| Airy | Weight | Collation Type | Tool-less Depth Adjustment | Housing Material | Magazine Material |
| ADA AUA 2190C | 8.1 lbs. | 21-degree, plastic, round head | Yes | Die-cast Aluminum | Aluminum |
| No Image Available |
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StoryID
-
501037
-
ToolNumber
-
1
-
ComponentId
-
tcm:78-1626621
Tester Comments
While shooting multilayered LVL headers we had to slow our nailing speed to let the tool build up enough air pressure to flush-nail in the super-dense material. The recoil isn’t bad. The tool has lots of added features, like tool-less depth adjustment, exhaust-deflector adjustments, and select-fire trigger operation. It is the least expensive tool we tested, and is a very good value. | Price
$250 Contact
888-835-2479
www.airy.com | null | null | null |
| Fasco | Weight | Collation Type | Tool-less Depth Adjustment | Housing Material | Magazine Material |
| R5C RHN 20-90 SS (CT) | 7.9 lbs. | 20-degree, plastic, round head | No | Magnesium | Steel |
| No Image Available |
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StoryID
-
501037
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ToolNumber
-
2
-
ComponentId
-
tcm:78-1626621
Tester Comments
This tool is a straight-forward, no-frills workhorse. It’s designed for heavy-duty nailing. It operates at 120 psi, which gives it serious punch. We had to pace our shots a little, but it’ll sink 12ds into solid LVL. The recoil is a little more pronounced than we’d like, but manageable. | Price
$269 Contact
800-239-8665
www.fascoamerica.com | null | null | null |
| Grex | Weight | Collation Type | Tool-less Depth Adjustment | Housing Material | Magazine Material |
| SF9021 | 8.6 lbs. | 21-degree, plastic, round head | Yes | Die-cast Aluminum | Hardened Steel |
| No Image Available |
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StoryID
-
501037
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ToolNumber
-
3
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ComponentId
-
tcm:78-1626621
Tester Comments
The LVL power-nailing test was too much for the Grex. Even nailing at a slower frequency, the SF9021 didn’t consistently sink 12d fasteners. The tool does feature a tool-less depth adjustment, but it doesn’t work as well as we’d like. The Grex did an okay job as a standard framing nailer. The tool may be tough to find parts for. We wouldn’t recommend it for dedicated engineered lumber applications. | Price
$269 Contact
888-447-3926
www.grexusa.com | null | null | null |
| Hitachi | Weight | Collation Type | Tool-less Depth Adjustment | Housing Material | Magazine Material |
| NR90AC | 9 lbs. | 20-degree, plastic, round head | Yes | Metal Alloy | Nylon Composite |
| No Image Available |
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StoryID
-
501037
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ToolNumber
-
4
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ComponentId
-
tcm:78-1626621
Tester Comments
This is our first choice for nailing engineered lumber. The NR90AC had the most power, least recoil, and most comfortable operation of all the tools we tested. It also features tool-less depth adjustment. Its nails and parts are available nationwide. The sticker price is the only thing we didn’t love about this tool. | Price
$542 Contact
800-546-1666
www.hitachi.com/powertools | null | null | null |
| Interchange Brands | Weight | Collation Type | Tool-less Depth Adjustment | Housing Material | Magazine Material |
| ICB-FN88 | 8.4 lbs. | 21-degree, plastic, round head | No | Die-cast Aluminum | Extruded Aluminum |
| No Image Available |
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StoryID
-
501037
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ToolNumber
-
5
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ComponentId
-
tcm:78-1626621
Tester Comments
This is another no-nonsense tool designed to get the job done dependably. We had to pace our shots a bit, but the ICB-FN88 can handle LVL. The recoil is a little harsh, but controllable. It’s a fairly impressive tool, especially when you look at the price. | Price
$299 Contact
800-458-6635 | null | null | null |
| ISM Fastening Systems | Weight | Collation Type | Tool-less Depth Adjustment | Housing Material | Magazine Material |
| 921 ProPower | 8.1 lbs. | 21-degree, plastic, round head | No | Die-cast Aluminum | Extruded Aluminum |
| No Image Available |
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StoryID
-
501037
