I had some problems with this until I started using the Red Paslode Fuel Cells. The Hitchi ones wouldn't work at 6200'. Not having an air hose is great. The rafter hook is very useful. I bought a reconditioned one and am very happy with it. Don't let the negative reviews scare you, once I started using the Paslode Fuel Cells it worked fine.
Worthless:
This Hitachi gas framing nailer is worthless.
It says it will drive a 3.5" nail all the way in but even threw soft wood it leaves the nail stick out half an inch. so I bought 3" nails and it sinks them all the way.
The gun doesn't shoot any nail about 1 out of five times. I can hear the gas chamber's fan turn on but no nail comes out. I tried a new battery and new gas cartridges all to no avail.
I am building a barn and will be walking around in rafters. I can't have a tool that... more info
Faster to hand nail:
I purchased this nail gun for a roofing job that required a total reframe of the sagged structure. I was excited to avoid the hoses all over the place and the sound of the compressor over my stereo. The description says it shoots 3 1/2" nails. It does shoot them, but only 20% actually go in all the way. The depth adjustment was as deep as possible and I tried everything to get the nail to fully lodge into the new lumber. I ended up having to go back over the entire structure with my framing hammer and... more info
Adapt:
I've had this unit for 2 weeks now, doing some roof and wall framing. Granted, it doesn't bump fire like an air nailer, but that's not a requirement for me as I'm a methodical type, so an extra 10-seconds to nail off a row of studs is not an issue. The gun works well, is plenty powerful, the 3-1/2 inch ring shank limitation is known, so I work within its capabilities. I find you have to teach yourself the right amount of pressure it takes to enable firing, and I don't give it a second thought now. VERY... more info
