Replies

1. 
   JMartinsky | Dec 07, 2003 02:01am | #1

   I have used the Paslode gas guns for years and love them. Great range of fasteners, ease of use, rugged, and reliable. Everyone else has been trying to play catch-up. PC released the "Bammer" a couple of years ago, awkward as Hell and unreliable. The Senco gun that you are considering has not had many good reviews. If you have the opportunity, pick up both guns and see how they feel. The Paslode, in particular the angled trim gun is much more compact than the Senco. I have the angled gun and it is a fine tool. I can tell you that the Paslode will survive repeated falls from five feet.

   Good Luck!

   John

1. 
   WebTrooper | Dec 07, 2003 01:09pm | #2

   I had the paslode angle finisher and I now own the senco. I had great luck with both of them. The reason I switched though is that I work mostly interior and when doing a lot of nailing the fumes from the passlode gave me a cracking headache. That can't be good.

   I never had the problem but a lot of people have, that the gas cartrige was difficult to lock closed. One time at a woodworking tool supplier I was shopping at, another customer came in with the passlode angle nailer to inquire about this problem. I tried locking the cartrige in place and darned it I couldn't get the thing to lock. Bob, the guy that ran the store, told about how home depot buys a scaled down version that is known to have these problems (there's other problems?). Sure enough, his was from home depot. I bought mine online (gently used from ebay) so I don't know where mine came from.

   I hear a lot about the senco airless jambing up a lot but I never had that problem, less I hit a screw or something. There is a very slight delay for the gyro to wind up with each shot but it's not much of an annoyance and I got used to it quick. Also, the depth set is dependant on the power of impact rather than a dead stoping point. In other words, rather that adjusting how deep you want the nail set, you adjust the amount of speed the gyro reaches before it kicks the nail in. Again, it's a minor trade off and I got accustomed to it quickly.

   Hope this is helpful!~ WebTrooper ~

   "But don't take my word for it. I was wrong once and it could happen again!"

1. 
   JMartinsky | Dec 07, 2003 03:47pm | #3

   I never heard of anyone getting a headache from the fumes, but if you did, then you were wise to switch. I HAVE, however, heard of and have experienced problems with tools bought at Home Depot. I no longer purchase tools there. I only buy what I believe are quality tools, P-C, Makita, Bosch, etc. and as a contractor, I don't have time for breakdowns, or returns. Yes, for the most part, Home Depot will exchange items, but why should I have to spend my time in line at Home Depot returning a tool when I could be doing something else? I only buy tools from Amazon.com, Tool Crib, Coastal Tool, International Tool and Woodworkers Warehouse. I'm not sure what Home Depots problem is, I can't believe that they handle items rougher than UPS or similar, so that leads me to believe that manufacturers dump their "seconds" on HD. Whatever may be the case, I no longer spend my $ there. I'm glad that the Senco works for you.

   Good Luck!

   John

1. 
   WebTrooper | Dec 07, 2003 09:53pm | #4

   A lot of the tools from HD are specially made for them by the manufactures. You'll see a lot of model numbers that end with -D, -H, -HD or -2, etc. You wont find these models anywhere else. That's the kind of buying power they have. These special models are generally geared for home owner use, a little less went into them - plastic parts where there would otherwise be metal, thinner wiring inside the tool, you get the idea. They work okay for me since I'm the only one using them and I don't do a lot of gut remodels, mostly just handy services. but for running a crew, doing demolition, construction and stuff, they just don't hold up.

   ~ WebTrooper ~

   "But don't take my word for it. I was wrong once and it could happen again!"

1. 
   JMartinsky | Dec 08, 2003 01:42am | #5

   No Kidding!!!!!!!!!!! I'll have to check that out! You may of answered some long standing questions.

   Thanks Again!

   John

2. 
   WebTrooper | Dec 08, 2003 04:59am | #6

   Just to clarify, they're still a couple o steps above craftsman and b&d. Great for the money for a busy handyman, but not up to being passed around a crew of framers or rockers in a production environment.

   I got my senco airless trimmer at the woodworking store I mentioned earlier. I'm not even sure hd sells it but if they did I bet it's those ones that are receiving the bad reviews.~ WebTrooper ~

   "But don't take my word for it. I was wrong once and it could happen again!"

3. 
   xhammerandnailsx | Dec 24, 2003 10:51pm | #7

   We have two Paslodes (one framer and one finish) and three Sencos (two finish and one brad). I prefer the Sencos for a few reasons. One, i've never had a problem with the Sencos not being able to shoot. If the paslodes are in cold weather (and sometimes in just regular weather), they'll have to take time to warm up before they are ready to go. Secondly, with the Senco, you don't have to buy special nails.

   Both are great for what they do. The Paslodes runs a little faster, but due to the battery/gas in cold problems (and occasional nail jams), I'll vote for the Senco.

   Regardless of whichever you buy, you'll be happy not to carry the compressor up to the site to shoot 6 nails.

2. 
   DanC | Jan 06, 2004 02:01am | #8

   nyc,

   I have tried both the Pasload and the Senco hoseless finish nailers.  I recognize the need for the tools, but I must say there are flaws with both.  The Pasload in particular I have been disapointed in as it jambs so often and refuses to work in even moderate cold ( 30 -40 degrees F). In fairness I might have a lemon, but I have comunicated with the manufacturer and though they have promised to let me exchange the tool, they are yet to follow through.  The Senco I had high hopes for and it seems like a well designed tool, but I don't like the large dimple it makes in the wood that of course needs to be filled. The other drawback that seems to bother some is the slight delay in firing( that didn't bother me all thaty much).  Hope this helps.

   Dan

1. 
   Shep | Jan 06, 2004 02:58am | #9

           Dan-- try to follow up with replacing your Paslode. I've used one for years and its been very reliable. I do agree about its not working well in the cold, but I just try to remember to bring it in overnight. Once it starts firing, I usually don't have any problems the rest of the day. They do require regular cleanings, but I've gotten pretty quick with that.

3. 
   FlashMacgyver | Jul 08, 2019 12:39am | #10

   never had a senco but after getting a few used Paslode IMCT 900420 Cordless Framing Nailers for me and my crew, i was hooked on paslode.. they are tanks! way more powerful than i expected for not being off a compressor. i mean covered in mud, in the rain, thrown around, dropped and if they have a jam quick to clear like a good gun should be. one had a nozzle bit for the "fuel" break off and i called paslode and had 2 replacements for 12 bucks in a few days. yeah they jam sometimes, yeah they are slower than compressor style(so not great for shingles), but for fencing and quick frame jobs, i think they are awesome! i got a finishing nailer later and i find it to be crazy loud... like ear hurting loud when doing moulding, baseboards, etc (especially in corners) not as heavy as the makitas though so i actually like to use quieter slower ryiobis for small stuff when clients are home instead of the paslode finisher.. plus the ryobi finishers have a light which is very helpful for cabinetry. anyway.. i am no expert.. but i do this for a living. ha! down to earth home improvement and commercial services in austin texas

   anyways nice to share my experience.. in short. i am pro paslode.. imho they are the toyotas/hondas of nailers man hard to break.. great for crews if you can get them used so you don't have to worry about losing money just in case... if you can snag one with a good battery (one caveat the bottoms of the break) one charger, one fuel, and framing gun for $90 and buy 20 bucks of nails.. i think you find that they are very capable... you can use it for a few years and sell the gun for at least $50... so why not? one question i have is, which one is lighter... i think the new lithiums are way lighter but which gun is lighter? the senco or the paslode? :) happy building