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ToolNumber
-
6
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ComponentId
-
tcm:78-1626621
Tester Comments
Although the 921 ProPower is designed to drive full-size 16d nails, during the LVL test we had to let it rest a little between shots to cycle up to full power. Nailing at a controlled pace, the tool consistently flush nailed into the LVL. The 921 bucks a little on recoil, but it’s not bad. The tool has a flexible membrane valve system instead of the standard O-ring setup. ISM says it’s durable and requires less maintenance. | Price
$299 Contact
800-378-3430
www.ismsys.com | null | null | null |
| ITW Paslode | Weight | Collation Type | Tool-less Depth Adjustment | Housing Material | Magazine Material |
| F-350S | 8 lbs. | 30-degree, paper, clipped or round head | No | Die-cast Aluminum | Extruded Aluminum |
| No Image Available |
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StoryID
-
501037
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ToolNumber
-
7
-
ComponentId
-
tcm:78-1626621
Tester Comments
The Paslode F-350S delivered enough power to sink 12ds in LVL at normal nailing speed. It’s a well-balanced tool with a fairly soft recoil. The drive depth adjusts with a wrench that locks in the handle. It’s easy to find parts and fasteners for this nailer. It’s a good choice for engineered lumber and everyday framing. | Price
$299 Contact
800-334-4811
www.paslode.com | null | null | null |
| Jamerco | Weight | Collation Type | Tool-less Depth Adjustment | Housing Material | Magazine Material |
| JTNFH90A | 8.4 lbs. | 20- to 22-degree, plastic, round head | Yes | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| No Image Available |
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StoryID
-
501037
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ToolNumber
-
8
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ComponentId
-
tcm:78-1626621
Tester Comments
The JTNFH90A is a hard-hitting nailer. The LVL nailing test didn’t scare this tool one bit. Its power is good and it produces a manageable recoil when nailing in dense materials. This model has a tool-less depth adjustment. It’s a good tool and a good value. | Price
$280 Contact
800-526-5020
www.jamerco.com | null | null | null |
| Makita | Weight | Collation Type | Tool-less Depth Adjustment | Housing Material | Magazine Material |
| AN922 | 8.4 lbs. | 22-degree, plastic, round head | Yes | Die-cast Aluminum | Stamped Aluminum |
| No Image Available |
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StoryID
-
501037
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ToolNumber
-
9
-
ComponentId
-
tcm:78-1626621
Tester Comments
The AN922 has good power for working with thick LVL. It performed admirably in the field and is an excellent all-around nailer. It has the best tool-less depth adjustment we’ve seen on any nailer, and it has a three-way switch. This nailer has good balance and reasonable recoil. Its nails and parts are widely available. This is one of our favorite tools. | Price
$426 Contact
800-462-5482
www.makitatools.com | null | null | null |
| Max | Weight | Collation Type | Tool-less Depth Adjustment | Housing Material | Magazine Material |
| SN890RH | 8.2 lbs. | 21-degree, plastic or paper, round head | Yes | N/A | N/A |
| No Image Available |
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StoryID
-
501037
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ToolNumber
-
10
-
ComponentId
-
tcm:78-1626621
Tester Comments
We had to allow the SN890RH a breath between shots in the LVL test, but it sunk the nails just fine. Its balance is good and the recoil isn’t bad. Many of the tools Max produces end up wearing other manufacturers’ brand names, but Max saves all its best ideas for the tools it markets itself. We especially liked this nailer’s patented anti-double fire trigger mechanism and maintenance-free end-cap filter. This is an excellent tool. | Price
$459 Contact
800-223-4293
www.maxusacorp.com | null | null | null |
| Porter-Cable | Weight | Collation Type | Tool-less Depth Adjustment | Housing Material | Magazine Material |
| FR350 | 7.5 lbs. | 22-degree, plastic, round head | No | Die-cast Aluminum | Anodized Aluminum |
| No Image Available |
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StoryID
-
501037
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ToolNumber
-
11
-
ComponentId
-
tcm:78-1626621
Tester Comments
