Cordless Nailers Reviews

This is a great nailer for the price its great for home projects. Whats nice is that you can use your 14.4 v batteries from your other tools with out purchasing any more batteries. Do not use super saver sipping it can take up to 10 days just to ship, go with regular shipping.

I purchased 2 of these units approx 10 mos ago and really enjoyed using them for the 1st 4 mos. It is a neat idea and saves alot of effort not having to haul a compressor and hose with you on small jobs. However, I began having problems with these units. Both units stopped building air pressure from the built in compressor and then one of them would not fire even when coneccted to external air (a neat option). Both units have now been back to Porter Cable twice to be repaired and one of them keeps coming back from Porter Cable cleaned up and said to be repaired but is non functional. I really like these units and wish Porter Cable could fix the problem but perhaps it's a poor mechanical design.
Note: I primarily use these units to install shoe molding on small jobs.

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST PURCHASES I HAVE MADE FOR TOOLS. IT IS SO EASY TO JUST GRAB AND GO WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT ANYTHING EXCEPT NAILS AND EXTRA BATTERY ( A MUST ). WORKS AS WELL AS A PNEUMATIC , JUST A LITTLE HEAVIER.

This tool is made in Taiwan, as the other Porter cordless tools are, not in USA which is stated in the Amazon info.

This nailer fired right up & worked flawlessly, and feels lighter than it looks. It is balanced quite nicely, and if you are looking to not have to set up the ole compressor or drag a hose around this tool is great. I also bought the Porter 12V cordless drill instead of another battery, since the drill comes with 2 batteries (that's $110 in batteries included with the $139 drill!) so I now have an extra battery for either tool.

Nice product. Is a shame Porter can't make these in USA too. If Makita can do it why can't Porter & DeWalt?

I have used this gun for about 2 years now and it's the smartest tool purchase I've ever made. It works extremely well and stands up to my abuse.

It's connivance is a definite time and money saver. Rather than pulling out a large and heavy compressor, plugging it in (hopefully without the need of an extension cord), and an awkward air hose; this gun is out of the case and working in seconds. Ready to nail up any base, case and/or molding anywhere without dragging around a clumsy pneumatic hose.

There are only two small draw backs. First is its size makes it hard to fit in small spaces like nailing an under cabinet kick plate. But that doesn't really matter because the minimum brad length is to long to nail up thin skins anyway. So you'll need a conventional air for those job , and you'll be able to get at that kick plate too.

Accepting no tool can do it all, the Porter-Cable Cordless Brad Nailer's advantages out way these faults.

I would recommend buying a PC 12 volt drill for two extra batteries and an other charger. Its cheaper than buying separately and you get a very nice, light weight drill out of it.

I HAVE OWNED A PORTER CABLE NAIL GUN FOR APPROX. 6 MONTHS AND HAVE USED IT CONSIDERABLY IN THE REMODELING OF MY DAUGHTER'S HOME. PRIOR TO USING, I WILL PLACE DROPS OF OIL AS RECOMMENDED AND, IN MOST INSTANCES, THE GUN WILL WORK FINE IN THE INTERNAL POWER MODE. LATELY HOWEVER, I BEEN EXPERIENCING A MALFUNCTION IN THAT THE GUN WILL NOT SHOOT OUT A NAIL. THE BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED, THE COMPRESSOR ENGAGES, IT SOUNDS AS THOUGH A NAIL HAS BEEN EXPENDED, AN INDENTATION IS MADE IN THE WOOD BUT NO SIGN OF A NAIL. I READ THE MANUAL'S TROUBLE SHOOTING SECTION, BUT FAILED TO FIND AN ANSWER. IF ANY USER OF THE PORTER CABLE NAIL GUN HAS HAD A SIMILAR PROBLEM OR CAN PROVIDE AN REMEDY, I WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR RESPONSE. OTHER THAN MY RECENT PROBLEM, IT IS A GREAT TOOL FOR THE HOMEOWNER.

