Paslode Impulse Framemaster-Li Powervent B20543P
MPN: B20543P4 reviews
Think very carefully before you commit to a nailer that uses expensive gas cartridges. If you're firing it all day; maybe. If you use the tool occasionally; don't even think about it. I've owned my Paslode framer for 20 years (its the older IM350 using NiCd batteries). It was my favorite tool for the first 12 months and worked flawlessly. Thereafter, every time I pick it up I have to waste more time debugging it, and that always includes having to buy fresh fuel (if you're putting in a dozen nails, that comes at about $2/nail). Lately it's been so unreliable, I just ended up using screws instead - after wasting a couple of days checking it out. The infuriating aspect to trying to get a stubborn Paslode to fire nails is that it's all subjective - how good is the spark, how clean is the exhaust, how fresh is the gas, how much gas?
I think the days of fuel nailers are done; there's nothing more annoying than a tool you can't use when you need it. Get an all-electric gun.
Follow-up · It comes with a reliable case; not really a prime consideration but nice to have. The weighting is not bad, the balance is good, so it's fun to use - YMMV as I have fairly large hands and good grip strength. It used to be easy to replace parts, but Paslode are pretty good at designed obsolescence so a constant stream of newer models makes this harder. I heard from my local tool store they are releasing a completely new design with many cute features (none of which improve the ability to drive a nail) and were offering trade-ins, but there's no way I'm doubling down on gas nailing. I'd go full electric.
Purchased in .
nail gun still under warranty, i have had issues with the battery coming out, when turning it off. took it to Paslode repair centre, they said it was a manufacturing fault, in the battery casing. instead of replacing the gun, its going to take week to repair it, im in the middle of a frame, so that sucks. poor service purchased from burnie bunnings
Purchased in at Australis for $1,500.
Commercial workhorse worth its $ – Upgraded to the paslode framemaster li-ion from a compressor China rig framer gun. put her to work and thought nothing of it, operated flawlessly 6 years now til I put her in for a service, she was getting a just wee bit sluggish. After a service they got a doo whacky that tells ya how hard she’s worked and turns out she’s had over a million shots (that’s 1000,000 nails belted in) still feels brand new to me and I haven’t treated particularly well and still working 5 days a week flat out so get what you pay for I guess!
Purchased in at Sydney Tools for $900.
Leave your hammer at home – I was always sceptical of the suitability of framing nailers to build stud walls, but ended up buying one simply to try it out. Must say, it will change the way you work; simply hold the timber in place, then press the gun where you want the nail and presto, the stud is there for a long time. And yes, they will skew nail for additional strength. But do read the manual; the 'net is full of misinformation on these devices and you should (must) carefully read the manual so you understand the safety, the flexibility and how it actually works. One reason I didn't buy one earlier is the reviews on the 'net put me off! I also purchased the IM250A Brad Nailer at the same time (part of a special deal on a package) and you can put architraves and skirts on in seconds rather than minutes. Basically Framing Nailer for structural, Brad Nailer for non-structural is how I make the decision, though for decks and pergolas I still recommend an impact screwdriver with bugle screws. Yes, you will get occasional misfires, understandable in comparison to bending a nail or hitting a finger with your hammer, but move to the next nail and pull the misfire out of the timber at the end, using pliers or multigrips because claw hammers don't remove these nails, which is simply another reason for leaving your hammer at home!
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