Customer Reviews

Porter-Cable CFFN250N 16-Gauge Finish Nailer 18-Gauge Brad Nailer Compressor Combo Kit

5 star:		(79)
4 star:		(20)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This kit is my first exposure to air tools, so this review is aimed at fellow novices. Here's some information that's not included in the Amazon.com product description or the product manuals.

There's no manual for the combo kit. There is a manual for the air compressor and for each of the two included nailers. The serial number for the compressor is what you'll use when you register the kit, which you can do either by mail or at Porter-Cable's web site.

The air compressor has a standard 120V 3-prong grounded power cord. Many larger compressors use a non-standard 3-phase cord in either 120V or 240V. But you'll need a full 15A circuit, so find one that's got no other devices drawing current, or a lightly-loaded 20A circuit.

The compressor's drain valve isn't as depicted in the manual. The manual shows an extension "T" handle. The drain valve on my compressor is just a knurled brass barrel. Turn it counterclockwise by hand to open it.

Included with the compressor are a 25' hose, a male 1/4" quick connector end, a female (brass) quick connector end, and a spool of Teflon plumber's tape. There are no extra parts; you'll need all of these to get started. Wrap a couple of turns of Teflon tape around the threads and screw the female quick connector end on one extreme of the hose, and the male quick connector end at the other extreme. There's no instruction about how much pressure you need; I used a 6" crescent wrench on the connector and held the hose by hand. (That seemed to work fine, as I didn't damage anything or have any air leaks when I hooked it up.) Insert the male quick connector end of the assembled hose into the female quick connector on the air compressor. You'll need to pull back the barrel of the female quick connector to make the connection. Repeat on the other end, inserting the male quick connector end that's already attached on the nailer into the female quick connector end you attached to the hose.

Each of the two nailers includes a box of 1000 nails. These are of middling size (2") for the finish nailer and maximum size (1 1/4") for the brad nailer. Both nailers include 1/4" male quick connectors (attached) but their manuals mention that you'll get better performance with 3/8" connectors (not included). The connectors come with dust covers to keep them clean when not attached to your hose. The safety features work well, requiring you to depress the safety shoe against the nailing surface before the nailer will fire. The nailers also won't fire when there's inadequate air pressure; with the small compressor included you may need to wait a few seconds after firing a dozen nails in quick succession.

Each nailer comes with a "single sequential actuation" trigger; you can also get a "contact activation" trigger, at no additional charge, by calling Porter-Cable's toll-free (in the U.S. and Canada) phone number and reading the serial numbers off your nailers. Estimate 10 days for the alternate triggers to arrive.

The two nailers worked just fine for me right out of the box. The nails seated to just the right depth without any fiddling when the nailer was held perpendicular to the softwood I was working with. They're quieter than I was expecting, too -- just a quick hiss when wearing good hearing protection.

I found the compressor to be shockingly loud compared to the deep rumblings of larger compressors. I went to the other end of the house to get away from the noise during the REQUIRED 15-minute compressor break-in cycle. Even wearing hearing protection when using the finish nailer (as instructed by the nailer manual; eye protection is a must, too) I was startled when the compressor started up. This is a SMALL compressor. It has a maximum 135 PSI pressure, which is enough for most any air tool. But the flow rate is below that required by many tools: only 2.6 CFM at 90 PSI. It's enough for the nailers but you'll need to upgrade if you want to expand your air tool collection beyond these nailers. On the plus side, there's no maintenance required other than to open the drain valve when you're done with the compressor.

Summary: Very good nailers, and an adequate compressor to run these nailers. A really good starter set if you want to spiff up the trim in your house. Just be mindful that the compressor is going to be the limiting factor if your air tool aspirations grow.

This combo nail gun/air compressor set is a great product combination and wonderful value. I really like it. Each nail gun comes complete with a sturdy plastic carry case, a supply of nails, and tool oil. Everything comes pretty much ready to use. Just break in the air compressor (which only takes 15 minutes) and you are ready to go. The air compressor moves around from vibration when it starts up - I had to put it on a rubber mat to keep it from scooting along my basement floor. It probably wouldn't be a problem on a job site where the floor is not so smooth. The guns load easily. I used the finish nailer to build a display rack for my wife and had no mis-fires or jams using Porter-Cable nails. (I bought the B & C nails that Amazon advertised for these guns, but after later reading the negative reviews about them, I have been reluctant to use them - don't waste your money on them like I did - you can buy Porter-Cable nails at local big name home centers, which are not all that expensive).

This is a great value and well worth the money spent. However, UPS handling has gotten so bad with heavier items that you will be taking a chance by buying it online.

