Customer Reviews

Factory-Reconditioned Bostitch U/MCN250 2-1/2-Inch Strapshot Metal Connector Nailer

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When my Hitachi metal connector nailer broke down again, I found that Bostitch had added MCN-250. I actually thought they missed the market when they came out with the MCN150. There comment was "most" of the need for nailing off hangers and clips is for the 1-1/2" nails. I don't think so. I live in snow load and earthquake country, and much more than half of the metal connector nails I shoot are 2-1/2". So anyway, it's about time. The Bostitch costs less, is American made (Isn't it??)and replacement parts cost 1/3 of the Hitachi parts. I've used the Hitachi for years, and it's been good. It broke a few times, but it's been used through about 10 houses. I have a Bostitch framing nailer that has the metal connector tip, but you have to special order the plastic collated nails. That requires planning ahead. Also, the framing nailer is larger, not fitting inbetween the joist bays as well as the MCN250. The Bostitch MCN250 is smaller than the Hitachi, has a rafter hook, and replacement parts cost less. I'm sold.

So some tools are truly a big step ahead of the game. This is one of them. Many thanks to those who knew and said so that the 150 was a reload pain. The 250. This puppy is truly a wonder. Today I nailed off 500 16d in something under an hour. Yes you can bend the direction of the drive, punching the nails in at the angle you want. And, yes you can go fast and survive misses without damage to this tool.

Details: This guy drives both 16's and tecos, adjust the air pressure, and as with most paper collated nails gently load without slamming the the feeder against the nails, it can wrinkle the paper and screw up the nail alignment. The one problem with this gun is unloading it. Very difficult! Best take the air hose off for safety, because you're going to be using all your fingers and your eyes to see what is moving or not moving. The gun has these little, really little, release cams to be held back along with the nail feed...oh you're pushing the nails too, and then after you pass this test you hold down a stopper in the back of the feeder to actually get the nails out. I think this is a test of how much you will love this gun. (You love it so much, you will tolerate ANYTHING!)

The idea that you can put the nail point in the hanger and actually see it is truly great. Blow the hanger in tight. Use the tip of the nail for final position, you're going to be very happy with this gun, believe me. I figure 8,000 teco's and about 2,500 16's for the connectors on this job, yes you still need a palm nailer, but the 250 does much more than I expected.

Money is never meaningless, but with some tools it is close, this is one of them.

pete

I used the Bostitch MCN250 with 1 1/2" galvanized 10d nails. My deck has a lot of awkward corners. I was amazed how nicely this big gun got into the tight spaces -- such as the acute angle on 45 degree hangars.

In awkward spots I often found myself deliberately using my little finger to pull the trigger. The gun has a firm but managable trigger and *excellent* failsafes against misfiring or firing when the nail wasn't properly placed in the joist hangar nail hole.

Bostitch also makes the same gun with a smaller magazine (this one holds two strips -- roughly 50 nails). I can't imagine a smaller magazine being worthwhile when it takes 8 to 10 nails per hanger.

One small downside is that this gun does not fire the last three nails properly. I had to pay attention and reload before I got down to the last few nails. It was no big deal if I ran down to the last nails, the gun would simply fire but not drive a nail.

If you have a bunch of metal connectors to nail, this gun can really save your arm. Slighter larger than the 150 model, it can hold two clips of nails, and it can shoot the 2-1/2" hanger nails which are becoming much more common.

If you need to get in to really tight places, and can get away with 1-1/2" only nails, the Bostitch MCN150 is also a good choice.

Plugged this thing into the air hose and the nose area is leaking. Adding oil reduced the leak enough that I could use it to shoot about 70 connectors for a job. For the low price for such a specialized tool, I guess something has to give, and that is quality control. Other than that, the tool is a brute. It punches Hitachi 36 degree 2-1/2" x .162 nails into 4x4 DF no problem. Makes installing hardware a joyful experience, however good luck finding the Bostitch nails locally, even the next closest Hitachi nails took me 10 phone calls and a hour drive. I would say 75% of the nails set properly, but that could also be the air leak. The only time it jammed is when I missed the hole and shot through the steel. Definitely needs a swivel connector. Case has a moulded spot for my bostitch palm nailer too.
Update 2/9/11: I sent this thing into service in december, it is still there, I could have used it on a job meanwhile. I've lowered the stars to two which reflects bostitch's service. I will send a letter to Bostitch.

I just used this nailer today for the first time. I had to install 40 joist hangers on a remodel job. It was so easy and fast with this tool. Wish I'd purchased one long ago, and you can't beat the price. It will pay for itself the first job you use it on. I look forward to the next forty joist hangers I'll be installing on the rest of the project. If you thought about getting one, DO IT
KHOP

Im a framer and I bought this to conquer the vast amount hangers that have to be put on nowadays. the gun is light, conpact, and has very little recoil. it shots 1 1/2" nails like butter and sinks them into the hardware tighter than i can get with a hammer or palm nailer. with the nail tip exposed its very easily to find the hole but even it you do miss it blows the nail into the hanger or strap with no problem. I would recommend this to gun to anyone who is sick of using a palm nailer on thousands of nails. I also got it when it was $150 on sale on amazon but it is worth every penny and the nails are very easy to find in jersey. the case is also very nice and has a slot built in for a palm nailer (the older larger ones). it also has alot of room for other air tools. leave any questions in the comment box and ill get back to you very quickly.