The FR350 is a hard-working, no-frills nailer. Nailing at a conservative pace, the tool will flush-nail 12ds in two layers of LVL. It’s a fairly light tool, and the recoil is a little stronger than we’d like. It’s well-built, and its parts and fasteners are available nationwide. | Price
$279 Contact
800-487-8665
www.porter-cable.com | null | null | null |
| Senco FramePro | Weight | Collation Type | Tool-less Depth Adjustment | Housing Material | Magazine Material |
| 750 XL | 8.4 lbs. | 30-degree, paper, clipped head | No | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| No Image Available |
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StoryID
-
501037
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ToolNumber
-
12
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ComponentId
-
tcm:78-1626621
Tester Comments
This well-designed tool is a joy to work with and is a fine choice for all-purpose framing. The FramePro punches 12ds home at regular nailing speed, and it produces a recoil that’s easy on the operator. Senco parts and fasteners are available nationwide. This is a big plus if you’re a traveling gypsy framer like I am. | Price
$379 Contact
800-543-4596
www.senco.com | null | null | null |
| Spotnails | Weight | Collation Type | Tool-less Depth Adjustment | Housing Material | Magazine Material |
| NPR90 | 8.6 lbs. | 22-degree, plastic, round head | No | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| No Image Available |
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StoryID
-
501037
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ToolNumber
-
13
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ComponentId
-
tcm:78-1626621
Tester Comments
The NPR90 didn’t perform very well in our power test. It had difficulty consistently sinking nails in two layers of LVL. The tool is fine for lighter-duty nailing such as sheathing, decking, and standard wall framing. We don’t recommend this tool for dedicated engineered lumber applications. | Price
$280 Contact
800-873-2239
www.spotnails.com | null | null | null |
| Stanley | Weight | Collation Type | Tool-less Depth Adjustment | Housing Material | Magazine Material |
| Bostitch N88WW-1 | 7.6 lbs. | 28-degree, wire, clipped head | Yes | Magnesium | Magazine material |
| No Image Available |
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StoryID
-
501037
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ToolNumber
-
14
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ComponentId
-
tcm:78-1626621
Tester Comments
This tool has good power. It drove 12ds into solid LVL without difficulty. Its lightweight design makes it comfortable to use for long periods of time. The N88WW-1 features a very well-designed, push-button, tool-less depth adjustment. Stanley Bostitch fasteners and parts are widely available. This is a good choice for a dedicated engineered lumber nailer; it works well in the field, too. | Price
$379 Contact
800-556-6696
www.stanleyworks.com | null | null | null |
| UNI Ultra Tools/Apach | Weight | Collation Type | Tool-less Depth Adjustment | Housing Material | Magazine Material |
| AN-9034AC | 7.7 lbs. | 34-degree, paper, clipped head | No | Aluminum Alloy | Aluminum |
| No Image Available |
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StoryID
-
501037
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ToolNumber
-
15
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ComponentId
-
tcm:78-1626621
Tester Comments
This model is excellent for engineered lumber applications. It will countersink 12d nails in double LVL headers. It produces a manageable recoil when nailing dense materials, and has an easy-to-use tool-less depth adjustment. | Price
$339 Contact
888-658-5872
www.ultranails.com | null | null | null |
| Duo-Fast | Weight | Collation Type | Tool-less Depth Adjustment | Housing Material | Magazine Material |
| NSP-350F | 8.9 lbs. | 20-degree, plastic, round head | No | Magnesium | Aluminum |
| No Image Available |
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StoryID
-
501037
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ToolNumber
-
16
-
ComponentId
-
tcm:78-1626621
Tester Comments
Duo-Fast just introduced this framing nailer, which it says flush-nails 3 1/4 x.131-inch nails in lam beams. The drive-depth adjustment isn’t tool-less, but it houses its wrench in the magazine. The tool wasn’t ready for this test, but rolls out nationwide this March. | Price
$299 Contact
888-386-3278
www.duo-fast.com | null | null | null |
