A woodnetter asked his fellow woodworkers to recommend to him a framing nailer. Here’s a little bit on his usage: “I will not use this everyday but for weekend outdoor work only. getting ready to build me a mini barn for storing wood and lawn equipment.”
I took all the recommendations from the WoodNet forum and combined them with recommendations for framing nailers that I found in the SawmillCreek forum.
The original poster’s usage seems to indicate that a DIYer-level tool would suffice. The responses point towards a professional-grade selection of tools. Here’s a note from a WoodNetter: “…skip the Sencos and Bostiches unless you are an extreme part time user…”
I dug a bit for reviews of each of the individual nailers and included links when I found them.
Underneath the results of favorite framing nailers you’ll find the results of a SawmillCreek poll that asked for favorite overall nailer. Scroll all the way down for links to the threads I used for this post plus the ToolCrib guide to buying a nail gun and a framing nailer comparison.
Best Framing Nailers for Weekend and Outdoor Work
Porter Cable Framing Nailer: 9 Votes
Porter-Cable FR350A Round Head 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer
Porter Cable FR350A Review
Hitachi Framing Nailer: 8 Votes
Hitachi NR83A2 Round Head 2-Inch to 3-1/4-Inch Framing Nailer
Paslode Cordless Framing Nailer: 6 Votes
Paslode 900420 Cordless IMCT Framing Nailer
Paslode 900420 Review at Epinions
Senco Framing Nailer: 3 Votes
Senco FramePro
2 Senco FramePro reviews at epinions
Bostitch Framing Nailer: 3 Votes
Bostitch F21PL Round Head 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer
Milwaukee Framing Nailer: 1 Vote
Milwaukee 7100-20 Round Head 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer
Milwaukee 7100-20 reviews at PriceGrabber
Favorite Nailer Brands (from poll in SMC)
Porter Cable: 45 Votes
Senco: 30 Votes
Bostich: 13 Votes
Sears/Craftsman: 9 Votes
Pasalode: 8 Votes
DeWalt: 7 Votes
Hitachi: 3 Votes
Obviously these were for favorite overall brand of nailer, but I thought it might be useful to folks who are shopping for a framing nailer as one more source of opinion ;)
Resources:
recommended framing nailers?? (WN)
Framing Nailer (SMC)
What nailers do you own/use? (SMC)
Framing Nailers (comparison from Tools of the Trade)
The Ultimate Nail Gun Buying Guide for Pneumatic Newbies
Great site on the best framing nailers. From round head to clipped head and cordless framing nailers, there are so many on the market. Your guide really helps those that are looking for a handful to pick from and go for it. I think some coil framing nailers should be added to the list!