Best Framing Nailers for Weekend and Outdoor Work

A woodnetter asked his fellow woodworkers to recommend to him a framing nailer. Here’s a little bit on his usage: “I will not use this everyday but for weekend outdoor work only. getting ready to build me a mini barn for storing wood and lawn equipment.”

I took all the recommendations from the WoodNet forum and combined them with recommendations for framing nailers that I found in the SawmillCreek forum.

The original poster’s usage seems to indicate that a DIYer-level tool would suffice. The responses point towards a professional-grade selection of tools. Here’s a note from a WoodNetter: “…skip the Sencos and Bostiches unless you are an extreme part time user…”

I dug a bit for reviews of each of the individual nailers and included links when I found them.

Underneath the results of favorite framing nailers you’ll find the results of a SawmillCreek poll that asked for favorite overall nailer. Scroll all the way down for links to the threads I used for this post plus the ToolCrib guide to buying a nail gun and a framing nailer comparison.

Best Framing Nailers for Weekend and Outdoor Work

Porter Cable Framing Nailer: 9 Votes

Porter-Cable FR350A Round Head 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer
Porter Cable FR350A Review

Hitachi Framing Nailer: 8 Votes

Hitachi NR83A2 Round Head 2-Inch to 3-1/4-Inch Framing Nailer

Paslode Cordless Framing Nailer: 6 Votes

Paslode 900420 Cordless IMCT Framing Nailer
Paslode 900420 Review at Epinions

Senco Framing Nailer: 3 Votes

Senco FramePro
2 Senco FramePro reviews at epinions

Bostitch Framing Nailer: 3 Votes

Bostitch F21PL Round Head 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer

Milwaukee Framing Nailer: 1 Vote

Milwaukee 7100-20 Round Head 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer
Milwaukee 7100-20 reviews at PriceGrabber

Favorite Nailer Brands (from poll in SMC)

Porter Cable: 45 Votes
Senco: 30 Votes
Bostich: 13 Votes
Sears/Craftsman: 9 Votes
Pasalode: 8 Votes
DeWalt: 7 Votes
Hitachi: 3 Votes

Obviously these were for favorite overall brand of nailer, but I thought it might be useful to folks who are shopping for a framing nailer as one more source of opinion ;)

Resources:
recommended framing nailers?? (WN)
Framing Nailer (SMC)
What nailers do you own/use? (SMC)
Framing Nailers (comparison from Tools of the Trade)
The Ultimate Nail Gun Buying Guide for Pneumatic Newbies