Lynx

Hello, my name is Ed, I live in Indianapolis, Indiana & I have learned quite a bit of info over the past week that I have been reading the post here. I am very happy to find knowledgeable individuals that are willing to discuss information.

My question is that I am needing (ok maybe not needing, but wanting ) to get a framing nailer & I have it down to the Porter-Cable FC350A Clipped Head 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer or the Porter-Cable FR350A Round Head 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer.</SPAN></SPAN>

Is their much difference between the clipped head vs. round head as far as the end result or is it just the type of nail that you load into the gun.

I currently have 16g & 18g PC nailers & really like them.

I am not a framer & really will not use it all that much right now, but I do want a good quality tool that will be for my best benefit for the future. My wife & I will be buying a different home in the future, most likely between the 1940’s to 1970’s era & I can only imagine that I will have a great need for a good nailer then.

Also, are their any cons with reconditioned tools other than some scratches? In time I won’t be able to tell the difference from pre-existing vs. the scratches that I put on.

WDChew

I can't speak for the advantage/disadvantage of clipped head vs round, but I have had the PC350A for over 10 years and the only problem I've had is I just had to replace the plastic (soft) tip which cracked and fell off. This is a snap-on/off feature and probably pro framers never use it anyway. The shipping cost more than the part.

I'm not a framer so it doesn't get daily use, but it is built like a tank but light enough not to give a total body workout (magnesium housing.)

Paul K

I have a few nailers, including two framing nailers. (Hitachi and a Passlode) The Hitachi is a great nailer (round head), and the passlode is an ok nailer (clipped head) that gets jammed a bit more. I have no comment on Porter cable other than they generally make decent tools. However you might check with local codes. I am told that clipped head nailers are not code in some states, (indluding I'm told again, mine) Perhaps not a big deal, but if you are doing a home job with a permit, you MIGHT care.
Paul

skymaster

full round head nailer. That guarantees no code issues, and they do hold better. Since you are not going into the framing biz get the PC. I have the 350 fr gun and it works great. Another way to go is the PC COIL nailer instead of stick nailer. I have both and gotta tell ya I like the coil nailer better. it is smaller, easier to get into spaces and holds lots more nails. Also full round head.

Rick Cichon

Hi Ed,If P.C. has a coil, round head nailer that sounds like the way to go.Also,consider cost and amount of use.If you're not pressed every minute you can't beat an Estwing 20 oz.framer.They're lighter, safer,much cheaper and have multiple uses.Nails are cheaper and you don't need to carry an air compressor around.Air nailers don't always put the nail where you want it.There is often deflection,which can be dangerous.However,if you're pressed for time,P.C.is a good way to go. Be careful!

Lynx

Well, thanks for the information. I think I will put the Round Head Stick nailer on my list to buy. Also thanks for the other suggestions such as the coil nailer & the Estwing. Based on what Rick said, "cost and amount of use" the coil nailer is a little pricy for my current budget and projected use & I have a back injury that is really agitated by swinging a hammer.

This forum seams to be filled with a bunch of Great & Knowledgeable people & I expect to be able to learn a lot.

skymaster

Lynx; Check out the internet for prices before buying locally. Amazon has some great prices, Also since you will have a low use advantage there are some good deals on factory rebuilts.
There really is not that much price difference from a stick to a coil. And for a coil you want a a gun that shoots 16's, ergo a PC Coil 350.
http://www.cpoworkshop.com/reconditi...aming_nailers/

Gerry KIERNAN

Hi Lynx

This may not be an issue in your area, but before you purchase your nailer check out which nails it takes[angle of collation, size, length, etc.] and make sure that the nails you will be using are in good supply near you. Some guns take nails that are not in widespread use, and finding them can be a problem.


Gerry

Lynx

Sky thanks for the info & the link. If I were to use the gun professionally, I think I would most defiantly spent the extra $100 for the coil, but for my limited use (even with buying an older home in the next 2 years) I think I am going to save the $ & go with the stick. The only reason, I am looking at a nailer, is because I was building some shelving in the barn last weekend & it was really killing my back hammering the 2x4's together.

Lynx

Gerry, that is something I had not even thought of. I will most definatelly check my local area for the avalability.

Thanks for the heads up.

redwolves

Paslode, to me is the best. It sets nails properly, which is kind of a pain to adjust, jams rarely (usually when the second rack of nails rides over the first) and they have full round head nails, now. Hitachi's are nice and have strong drivers. My problem with them is simple. I don't like the plastic pieces it spits out because of the plastic collation. They are lighter than a Paslode, though.

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