Clipped head or round nailer??? - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Kastoria · 05-09-2008, 02:33 AM

Im looking into getting my hands on Hitachis cordless framing nailer. Not for any major work like framing an addition or building a deck (for that I will stick with a pneumatic) but for smaller jobs like framing partition walls, bathroom/kitchen remodels, fire blocking studs, bracing joists etc. So regardless of brand, cuz I know we all have our favorites - should I go with round or clipped head, which would be more beneficial, easiest to find nails blah blah blah? What have you guys found works best?

Thanks in adavance for the input.

Kastoria

buildenterprise · 05-09-2008, 04:56 AM

go round, clipped heads are not code-approved everywhere.

TempestV · 05-09-2008, 07:06 AM

Round head are also more common in my experience

2ndGen · 05-09-2008, 09:57 AM

I'd go with full round heads. Why even consider using less holding surface for a nail?

Joining_heads@c · 05-09-2008, 11:33 AM

Clipped head guns are better due to the magazine design. Paslode makes full head nails for use in a clipped head gun. Plus, the paper collation is much better than plastic.

However, I use a FRH Max and it is the best nailer I've ever used.

Kastoria · 05-09-2008, 11:54 AM

I didnt even think about holding power. Everyone is right, if I am going to shoot a nail it might as well have a full round head. Now whats the deal with this paper vs plastic strips? I mean should I get a gun that is clipped head and use round heads in it - or would I just be better off getting a round head gun in the first place and just be done with it?

blackbear · 05-09-2008, 01:21 PM

you are almost always sure to find round heads at all the big stores.

Joining_heads@c · 05-09-2008, 04:08 PM

Whatever gun you choose, avoid Bostitch because they are terrible-especially the wire collated model.

Hitachi and Max make great nail guns.

2ndGen · 05-09-2008, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kastoria

...or would I just be better off getting a round head gun in the first place and just be done with it?

That's the ticket...get a full round head gun and be done with it.

While it's true that you'll give up a little nail capacity (about 20 nails per clip?), you'll have the peace of mind of knowing that you're using a superior nail with no worries about meeting code no matter where you work.

If nail capacity is a concern, then go with a coil nailer. I believe they can shoot up to 300 nails on one coil...ideal for production sheathing work. Plus their lighter. (-6lbs VS 8lb avg).

Kastoria · 05-09-2008, 05:32 PM

Well nail capacity wasnt really that big a deal, especially since the Hitachi I wanted to get is gas powered...and not really gonna be used for heavy duty framing. But I am definately convinced to get the round head. Not only good holding power but will meet code no matter where or when I use it. Actually its also a few bucks cheaper than the clipped head.

2ndGen · 05-09-2008, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kastoria

Well nail capacity wasnt really that big a deal, especially since the Hitachi I wanted to get is gas powered...and not really gonna be used for heavy duty framing. But I am definately convinced to get the round head. Not only good holding power but will meet code no matter where or when I use it. Actually its also a few bucks cheaper than the clipped head.

There you go!

BKFranks · 05-09-2008, 07:30 PM

Building codes don't allow for clipped head nails.

**joasis** · 05-09-2008, 08:18 PM

Some codes do not allow clipped heads, but find it in the IRC or IBC.....found it yet? I haven't found anything in a national code reference or online, so it would be state codes or regions.

IMO, a clipped head nailer feeds better and is less prone to problems then a full head gun. My old DuoFast is a great gun, and a full head, and I doubt it has been off the shelf in a few years. My Bostich weighs maybe 2/3 as much, shoots as hard, holds more nails, and while in a laboratory setting, you could test the "pull through" of a clipped nail head vs.a full head, I doubt you will find this to be relevant in framing.....

To the OP, of course both will work well, and if you are not framing, why would it matter?

As an added note, I also try to always get nails that have the coating....try and pull a few of them out, by their clipped heads....and you will see what I mean.

**joasis** · 05-09-2008, 08:29 PM

Here is something for you guys: From Senco:
(you guys will love this)

Q: What are the pros and cons of clipped head and full round head nails?

A: The clipped vs. full round head (FRH) nail question:

1) Clip heads were the original type of collated nail for air tools, and still remains popular in most parts of the USA.

2) FRH nails came on the scene in the late ’80s as a popular product in the earthquake/hurricane markets (SoCal-Fla). In these markets, discussions about possible code changes led many builders to change from the clip head to the FRH nail. Building inspectors started to discriminate against the use of the clipped head nail. They felt the FRH would help prevent an overdrive into shear wall (structural sheathing).

3) Today, it seems the FRH nails are the dominant format on the West Coast, Florida and the South Atlantic regions. Again, FRH is the product of choice in the earthquake and hurricane prone markets.

4) Independent lab research results yield no significant difference in performance between both types.