Porter-Cable has put together the ultimate trim package. I bought the brad nailer/compressor combo about 2 years ago, then bought the FN250 about a year later. I just finished trimming out my new house, and everything worked flawlessly. This package would have saved me about $80.

The compressor can easily support 2 guns running simultaneously without cycling constantly. Both guns have depth-of-drive wheels which are simple and accurate. And the fastener range (5/8 to 1-1/4 inch for the BN125, 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches for the FN250) should handle almost any job you have. For this price, you can't pass this up.

It's hard to imagine how you'd get a better deal on a quality compressor and nailers. I bought this combo to do the trim and finish work on a significant addition to our house. I've since added a crown stapler, so I've been working the compressor pretty hard.

The positives:

- Both nailers are top quality tools. If you read the woodworking mags, both the brad and the finish nailer are rated in the top 3 in all of the 3 tests I've read.

They do everthing as advertised. I especially appreciate the ability to very precisely place brads due to the rearward design of the safety foot. I've never jammed either nailer.

- The compressor works and it's nice to have a small compressor that develops 135 PSI. Read the fine print carefully on other compressors and you see that many smaller units only go to 90 or 100 PSI.

The compressor is surprisingly fast for a small portable unit. It goes from 0 to 135 in just a few minutes. I can drive crown staples into subflooring at 100 PSI as fast as I can pull the trigger and I still can't staple fast enough to make the compressor run constantly. It's faster than I am.

Now a few minor complaints. As previously mentioned, the drain valve is in an awkward location in the back of the unit. Basically, I have to turn the compressor on it's head every time to find the stupid valve. Why not put it in front?

The biggest issue by far is this: The unit is loud. In a new additon job site where the room is sheetrocked, but with no carpet or other stuff to deaden the sound, it's uncomfortably loud. Even in a large room, after a while it bothers me. I will add that this is a common issue with oil-free compressors, but it is a problem still.

Finally, the real proof for me is longevity.

Update Feb 2008: I've had this a couple of years now, and it's still going strong. I've driven tens of thousands of nails, staples, and roofing nails. The compressor has basically outlasted all my expectations, this is a solid unit and deserves praise.

I would consider myself in the heavy home user category. I'm not a pro, but I think I use things like this more than the average homeowner because I did all the trim, finish, and flooring work in a 6 room addition. I'd recommend this combo set to anyone because after 2 years, it's still delivering.

Two friends and I just finished building a 1350 square foot cabin in the mountains. We used ONLY this combo set plus a framing nailer that one of my buddies already owned. We put down over 9,000 linear feet of pine tongue and groove v-joint and all pine flooring, using the finish nailer that came with the set for 99% of the work. We used over 21,000 nails and neither the nailer nor the compressor ever hiccupped a single time.

HIGHLY recomend.

I had been thinking about getting into air tools for many years but did not think it worth the considerable investment. When I found this combo it seemed a low enough price point to jump into the technology. I'm very happy with the compressor and the two guns. I think they'll save considerable time on various projects, or at least eliminate some of the drudgery, particularly for installing baseboard and window trim.

I don't have anything negative to say about this combo - the compressor and guns seem well built and simple to use. I have several other Porter Cable tools and find they're rugged, perform well, and are good values.

Go for it and enjoy!

I offer the following on air tools if you new to them like me:

- compressors are terrifically loud. Recommend purchase of additional hose so compressor can be located outside or in another room.

- expect to spend $50-$100 more on various accessories, such as hose, tire chuck, air blowers and the like. Of course, the nails are more expensive too.

- being able to blow air is surprisingly useful.

- I got this combo via Amazon using free shipping and paid no state sales tax, which for me was worth the wait. I ordered late on a Friday and it was at my door by Thursday AM. UPS delivered the package with only a few scratches. (Weighed 56 pounds which I think is too heavy to throw around haphazardly.)

- If you know you'll only need one finish nailer I'd recommended the newer airless battery-charged variety. I read a good review of the Sensco Airfree nailer. However, it costs as much as this 2-gun combo.

I would first like to comment on the amazing price of this set. I just recently purchased the set, and I can't believe how much you get for $300! If you itemize the individual prices of the two guns, hose and fittings, the compressor is essentially free! What's even better is that like most things through Amazon, there was a $25 off incentive and free shipping! There also wasn't any tax on the item. And one final kicker; there was a mail-in rebate to get a free pneumatic stapler with the combo kit!!! (although it has been over 8 weeks and I have yet to receive it, but that's not a big deal).

Now that I'm done with my price bit, let me talk about the item(s) themselves.

POSITIVES:

- Both the finish nailer and brad nailer are rated in the top 5 for both of their respective classes. I've found both to function flawlessly, and operation is ergonomically comfortable and easy.

