Framing nailer - pneumatic, CO2 or battery?

Tim

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If I hadn’t had such good luck with a battery powered chainsaw I don’t think I’d even be asking this question.

I’m going to be doing some light duty framing work at the new house. Probably won’t use it more than 1x/year after the project is done. I like the idea of not having to deal with dragging airhoses around. My compressor may not be up to the task in any case, it’s a small one used exclusively for
airing up tires.

So, are the battery or CO2 nailers worth the price?
 
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Is the cost of a Paslode worthwhile for using 1-3 times a year. I'm sure you will have a compressor, right?

I would go with sir power for the little use, lower cost and maintenance.
 
Paslode guns can be expensive and the gas as well.

Pneumatic has the drawback of having a compressor that can run it which can also be expensive.

Battery I have no experience with.

Hammers are cheap and can do a lot in a short time....depending on how much you have to do.
 
Guns definitely have it over hammers in terms of speed and ease of you know how to use one. A compressor is something any handy guy will have in my opinion. The pneumatic guns can be had for 30-40% of the cost of a Paslode. I would own a Paslode? if $ were no issue.

However; I am only aware of pneumatic trim guns, brad nailers and most projects will require both.
 
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I used this one to help a friend build a large shed/workshop never had one issue.
 
Why don't you rent one for a day before you buy.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/rental/...uctName=20V-Framing-Nailer&modelNbr=DCN21PLM1



Rental Pricing for Asheville #3625
Exact pricing will be determined at store.
$
27
00
4-Hours

$
39
00
Per Day

$
156
00
Per Week
3 Days FREE
$
468
00
4 Weeks
12 Days FREE
  • This tool requires a $75.00 deposit due at pickup and payable by credit card only.
  • A valid Photo ID is required upon pickup to rent this tool.
  • This tool may require accessories.
 
I’d call Home Depot or Sunshine and ask what it costs to rent a paslode for a week.

I own a lot of tools, but I’m getting old enough that I’m rethinking how often things will really get used.
 
Milwaukee's new m18 one is friggin awesome, been waiting for it since the announcement last year.

I'm not sure if they're widely available yet or not though.
 
I’d call Home Depot or Sunshine and ask what it costs to rent a paslode for a week.

I own a lot of tools, but I’m getting old enough that I’m rethinking how often things will really get used.
Why don't you rent one for a day before you buy.

Great idea. I never thought of renting. I was almost tempted to swing by a Pawn Shop, but I don't want to hassle with someone else's problem.
 
I use a Paslode battery/gas cartridge nailer for punch out framing.

It packs enough punch and the battery/gas cartridge last long enough for a full day.

The Paslode guns are nice but one thing to keep in mind is the gas cartridges DO EXPIRE and will no longer work. Given how infrequently he's going to use it after project completion that may be a concern. I still don't understand exactly HOW they expire but they do. It must be some kind of organic decomposition of the gas.
 
I use a Paslode battery/gas cartridge nailer for punch out framing.

It packs enough punch and the battery/gas cartridge last long enough for a full day.


Wanna come frame my room with for me? I'll buy you hotdogs and beer.
 
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I had heard that in the past.

I like to toss empties into a bonfire when no one is looking.

I have tossed a full one before but never again.


I tossed a bunch of full, but expired, carts into a bonfire. It was disappointing.
 
Some of those new battery only nailers look pretty sweet.

I'm sure my Paslode will die out one day and when it does, Milwaukee has my eye.
I have the finish nailer and it's been awesome, I haven't had nearly as much use with the framer, but can confidently say that I'd never go back to air or gas ever again.
 
Not a nailer, but I bought the dewalt 20v stapler to build my chicken coop/palace. It was SOOO much easier than an air operated version. I justified the cost of the tool in that case because I know I will need to eventually make wire repairs on the run, build brooder boxes, etc. etc. I don't know how the cost compares to a comparable nailer, but the stapler was around 230 I think. Well worth it. One 5ah battery would run it all day long.
 
I will stay with my Porter cable full head framing nailer. you don need a big compressor to run a nail gun I use a Porter Cable pancake compressor that I bought just for nail guns
 
I’ve been using the dewalt 20v for a year or so. We are not framing houses but have used it weekly for renovation work. No complaints.
 
I bought one of these since I'll rarely use it and built a 12x16 shed. It worked flawlessly, I think I had one jam in the entire project, I shot 2.5" and 3" nails. Then a buddy borrowed it for a rather large project, no issues. I'd buy it again. I liked it so much I bought a finish nailer and a brad nailer of the same brand and haven't had any issues.

https://www.harborfreight.com/21-framing-nailer-64138.html?_br_psugg_q=framing+nailer
 
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For a professional, Paslode - hand's down.

For an occasional user, IMO pneumatic is best. Properly stored, ten years from now your pneumatic nail gun will still work fine. However your battery powered one will probably need a $150+ new battery.

Now, if you have a lot of cordless tools that you use regularly, and can buy a nail gun that takes the same battery, then that swings the pendulum in favor of cordless.

My 2 cents.
 
I don't think HD has Paslode... STAFDA Houses and Lowe's are were to go...

I would go with a Paslode Angled Nailer.... You don't have to worry about Air Comp, Hoses, etc....
The Paslode guns are nice but one thing to keep in mind is the gas cartridges DO EXPIRE and will no longer work. Given how infrequently he's going to use it after project completion that may be a concern. I still don't understand exactly HOW they expire but they do. It must be some kind of organic decomposition of the gas.

They expire magically from the date on the box!!!!
 
For a professional, Paslode - hand's down.

For an occasional user, IMO pneumatic is best. Properly stored, ten years from now your pneumatic nail gun will still work fine. However your battery powered one will probably need a $150+ new battery.

Now, if you have a lot of cordless tools that you use regularly, and can buy a nail gun that takes the same battery, then that swings the pendulum in favor of cordless.

My 2 cents.
Couldn't agree more. With the new house purchase I was in need of new tools, so Milwaukee was what I ended up with for battery compatibility across the line. I went with the m18 line and picked up some m12 along the way on different sales. The minion has enjoyed learning a trade, and how to use the tools too. Win-win
 
Side note. I ended up going Milwaukee, but dont discount looking at rigid. Good warranty and lots of options in the lineup.
 
I have both a 16g and 18g battery operated nailers from Porter Cable. I love those things for their handiness. No hoses to screw with for small jobs. They are the best thing since sliced bread.

But if I'm doing a full day's worth. Pneumatic hands down. If I'm going to be trimming out a house or whatever that will require lots of nailing. It's no question.

I've used the gas operated ones as well. They are just as fast as pneumatic and are awesome (no hose to tangle everything) bit the buy in cost, cartridge cost and the fact the gas has a shelf life has kept me away.

For the framing nailers. I've used the DeWalt mentioned above. It's AWESOME! I will prolly end up with one. But again if I'm actually framing a house. It's just to slow for actual building. So not really a need for me.


I run 2 paslode framing nailers at once off the same little 6gal pancake compressor every time I'm doing subfloor, wall sheathing or roof sheathing. It's never over worked (a crew that specializes in one of those may overwork one, but I doubt it).

Guess I'm saying like Scott did above. A pneumatic gun is great. You have the compressor. You don't have to keep up with the fuel cartridges of one option. And you don't have to ensure your batteries stay good for occasional use with the other.

If the pneumatic sits on the shelf for 5 years at a time. Doesn't matter. Add air and your back in the game. No miss, no fuss and cheaper buy in.
 
I bought battery operated and glad I did. Anything connected to a cord or hose is painful.
 
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