This framing nailer is a remodeler's dream. The width of the nailer, from tip to exhaust port, is less than 14". This means it can fit between joists, rafters, and studs 16" on center. This is an invaluable feature when blocking, sistering joists and the like. This framing gun is one of the lightest on the market today, is well balanced, and has minimal recoil, which reduces arm fatigue when using the tool all day.It has tool-less adjustable exhaust port and was one of the first nailers to have an adjustable nail depth-of-drive option on the tool. It requires a hex wrench, which is located on the tool. This feature allows you to set the proper depth of the nail you are driving on the nailer, instead of turning down the pressure on the compressor, or yelling down from the roof for someone else to do it and trying to coordinate the right amount. This is particularly important when switching from 16d nails, used for framing studs, joists, etc, to 8d nails, used for sheathing. The pressure required to drive a 16d is much greater then that required to drive an 8d, and will overdrive the 8d nail, sometimes to the point where it goes entirely through the sheathing, not holding it all to the stud, rafter or joist. The inspector won't like that. This tool has never jammed on me, but if it does, the nose piece is easily removed with the on-board hex wrench to clear the jam. This framer has a rafter hook so you can hang it from a rafter, joist or ladder, when you need both hands to pull up the next rafter, for example; a very handy feature.
This tool has remained virtually unchanged for almost 7 years now. Every other company has copied this tool in recent years and has added fancy features. This Paslode framer is still a great competitor to every other gun out there. It's quite durable too. Mine has been dropped quite a few times on slabs, off ladders and even off the roof a few times and it is still functioning normally. The most abuse my gun has ever received is over oiling by apprentices. 3-5 drops per day is enough, not 20.
This framing nailer has a safety feature that prevents the last 3 nails from firing. This prevents accidental firing of those last nails which has been a problem in the past. I'm surprised that not every new tool made since has this feature.
The nailing tip is sharp enough to grab studs when toe-nailing, but could be a little sharper. The magazine holds 2 clips of clipped head nails, up to 3 ½". The magazine has inch markings to help with nailing schedules, when nailing off sheathing. Regular and sequential triggers are available; mine came with both.
This is a great tool to use for framing and a must for remodeling, from the company that created the first framing nailer.
-- Gabriel Shantara Ford
