Shopping for framing nailers... help!

[cfabe]

I need to pick up a framing nailer. HD and Lowes have a variety of models for $250-350. I don't mind buying a good one as long as it's justified. Immeadiately I'm going to be framing out a couple walls in the basement, and a 12x12 shed, but I want something that will last a long time. Are any of the brands (Paslode, Hitachi, Dewalt, Bostich, Senco) better than the rest? I see a variety of styles; round vs clipped head, different angles, strip vs coil, etc. What should I get?

[Leatherneck]

Guys who have paslodes seem to swear by them. I'd think that for a DIY guy one of the less-expensive ones would suffice. Pluses include ergonomics, weight, ability to handle different sizes and makes of nails, and price. Check out where you can buy nails too. I've had universally good luck with all the DeWalt tools I've bought in the last couple of years.

My personal preference is a 24 or 26 ounce long-handled swinger.

TC

[Larry Ashcraft]

I have a Paslode airless type, uses the fuel cartridge.  Works great for a DIYer.  They cost a little more to run than the air driven types but not as much as you would think.  Note: you're not supposed to use them indoors because of the carbon monoxide they give off, but I just make sure and have plenty of ventilation.

Here's a tip:  I bought mine at Home Depot for 1/2 price.  It is what they call a "weekend rental", some guy buys one, builds a deck or shed, and then returns it on Monday.  Then they sell it as used.  (It helps if you know the tool dept. mgr.)

[Jamisjockey]

Have you checked Sears?  Craftsman have lifetime warranties, I'm not sure if this extends to power tools or not, but I imagine it should.

[cfabe]

Jamis, unfortunately Craftsman lifetime warranty is only on their hand tools. They wouldn't even warranty a click-type torque wrench that failed on me.

[tobyrogers]

If you are going to do a lot of nailing I would buy Paslode or Senco.As far as nails check the code requirements for your area.Here in Fl.We can't use chip heads anymore.

[cfabe]

I'm buying it for three upcoming projects, mainly. First is building a couple partition walls in the basement. Next will be building a 12x12 shed later this spring. Then this summer I might get around to building a new deck. The two models I'm looking at are the porter cable FR350A at $229 or the Bostich N88RH-1 for $249.

[peteinct]

I have the porter cable round head angle framing nailer. It works fine, uses regular nails, and I was able to get a replacement part an O ring or something with no problem. My wife and I have built a 40x3o garage, a 15x15 shed, and rebuilt an extension on the house. We bought a porter cable finish nailer also and if I am going to do the roof again I'll buy their roofing nailer. Figure in the cost of the compressor if you are starting from nothing.  Also some tool rental places rent air nailers which may be worth it for short jobs. With the framing nailer I could also shoot ringshank nails to attach the plywood sheathing.

pete

[publius]

Senco products are great. I've used a few, and own their little brad nailer. It's very comfortable, easy to use, and you don't have to oil it.