Editor's Review: Finish Nailers Unplugged
by Gary M. Katz
review date: July 1, 2003
This finish nailer shoots straight 18-ga. nails and uses a 12v battery to power a small onboard compressor. After two or three shots, the compressor empties and has to recharge, which takes a second or two. This nailer doesn't have an auto-off feature to prevent making empty nail holes when the brad magazine empties. It can also be powered by a conventional hose-and-compressor setup. It is heavy and poorly balanced.
A single switch offers four settings to control nail-driving depth, and to move from battery/mini-compressor mode to conventional compressor mode. We needed the highest setting only when nailing hardwoods or MDF to MDF. Normal is the preferred setting, because the compressor doesn't run after nearly every shot.
The gun is equipped with a directional exhaust port, which you can use to keep exhausted compressor gas from blowing in your face.
Editor Test Results:
Manufacturer Specifications
| Manufacturer |
Porter-Cable |
| Manufacturer's Web Site |
www.deltaportercable.com
|
| Manufacturer's Phone Number |
888-848-5175 |
| Weight |
7.75 lb. w/battery |
| Dimensions |
N/A |
| Nail Sizes |
1/4 in. to 2 in. |
| Nail Capacity |
N/A |
| Nail Type |
Straight 18 ga. |
| Safety Guard |
N/A |
| Special Features |
Can run on 12v battery or attached to a regular compressor |
