finish nailers

[Daris Mulkin]

I'm kind of looking at finish nailers and I'm CHEAP. I was browsing Harbor freight and they are cheap compared to Sears. $179 compared to $39 and $59-$79. Anyway they offer 2 kinds, a 15 ga. and a 16 ga. Did i say I was CHEAP? Anyway which would be better? This is something I won't use a lot other than trimming out my daughter basement and general dinking around in the garage type thing. Any suggestions of others but not expensive I would take into consideration.

Daris

[rusty baker]

I bought one for $20 from Cummins tools a couple of years ago. But they changed their name and I can't remember what it is now. I haven't used it yet, so I don't know if it is any good.

[Steve Olson]

I've had a few cheap nailers. The only problem is someties with the bigger stick nailers is that they protect what your nailing very good, and can mar the wood. For base, maybe a brad nailer would be better? You can shoot 2" BRADS and that is plenty for base.

[coastalfloor]

Why dont you just look for a top brand remanufactured?
then you still get a great preforming tool at amuch lower cost, or buy one used localy.
I just bought a bostitch finish nailer for under 40 buck after shipping, and it has been working great! try amazon ebay or craigslist.... ahhh all ive ever experienced with HF tools is a lot of frustration!

[TFP Admin]

I agree with the frustration levels at Harbor Freight. I've bought pneumatic tools from them before and most have had to be returned because of leaking seals or constant misfires. Harbor Freight sells the cheapest because the quality of the materials and craftsmanship that goes into their tools is as low as you can get.

Jim

[Floorguy]

I have the Harbor Freight 2-n-1 Nailer/stapler, and it has worked well for 8 years, using it at least once a month.

[coastalfloor]

Floorguy said I have the Harbor Freight 2-n-1 Nailer/stapler, and it has worked well for 8 years, using it at least once a month.

Thats why i personally think that it still works, you bought it 8 years ago, i doubt that the tool that is sold now isn't the same quality your model once was. Heck even the same rental grade carpets we install today are no where near the quality they were 8 years ago... let alone 20 or 30 years ago... everything is disposable

[Floorguy]

coastalfloor said Thats why i personally think that it still works, you bought it 8 years ago, i doubt that the tool that is sold now isn't the same quality your model once was. Heck even the same rental grade carpets we install today are no where near the quality they were 8 years ago... let alone 20 or 30 years ago... everything is disposable

He can spend an extra $5 and get a full replacement warranty for 2 years.

[Chris Flynn]

hey Daris, is there a Menard's up there in the frozen tundra?, go there and they have a set on sale. I think it was in the 79 dollar range for a set with a case... In the set is a 15 and 18 gage nailer and also a framing nailer. you can sell the framing nailer on E-bay or Craig's list.( bet you can get close to 50 bucks on e-bay for the fraiming nailer) If you are trimming out any thing, in my humble opinion, you will need both... The 18 gage is not heavy enough, (sorry SK nothing personal) and the longest nails that you can put in an 18 gage brad nailer is 2 inches. And in my opinion that is not long enough for any base or casing... you will need to use a 15 (or 16 gage that some call them) with a 2 1/2 inch nail, to nail thru 1/2 or 5/8 drywall into the studs.. Also the larger nail has a larger head so the base and casing is pulled tighter to the wall, sometimes an 18 gage brad will not hold the base to a wall that has a lot of waves or humps in it.....Use the 18 gage with a shorter nail, for casing going into the jamb... I do know about this as I trimed houses for a while many years ago, and quite honestly have done several through out the carpet and rug years.. to break up the bordom of flooring some times.... in fact was hanging built up 4 1/2 inch Crown with base on the wall and ceiling with corner blocks today, while my guys where installing wood in a new house that we are finishing... Call me if you have any questions.... you have my number

[Daris Mulkin]

how about this set?

Campbell Hausfeld Ironforce at Lowe's: 4-Piece Pneumatic Nailer Kit

Its got them all which I could use.

Daris

[rgfloor]

CH guns are fairly good for light duty use. I would not buy them for sustained pro use, but for your everyday use they are better than Harbor Freight.

My .02

[Daris Mulkin]

Well I bought the set this afternoon. They are for hobby work so I think they'll do the job. If not i don't really have that much in them.

Daris

[Chris Flynn]

I would agree with RG, not bad for hobbie use.. hey WEAR YOUR SAFTY GOGGLES!!! sorry for yelling but it bugs me a little when I see someone not wearing them... such a small thing to do to save your eyesight..