Replies

1. 
   Gunner | Oct 27, 2003 05:30am | #1

   You didn't give any details on what you wanted it for. Based on that I would say Senco SFN40 good all around gun.

   Who Dares Wins.

1. 
   kiwikid | Oct 27, 2003 09:50am | #2

   I want the nailer for casings, b/boards, crowns and exterior (windows etc.)mouldings.

1. 
   Shoeman | Oct 27, 2003 01:28pm | #3

   I think the Paslode IM250A 16 guage angled finish nailer is worth a look.  Have had mine for about 3 years and use it all the time.  Have yet to find another nailer that fits my hand as well.  It is the impulse nailer that uses fuel cells to fire so you don't need to drag around a hose.

   If nothing else you might want to rent one for a day to try.

1. 
   Jencar | Nov 09, 2003 07:53pm | #15

   Last Wed I started working with a couple of finish carps (not Finnish) who use the Paslode Impulse finishers exclusively. They work great, but the gas they emit gets to me after a while, and that's not even mentioning the gas from the fuel cells!

   Anyway, I'm about to succumb to peer pressure, put away my compressor and SFN40 and buy an airless finish nailer. I'm looking in Tool Crib at either the Senco 18 gauge or 15 g battery operated brad nailers. Anyone have experience with these? Will the regular Senco angled nail clips work or are you forced to buy a tool specific type?

   Thanks, Jen

1. 
   vanderpooch | Nov 09, 2003 10:33pm | #16

   Jencar,

   There was a review a few issues ago in FHB. I think Gary said the 15 gauge had problems sinking nails. He liked the 18 gauge however, and its about $100 cheaper than the paslodes. They are supposed to be coming out with a 16 gauge but I don't know when.

   It's probably worth reading the article if you haven't, mayeb at the library or somewhere if you don't subscribe.

   -Kit

2. 
   Jencar | Nov 10, 2003 05:04am | #17

   I do subscribe, and that must've the month I didn't have time to read FHB from cover to cover! ;)...I'll dig through my stack and find it before I decide to buy...

   Thanks. Jen

3. 
   MisterT | Nov 10, 2003 02:16pm | #18

   Boss bought the 15 ga senco.

   I said wait till the technology is proven, but no.

   I have used it once.

   Pull the trigger and wait.

   You will laeve a few shiners till you get used to it.

   I worked with a guy who has all the Paslodes.

   they are great when they work.

   Actually you just need to keep 'em clean (daily)

   and they will let you know when they need cleaning(misfires)

   they do stink tho!

   Mr T

   Do not try this at home!

   I am an Experienced Professional!

2. 
   FramerJay | Oct 29, 2003 02:20am | #4

   I recently bought a DeWalt 16-gauge straight finish nailer, and have used it to install just about everything from exterior trim to crown molding. It's a very nice tool and it has tool-less depth of drive adjust and exhaust, and comes with a sequential trigger (for those of us who can't "bump it" right LOL). I probably would have bought the 15 gauge in retrospect, though for its larger nail.

   If I had had the cash I would have went with the Paslode Impulse 16 gauge angled cordless nailer though...it sucks to run an air hose through someone's house.

   Jason Pharez Construction

   Mobile, Alabama

   General Carpentry, Home Repairs, and Remodeling

   When quality is your only consideration

3. 
   geob21 | Oct 29, 2003 03:03am | #5

   Senco has discontinued the sfn40 it is a very nice gun and easily serviced. I don't know anything about the new model that replaced it but they make a good product. The biggest decision is nail avalability and service no matter what you buy. I have 2 PC 250A guns in the basement that I'm fixing for coworkers because they bought cheap and didn't consider repairs. Personally I think they are garbage and getting parts is a pain in the a$$, but hey who am I to complain, they pay me for the repairs and saved $70.00 by not buying a quality gun in the first place.

   The paslode is also a nice gun ( I have one) but only econamical for small jobs. They are expensive to operate and need lots of attention to work reliably. Would not be my first choice for production work or as my only finish nailer.

   _______________________________________________________________

   If you were arrested for being a quality builder would there be enough evidence to convict you?
1. 
   ikor | Oct 29, 2003 03:59pm | #8

   Just bought the newer Senco #41XP 15 ga. Works great so far, but I have not used it hard yet. Light and very powerful. Not cheap, but the words "Good" and "Cheap" seldom go together in my experience.

4. 
   fdampier5 | Oct 29, 2003 04:54am | #6

   whenI asked the local builders here in Minnesota they almost universally agreed that the Hitachi was the best of the bunch..

     It's niot the cheapest but so many agreed and were using it that I bought one.  I'm very pleased with it..

     PS   I own a Bostich N88ww for framing because of hits power  (200 foot pounds better than any other)  and the Bostich brad nailer so buying the hatachi required a lot of overwhelming support.. which I got in spades

1. 
   vanderpooch | Oct 29, 2003 05:40am | #7

   FWIW, amazon has the 15 guage hitachi on sale right now for $199, about $130 off regular price....

   That's a good selling point.

   -kit

1. 
   fdampier5 | Oct 29, 2003 04:53pm | #9

   I buy my tools from 7 corners hardware in St. Paul..

     they match (to the penny) Amazons deals and I like the fact that it's an old fashioned creaky wooden floor hardware with stuff stacked to the ceiling.. need the odd widgit?  they have it!  need a valve for a radiator that hasn't been made since 1937?  they have it..  Need the latest power tool?  They have it.. plus they are a great bunch of guys to ask which tools really work and which are over hyped.. Many are hobbists themselves..

     They mail order too so if ya wants you can do it that way..

1. 
   vanderpooch | Oct 29, 2003 05:43pm | #10

   I have their catalog. One of the best out there. Having a store like that near me is a long-held dream... although i can imagine how many hours I'd waste there.

   -kit

2. 
   jc21 | Oct 29, 2003 06:16pm | #11

   Ditto on Seven Corners. Great folks, knowledegble, store is very well stocked. The only problem is I live too close and there's never enough of that green stuff in my back pocket. The sign on the post by the counter is good tool buying advice- " If price were everything, we'd all be driving Yugos".

1. 
   johnharkins | Oct 29, 2003 11:53pm | #12

   pardon me all if this is against the rules but kiwikidd I was just thinking the other day I hardly need two finish nailers  Have had a Senco SNF 1   and purchased an SNF 40 for the longer nails ( 2 1/2" ) so  is redundant to carry two   shoots 1 - 2" always used by me   compressor drained end of everyday  usedd very little in the time I've had it   by no means am I a production trim man  bought one of those Senco molded attache type cases to care for it   excellent condition 

   was thinking it would be my introduction to selling on ebay   I'll have to come up w/ a price in case you are interested  John

3. 
   Snort | Oct 30, 2003 01:49am | #13

   7 corners is great. An unsolicited testimonial from a happy mail orderer... EliphIno!

1. 
   Shoeman | Oct 30, 2003 09:41pm | #14

   Another 7 corners shopper.  Used to mail order when I lived in Alaska and can now walk in, go up to the second floor, and drool right on all the shiny tools.

5. 
   JDRHI | Nov 12, 2003 08:12am | #19

   Senco SFN40.

   `Nuff said.

   J. D. Reynolds

   Home Improvements

   "DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"