troubleseeker

I normally use 16 ga for all my work, but have a couple of upcoming jobs with 8' doors and big heavy casing and base, so I want to use 15 ga nails. I have the older Senco SN40's, but they are massive by todays standards and heavy ,with air chambers that rival the size of many modern framers. My local contractor supply really like the Hitachi guns, claiming they have an extremely low repair rate. They also carry Bostich, Senco, Porter Cable,Dewalt, and the new Milwaulkie(I know it's spelled wrong)which they readily admit doesn't have much track record, so they deal with a wide range of products. I have never gotten bad recommendatons from them before, but was just wondering if there is any advice from guys who have them in the field already. Thanks.

Trimcat

Stay away from the newer Bostitch, Senco, Porter cable, and especially Dewalt. They are all total junk. They hit hard out of the box and are lightweight and you'll think you have the best gun in the world until two weeks later when the driver pin breaks. Then the trigger goes. Then it's in a million pieces because you're frustrated to death with it.

I've had limited experience with the Hitatchi, although I have heard good things about them but I'll tell you what.... If you want the most dependable gun....... you've got it already. SFN40's may be heavier, and bigger, but they are the best..... still. Much better than the total garbage Senco replaced it with, the XP41 or whatever it's called.

I didn't realize Milwaukee was making guns. I'll have to check that out. I've never been let down by any milwaukee tool where quality was concerned.

denial727

I've had the hitachi for about a year now, very pleased with it. Weight and balance are good for me, and no problems, knock on wood. Like trimcat said, you've got a good gun already. If it ain't broke.......

But if your tired of lugging that hog around, have extra money and want to try it, go for it. You could then run two guns/nails at the same time!

nywoodwizard

I've owned a hitachi finish nailer for about 18 years,and not once has it broke.i use a drop or two of pneumatic oil just about everytime i use it ,treat it good and it will treat you good.Best finish nailer i've ever owned.

__________________
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Mrmac204

I bought the hitachi finish nailer last December, and I love this gun. no problems at all- and I put a drop of two of oil in twice a week. One feature that is nice is the blower addition to this gun- I thought that it was a gimick, but it turns out to be quite useful - especially when doing baseboards. the depth adjustment is easy to use, and there is a switch on the side so you can change from "singe fire" to "gang fire" I probably have those names wrong, but basically it means that if you want to hold down the trigger and just tap the gun to the wood, it will fire- or turn the switch and its only one shot.

troubleseeker

FYI, the terms are "sequential fire" which is single shot so that you have to push the safety/contact tip down, then squeeze the trigger each time, and "bump" fire which means every time the contact tip is depressed the gun fires. None of my older guns have this option, and I personally don't see any logic to bump firing on a finish nailer, since nail placement is usually pretty selective, but that idea may change once I have used it.

Thanks for the feedback on the Hitachis from everyone. I completely agree about the Senco SFN40's, but like I said, they are like trimming with a framing gun, and since I am a tool hog, I don't have a problem with just updating a good tool, as long as I can do so with a decent newer model.

troubleseeker

Just my opinion, but the Milwaukee looks suspiciously like the Dewalts with a different color scheme.

I bought the Hitachi, and although I have not used it much yet, it sure is a well balanced tool and seems to have more than ample power.