Thinking of getting a framing nailer, what's a good route to go?

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BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
66,527
14,911
146
The sparks aren't unusual. It's from the piston hitting the nail. (keep in mind, it's pneumatic, not electric)

Yes, you probably need a bigger compressor...if you want to drive many nails without having to wait for it to build pressure. Depending on the nails being driven...and the material you're driving them into, your air pressure should be between 70-120 psi. (per the manual)

PROPER lubrication would require a filter/regulator/lubricator assembly. Most carpenters I've known just squire a bit of air tool lubricant in the hose at the start of the day, then again at lunch...depending on how hard the nailer is being used.

 
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shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,082
136
Metabo only makes quality tools, so yeah get a better compressor. It makes noise and draws lots of current, but it works.
OR, if you have hearing protection you could consider one of those nailers that uses .22 blanks.

 

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
70,912
13,922
126
www.anyf.ca
I've used a ramset for going through concrete they are fun to use. Wouldn't use that for framing though, would be expensive. :eek:

Compressor was fine once I upped the pressure to 100psi (so there's still pressure left after a few shots before it kicks on again) but yeah I may end up getting a bigger one. I originally bought this one for blowing out computers so went for the smallest I could find at the time.
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
66,527
14,911
146
This is what I have nowadays:

(big fckn difference in price!)

That replaced one of these:

The Porter Cable compressor worked fine...for about 5 years, then one day, it just stopped making air. Motor ran...no air pressure. I junked it and bought the Ridgid.
 

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
70,912
13,922
126
www.anyf.ca
Yeah If I get a new one I'll probably get something along those lines. Seems the pancake style are cheaper.

I also went ahead and bought the lube. Could not find the Metabo brand one anywhere but bought some Dewalt brand, I imagine they're mostly all the same?
 

BoomerD

No Lifer
Feb 26, 2006
66,527
14,911
146
Yeah If I get a new one I'll probably get something along those lines. Seems the pancake style are cheaper.

I also went ahead and bought the lube. Could not find the Metabo brand one anywhere but bought some Dewalt brand, I imagine they're mostly all the same?

Pretty much. I've seen a wide variety of "stuff" used over the years. Maybe just a couple of drops into the nipple of the nail gun...