Nail Gun Combo Recommendations

[NickM]

Hi Friends!

Any brand recommendations for nail gun combo units? Also, oil or oiless compressor?

Thanks!

Nick

 

PS: Thanks to Kreg Tools my teenaged daughter and I have built two garden benches. Now she's hooked and wants to build more! I love it! -N

 

[James Waller]

I brought a 4 piece combo from the pawn shop for $100, it was the Iron Force brand from Campbell Hausfeld. I have been pretty happy with it, but unfortunately my air compressor died a couple days ago. Nephew had brought it for about $50 and it last about 3 years.

Had no documentation, but was able to find manuals online, so I printed them out for each gun, put them into a binder and keep it in the case.

[James Sandlin]

good idea on the manuals 

[John Schaben]

Don't know about any of the kits, I bought all mine on kind of a "as needed" basis. I ended up with 3 Hitachi's and 2 Porter Cable. Depends on what units you want. Brad nailer, stapler, pin nailer, finisher??? Not sure but I have heard that Bostich are good but kinda picky about the nails, need to have Bostich nails for good reliability.

I've been very happy with the Hitachi and wish I had gotten the Hitachi pin nailer instead of the Porter Cable. PC hasn't given me enough issues to change though.

As far as compressors.... oilless are noisy (they are all noisy, just oilless is better at it) but require less maintenance and are generally lighter and more portable. Oil filled are quieter, require periodic oil changes, tend to be more reliable and last longer. The big thing is what your requirements are. If you are just using pin nailers and staplers, a Wally World CH version be probably be fine, air up the tires too. One of those wouldn't even fire my Framing nailer though. If you plan on getting into spray finishing, non of the cheaper compressors will adequately do the job. My Porter Cable pancake will likely run a HVLP sprayer for ..maybe... 5 minutes before I would need to give it a break. It run out of air after about 40seconds with my die grinder.

I'd also suggest you check out the reconditioned market to save a few bucks, I have had good luck with CPO tools and Big Sky tools.

[Ken Darga]

Air-nailers are great tools, if you have lots of brads, nails, and staples to install.

Vary handy for the woodworker.

I've had my current PC brad nailer and finish nailer, in use for nearly 15 years---

no issues---

they still run like new.

The PC pin nailer and stapler, in use for a few years, and operate flawlessly.

All have been trouble free, since day one.

The PC's are easy to clean and self-service.

Senco and Paslode are also great brands.

Buying a Compressor 
When you decide on a nailer, check the manufacturer's recommendation for minimum compressor sizing. A 2-hp motor and a 4- or 6-gallon tank will keep pace with fastening tools. If you buy a larger compressor, you'll get a bigger motor and a larger storage tank. Bigger also means heavier, so be sure to test-lift it before buying.

By the best you can afford.

[Todd]

I'll recommend Porter Cable, I have had their 16-gauge gun for awhile and just picked up their 23-guage gun last week and have been putting it through its paces.  I have had no trouble with these or any other Porter Cable tools I use.

[Tim Roman]

I originally bought a Porter Cable set that included the compressor along with 3 nailers - 16-gauge, 18-guage, and one for staples.  I've been very happy with the set and it's been reliable.  I recently purchased (from Woodcraft) a Freeman combo that includes an 18-gauge brad nailer and a 23-gauge pin nailer.  You really can't beat the 23-gauge for doing small detail work.

[NickM]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for sharing your knowlwdge and expereince. I've got homework to do now and some convincing of my wife that this purchase will make all things right in the world. LOL.

God Bless you all,

-Nick

[Ken Darga]

Nick,

It may not ''make all things right in the world''...

but, it'll sure help.

NickM said:

Gentlemen,

>>>.... make all things right in the world. LOL.br/>
God Bless you all,

-Nick

[Mike]

anyone ever use the tool shop brand  brad nailer stapler combo that menards has on sales right now for 60 with the compressor?

[Ken Darga]

Mike,

Is the ''tool shop'' brand serviceable?

Can you get service parts?

Check with the seller.

For the occasional user or home-owner, it may be acceptable.

 

Some ‘’house brand’’ products are changed every year or two---

By the time the warranty expires, you can’t get service nor parts.

Mike said:

anyone ever use the tool shop brand  brad nailer stapler combo that menards has on sales right now for 60 with the compressor?

[Mike]

good points ken

[John Schaben]

 

 

I really don't encourage shopping for an air compressor based on HP nor tank size. Neither metric gives a definitive idea of the units capabilities. One can make assumptions based on tank size or horsepower but when it comes down to it, CFM@PSI are the important numbers.

Ken Darga said:

Buying a Compressor 
When you decide on a nailer, check the manufacturer's recommendation for minimum compressor sizing. A 2-hp motor and a 4- or 6-gallon tank will keep pace with fastening tools. If you buy a larger compressor, you'll get a bigger motor and a larger storage tank. Bigger also means heavier, so be sure to test-lift it before buying.

By the best you can afford.