We often use trim compressors to do smaller projects because of their compact size, convenience and mobility. The Porter Cable C1010 1 Gallon 135 PSI Max Quiet Trim Compressor is all of that and more. Overall weight is a very manageable 24 pounds and there is a protective steel roll cage that also doubles as the carry handle, allowing the compressor to be carried in an upright position. Probably the biggest feature of this little compressor is that it is oil-free and quiet. Normally you can't say both of those words in the same sentence when talking about compressors. Somehow the engineers at Porter-Cable figured out how to make this little guy maintenance-free and you can stand to be in the same room with it when it is running. Our plan was to find out if it really is as good as they say it is.
Squeaking subfloors can be a homeowner's nightmare and one of the hardest things for a contractor to fix once the final floors are installed. Potential problems can be eliminated from the onset in new construction and even renovation work with the new Paslode TetraGrip Subfloor Fastening System. This system uses the proprietary TetraGrip Subfloor Fastener and the dedicated Paslode PF237C Pneumatic TetraGrip Coil Nailer. These fasteners drive like a nail, yet hold like a screw thanks to their revolutionary "barb-threaded" design which deliver the holding power of a floor screw. Productivity over using screws is greatly increased because you can drive these fasteners as fast as you can pull the trigger on the nailer. This nailing system may be a game changer for the residential market and we will try it out to see what we think.
The Emglo EM810-4V Heavy-Duty 4 Gal Oil-Lube Stacked Tank Air Compressor has twin tanks, a cast iron cylinder and a central handle that makes it easy to carry around on the jobsite. With a 1.1 HP motor, plenty of air capacity and air delivery; this compressor has the ability to drive up to four brad or finish nailers or two framing, roofing or flooring nailers at one time with out slowing down. We think that this 56 pound compressor should meet the needs of most trim carpenters, remodelers, light duty framers, roofers or flooring professionals. The Emglo EM810-4V Compressor is backed with a one-year limited warranty and can be found in Lowe's Home improvement Centers.
If you've ever done a roofing job (and most of our readers seem to have some knowledge of this type of work) you've laid down button caps to secure felt to a rooftop. That job is made simpler with the addition of pneumatics. We've tried several different systems, like the Fasco America SideWinder Windstrips Stapler we reviewed last year. Now, Duo-Fast has a new product, the DF150-CS Button Cap Stapler. This system allows you to shoot staples and plastic button caps at the same time. As you can imagine, it's perfect for roofing felt applications as well as housewrap. Most jurisdictions not locked to Broward County rules will allow the use of a tool like this on roofing felt and housewrap.
Having a full sized 4-gallon compressor for framing and other construction projects is great, but what about the smaller job where you don't want a larger compressor that takes up lots of space and is bulky to maneuver? For that, Porter-Cable has introduced its new heavy-duty, one-gallon, 135 Max PSI quiet trim compressor (model C1010). This is the kind of tool you want to bring with you to do punch lists and smaller trim work, making it perfect for general contractors, trim carpenters, and remodelers. It's even suitable for woodworkers, wanting a lightweight tool for furniture assembly.
The Emglo EM810-4M 4-Gallon Dolly-Style Twin Tank Air Compressor is designed to meet the needs of the trim carpenter, remodeler, framer, roofer or flooring professional. With a 1.1 HP motor and an oil-lubricated cast iron cylinder, performance, durability and reliability are built in. The capacity and air delivery gives this compressor the ability to support up to four brad or finish nailers or two framing, roofing or flooring nailers at once without compromising performance. The 88 pound compressor is easy to maneuver around the jobsite thanks to the wheel kit, which features two 10 inch pneumatic tires with metal hubs and a solid axle. The Emglo EM810-4M Heavy-Duty Compressor is backed with a one-year limited warranty and will be available in September 2011
The new Duo-Fast DF150S-TC TICO Nailer is designed specifically for driving 1-1/2" nails in joist hangers and other metal strapping commonly used in residential construction. This nailer was made for the job site, so you can be sure that you will get the durability you need to handle everyday use. Thanks to its many nice features, like a compact, lightweight body and a probing tip to help find the holes, you can expect a considerable boost to your productivity when it comes to nailing tasks that require these 1-1/2" type of nails.
The FNA250-15 15-ga finish nailer from Bosch is quite possibly the most convenient and lightweight finish nailers we've used to-date. With conveniences like a trigger that can easily change modes without having to be replaced, to an adjustable drive depth that can be activated with your fingers, this tool is taking construction and finishing to a new level of simplicity. Its small size and lightweight frame makes it easy to maneuver into tight spots and get that last corner shot. We actually brought it along to a few job sites and interviewed several pros, letting them handle and use the Bosch FNA250-15 Finish Nailer for themselves. Reactions, while different, were all quite positive. Most shared similar comments about how the tool was easy to hold, had little girth, and could be adjusted at will. Though we never encountered any jams, the business end of the tool can be taken apart so easily that it was easy to see that any difficulties or problems could be dealt with quickly and conveniently.
There are Pro and DIY products, but some tool kits are just plain fun to incite your creativity and generally get your home improvement and DIY wheels turning. Campbell Hausfeld's FL260097AV Home Improvement Project Kit is one of those. With the extremely portable 1 gallon compressor and included brad nailer/stapler and pneumatic caulk gun - this is one home improvement kit that's well-rounded and a great solution for the casual user who wants to tackle a number of different projects.
It didn't take long for us to be amazed at the power and efficiency of Milwaukee's new M12 Palm Nailer when we saw it at the company's 2010 Press Event. The tool is literally a 12V lithium-ion powered palm nailer that can drive 12D and 16D nails into 2x4 studs flush without any problems - we know because we demoed it and were just as surprised as anyone reading this article. The M12 Palm Nailer provides a portable solution to professional nailing applications without the hassle of an air compressor or hose. It also makes a joke out of those cordless 12V autohammers made by Craftsman and Ryobi. For whatever reason, this palm nailer hits hard, while those other tools come off feeling like they couldn't do more than hang a picture with a finish nail.
We've tried about every Bosch nailer to-date, and it looks like, with the BNS200-18 18 Gauge Brad Nailer, the company just may have saved its best for last. It's smaller than most brad nailers we've seen to-date. It's also extremely light at just over two pounds. It feels natural in the hand and is extremely maneuverable, with above-average ergonomics and features that really count - like dry-fire lockout and a tool-less trigger mode change. In a word, it's fantastic.
See All Articles In This Section