This is NOT a faulty design. I've used this unit for many months now and I've NEVER had a problem. It's cheaper than buying a nailer and compressor! Plus, it's portable and comes with enough brads to last you for a long time! The second battery is an absolute must though! It shoots about 100 brads on a charge. If you oil the unit as you're instructed to (which I do), then I think it will work for a very long time before it needs to have any gasket replacement, etc. If I had the money, I would buy one of these for everyone I know for Xmas! It's really worth it!

My initial pleasure with this value-priced made-in-Mexico combo turned sour once I put bits in the drill: the most run out I have ever seen in any drill at any price. Even my cheap old Ryobi has virtually no run out, and it's from Chiwan! I guess the Mexicans have a way to go to match the stellar build quality coming out of the Far East.

I've contacted DeWalt through their email form, but I've heard they apparently don't do anything except cheerfully apologize and hope you'll go away.

So my options are to keep it or send it back to Amazon and never see the great price again. The nailer seems to work fine, but the drill will never be anything more than a fancy screw gun. With the run out it wobbles and shakes while drilling and the hole is neither where you wanted it nor the size you expected.

I am a contractor and have used all types of finish nailers. This is the future of nailers (I hope). No oil, cords, fuel cells, compressors. It is a bit heavy, but, I am not complaining. The convenience far outweighs this. I have been using it for 2 months now and have had no misfires or jams caused by the gun, only operator error.
I highly recommend this tool and look forward to more like it.

5 stars strictly for bang-for-the-buck (no pun intended). Here is the features list from the back of the box since the Amazon description is not really complete:

Includes
DC618 18V 16 Gauge 20-degree angled finished nailer, DC988 Hammerdrill/Drill/Driver, 2 DC9096 XRP Extended Run batteries, 1 hour charger, side handle, screwdriver bit, and contractor bag.

DC988
*DeWALT Built High Torque Motor: 500 in-lbs of Maximum Torque
*XRP Extended Run-Time Batteries: Long Run-time & Life
*Patented 3-Speed Transmission: 0-450/0-1450/0-2000 RPM 0-7650/0-24650/0-34000 BPM
*�" (13mm) Metal Ratcheting Chuck
*Maximum Job-Site Durability & Reliability
*Preferred Ergonomics: Balance, Control And Weight 5.9 lbs (2.67 kg)

DC618
*Selective actuation operating mode (sequential or bump)
*Uses 1-1/4"-2-1/2" (32mm-65mm) 16 gauge 20 angled nails, rear load 120 nail capacity magazine can be loaded by either lock & load or load & draw
*Contact trip lock-off to constrain the contact trip from accidental discharge
*6 position depth adjustment wheel
*Work surface headlights
*Tool-free jam clearing
*On-board accessories; removable belt hook, low profile no mar pad
*Impact resistant metal top cap

UNFORTUNATELY THIS PRODUCT DOESN'T WORK AT 10,000 FEET, I REALLY NEEDED IT FOR THE ROOF WORK ON A LOG CABIN I WAS BUILDING AND IT JUST WOULDN'T FIRE CORRECTLY BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF OXYGIN. PASLODE TOLD ME THEY ARE PULLING THE PRODUCT FROM THIS MARKET.
I HAVE RETURNED THE NAILER

I have had my eye on this thing for a while, however, before deciding to purchase, I rented from Home Depot to tackle a medium size deck project. I after using this impulse framing nailer all weekend, I am a bit torn. When it is working well, it is a dream. Other times, it can be downright frustrating. (In defense of Paslode, it is not recommended for use on 2" pressure treated lumber and that is exactly what I was using)

#1 it is heavy to be using all day everyday
#2 the nail capacity of 1 strip seems like a very small amount
3# Capacity of each gas cartridge is amazing!!!
#4 Use Paslode nails for reliability, but they are $$$
#5 Can only shoot about 3-4 shots before need to refil combustion chamber with fuel, about 10 seconds, not a big deal for a DIYer but bad for a professional.
#6 For $400 should include a no-mar tip!!
#7 Body is all plastic construction, which makes it seem a bit cheap
#8 Nice case for unit, battery and charger, plus stoage for a couple of gas cylinders.
#9 NO COMPRESSOR TO LUG AROUND OR HOSES TO GET CAUGHT

