Buying Advice for a brad nailer/ compressor combo - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Magnettica · 03-16-2009, 08:06 PM

I saw this tonight at Costco and it looks like a good deal to me. I'll be using it for small jobs like building furniture and pretending to be a carpenter, stuff like that. Is this crap? Or good enough for a starter? Or should I spend another $170 and get the Porter Cable 3-tool combo set up they sell at the HD?

WarnerConstInc. · 03-16-2009, 08:17 PM

The compressor is a pretty decent compressor, the nail gun is fine EXCEPT, it is a combo, narrow crown stapler and brad nailer. I used to have one, only problem is it leaves narrow crown staple marks every time you run a brad nail.

It makes too big of a dent all the time.

Get a kit if you can that has those as 2 seperate guns.

SLSTech · 03-16-2009, 08:32 PM

I agree with Warner - never get a dual use gun, they are worthless & add more dings requiring filling - they also tend to jam up

Five Star · 03-16-2009, 08:58 PM

i believe at lowes you can get the same compressor,with 3 nail guns for alittle over $200

Magnettica · 03-16-2009, 09:01 PM

Wow, I'm glad I asked. I was 'this close' to picking it up tonight but thought I should ask about it first. I'm glad I did.

Thanks again, guys!

SLSTech · 03-16-2009, 09:14 PM

As an FYI - Make sure it shoots 18ga brads (not the thicker 15 or 16 ones) & can shoot multiple sizes hopefully up to 2" - I normally use 1 3/8" & 2" occasionally the 1" (?) ones for real small thin trim

A pinner is better, but you won't find a set that includes one (I don't even have one yet) --- there is a certain Festool out there with my name on it that I'm getting first

Magnettica · 03-16-2009, 09:57 PM

I'm just starting out doing carpentry. I would say it's only a hobby at this point. I think I'm gonna wait to buy the Porter Cable set up with compressor and the 3 separate guns. I guess at some point I might be able to offer trim and possibly some light framing, but for now I'm concentrating on getting my EC license.

Thanks again for the info.

TempestV · 03-16-2009, 10:03 PM

so how does the gun in that kit work as a stapler? How does the compressor work with larger guns? I need a small compressor and a narrow gauge stapler, but I've got the brad nailer covered. That seems like a pretty good deal.

olyteddy · 03-16-2009, 10:49 PM

I got a Bostich 150 Lb compressor, 15 Ga nailer, 18 Ga bradder and 2" 7mm stapler from Lowes. IIRC it was $275. Had a $40 coupon and a pricematch so it was about $220 out the door. The only thing I liked about the PC stuff was their pin nailer. Darned handy for holding laminate repairs while they dried.

EricTheHandyman · 03-17-2009, 07:54 AM

The problem with the combo kits is that they usually include lower quality or lower featured nailers--they usually don't shoot the full range of nails

blackbear · 03-17-2009, 09:37 PM

I have the set from lowes. came with a 16 ga (shoots up to 2 1/2), an 18 ga (shoots up to 1 1/4) and a stapler. Havent used the stapler and broke the 18 ga (fell off 8ft ladder) and bought a 18 ga that can go up to 2" nails. Compressor and nail guns are solid, no complaints.

ANTHONY911 · 04-06-2009, 07:16 PM

Hey, I agree with the last guy combo kits are worthless! They just want to get rid of junk China stuff they can't sell. Get the compressor you want to get ( I like the DeWalts myself) Then get the Brad nailer ( I like the Senco finish finish pro 18) As for the pinner Either Grex or Internail they are the best. I got all my nails from a guy on ebay (securefastening) I did all my reserch and this guy has the best prices on the nails and tools but he dosen't have the compressors. good luck. Anthony

SLSTech · 04-06-2009, 07:45 PM

FYI - Blowes has that Bostich 3 gun combo going on sale (Contractor Days) this weekend or maybe next as I recall