Harbor Freight Brad Nailer vs 2-in-1 Brad Nailer / Stapler???

[redgtxdi]

So, kinda curious as to why they have both, but as I'm sure there are bazillions of these things in garages all over the globe, I'm hoping somebody might have some input.

Looks like the dedicated brad nailer has better reviews, but dunno if the representative sample really matters???

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-gauge-2-in-1-nailerstapler-68019.html

vs

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-gauge-brad-nailer-68021.html

I don't even know why they would make both in the interest of economics, but who knows.

TIA

 

[edro]

When would you use staples?
I have used a brad nailer a million times, but I have never had the need for staples.
I have a few Arrow manual staplers that I can use for that.

 

[redgtxdi]

Good point and I physically went and looked at them tonight and the gun uppers are identical, but the lower is bulkier on the stapler, so I'll probably just stick with the dedicated brad nailer.

I'll proably get some brand name grads from the depot or something as I've heard that is key for getting these $20 nailers to work smoothly.

 

[Greenman]

For twenty bucks, I'd be surprised if it works at all.

 

[Quakester]

Everything from Harbor Freight is shit. You get what you pay for.

 

[redgtxdi]

Believe it or not they actually do work.

They're not for longevity, or the trade. Simply weekend warrior stuff. (like baseboards and birdhouses)

 

[wirednuts]

they blast nails in soft wood at various speeds and force with each pull of the trigger. def gets the job done if you like to use putty afterwards

 

[Mixolydian]

Harbor Freight. :thumbsdown:

 

[weadjust]

When would you use staples?
I have used a brad nailer a million times, but I have never had the need for staples.
I have a few Arrow manual staplers that I can use for that.

I have used staples building a screened in porch and for replacing seat covers on ATVs and Jet Skis. Hand held arrow staplers won't work on a plastic seat pan doing upholstery.

 

[Exterous]

When would you use staples?
I have used a brad nailer a million times, but I have never had the need for staples.
I have a few Arrow manual staplers that I can use for that.

I wrapped my mineralwool acoustic panels in fabric and went through around a thousand staples. If I had had my compressor and stapler at the time it would have been soooo much easier and faster.

Believe it or not they actually do work.

They're not for longevity, or the trade. Simply weekend warrior stuff. (like baseboards and birdhouses)

Eh - even then I wouldn't trust HF. I'd get a reconditioned hitachi, dewalt or bostitch:
http://bigskytool.com/Finish_Nailers___c348.aspx?&view=simple&m=0&ps=0&pe=0&pt=5&st=0
http://bigskytool.com/Staplers___c388.aspx?&view=simple&m=0&ps=0&pe=0&pt=5&st=0

I got a cheap CH compressor with a 2-in1 and a HF nailer. They were incredibly chinsey, even for around the house stuff - felt almost like toys. I returned them, spent a little bit more and got a Hitachi compressor and bought refurb'd nailers from Big Sky tool. Even refurbished I could tell the build quality was leaps and bounds better than HF. If you wait for them to go on sale they will be almost the same price:
http://bigskytool.com/Hitachi_NT50AE_Finish_Nailer_18-Gauge_Brad_-2_x_18-Gauge_(Reconditioned)___i331.aspx

OOS currently but $20 for a Harbor Freight nailer or $20 for a Hitachi nailer? Pretty easy decision if you ask me