Porter Cable Framing Nailers

Reno

Anyone here familar with the Porter Cable Round Head Framing Nailers? Code here prohibits the use of Clipped-Head nails. I am looking at 2 diiferent models FR350A and FR350MAG. Does anyone use these and/or have any recommendations.

I have been using the Porter cable Finish Nailer, Brad Nailer and Staplers for years and am very satisfied. However, I want to insure that these would be the best bang for the buck (i.e., Framing requires more power and durability). I have heard alot about bostitch and Hatichi.

Anyone have any suggestions and/or recommendations

JPV123

I have 2 FR350A's and have had no problems besides once going in for a Jam that I could not clear. Have had them both for about 2 years. I like them however a few of my guys prefer the Bostitch. I like the quick change from rapid fire to single shot on the Porter Cable.

Reno

Does the Bostitch no work in rapid fire mode? How well does you PC work on Joists and Toe Nailing? your insights are apreciated!

JPV123

Not sure if they redesigned them but to change the Bostitch you would have to actually change the trigger and I think you need an allen wrench to do it. The PC has a dial on the trigger to switch back and forth. Toe nailing was tough at first until I learned that the "no mar" tip comes off. I leave the plastic tip off and theres teeth that grips nicely when toe nailing. I like it but I don't have alot of experience with the others to compare. I used the Bostitch occasionally and I'm fine with either. If I had to buy another it would be a PC.

MacIndustries

I too like JPV work with PC nailers and think they are a good choice. Both the FR350A and the FR350MAG are excellent but look at their differences before you decide. I personally like the MAG because it's lighter, more powerful IMO and designed to fire a larger shank nail. But if you want your nailer to come with a protective case, then get the FR350A. Whichever one you choose, i'm sure you will be satisfied.

i_plant_art

i too have the fr350 ... ive only used it for fence and deck building and its taken alot of abuse.... ive been really pleased with the gun. one nice thing about it is that it can shoot clipped or round head nails where as the clipped head nailer can only shoot clipped...... so its got a plus on it there where it can go either or......

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AtlanticWBConst

I'm not sure which 350 models I have on the Porter Cable.

But I know that I HATE the newer designed 350 Model.

I LOVE the older design 350 model. My Complaint mainly revolves around how the 2 models are loaded.
The older one: you just pull the loading -lever back and it locks in place, you load your 2 clips, press the release and bang, your ready to go. The newer model: you DON'T pull the load lever back, You load 2 clips, then pull the load lever back, while using a finger to hold the clips in the magazine in place, ...until the leaver locks itself back.
Also, the older 350: you use it till your outa nails. The newer 350, stops with several nails still left. That can be confusing when you are just working & nailing and 'CLICK" ....nothing, and you can still see nails.

So I keep and eye out for the older 350's. Every now and then, I stop in at the local 'used tool place' and pick up as many of the older models I can whenever I see them for sale. I still have the newer 350's, but save them only as 'back-ups'. (Both guns are round head nailers)

Just my thoughts....

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Lefty Lucy

Engineers and Architects sometimes specify "common" nails on their project plans. The FR350MAG will shoot a 16d common nail, 3 1/2" X .162". the FR350A will not.

cjc21021

I use both the porter cable round head and the senco round head. Proter
cable is a little cheaper and still works good but I like the senco pro framer.

Mike Finley

I think I might really like that feature, I'm always having to go back and nailing the last 3 nail shots back over again because I didn't realize I was out of nails.

A+Carpenter

I use all three. Heeeettaaaachi,Poboy Cable, Senco FP. I like the Hizzachi more then the rest and use the Poto for back up.

Let me sum this up for you. Give your guys the Porter for doing the ground work and use the Hitachi for your 'SKY WORK" aka framing up high. Its lighter

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