Porter-Cable updates pneumatic fasteners

New oil-free, low-maintenance nailers and staplers boast longevity, consistent performance and more versatility

Porter-Cable recently unveiled an updated line of six pneumatic nailer and stapler kits with tempting offerings such as maintenance-free motor design and innovative on-board features to deliver consistent performance and long tool life, according to the company.

The kits include two 18-gauge brad nailers, models BN138 (fastener capacity of 5/8" to 1-3/8") and BN200B (5/8" to 2"); two narrow crown staplers, models NS100B (1/2" to 1") and NS150B (1/2" to 1-1/2"); and two finish nailers, the 16-gauge model FN250C and 15-gauge model DA250C (both 1" to 2-1/2").

The models feature oil-free motors to reduce the possibility of work-surface contamination and promote hassle-free operation. Porter-Cable product manager Jorge Silveira says, during the research phase, consumers indicated that tools requiring oil were a hassle and messy. But customers also said they're skeptical of oil-free products because they traditionally don't last as long as oil-free motors. Porter-Cable found a middle ground.

"What we were able to do unique in the market is design a motor (driver-piston and cylinder) and head-valve system that allows us to get the same life as we are today on our oil products, but require no oil."

The motors also feature a dual-stack ring design and an internal piston catch. An outer ring on the dual stack reduces friction and increases surface contact, while the inner ring maintains a proper seal against the cylinder. By holding the piston at the highest position in the cylinder, the piston catch ensures accurate nail setting and maximum power on each shot, according to Silveira.

The 18-gauge brad nailers and staplers feature a rear exhaust port to help keep contaminants away from the work surface, depth-of-drive detents, and an adjustable belt clip for hands-free carrying when not in use. A reload indicator, located on the magazine, shows when the nailers and staplers are running low on fasteners.

The brad nailers have a tool-free jam release mechanism. If jams should occur, the mechanism allows for the easy removal of materials from the exposed nose, says Silveira.

The staplers have a fully-enclosed magazine, while the NS150B has a selectable trigger for sequential (single-fire) and bump (multiple-fire) modes.

The brad nailers sell for $79 and $99, while the staplers sell for $89 and $109.

The 15- and 16-gauge finish nailers feature an adjustable exhaust port and Porter-Cable's Load & Lock magazine system. Nails are simply inserted into the rear of the magazine and a pusher slides back to engage.

"The finish nailers provide a little more holding power for heavier applications, like larger trim and exterior trim," says Silveira. "So now, instead of just molding around doors and windows, you can actually use this to install door casings and window casings. Additionally, you can use it for building furniture, cabinetry, stairs, hardwood flooring installation and crown molding."

An angled magazine on the 15-gauge allows for maneuvering in tight spaces and eliminates magazine interference during the installation of crown molding, adds Silveira.

The finish nailer kits sell for $169 and $189.

The nailers and staplers are sold as kits, which include 1,000 fasteners, 1/4" air fitting, safety glasses and a carrying case.

Contact: Porter-Cable, P.O. Box 2468, Jackson, TN 38302. Tel: 800-223-7278. www.deltaportercable.com