it to sleep someday
Barry E-Remodeler
Dittto!!! Mine is still going strong.
I very happy with my Hitachi NT65MA2, Coastaltool has 'em for $169.
I also have a PC 18&16ga guns they work fine, but somehow the Hitachi seems like a totally different animal..
The awful thing is that beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and the devil are fighting there, and the battlefield is the heart of man.
- Fyodor Dostoyevski
I can't believe nobody uses Bostitch. I love mine. I researched it in both FHB and JLC before I bought it. If you want the BEST finish nailer you can buy at your local store (and don't want to have to buy it online), Bostitch is the way to go.
After that, I'd probably go with Paslode. They had the next best reviews IMO. I've also used company Paslode finish nailers, and they worked real well.
As far as Hitatchi, well, I never used one, so I don't know. To the best of my recollection, FHB and JLC didn't give them the top score. I have heard a lot of good things about Hitatchi, but mostly about their framing nailers.-T
...reviews in FHB... pfft
The awful thing is that beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and the devil are fighting there, and the battlefield is the heart of man.- Fyodor Dostoyevski
JouneymancarpenterT
I Own a Bostich Framing hammer, N88ww. I selected it over all others because of it's power.. all other framming hammers hit with 880 pounds of force while the Bostich hit's with 1000 pounds. That's critical because much of what I frame is hardwood.. It would also matter with Gluelams etc.. I also own a Bostich 22 guage trim nailer as well as a Bostich Palm nailer
However my trim nailer I followed the advice of all the countless builders I dealt with on a constant basis they were universal in their praise of the Hitachi. My shingle stapler is Hatachi as well for exactly that same reason.
One point, trim nails for every body seem to be made buy Porter Cable or other generic nail companies. Thus they are pretty standard..
My Lowes carries Hitachi 15 ga nails for the Hitachi gun, which I prefer."I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
NickNukeEm
I don't have that option. I can either buy Porter Cable at my Home Depot (not many Lowes around here) or I need to drive over to the supply companies and pay several prices since I don't buy enough nails..
I have an older Senco.
bought it because it was oil less.
very happy from day one.
was just thinking last time I used it ... what would I replace it with if need be.
this thread got me to search ...
yup ... Max does make a 15g.
thinking it might be oiled though.
I do prefer an oil less trim gun.
but I'd give the Max a good look.
haven't ever seen one in person ... and it's already at the top of my list.
I've used their siding nailer ...
and have their 23g pin nailer.
they make very, very nice tools
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Jeff,
When I was in tool sales, I talked several of my finish-carp Senco-using buddies into buying the Max.
Even thought they were leary at first, all of them actually came back and thanked me. They said that the Max was sooo sweet that they would never go back to Senco.
Late last year, I bought the new Max strip framing gun. It's really light and compact (7.2 pounds!). Only used it to build our patio cover, so far, but it worked great! DH keeps trying to scuffle it off to his side of the garage...lol, good luck buddy-boy! I'll have to find a better hiding place!
That said, I have nothing against Hitachi. Pretty solid product. Not many on the repair shelf, which is my best indicator of how well a tool performs.
Not sure if I will ever get it right, but I will continue to roll that marble around my pea-brain until I figure it out.
IF you go Senco, make it SFN40. Their line ain't all it used to be, but that one is a pro level gun. Not sure it's a current model, but can be had on Ebay or pawn shop. After using mine, my buddy gave up his Bostitch. I Cadexed him too :-)
Hitachi would be next in line based on experience with other guns and people who own them. NT65 something. I like angled magazine, btw.
If I were looking for 16 gauge, then Paslode 250 F16.
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
couldn't remember which one I have ...
SNF40 ... that's it.
I do know they've changed since.
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
I have had that same guns for a few years now. Never had a problem with it, but I don't use it everyday.
Here's another vote for the Senco SFN40, however it sadly is no longer made. Senco does have a current model which appears to be similar but I'm not sure as to the model number - I just know it's oilless and has a red cap on the housing. So that would be my first choice. I also have the Hitachi which is a really nice gun but a little loud on the ears. A friend of mine has a DeWalt which seems okay as well.
SENCO and always get the angle model no matter what brand you end up with
This looks like a pretty good deal, although the "hammer hardened" paint is a little goofy. He's refering to hammmered looking paint like Hammerite.
http://cgi.ebay.com/SENCO-SFN40-FINISH-NAILER-1-1-4-TO-2-1-2-15GA-NAILS_W0QQitemZ140232057319QQihZ004QQcategoryZ58152QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
I have that gun and it works just fine for me. Have trimmed a few houses w/ it, and have never had a problem.
I use it mostly for doors, and heavier profiles. Most of the trim I install gets done w/ 16, and 18 ga guns.
I also have the PC 18 ga, 23 ga pin, and narrow crown stapler......all from a combo set......all work well.
I did sell the PC straight 16 Ga, and replaced it w/ a paslode angled 16 so as to use the same nails as my Paslode 16 ga cordless.
I have had my PC 15 ga nailer for 4 years and completed all of the trim work (base, door, window, crown) in 12 rooms with no problems or complaints. Never had a jam.
As a professionl finnish carpenter I have always liked the sencos. I bught a porter cable 1/4 crown stapler once, cuz I was brole but needed the gun for a job. It didn't take me long to figure out why so inexpesnsive. My advice would be to stay away from H.D. and Lowes annd try to find a used Senco or paslode. YOU could probably get it for less than the new Porter Cable and youi will have it for life!
I went cordless a few years ago and love it. I bought the 16ga. angled finish gun by Paslode. I know you want a 15ga. but guess it depends what you need it for - I don't miss the hose and compressor a bit.
I see Paslode makes a pneumatic 16 gauge angle finish nailer. I am, in fact, looking for an angle finish nailer, but most of them are 15 gauge. Is 16 gauge adequate for hanging doors, installing windows, etc? I can see how in some applications the 15 gauge nail might be a little too large.
I use it for casing, crown, base, etc. I wouldn't use it to hang a jamb - not enough beef to it.