Seeking Advice on Tools

[Paul D.]

Hello all. Hoping I can get some feedback on this question, because I don't actually know anyone around here with these tools.

I am in the market for an 18 ga. brad nailer. Not a 16 ga. finishing nailer, so don't try to confuse me. :confused:

Looking at the Senco SLP25 for about $155 vs. the Porter-Cable BN200A for about $90. Senco is billed as cream-of-the-crop and is oil-less. Both seem to have the same basic functionality. Is the Senco worth the extra $$ for a DIY? I generally take pretty good care of my tools and keep them forever, if they aren't junk in the first place.

Thanks for your comments and feedback...hope to get some. :D

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[Sonnie Layne]

I own the PC. A bud of mine has the Senco. I can never justify what Senco charges initially and here locally they rip your teeth out when it comes to rebuild 'em. PC's pneumatics are fine, and getting pretty hard use at times they've served me well. They also sell the rebuild kits. If the removable rubber nose is important, buy an extra right away. A bit too removable I guess, I've lost two. I've got their 15 ga, 16 ga, and the 1/4" crown stapler as well. I like the nose adjustment feature particularly to adjust the depth of set w/o adjusting air pressure.

[Paul D.]

"...and here locally they rip your teeth out when it comes to rebuild 'em."

Sounds a bit unpleasant, Sonny. :eek:

I'd think they would settle for cash. ;) You live in the Dallas area though, don't you...

[Sonnie Layne]

ya, just don't ever smile at 'em and show your fillings.

and don't ever talk or they'll know your feelings.

[Rob Z]

I've used the PC guns and they are OK. They will serve your purposes well. I have several Sencos, and the local fixit place is really reasonable on the repairs (Sonnie can send his guns to me in VA for repairs and save some $$$). I think I have the PC you are talking about...it came with a compressor I bought. I don't use it...want it?

[JC]

I don't have either one..gotta craftsman pin nailer..sucks. Craftsman sucks!

Still does the job though..when it is not blowing air past the seals that is.

155 seems very steep for a simple pin nailer though I don't see it justified. Just don't get a crapsman.

I am not all that impressed with the oil less guns either seem to wear out faster then the oil ones.

Do have a Senco 1-4 to 3/8 oiless hardwood stapler. So far no problems.

[stullis]

I've got the PC brad nailer and haven't had any problems with it. For the DIYer I would save the extra expense.

You may want to consider fastener costs as well when purchasing. Those can add up quickly.

[Paul D.]

stullis,

Good point on the fasteners. It did not occur to me that there would be any incompatabilities for brad nailers. Framers for sure, but not brads. Hmmm.

Rob,

If you;ve got the BN-200A, sure enough I'll buy it off you. See you off-line.