I am interested in buying one of the nail gun/air compressor combo sets for personal use.

Between Lowe's and HD I have seen three brands that seem to satisfy what I am looking for - Bostich(3 nail guns), Dewalt(2 nail guns) and Porter Cable(2 nail guns). The price difference top to bottom is $20-30.

I am looking for any feedback people have with these brands.

Thank you.

I have the Bostich combo. It is great for finishing nails/staples/brads. If you have any intention of doing any framing, buy a good compressor and the guns separate. Just an FYI

I have a Bostich 15 ga finish nailer I got used at a pawn shop and 18 ga brad nailer I bought new. I am very pleased with the quality and performance of both of them.

I don't know much about Porter Cable nailers, but all of my DeWalt tools are superb.

From my experience, it's easier to get compatible nail/brad stock for Bostich nailers at more stores. Porter Cable nails are stocked more commonly at Home Depot than Lowe's (at least in several Houston Stores).

I've got the Porter Cable combo with a small 5 gal compressor, 2 brad nailers and a staple gun. It works great for my purpose which is mostly installing trim in my home, using a nozzle to blow off the car after I'm done washing it and air up the tires.

I got the Porter Cable 3 gun combo for Christmas....actually used a gun for the first time last night. Absolutely love it.

I went into this decision some years ago just like yourself. In those years I've used the little brad nailers and staple guns a couple of times and used a framing gun I bought seperately about 100 times.

My advice is treat the staple guns like a freebie that's basically irrelevent, and get the best compressor.

I just ordered this. It was much cheaper than the Porter-Cable version at Home Depot. We'll see how the "factory reconditioned" part of it works out.

I have the DeWalt combo. Used it to replace all of the trim and doors in my house with no issues. The guns are decent but not fancy. I use the compressor for all kinds of things from larger nail guns to putting air in my tires and I like it.

I've got the Porter Cable combo with no complaints. I had looked into this Stanley Bostich combo at Lowes, but the reviews about having problems with the air compressor scared be off.

Anyone used a cordless nailer? Seems to be a good idea -- no carrying around of a small compressor or lugging miles of a hose.

I have rented one before for a project. They are very handy. It is cheaper to rent a cordless nail gun than a compressor and a gun. However, they are pretty expensive to buy, and you don't have the versatility that an air compressor provides.

Cordless is great if you have a project that requires it. No electricity, etc. They break down alot though so not a great bet for your only option nail gun.

********** My first job out of college was with Bostitch ***********

Facts: Combo kits are not the same as on the shelf - true for porter cable, dewalt ect
They are a cheaper grade made in taiwan version.
Most Bostitch Guns are made (assembled) in Rhode Island at the factory, but these are made overseas to keep a cheap price point.

They do not last as long as the on the shelf versions nor will you use them as much if you are a do-it yourselfer so most likely ok.

The 2 in 1 stapler/brad nailer leaves marks If you are shooting a brad nail into molding it leaves a line from the 1/4" staple driver that comes down and then causes more caulking/wood filling. But it is nice to have one gun that does both. The stapler side of the gun works great. (this gun is not in all kits)

Air compressor is weak, but great if you are once again a do-it yourselfer. You can run a framing gun with it, but won't be moving to fast. These compressors will not run an impact gun.

Stanley(owner of Bostitch)is buying Black and Decker - which owns Delta, Porter Cable and Dewalt. Don't know if Porter Cable or Dewalt will be around in the future - doesn't make sence to own 3 nail gun companies

I would also like to say there are only 3 or 4 actuall air compressor companies. Most are variations of the same pump and regulator with different tanks.

So don't worry which one you buy. Focus on the cfm rate at 90psi which is optimal gun preassure. Any higher and you will start blowing gaskets.

Ok last one I promise....

One of my former customers
http://dandwdistributors.com/
For anyone in San Antonio or New Braunfels
Its off 3009 and I 35
They sell referbed. kits at discounted rates.
They also have a wide range of other tools
When I worked at Bostitch it was cheaper to buy what I needed from D and W.

Well my compressor seems to have a slow leak. I'll have to wait until the weekend to dig further and see if it's fixable.

Porter Cable.

I got the finish nailer, brad nailer, crown stapler, and pin nailer. Have found an excuse to use them all.

I have 2 Paslodes (cordless) for trim work and a framing gun. I love them, very few problems if you clean and oil them occasionally. They are NOT CHEAP, but I have gotten my $$$$ worth out of them.

I was finally able to use my Bostitch compressor and nail gun. Everything worked great. I actually got an even better deal because they shipped it without a hose. I emailed Amazon to complain and they refunded me 30%, which was $57. I then went to Home Depot and bought a better hose for $40. Overall, I am very happy with it.

[This message has been edited by jkb (edited 3/1/2010 11:11p).]