- The compressor has no problems in nailing up to 2.5" in any type of woods. I've read that this compressor can also handle a framing nailer with 3.5" with no problem...I don't doubt it. The two guns it comes with are rated for 70-120 psi. I used about 75psi for each gun and they nails drive and counterset flawlessly each time.

- PRICE, PRICE, PRICE. Again, I can't believe the price. As I said, the compressor is basically free, so even if it craps out in a year, or you just don't like it, you shouldn't in any way feel cheated.

NEGATIVES:

- The compressor is extremely loud, but nothing some ear protection can't remedy.

- The on/off switch feels a little flimsy, but rest assured it functions just fine.

Overall, I HIGHLY recommend this combo package!

Jobs completed to date using this unit and the guns:
crown molding in living room
complete attic remodel (framing to finishing)
car siding on ceiling (350 sqft)
Two 30 square roofing jobs (do not run more than 1 gun from this unit - oh don't get me wrong, it kept up - just ran hard)
replacement windows and trim (20)
baseboard trim and chair rail in dining room
deck and fence repair
and many more ...

Trouble I have experianced ----- ZERO -------

This is an awesome unit for not only the DIY'er but the Pros as well. I have had this combo kit for over two years and it has not failed me in any situation. Runs just as well in the heat of the summer as it does in the cold of winter (think Iowa at minus 40). Solid product at the right price. Buy it!

I recently purchased the Porter-Cable CFFN250N combo kit. And I will tell you this, I was extremely impressed with the price, the quality of the product, and the how much more simpler around the home projects became. Realistically, most of us who purchase this combo nailer kit are home improvement enthusiasts and not heavy duty construction contractors.

You simply can't beat the price. I agree with one of the reviewer's on the price of the combo kit. Basically what you pay for is the compressor. The two nailers, hose, fittings are free. If you purchase them separately you are going to pay $400.00 plus. I purchased mine at Home Depot for $278.00. With the 10% discount of opening up an account with Home Depot, the price dropped to $250.00. What a deal !!!

I agree with nearly everyone about the noise of this compressor kicking on, especially during set up. It does get loud, but the good of this combo kit does outweigh the bad. I've used both nailers, and I am so happy with the results. They do what they are suppose to do, especially counter sinking nails / brads at the proper depth. The guns feel heavy duty and seem they could be used under constant fire and keep on going. It was great that Porter Cable provided plastic case for each gun making them easy to store away. I would have been happy if they stuck them in the box with the compressor !!!

For around the home project how many of us have to drill, nail, and counter sink finish nails. It's a pain and time consuming. With these nail guns, simply pull the trigger and everything is done. After completing crown and base moldings I looked at the finish nailer with sheer delight. I thought I should have brought one of these combo kits a long time ago. I also used the compressor to blow up my tires on my car and blow out dust from my woodworking shop. I also purchased a spray gun from Grizzly for spraying lacquer, and since the pressure is adjustable, the finish came out great.

I have over $6000.00 worth of power tools at my home and I must say that this little compressor with the nail guns is the most versatile and has quickly turned into one of my favorites. I think will have little use for my nail hammer !!!!

Based on the good reviews from the Amazon Community, I bought this for my husband for Valentine's Day. Yes, I agree with other reviewers that the compressor is a little noisy, but they all are, and this one more than makes up for noise with its portability. (And I was able to talk him out of our big old compressor for MY shop...) The first thing he did was whip together a nice display shelf for a friend. After that he told me he REALLY wished he'd had it 2 weeks earlier when he was cussing over installing crown molding and trim around the windows. Since I'm the one who had to fill and sand nail-holes, I wish he'd had it, too.
It took a little adjusting, but he was able to get the settings just right so the nails go in perfectly flush with both nail guns.
So far he's enthusiastically built 2 beautiful kitchen drawers---and drawers were something I couldn't get him to build for years---so I'm glad I bought this for him!
I did my market research, and there was no way I could buy separate components and come anywhere near the price of this package. This is really a good deal, and (of course, since it's Porter-Cable), excellent quality.

Update 09/08/05:
I've now used these nailguns myself---we installed a houseful of laminate floors, and I used the nailgun for replacing the baseboard moldings. I can't IMAGINE how tired and annoyed I would have been if I'd had to stand on my head and nail all those suckers with a hammer. It was a little tricky to get the right angle and get close enough to the floor, but once I figured it out, I was a nailin' fool! These guns aren't too heavy for a geezer-mom to use, and I got pretty good at it. These aren't designed for building a new garage, but they're perfect for trim and lightweight stuff. They do leave black rubber marks on paint, so be prepared to touch up--but that's the only negative I encountered.