I have been a Carpenter for 33 years, and have used all kinds of nail guns. The first time I used a Paslode Framer I fell in love. I have been using one ever since the late 80's I purchased my own in 1995. I have only had to have it in the shop two times. The first time was my fault, I cleaned it with a carburator cleaner which melted the wiring harness. The second time was just recently. I would be lost with out it on the job. It is a big time saver and has earned it self many times over. I have found that with regular cleanings and replacement of the cylinder O ring, it will give you alot of service without any problems. I have worked with alot of men that would not even oil, or clean the guns that run off a compessor. They would not empty the air out of the compressor, and could not understand why the guns started malfunctioning.

the drill fits but hangs up when you go to remove it from the hook. I had this first and it was ok. But then I got the big lugg bunge...much better easier to use all aroung a better solution.

IT WORKS PRETTY WELL WITH A BIG GUN. IT WORKS VERY WELL WITH A SMALL GUN. MY COIL NAILER IS A LITTLE HARD TO GET OFF AND IT BENT THE BELT CLIP A COUPLE OF TIMES.

An excellent addition to my tool belt. Incredibly handy, way less cumbersome than drill "holsters". I like that I can pop it off and move it to another belt with ease. Can't wait for the Big Lugg 2....

This is my second Paslode product. The price from Amazon provided considerable savings over local purchase. That combined with the quality and versatilty of the nailer made this a an outstanding buy. Amazon's prompt shipping as well as savings on shipping costs added to the overall excellence of the transaction.

Great nailer... after struggling with a heavy compressor, extension cord, airlines, etc. for several years i finally gave in and bought the paslode. This thing rocks! Worth every penny - now I don't need to decide if it's worth bringing out the nailer for each job - it's always worth it, and its so easy.

My contractor that I hired to build my deck was using this nail gun and got me interested in buying it. He praised it up and down and has bought 2 of these guns. I use it occasional but when I do it makes my life a lot easier. This gun is everything you need and are looking for. A must buy. Very convienent and mostly powerful. I have only good things to say about this gun and nothing bad to complain about. The price is better than any Home Depot or Lowes.

good price at amazon for these. Haven't found them for less.
I've had some lose most of the fuel--so the other reviewer who
suggested oiling the top seal may be right--I'm trying it. Also remove the cell if you don't expect to use it for a while.
They also carry the staples for the bammer.

These fuel cells are great! They are a great value for the benefit they afford: namely portable power nailing without a compressor. The only drawback I have found to these fuel cells is that you must remove them if you will not be using your Bammer for an extended period of days/weeks. If you do not, all of the fuel will slowly seep out and your fuel cell will be empty when you next need it!

And speaking of the nail gun itself, I have owned a Porter-Cable "Bammer" for about three years now and I remain well pleased with its performance. I am a do-it-yourselfer primarily using the nailer for basic home remodeling and woodworking in my garage shop. I have used mine to hang all types of moldings and casings throughout my house and friends' houses, as well as to attach moldings to furniture projects in the shop. The worst "problem" I have ever had with this nail gun is a feed/jam, which was easily cleared (it has only happened once or twice).

Bottom Line: If you read and follow the instructions, and take your time with this tool, I see no reason why you cannot have as much success with it as I have.

Just borrowed a friends Porter Cable "Bammer" and loved it. The fuel cell concept works great, no air compressor, or battery pack. For the homeowner or do-it-yourselfer, it is great. It has been discontinued, but is still available new, and used; fuel cells are available here. We bought a "Bammer" of our own; didn't want to give the borrowed one back.

I've owned and used this tool for about 4 years now. While I'm not a roofer, I do on ocassion have the need to do some roofing. First let me say this tool in no way replaces an air gun as your primary roofing gun. It's much slower, heavier and you would need several batteries and chargers to keep you going on a decent sized roof. Furtheremore, it's impossible to bounce fire the gun and drive 3 to 4 nails in a second or two as done with almost any pneumatic coiler nailer out there. This due to the hammering action of the gun and the fact that you have to press the gun into your work rather than letting the weight of the gun bounce fire the nail. This makes it tiring to use for any extended period of time. Aside from that, I find the tool very well made and efficient for small jobs and rework. It's nice not to have to break out the hose & compressor and extension cord and generator for these small jobs. It's a specialized tool and not every contractor will be able to justify the purchase (if you can find one). Despite the drawbacks and having to buy the special nails and not being able to use the batteries for other tools, I feel this tool has earned it's place in my tool fleet and I'll be dissapointed when I have to retire it.

