Finish and Framing Nailer Needed - Budget Friendly

I've got a 2 upcoming projects where a finish nailer and framing nailer will be super helpful for each project. Since I don't do a lot of this type of work, I don't want to spend a lot of money for them. I'm open to battery powered and pneumatic models. If I go with the battery powered route, I'll need to either purchase batteries or get something that already has them. And if I go the pneumatic route, I'll need an air hose and compressor. What do you recommend? And more specifically, what nailers would you suggest?

Thanks,
David

 

Senco is the choice of many pros (for both) though recently had a chance to use and like the Bostich Versions which seem to be less expensive...a small “pancake” compressor can be had in the low $100’s...check for package deals...

 

For inexpensive, Metabo for framing, Bostitch for trim. You can often get deals on a Bostitch pancake compressor that comes with trim guns. The guns aren’t as nice as the standalone ones, but are good starter guns.

I have a Senco and a Paslode for framing, Senco and Bostitch trim guns.

 

check your local tool rental places. home depot rents as well.

considering you don't have a compressor or anything, i'd recommend battery operated, just need to find someone that rents them.

 

Thanks for the suggestion but I'm not interested in renting.

Just curious... What do you all think about the Harbor Freight nailers?

David

 

i've got an hf trim nailer. it's sometimes a little unpredictable on set depth with my tiny 2 gallon compressor, but not really an issue for my use.

 

Late to this parade but I have a HF "Banks" branded pin nailer/stapler combo that kicks it. I bought it to replace the older HF branded same same. I only use it as a stapler because I have other pin nailers but it is an excellent tool. I'm a retired GC and have used pneumatic nailers for over 30 years. 30 yo Senco finish nailer, 30 yo Grizzle pin nailer, 15 yo Max Framer, 15 yo Porter Cable pin nailer, 2 yo Banks pin stapler, 40 yo Emglo Air-Mate 1 1/2 HP compressor. The older nailers have needed o-rings and bits and pieces through the years but all still working.

 

I've had good luck with the HF trim nailer. I'll second Taco912 above on the Banks pin nailer, its surprisingly good. I also have both the 16 and 18 gauge brad nailers from Ryobi that work great. These have all been used for personal around the house projects.

 

I have Senco 15g and 18g hoseless trim nailers and they are quality tools . No gas canisters to buy with them . I am a trim carpenter that does small renovations as I am a one man operation . Have a hoseless makita framing nailer that hardly ever sees the light of day , most of my tools are makita but this one is the least reliable . For me an impact driver does most framing work with screws due to what I do , I would suggest you consider this route as it is a more versatile tool .

Framers will say it is too slow but for me screws over nails are a better choice .