The Rundown
The easiest way to report findings for these tools is to compare models of similar operation and, within that, similar size and nail capacity.
Multi-blow nailers are among the smallest and lightest hardware nailers, making them easy to fit into tight spaces, and they are some of the most affordable in the group. However, some drawbacks of their operation, such as their low speed and scarcity of safety features, keep me from recommending their use over single-fire designs. The lack of a trigger or safety switch means that a push or bump can result in an unwanted nail discharge, so I wouldn’t advise using the belt clip to hold the nailer against your body. Sometimes just plugging in the air hose would send a nail flying unexpectedly. Another drawback I found with this type of nailer is that whenever the tool was withdrawn from the work before the nail was fully set, in order to drive the last bit of nail without grabbing a hammer I had to release the nail-follower pressure, slide the remaining fasteners to the rear of the magazine, and then center the nose of the nailer on the protruding fastener while pushing to drive it home.
If you feel that a multi-blow tool is right for you, I would recommend one of the dual-length models. The only apparent variable between the two brands is price, with the dual-length Senco coming in around $30 more.
Single-fire nailers dedicated to 1-1/2-inch nails were the Bostitch MCN150 and the PneuTools RNS-150. Both of these tools worked well. They’re small and easy to handle, and they placed fasteners quickly and efficiently. I have reservations about the limited utility of the 1-1/2-inch-only tools, but if one will work for you, then I’d go with the Bostitch. I liked the way it felt in my hand. It has a nicer design, and it’s even a little cheaper.
My next pairing is the dual-length Hitachi and PneuTools RNS-250. These are both quality tools: reasonably compact and light as well as fast and accurate. The PneuTools model is about $120 less than the Hitachi, which provides a great budget alternative. But personally, I’d go with the Hitachi. It’s a standout performer that’s fast, powerful, and smooth running, so you can forgive some of its extra cost.
Next we have the full-sized dual-length nailers: the Bostitch F33PT convertible framing gun and the Paslode F250S-PP. For hardware on my jobsites, I need a tool that can get into tight spots; both of these tools are just too darn big for me. They are excellent tools in their own right, however. The Bostitch F33PT is the only tool in the group that is dual-purpose. You can frame walls with it and then switch the nose out and shoot off hangers and straps. It will handle a full range of hardware nails. The Paslode is a very capable hardware nailer; its probe system works like a charm, and it’s fast. And despite being the heaviest tool in the group, it feels pretty nimble in your hand. It’s a tough choice between these two top-quality tools. If the test was about overall utility, the Bostitch dual-purpose tool, with its ability to frame, nail decking, and set hardware, would take the day. But this test is specifically about hardware nailing, and of these two, the Paslode is the better hanger banger.
This leaves only the Max. This tool is in a class by itself–the 320-psi class, that is; it’s almost not fair to put it into the same test group. Effortless is the word that comes to mind; it’s really an amazing tool. It’s blazing fast, ultra-compact, handles dual-length fasteners, and holds coils of 100 nails so you rarely have to stop and reload. Plus, it has an innovative swivel hose connection that keeps the air supply from getting tangled and a handy on/off switch for safety. Just more Max tool innovations that seem so logical, you’d think everyone would be doing them. Unfortunately, due to the cost of buying into the high-pressure system, it’s a tool that I know most of us will only ever know by reading about it. It’s a tool guy’s “if money were no object” tool. It has every feature you’ve ever dreamed of in a nail gun and a few you never even thought of.
The Bottom Line
If you can afford it, buy the whole Max system. Heck, while you’re at it, get the framing nailer, too. If you can’t afford the Max nailing system, then buy yourself a Hitachi NR65AKS. After the Max, the Hitachi is the best all-around hardware nailer in the group. It’s compact, maneuverable, and powerful, it shoots the full range of fasteners, and, in comparison, it’s a bargain.
–Contributing editor Michael Davis owns Framing Square, a production framing company in Albuquerque, N.M.
Nail Notes
When I started this test, I couldn’t help but wonder just how much use I’d actually get from the tools that were limited to 1-1/2-inch nails. Making sure the correct fastener is installed in framing hardware is the biggest problem faced when using metal connectors. Many people think (as I once did) the 1-1/2-inch “Teco” is a universal joist hanger nail. This is simply not true. When you read a connector catalog and it says that a hanger should be installed with 8d, 10d, or 16d nails, they’re talking about full-size common nails (2-1/2-by-.131-inch, 3-by-.148-inch, and 3-1/2-by-.162-inch, respectively).
Unless a 10d x 1-1/2-inch nail is the specified fastener for a connector, the use of 1-1/2-inch nails will not produce the load capacity listed for that hardware. In some cases, 1-1/2-inch nails are acceptable for use, but at greatly reduced load ratings. So on my jobsites, the 1-1/2-inch nailers have extremely limited usefulness and could lead to confusion and improper installations. (Can you say “construction defect claim?”)
In most cases, a 2-1/2-inch nail of the appropriate diameter will meet the penetration requirement of a common nail and may be used in lieu of a common nail for face-mount hardware without reducing the hanger’s load capacity. This isn’t true for slant nail hanger applications, among others. Some connectors may still have you swinging a hammer for the longest nails.
There are a great many connectors in use, so it is important to always review information specific to the hardware you’re using and check the bulletin relating to your specific brand of nails, not your nailer. Contact the connector manufacturer if you are unsure. They have experts who will walk you through any installation, free of charge.
–Michael Davis
Sources Of Supply
Bostitch
F33PT: $289
MCN150 Strapshot: $229
800-556-6696
www.bostitch.com
Grip-Rite
GR150: $199
GR250: $229
800-676-7777
www.grip-rite.com
Hitachi Power Tools
NR65AKS: $399
800-829-4752
www.hitachipowertools.com
Max USA Corp.
HN65J: $899
800-223-4293
www.maxusacorp.com
Paslode
F250S-PP: $369
800-634-7373
www.paslode.com
PneuTools
Rap-A-Nail RNS-150: $239
Rap-A-Nail RNS-250: $279
888-689-2529
www.pneutoolsinc.net
Senco
HN150: $229
HN250: $259
800-543-4596
www.senco.com