Review: Porter Cable Pin Nailer

Features (from Porter Cable Website):

• Uses 23 Ga. micro pin nails similar to Senco® models
• Drives nails from 1/2” to 1” long
• Tool automatically adjusts for different fastener lengths. Easier loading and less problems with pins out of spec
• Bottom load magazine holds 170 pin micro nails
• Dual trigger feature
• Nail reload indicator
• Rubber comfort grip on tool handle
• Rear exhaust port channels air and tool oil/condensation away from user
• Standard Equipment: Nailer, box of 2,000 ¾” pin nails, ¼” air fitting with dust cover, oil, wrench, carrying case, and operating manual

First impressions:
For those who have used Porter Cable brad guns, you will find this nailer somewhat familiar. I really like Porter-Cable’s magazine latch at the back of their guns. It really makes loading and unloading easy. Unlike other PC guns, this one is turned upside down for loading.

Cons:

• I don’t like the dual trigger, and I don’t think it’s a very effective safety. There is no mechanism that requires the gun to be pressed against the workpiece in order to fire. A safety trigger is pulled with the middle finger, and then the primary trigger is pulled with the index finger. It’s difficult to hold on to the nailer with the last two fingers, so I found that I just held down the safety trigger, which keeps the nailer “armed” all the time.
• I was also really bothered by the following quote from the owner’s manual: “The tool driving mechanism may cycle when tool is connected to the air supply.” This means that the air must be connected when loading the fasteners, which seems dangerous to me. It also seems to contradict another instruction: “Disconnect tool from air supply hose before … moving tool to another location, or handing the tool to another person.” Which would mean that when the tool is reconnected, it could fire, unless it were unloaded, reconnected, and then reloaded.

Pros:

• It does what it’s supposed to do. I drove several ¾” pins into the face and side grain in White Oak and it sunk each pin to just past flush.
• The nailer is quiet and uses very little air – I drove over 100 pins and my pancake air compressor only kicked on twice.
• I actually like that the tip does not have to be pressed against the workpiece – this allows you to leave the pins proud, if you need to.
• The nailer automatically adjusts to pin length, which makes loading a no-brainer.
• I like the rear-exhaust. No matter which way I turn the adjustable exaust sheild on my other guns, I always seem to get a face-full of air!

Secondary Impressions:
I like this little nailer, and it will get a lot of use for attaching small trim and for holding difficult glue-ups. I will have to train myself to let go of the safety trigger when I’m not actually prepared to fire a fastener. I know there are better nailers on the market, and some that drive longer pins. For my requirements, this gun will do what I need it to do. The price was reasonable, and the performance meets my expectations. I was disapointed to find that even though the Home Depots in my area sell this nailer, they do not carry the pins for it .

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