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Porter-Cable FR350A Round Head 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer by Porter-Cable
Product DetailsManufacturer: Porter-Cable Model: FR350A Product features: - Uses 20 degree to 22 degree nails, 2-inch to 3-1/2-inch by .113-inch to .148-inch plastic collated round-head framing nails
- Power to drive nails (up to 3-1/2-inch by .131-inch) into engineered lumber
- Compact body design for better balance and style
- Consistent power on every shot with internal piston catch mechanism
- Selectable trigger - restrictive or contact actuation mode; Tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment with detents for proper setting of nail heads
Accessories:
Description of Porter-Cable FR350A Round Head 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing NailerIdeal for carpenters, woodworkers, and do-it-yourselfers, the Porter-Cable FR350A 3-1/2-Inch Round-Head Framing Nailer Kit has all the power you need to drive round-head framing nails into engineered lumber. Its compact body is well-balanced for a natural feel, and its user-friendly design allows for fast reloads, tool-free adjustments, consistent power, and more. | The Porter-Cable FR350A Framing Nailer Kit At a Glance:- Pneumatic driving action of 70-120 PSI
- Internal piston mechanism
- Selectable trigger
- Tool-free adjustable depth-of-drive
- Compact, balanced body design
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An in-line, hard-coat anodized magazine holds up to 64 nails and provides balance. | Enough Raw Power to Tackle Tough Jobs The FR350A nailer helps simplify everything from siding jobs to framing work to furniture construction. Whether the job is big or small, the FR350A works fast and provides high-quality results nail after nail.Powered by an operating pressure of 70-120 PSI, the FR350A supplies the necessary raw power to sink nails fast. And thanks to its internal piston mechanism, its power remains consistent throughout the job, which means you'll enjoy smooth, trouble-free operation. Selectable Trigger and Adjustable Depth-of-Drive For additional flexibility and versatility, a selectable trigger lets you choose restrictive or contact-actuation modes. For convenience, tool-free adjustable depth-of-drive eliminates guesswork with detents for proper nail-head setting. Time-Saving Design with 64-Nail Capacity A great time saver, this framing nailer has an in-line, hard-coat anodized magazine that holds up to 64 nails. And to keep you on track, a nail lockout mechanism lets you know when it's time to reload. The reloads themselves are quick and easy thanks to the bypass nail pusher. And to save you even more time, a tool-free adjustable exhaust minimizes downtime. An added bonus, a removable non-marring nose tip offers on-tool storage to helps keep you from dropping or losing nails. What's in the Box FR350A framing nailer; carrying case; 1/4-inch air fitting with dust cover; and oil.
Tools and Hardware Reviews of Porter-Cable FR350A Round Head 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing NailerCustomer Review: Light, powerful and agile Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this based on a lot of positive reviews that I read while researching framing nailers on several different websites. I must say, I am VERY pleased.
First of all, this tool has copious amounts of power. I was able to sink 3.5" 8d nails with no problem, even while adding a work bench and shelving in my new/old garage which features some really tough dimensional lumber. Further, and in spite of what I had read, I thought that the recoil was minimal.
Some of the reviews I read gave this tool mediocre to above average reviews w.r.t. balance and weight. I'm not sure what inspired these comments. The only issue that I had with balance was when the air hose got caught on something and pulled on the nailer but let's face it, this is an issue with any air tool. In fact, after using it for residential framing for two days straight, I did not notice any fatigue in my forearm or wrist. When I first opened the case, I looked at the size of the thing and assumed that it would be heavy. Quite the contrary. I've had the opportunity to try a few other framing nailers (Senco, Hitachi) and I thought that this felt lighter. Just my opinion.
I live in Chicago, Illinois and have had absolutely no problems finding nails (Lowes and the Borg have multiple selections for this tool). A box of 2500 2-3/8" nails cost me $25.00. Strangely, this is perhaps one item that is cheaper to buy locally when you factor in shipping charges.
I had read somewhere that the exhaust was not tool free. I bought the nailer conceding this fact however I found that it is not true.
I've read a couple of gripes based on the fact that the nailer does not have a holder for the mar-free nose piece. To this I say "big deal." When you are doing framing work, do you really care if you leave toenail spike marks in the lumber when you are face-nailing??
I was suprised to note that, when the magazine is down to 2-3 nails, the gun no longer fires. I don't really see this as an issue though.
One other reviewer noted that it is difficult to remove nails from the chamber if for instance, you wish to change nail lengths/sizes. I own several different nailers including Bostich, Campbell Hausfeld and PC. To date, I haven't found any that are particularly easy w.r.t. removing nails that have already been loaded. On the other hand, loading nails in this gun is simple. You shove a set in the rear of the gun, pull the tensioner back beyond them and let it go. Voila!
To summarize, I am not a professional framer/carpenter. I do not use a tool like this for a living although as a woodworker and homeowner, I probably use my framing nailer more often than most. I think that it is a great product for the money. Can you buy a better nailer? Without even looking, I'm sure you can but at what cost? Finally, the quality of higher-end tools is quite subjective, much like a good pair of home stereo loudspeakers. I think that this particular product is a fantastic combination of quality and value.
Skeptical? Buy one from Home Depot and try it out. If you don't like it, all you have to lose is 35-45 minutes in line trying to return it! ;o)
Framing Nailers
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