This is a fabulous tool. I use as many cordless tools as I can because I hate listening to my generator and compressor running all the time. Bostitch has made a top of the line tool with this one. The battery will lay about 2 1/2 square of shingles without a recharge and with two batteries one can be charging at all times so you never run out of power. The tool is loud but not as loud as a generator, it is a bit on the heavy side but much better than having that air hose in tow and the way it holds in your hand you barely notice the weight. You have to buy the nails in the in the plastic canisters which only cost on average two dollars more per box but if you are a real miser you can buy regular coil roof nails and reload the canisters. If you are like me and want to use cordless as much as possible and you do many roofs this is a great alternative to pneumatic. I have literally waited for years for this tool. . . thank you Stanley Bostitch.

While I am not in the trade year round I have found this tool to be the answer to many of the challenges we face with safety and quality while on the roof.
This gun eliminates tripping hazards as there are no hoses or electric cords. This keeps the comprtessor off the roof so no hazard encountered while tring to get your equipment up to the work surface.
No overhead issue for the team on the ground because the grip pads on the top end of the gun really do stop it from sliding off the roof unlike other air guns that momentum of the hose carries the gun off the roof onto the teamn below.
Noise is much less of an issue than with compressed air. Communications from the ground up and down is easier. No noise to yell over.
I have read that you can reload the plastic containers the nails come in however I have not been able to find a manufactures note that would indicate that this is a safe practice.
Compared to the conventional Bostitch RN45B we are able to lay em down and nail em with equal speed and without fighting the hose all day.
The quality of our finished product is greater because there is no marring of the roof edge shingles from the air line rubbing against it. That is the customers line of sight and that matters.

...

If you are buying an air nail roofing gun. Reconsider and buy this battery operated gun.

i have used one of these for a few years and it has been a real time saver. beats seting up a compressor even on midsize jobs.
pros.
-power to sink nails in to hardwood. (i work with alot of oak)
-lots of shots to battery and gas
-belt clip is handy (clips on most step ladder stays)
Cons.
-loud
-not angled
-very tempermental
-must be cleaned atleast once daily maybe more if you are shoting alot.
-gas is not cheap AND HAS A SHELF LIFE. if you cant use a box in less then a year or it had been sitting on the shelf at the store for awhile it will go bad cusing misfires. CHECK THE DATE ON THE PACKAGE(or canister)
-aside from gas and nails you need to buy paslode brand cleaner spray and oil

I'll get right to the pros and cons.

Pros-
Obviously, convenience- sometimes you don't need to lug in a whole compressor setup for just handyman type work.
Good Case.

Cons & Problems-

This thing misfires just like the other Paslode Cordless guns, but not as bad as the framing gun.
Gas intake valves have been faulty twice (My company owns three of these suckers) - a 50 Dollar repair.
The driving pin gets constantly stuck, even with constant care and lubrication.
The tip mecanism broke off completely on one gun.
During heavy construction usage, battery charger A/C unit is easily compromised. (The power conection is weak)

In general, it's good to have around in a pinch, but don't count on it to do any serious work, you'll end up costing yourself more time, money, and frustration.

Note: The newest model of 18 gauge has seemed more solid and reliable, I've only used it a handful of times, but time will tell.

Have used Paslode's cordless framing gun @ work(carp. local #174 Joliet, IL.) and they have worked great so I went and got one of these trim guns @ H.D. and it is a great, lightweight, easy-to-use, time saving tool. I don't know why I waited so long to buy one-it is a small price for such a great piece of equipment-kudos to Illinois Tool Works. Treat them with care and they'll last forever. The storage case is durable and logical to use.