5) FRH nails come in strip or coil format. The FRH strips are collated with a plastic material; the coils are collated with wire. Clipped head nails are only available in a strip format and are collated with paper strips and adhesive. The FRH strips will leave some plastic debris on your job site, and some plastic chunks embedded into your work surface trapped by the nail head (flagging). The paper-collated clipped heads are a bit cleaner, with some flagging, but most of the paper seems to disappear.

6) The clipped head tools have a shorter magazine track because the nails are right next to each other. The FRH tools feature a longer magazine track, which protrudes to the rear of the tool body. Some users prefer the shorter magazines for the maneuverability they offer, and some users like the longer magazine tools for the exceptional balance.

Our advice: Buy the format that is popular in your market, so it’s easy to buy the nails where and when you need them. Our dealers tend to stock only the popular format for the specific market you are in, so if you buck the trend, you might have difficulties finding the nails designed for your tool.

I can't find any reports that clipped head nails are less effective...so if anyone has something, besides the "overdriven" nails, etc., from Florida and earthquake zones, post it please, I am interested.

BTW, this isn't starting a debate, this is more about lets see if there is fire or just smoke.

Kastoria · 05-09-2008, 10:29 PM

Whats this Im hearing about getting the clipped head nailer and feeding it with FRH? How well does it work...and will it work with all FRH or only a certain type?. It sounds good but I dont want to be limited to only one brand. Maybe I should just click purchase already on the FRH.

TempestV · 05-09-2008, 11:21 PM

Pasload makes a special kind of collated nail with full round head, but at the angle necessary to fit a clipped head nailer. I don't know how common it is, because all I ever see is full round head. Personally, I would choose whatever is more common in your area. Which do you see more of on job sites around you- clipped head or full round head?

Kastoria · 05-10-2008, 02:05 AM

That sounds like it might be a pain to always have to track down...I will go with the full round head nailer and just make it easier on myself. I usually see both types around here (but all structure framing I only see in FRH). Most of the interior wood framing I have been doing has been with my impact drive and screws. Lately I would rather save some time and move faster with a nailer. But then again I have been doing a crap load of metal studs which I personally dont like and am getting sick of everyone asking for it - makes all my expensive investments in saws and nailers useless

2ndGen · 05-10-2008, 05:10 AM

http://www.reconditionedsales.com/Hi...FQWVFQodsmL03g

2ndGen · 05-10-2008, 05:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joasis

Here is something for you guys: From Senco:
(you guys will love this)

Q: What are the pros and cons of clipped head and full round head nails?

A: The clipped vs. full round head (FRH) nail question:

1) Clip heads were the original type of collated nail for air tools, and still remains popular in most parts of the USA.

2) FRH nails came on the scene in the late ’80s as a popular product in the earthquake/hurricane markets (SoCal-Fla). In these markets, discussions about possible code changes led many builders to change from the clip head to the FRH nail. Building inspectors started to discriminate against the use of the clipped head nail. They felt the FRH would help prevent an overdrive into shear wall (structural sheathing).

3) Today, it seems the FRH nails are the dominant format on the West Coast, Florida and the South Atlantic regions. Again, FRH is the product of choice in the earthquake and hurricane prone markets.

4) Independent lab research results yield no significant difference in performance between both types.

5) FRH nails come in strip or coil format. The FRH strips are collated with a plastic material; the coils are collated with wire. Clipped head nails are only available in a strip format and are collated with paper strips and adhesive. The FRH strips will leave some plastic debris on your job site, and some plastic chunks embedded into your work surface trapped by the nail head (flagging). The paper-collated clipped heads are a bit cleaner, with some flagging, but most of the paper seems to disappear.

6) The clipped head tools have a shorter magazine track because the nails are right next to each other. The FRH tools feature a longer magazine track, which protrudes to the rear of the tool body. Some users prefer the shorter magazines for the maneuverability they offer, and some users like the longer magazine tools for the exceptional balance.

Our advice: Buy the format that is popular in your market, so it’s easy to buy the nails where and when you need them. Our dealers tend to stock only the popular format for the specific market you are in, so if you buck the trend, you might have difficulties finding the nails designed for your tool.

I can't find any reports that clipped head nails are less effective...so if anyone has something, besides the "overdriven" nails, etc., from Florida and earthquake zones, post it please, I am interested.

BTW, this isn't starting a debate, this is more about lets see if there is fire or just smoke.

Great information J!

I guess it would all boil down to taking chances with overdriven nails VS "not" taking chances of overdriven nails and what local code dictates.

I've never used clipped head nails, but your post brings something to mind...how strong are the clipped heads when you do have to take out a nail?

I would imagine that their more prone to breaking off and would be harder to grasp with a claw than a full head nail, no?

2ndGen · 05-10-2008, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kastoria

But then again I have been doing a crap load of metal studs which I personally dont like and am getting sick of everyone asking for it - makes all my expensive investments in saws and nailers useless

For all the benefits of metal studs, I hate them too!

Takes all the romance out of working with wood.

Wood is good.