Expert: Michael Curry - 3/15/2008

Question
QUESTION: I am planning on building a garage and would like to purchase a framing nailer, i have done some research and found there are many variations, 34 degree, 20 degree, 28 degree etc. Clipped head, round head, nails collated with paper and wire. Can you      explain what the different variations mean and maybe recommend a specific style and/or brand

ANSWER: Everyone has their own preference. We use Paslode air strip nailers for most work and for production framing we use Hitachi coil air nailers because of the nail capacity and versatility.
Some use airless nailers but they are high maintenance and costly.

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QUESTION: Thanks for the answer, my other question is, why are there different angles? Does a certain angle nailer have a certain purpose? Why are some nails collated with wire and some with paper? Thanks Again

Answer
The angles just have to match the gun with no real other purpose than to sell the manufacturer's nails. Paper/glue and wire is to hold the nails together.

I personally use a Paslode air strip nailer. The airless ones are slow and problematic - but handy if you really can't use a hammer.