framing nailer question

Re: framing nailer question

Wayne in Topanga

>I believe that there are 3 kinds of nails. Each requires a different nailer. T nails have very little head area, clipped head have about 2/3 of a head and full head nails that in my opinion work the best. Most building codes require full heads because they are stronger.

Hope this helps,

Wayne

Re: framing nailer question

Clint Searl, at the base of Haycock Mtn

>I have two framers: the Bostitch N79WW, 22degree, clipped head stick nailer, 2�-3 1/2� wireweld nails; and the Dewalt D51845, 22degree, round head nailer, 2�-3 1/2� nails.

The Dewalt jams frequently, needed O-ring replacement (at $100) after a short time, and nails are hard to find. I replaced it with the Bostitch, which I�ve used much more with both long and short nails. It has never jammed or needed anything other than regular oiling. Its only slight fault is a tendency to double fire if one�s touch is a little heavy. I enjoy using it. If you want to drop by sometime, I�ll give you the Dewalt!

Clint

For what it's worth....

Mark Goodall - ATL - tooljunkie

>I'll be building an extension (hopefully in the spring) and I was planning on buying the PC equivalent of that DeWalt you were looking at. Nothing too fancy, and full round head nails. Code or no code, I don't like hte idea of clipped head nals if I can use full heads. THe nails may be harder to find, but it's not like I'm usuing it daily or even weekly, just for a 25x15 extension and possibly future sheds and things like that, not a full house every few weeks.

Happy Woodworking!

Re: framing nailer question

NickB

>Your local codes may vary, but my understanding is that the full head vs. clipped head nails difference (in terms of code compliance) really only shows up when you're nailing off sheathing (the full heads having better pull through resistance), particularly in earthquake zones and high wind zones (think hurricane-prone areas). The upside to the clipped head nails is that there are a lot more of them in a stick of nails and you don't get pelted with bits of plastic collation (I seem to recall that most clipped head nails use paper collation). I do understand that paper collated nail sticks do get damaged somewhat easily (although they are not as tetchy as wire collated coils).

Personally, I have a PC full head framer (PC FR350, IIRC) that I bought to do some light framing (playhouse, cripple wall bracing, some minor remodeling, etc.). It's worked quite well for me, but from what I read in JLC, it is not a favorite of full time framers (no rafter hook, no dry-fire lock out, and requires (at least mine does) tools to change depth of drive). I don't recall ever having a jam (I've run a couple of boxes of nails through it), and I've not had to do anything to it but put the oil in when I use it. I think I paid something like $170 for it (new) 7 or 8 years ago.

Hope this helps,

Nick

Nick

Re: framing nailer question

Joe in a Cleveland suburb

>FWIW, I have the same PC as NickB. I bought it reconditioned direct from PC. Check their website. When I got it it was like new. Looked brand new too. Has always worked fine for me doing lighter weekend type stuff.

Joe

Re: framing nailer question *LINK*

Kris Lasure

>If you don't mind spending a little more money, the Paslode 350 is a gun that would probably be your last framing nailer you would need to buy. I built my own house last year and went through several boxes of nails and never had the first bit of trouble. Some nice features are: clipped or round head nails, joist hook, adjustable drive depth, light weight and packs a ton of power. Though I thought I wouldn't use it much after the house, I built a barn over the summer and it came in real handy once more. I'm sure I'll put to use again in the future.

I was walking through one of the box stores a few months ago and they had a special deal where they we're giving away a Paslode brad nailer with purchase of a 350.


http://www.paslode.com/products/tool_catalog/F-350s.html

Re: I've used that one

Glenn Madsen near San Francisco

>and liked it quite a bit. It belongs to the neighbor that brings tools over for me to use whenever I start a project. Sometimes, that's just great. Most times, I have what I need. But that nailer has saved my shoulders on several occasions. I ought to buy one of those, or stop doing framing work on the house altogether.