Review of el cheapo nail gun

**rodm** · 24th October 2003, 01:58 AM

I picked up a brad nail gun from Big W in Perth tonight for $79. It takes the C1 series 18 gauge brads in the range 20 to 50 mm. These retail for about $200 plus in trade brand names so I was suspicious of the advertisment when I saw it. It is made in China and comes with a plastic case, allen keys and oil bottle as well as 5,000 of the 50mm brads. The brads must be worth close to thirty dollars so it made the purchase very attractive.
I had to change the air coupling to match my existing compressor set up but that wasn't a problem as the diameter and thread of the couplings matched. I fired off about fifty 50 mm nails including a few sets in rapid fire and it operated perfectly. I also fired off a series of other lengths of brads and all went well again.
Examining and comparing this gun to my other nail guns the quality and finish is down slightly on the Paslode and WMS. The gun also seems to be a bit heavier but not that heavy that it would cause operating problems. It has the same features as the more expensive guns - trigger lock, rubber grip, quick release nose piece with the exception that the exaust is fixed. It does point to the front of the gun so for most applications it should be OK.
For me a weekend wrecker it is a bargain and with the short trial I gave it it does as well as the more expensive brand names. My only concern is the driver blade may not be hardened to the same degree as the Paslodes, etc. This thought is based on the assumption that it is just too cheap, but I figure that with the use I will be giving it I should be in front long before it is binned.

**Termite** · 24th October 2003, 10:25 AM

There seems to be a rash of the usual, 1 factory 50 colours and brands, 18g nail guns around. I bought a kit on special for $139.00 from Supercheap Autos, and it consisted of a 18g nail gun (15mm - 50mm) plus a staple gun plus a heap of nails and staples plus bits and pieces including a bag plus a set of steak knives. [the last bit was bu....it].
From the minute it went into my shed it's been used. Nearly as good as a third hand. No sign of any problems yet, but at the price and the work I'm giving it, if it dies i'll just go and buy another one.
Regards
Termite

**John G** · 25th October 2003, 07:59 PM

By way of comparison, has anyone used an electric nail gun?

Are these any good? Are there any disadvantages vs air guns?

I ask because I don't have a compressor.
I was looking at some GMC and Archer brad guns, that can handle up to 32mm brads I think. They were about $100-$200.

Given I don't have a compressor, is this the best choice?

Also, are there any other brands or models that can handle bigger nails? I'm about to do some fencing and cladding, so am eyeing a gun...

**Dean** · 25th October 2003, 10:45 PM

Avoid the electric nail guns. They don't have the power to drive any larger nails all the way into the wood, especially hardwoods. Pneumatic nailers are the only way to go. I'm assuming you mean those electric corded models, not the Paslode type guns.

If budget is a problem, here is my suggestion....

Compressor - GMC have a 2HP, 24L compressor for $99 at the moment. At that price, it is a good buy and its suitable for nail gun operations.

Nail Gun - For fencing and cladding, you are going to need a nail gun that can fire full round head nails. I.e. a Framing/Fencing nailer. They are the really big suckers that cost $400 minimum! Brads simply wont cut it for fencing/cladding. I havent had to put up cladding before but heard that nail guns can split this type of material on occassion... or was that chamferboard?

If you want a brad nailer, do as rodm did and head on off to Big W for their brad nailer at $79. I think it is badged as Nu-Power. I've had a look at this gun and it seems pretty good for the dollars, considering you get 5000 nails with it too.
Failing that, head on over to a Supercheap Auto store and pick up their brad nailer at $99 (no nails, but often on special for $79) or their nailer/stapler kit at $139ish. I have their brad nailer and it hasn't failed me yet and I have fired a good load of nails lately too. Just remember to keep it oiled up.

**soundman** · 26th October 2003, 10:57 PM

I have looked at the machine or a similar one in question and considered it would be a reasonable buy for ocasional trim joinery.

I think you will find it is a "C" series which is slightly heavier than C1.

its better to refer to these machines as a brad nailer as people get the wrong idea.

they are realy only usefull for very light joinery. Even fitting door trims & architraves is a bit of an ask. 50mm is only just long enough for small moulding. once you get thru 16mm of moulding & 12-16mm of plaster there is barely enough to get a good hold on the timber on the other side.
Don't even think about it if youre planning on nailing into hardwood.
For any framing or fencing ect you are better off hiring a real one for the duration.

I have a C1 machine which is great for attaching trim to case work I used to use it to tack speaker boxes to gether before screwing. I've had a 6mm narow crown stapler for a while now which hits harder & holds better.

**Theva** · 27th October 2003, 08:07 AM

The 24L 2hp GMC compressor was not good enough to drive a coil nailing gun. Depth of drive was inconsistent.

When tank pressure drops, it takes a long time between nails. Exchanged it for a 50L 3hp pro unit.

It may be enough to drive brad nailers.

Regards,

Theva

**stephenmeddings** · 27th October 2003, 11:20 AM

Dean: looked at the gun/stapler kit at Supercheap on the weekend. They have it on sale for $100 which is great deal, but...... the nail gun doesn't appear to have a safety switch/lever? Is this the case? The wife was a little concerned.

Mitre 10 have on sale a "Project Air Bradder Finishing Gun" on sale for $109 at the moment. The picture doesn't show enough to see if it has a safety. Anyone have ideas on this?

Maybe a trip to Big W is in order

**Dean** · 27th October 2003, 11:30 AM

Hi,

Yes the supercheap auto guns have a safety mechanism, it's just a different design and not as obvious to see, probably because of the all-black colouring. $100 for the kit is a steal!

**stephenmeddings** · 27th October 2003, 11:39 AM

Thanks Dean, I'll have another look on the way home.

The gun in the kit is slightly different to the stand-alone version but I think its only the cartridge colour (black in the kit, silver on the single). Same brand.

**soundman** · 28th October 2003, 10:06 PM

It might be worth playing the quality card.

there are a number of beter quality brands that are not top shelf & poisonously expensive that are worth consideration.

the smaller porter cable nailers & staplers are good value for money and of reliable quality.

there are a couple of mid priced brands at some of the indipendent tool stores that aren't that much more expensive considering the performance.

**stephenmeddings** · 29th October 2003, 10:40 AM

Just picked up the Supercheap Autos Gun/Staple kit for $100. It looks Ok and for what I want to do with it, will be suitable.

I always say spend the money and buy quality. But there are times when I need to way up how much I'm going to use it and is it worth the extra.

**Dean** · 29th October 2003, 11:04 AM

Hey!

Let us know how it goes.
Well I know how the brad nailer goes because I have one and it has worked perfectly so far, but I'm keen to hear your experiences with the stapler, which I will get one day this century

**Helix** · 29th October 2003, 12:42 PM

Originally posted by stephenmeddings
Just picked up the Supercheap Autos Gun/Staple kit for $100. It looks Ok and for what I want to do with it, will be suitable.

I always say spend the money and buy quality. But there are times when I need to way up how much I'm going to use it and is it worth the extra.

So did I! I was impressed. It works well, and seems of good quality. The stapler will come in handy one day I am sure. The included bag is a great idea, and will keep these tools working for years. $100 you can't really go wrong can you?

**gonatf** · 5th November 2003, 06:24 PM

Anyone know of a SuperChap in Queensland with the kits at $100? All I have contacted have them at $159.

**DPB** · 5th November 2003, 07:21 PM

I'm sure there are lots of super chaps in Queensland.

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