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Our Paslode Framing Nailer Vs Hitachi matchup will help you make the best possible decision….
When buying a framing nailer, most pros will tell you to pick either the Paslode Cordless XP Framing Nailer, a damn fine nailer especially for tight spaces or the Hitachi NR1890DR Framing Nailer, celebrated for its unmatched power-to-weight ratio.
Of course, a framing gun is a significant investment and you don’t want to shell out on a nailer that no one will want to touch.
So, how do they stack up and which is the batter nailer, dollar-for-dollar?
Well, we hope that our Paslode Framing Nailer Vs Hitachi matchup will help you make the best possible decision.
Keep reading.
Paslode Framing Nailer Vs Hitachi – the basics
We’ll help you decide which framing nailer is worth your money by comparing features, performance, weight, durability, and more.
Before we move to the meat of the matter, here are the first impressions (We’ll be super quick):
· Paslode Framing Nailer
The biggest attraction for our team was the increased power- power comes from the combination of the fuel cell and a 7V Li-ion battery.
The other big news is the improved operation in freezing conditions because of the company’s reformulated fuel.
On the downside, framers still report a slight delay along with a more objectionable gas odor.
Maintenance is another issue with the Paslode- the gas cartridges drain down fairly often and you’ll be buying new ones after every 1200 shots (or so).
· Hitachi cordless framing nailer
Hitachi proprietary “Air Spring Drive System”-which simply means that air has been permanently sealed in its chamber- makes this a super impressive nailer (it’s ready to shoot the minute you hit it, almost like a pneumatic tool).
And thanks to Hitachi’s futuristic technology, which includes a durable Brushless motor, there’s less maintenance to do here.
The best part? You avoid the hassle and cost of replacing gas cartridges.
The lifetime warranty is also noteworthy – it will give you more peace of mind and shows the amount of confidence Hitachi has in the tool.
Paslode Framing Nailer Vs Hitachi – Performance
· Paslode Framing Nailer
Our team reports that the nailer drives nails quite effortlessly and there are no noticeable problems- in fact, the annoying jams and misfires common with the older Paslodes are not frequent in the current version.
Okay, it does misfire on the odd occasion but it almost will never jam. So convenient!
The gun actually shoots fast and drives nails flush even into LVL and Timberstrand – there’s clearly magnificent nail driving power in there and you may, at times, need to dial the power back a bit!
The tool also doesn’t skip a beat when sinking nails into various hardwoods, the types often encountered by remodelers.
Most importantly, it’s way lighter and feels more comfortable while fastening in confined quarters (has nice angled tooth).
Pro-Tip: Consider stocking a few fuel canisters, if you’ll go the Paslode way. They surely last a considerable amount of time.
· Hitachi cordless framing nailer
This drives up to 2 framing nails per second and with zero “ramp-up” time.
The other standout is the recoil- it’s very minimal and you may think you’ve got a top-level pneumatic nailer instead.
In addition, our team liked the fact that the nailer punches harder.
More good news: you can fire the nailer sequentially or in bump-fire mode depending on your preference.
And as mentioned before, it sinks the nails more consistently.
On the slip side, the overall weight of Hitachi is a bit annoying and can leave your shoulders hurting though the soft grip handle eases some of the discomfort.
Paslode Framing Nailer Vs Hitachi – Other Features
Paslode Framing Nailer
- Aggressive teeth– Excellent for toenailing.
- Compact, angled Design– Can fit between 16-inch o.c. studs/joists/roof trusses.
- Battery Standby Position – Helps conserve battery power.
- Tool Free Depth-of-Drive –Adjusts depth easily (simply pinch and slide).
- Utility Hook – Helps it rotate easily for rafter placement or work belt.
- Nail Lockout – To prevent blank driving.
- Stainless Steel Magazine Race-way –Resists warping/jams and also provides quick nail loading and change-outs.
Hitachi cordless framing nailer
- Brushless motor: For longevity.
- Tool-less depth drive adjustment: For cute finish.
- Auto shut off: Power switch switches off automatically if not used for 30 minutes.
- Selective actuation: To transit from sequential mode to bump fire mode for rapid nailing.
- Battery charge indicator: Track available battery.
- Ergonomically designed grip handle: For comfort.
- Dry firing lock-out (with 5 fasteners remaining): For extra safety.
- Trigger switch lock: Prevents accidental firing.
- Pivoting rafter hook: Easily store the nailer when not needed.
- 21° magazine: Holds about 37 collated fasteners.
- Hardened claw tip: Resists wear and reduces slippage when nailing at an angle/toe-nailing.
Paslode Framing Nailer Vs Hitachi – Selected Specs compared
Paslode Framing Nailer
|
Hitachi cordless framing nailer |
|
| Speed | 2-3 nails/second | 2 nails/second |
| Nail length | 2”to3 ¼” | 2” to 3 ½” |
| Magazine | One strip of nails | 37 fasteners |
| Cold weather operation | Working even temperatures drop to 14°F | Shuts off when temperatures drops below 23°F |
| Battery | 7V Li-ion Battery (can shoot up to 1200 nails/charge)
|
3.0Ah Li-on battery (400 nails/charge)
Can work with various Hitachi 18-V Li-on slide-type batteries |
| Weight | 7.2lbs. | 10.8 lbs. |
| Warranty | 2 Years (Service), 5-year limited Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
Paslode Framing Nailer Vs Hitachi :Pros and cons
Paslode Framing Nailer |
Hitachi NR1890DC |
|
| Pros | Lighter | Lifetime warranty |
| Easy to control and comfy in narrow spots | Less maintenance- no | |
| Faster and easier to load gas and nails | No fuel cells | |
| Cons | Fuel canisters need replacement | Factory-installed batteries do not last with heavy use |
| A little more expensive. Consumables also over-priced | Bulkier than Paslode | |
| It’s quite loud | Comes with a somewhat cheap bag. | |
| Fuel exhaust stinks |
Where to use each tool
Both tools will unteather you from the cord and compressors but where specifically does each shine?
Okay, we know that the manufacturer will tell you that their tool is a true jack of all trades and the best cordless framing nailer but that’s just a way of making you buy.
To help you make the right move, here what our team thinks about the suitability of each tool to various jobs..
· Paslode Framing Nailer
This tool is unbeatable for pickup framing and all small projects with limited space/access– awkward corners, top plates, in attics, and the like.
It also seems to set nails great when toe nailing, largely due to the perfectly angled tooth.
· Hitachi framing nailer
As you’d expect, it’s awesome for all types of small lighter duty nailing projects as long as access is not an issue.
Perhaps more important is the fact that this is a more dependable option for the occasional heavy duty framing jobs, in our opinion.
Side-Note: You may still find air models better for production work because of the cost of nails and speed.
Paslode Framing Nailer Vs Hitachi: Final Verdict
The Paslode (check current price) is pretty light and convenient if you’ll be working all day.
Plus, it’s certainly the more friendly option for tight locations.
But with a higher initial outlay and the (infamous) need for gas cells, it’s not the cheapest nailer.
On the other hand, the Hitachi framing nailer (check current price) will cost you less both during purchase and maintain it (no fuel cells).
We also feel that Hitachi is the technology winner -You can choose sequential fire or bump fire. Cycle time is also extremely quick.
Performance-wise, Hitachi is the more dependable option for tougher tasks.
On the negatives, the 10.8 lbs is, for lack of a better word, awful!
And oh, you’ll not be happy with the size of the rafter hook.
And now you know as much about the two rival tools as we do.
Good luck with the nailer you’ll choose.
Update:
The Hitachi Framing Nailer is now Metabo cordless framing nailer (Read more here)
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