Product Review: BOSTITCH F21PL Round Head 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer with Positive Placement Tip and Magnesium Housing
Solid, comfortable and well-made framing nailer
I’ve found that round head nailer are better all-around than the clipped head nail load as the clipped head nails are closer together which then tend to jam or misfire. The unit itself weighs just a tad over 8lbs making it easy to hold for long periods of time. I really like that this is 2 nailers in one and has two separate nosepieces for plastic-collated and metal-connector nails. I am knocking off a star as the 21deg connector nails (1.5 or 2.5 inch) are getting harder to find local and may make this tool a bit more impractical. Overall a solid nailer that has performed really well for me in the outdoor conditions and applications I have used this for that tends to be a bit milder climate wise neither extremely hot or cold.
Something that gets overlooked is that functionality in framing nail guns is largely dependent upon the compressor. Each requires a different air volume (CFM) and air pressure (PSI) to drive nails. Framing nailers require the most air pressure because they typically use 2-inch to 3 ½-inch nails that are driven into framing studs during the construction process of rough framing. Typical air pressures for this application range between 100 psi and 130 psi, I’ve found that a framing nailer works best with air compressor models that have 120 max PSI or higher. Equally important are the ones with ratings of about 2 CFM or higher that will keep up with a framing nailer when you’re working at moderate speed. Those with lower PSI and CFM ratings require patience, you end up driving a few nails and then waiting for the compressor to catch up. I currently use the DEWALT D55146 4-1/2-Gallon 200-PSI Hand Carry Compressor which has a 4.5 gallons tank and produces up to 5 CFM at 90 PSI, 200 max PSI.
Amazon Product Link: BOSTITCH F21PL Round Head1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer with Positive Placement Tip and Magnesium Housing