Customer Reviews

Porter-Cable FN250B 3/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch 16-Gauge Finish Nailer

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I have three Porter Cable finish nailers, the 18 gauge brad nailer, the 16 gauge finish nailer, and the 15 gauge angle finish nailer.
Excuse me for stating the obvious, but the 18 gauge leaves the tiniest hole, which is nice for clear finish work. The 16 gauges hole is a bit larger, but still acceptable for clear finishes on larger trim work. The new 15 gauge, actually leaves a D Shaped hole. It is kind of large, and is designed for putty and paint. The 15 gauge is a bear though. When you fire it for the first time, POW, you know it is stronger than the 16. Although I haven't had any unusual problems with the depth drives on the 16, other than knot concerns.
If I had to choose one nailer, instead of all three, I would say this 16 gauge would give you the most universal use.
This 16 gauge, has great ergonomics, fires reliably, (keep your finger off of the trigger when plunging the nose) and overall does a very nice job. Keep it oiled.

I wanted a finish nailer that could make my nailing job easier
as I suffer from Carpal Tunal Syndrome. I conducted research on the reliability, price and features on several different finish nailers. I spoke to trades people and co-workers who had Porter Cable tools, and came away impressed. This was my first Porter Cable Tool and air nailer purchase.

What impresses me most about the FN250B air nailer is the balanced feel and weight of this tool along with the padded handle. The nailer loads easily and has never jammed. Adjusting the depth of the nails is simple.

I use the FN250B finish nailer on home improvement projects like crown molding installation and building custom shelving. I wonder why I didn't buy one years ago.

I purchased this nailer to replace the ceiling in a 100 year old farm house. No previous experience with nailers or remodeling for that matter so I checked the reviews, then went for the best deal. I played with it for a day in scrap wood to learn how to adjust the depth of fire and get the feeling of how it worked. It never double fired, jammed, or misfired, worked well upside down and was light enough to keep above your head for multiple nailings and I never got fatigued. My girlfriend even used it without a problem and thought it was very easy to use. It is not intended for tight spots though so the corners were tricky. I oiled it per manufacturers suggestion and it worked without a hitch. Get the angled one if you are going to do a lot of moulding work or have tight spaces. I would highly recommend this product

I love the power of this gun. It drives nails with a forceful, and solid hit. I've used the Senco "Finish32" guns from home depot that shoot these same 16 gauge nails and this Porter Cable gun by far out delivers that model 10/1. I'm in the field everyday with this unit running all types of trim with it.

Keep your air to 120 and forget setting nails with this light weight, powerful tool.

Enjoy!

I have been searching for a light weight, general purpose finish nailer for a while. Finding the FN250B was well worth the wait. A beautiful design with a secure, comfortable grip and a much appreciated, adjustable exhaust port. Reloading or changing nail lengths couldn't be easier. I have used this nailer for nearly a month and it has failed to jam even once ... knock on wood. After working with this newly designed nailer, I will definitely consider PC products when making future purchases.

After 6 years of using the FN250A nail guns we decided it was time to upgrade to the new FN250B.

First a word about the 250A model. Not one nail jam-up in any of the the 8 guns we have used in over 6 years. We have shot well over 2,0000,000 nails thru these guns. I checked our records for nail purchases and this is close to 100% accurate!

We bought 8 of the 250B guns 3 months ago. Again porter cable produced a very affordable and well made gun! Much better balance, smoother trigger action! and easy reloads! This gun seems a bit lighter as well. For full finish work you must fill the nail head holes. 16ga holes are a bit big, unlike a pin nailer 23ga hole.

If they hold up as well as our 250A guns have I'll let you know in 6 more years! :)

We also gave the 250A guns away to each of our employees that use them for free.

1 word of caution! Never use a nail gun with out the proper eye protection. Heavy gloves are also a good idea!

I've used this nailer for about 2-3,000 shots between 1 1/4" and 2 1/2" nails. Not many in the grand scheme of things. It jams more than it should, but overall it's very reliable. I've built furniture, hung doors, installed crown and base molding w/ it and only have one problem. Where is my no-mar rubber tip? It's lost and I can't find a replacement. I've sunk 2 1/2" nails through maple, oak and poplar w/out any hint of a problem. Good powerful driver and would recommend this along the lines of a dewalt.

Yet another Christmas present from my wife, and a very thoughtful one too, but I own Senco's and this PC just doesn't cut it. To me it seems rather clunky and old school.

I recently installed some 5/8" plywood shelves that I wanted to pin into the poplar supports. A project this gun should've handled with ease. Not only did I have a difficult time getting this gun into the space, which my Senco fit into, but it wouldn't even sink the nails!! I really couldn't believe it, so I got out my Senco and using the same 90 psi had no problems at all... it even countersunk them.
I had recently read a review of the 250 "A" model in a magazine and they loved it. Could there be that much difference?
PC, like all tool companies, should stick with what they do best... in PC's case probably routers. I'll stick with Senco for nail guns. After reading my own review perhaps I should've given it two stars. Stick with the Senco.

Thanks and I hope you find this review helpful. And, Good Luck with your own dreams!

I have only shot about 5,000 nails through this gun, but have had no problems with it. It's easy to load, shoot, and maneuver. The in-line magazine is very convenient and so is the depth-of-drive adjustment.

I bought this nailer over a year ago and I am immensely pleased with its performance. I am a home hobbist and have used this gun where I should have been using a more proper tool. The result: everything worked fine. I have put about 3000 nails of every length through it and little oil with no jams an only one or two short feeds. The depth gauge works great and the "feel" and weight are right at hand home in my hand. This little marvel has me interested in coming back to PC again and again.