Customer Reviews

Porter-Cable FR350 Round Head Framing Nailer Kit

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(14)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I purchased the Porter-Cable FR350 to help with a home remodeling addition framing. I have used it for about one week on framing lumber,Engineered beams and plywood with excellent results. The gun has never miss fired and was very easy to use. I looked at several other framing nailers however for the price, the FR-350 would be hard to beat. I have two other Porter-Cable finishing nailers I have used for several years with great results. I found the framing nailer needed 85 psi air pressure minimum to fully drive 3 1/2" nails.

The FR350 round head framing nailer has power plus. It can sink 3 1/2" nails into the hardest wood. It also has a very responsive (but not a hair) trigger. Linger too long, and it will double shoot. Like other Porter Cable products (except for the Bammer a.k.a. Bummer finish nailer), the FR350 is well built. The FR is more conventional than, and often preferable to, the FC that uses clipped head nails. The only problem is trying to find a local home improvement store that carries round head nail strips. However, they are readily available on-line and at building suppliers that cater to contractors.

Ninety percent of nail gones are not equipped with a case, which this one comes standard with along with safety glasses and oil. The magazine hold 2 strips or 72 nails. Its operating pressure ranges from 70 to 120 psi. The tool weighs in at 7.5 lbs which is actually farelly light for a framing nailer. This tool fires like a dream it is extremely low maitenance and exceptionally dependable. Ive replaced my o rings 1 time in three years of steady usage, and that is almost unheard of.

I bought this nailer last year to build a 24 X 32 two story barn/workshop, mainly because of price. I figured I'd only need it for this project, so longevity was not so much of a concern, like a contractor would need, Boy! Was I surprised! I drove every nail in the barn including 5,000 3 1/4", 5,000 2 3/8" and 12,000 2" nails, without one single malfunction. And it's still going strong! A friend has it right now building a deck. The nails are available here (tool crib), so that's not a problem if you plan ahead. Yes, you need to develope a certain technique to drive the nails correctly. Hold the trigger and then bounce the nailer. You'll get a perfectly driven nail! That's the way the contractors do it.

I have used the Senco nailer for years until recently it had been stolen. I decided to give the Porter Cable a try. My finish nailer & Router are both PC and I have had no problems with them and I use them both everyday. I have used the Senco & Hitachi guns and found that I like the Porter Cable best of all. The Porter Cable trigger isn't as sloppy as the Hitachi and not quite as tight as the Senco. The gun also seems to be quite lighter than both of the other guns and not as bulky as the Senco. Also another plus is that the box is not as big as the Senco box. All in all I have found that I enjoy the Porter Cable gun better than both of the other guns that I have compared with. You definitely get your money's worth with this gun and if carpentry is how you make a living like myself, you will not have to worry about going hungry ! 5 Star Gun

I bought this for projects around the house (fence, work bench, children's play set, etc.), and I just love it! I can't believe how much faster I can get jobs done, and how I can do things by myself that used to require a second set of hands. The only time I had a jam is when I mistakenly used the wrong nails (not all nails are the same, even though their specs suggest they are!). I've put a lot of nails through it already on a lot of projects, and I've had zero problems. I don't know about long term durability since I don't do this for a living, but I feel that if I take care of it (oil it, etc.) that this will last awhile. It's very solid, comfortable, and versatile. I really vascilated on which brand/model to buy since I had no prior experience, but I'm totally satisfied with my purchase.

I read the reviews of the FR350, and they convinced me to buy the tool. I will say this at the outset, the FR350 does NOT need a large compressor. I have a "pancake" type that does quite well with it. Finding nails was a bit of a chore at first, until I went to Home Depot and told them what I needed. There they were in the nail aisle.

The tool itself feels solid, and drives nails like there's no tomorrow. I am rebuilding a basement with this and I would never have tackled the job without it.

But, and you knew there was a but, you must get the sequential trigger if you are not used to the trip firing method. I had a couple of "double taps" before I put on the new trigger. None since and replacing the trigger took all of three minutes.

This is the tool for the novice, and probably the pro. The case that comes with it holds the tool and accessories nicely.

You won't be sorry you bought this air hammer.

...I have several projects lined up around the house over the next 12 months. One is a 350 sq ft deck extension and the others involve substantial interior framing. After picking up a great Cambell Hausfeld compressor, a framing nailer seemed the next most obvious tool.

I completed significant research into framing nailers and after concluding I could drive decking nails, I settled on the Porter Cable FR 350. I selected based on reputation, price, reviews and the fact that it would see a relatively easy life with me. The only other option was a cordless but as I had a 5hp/25 gallon compressor, I saved the money.

In short, this product is as advertised. Fairly simple, reasonably robust and great value. I did (as many other have indicated) have problems initially with firing multiple nails. I immediately called PC (correct number is 1-888-848-5175, the one published is incorrect) and requested the non sequential trigger.

It arrived in 24 hrs, free of charge (how about that for customer service !) and took all of 60 seconds to fit. It works exactly as stated and guarantees only one shot, every time. Interestingly enough, while waiting on the new trigger, I sacrificed a magazine of nails and taught myself to use the sequential trigger. I think I may actually revert to the sequential trigger (fully reversible modification) for the decking boards.

In use, I found that 90 psi works well for driving 3" hot dipped decking nails. However, when using 2x4's as temporary bracing and tacking to pressure treated lumber, at 90 psi, the nails go a little too deep into the untreated wood. To save adjusting the depth of the nailer (needs tools), I just dropped the pressure to 75 psi and that helped.

In short, I am not sure why I waited all this time, the PC represents good value for money, a great product for my non commercial application and so far, superb customer service.

If I were using this for a living, I may have selected a lighter model with a reputation for maintenance free use but probably paid over twice as much.

I've owned the FR350 for a little over a year. I do finish trim and cabinet work mostly, but sometimes big nails are in order, and I do a little deck or minor carpenter task and this FR350 works out there too. I have had ZERO problems. Yes if you hold down real hard and pull the trigger you'll put in two nails real fast. You also need a fairly hefty compresor to keep up with this nailer if you're 'smokin' in a bunch of nails. I did some 26'x10"x5.5" beams, and 'stiched' it together with lots of 31/4 nails. Glad I have it. Own three other PC pneumatic's also. Happy all the way around. Great value!

I started building a 10x12 foot shed about 1 month ago. At first I was using the old and arm tiring method of hammer and nail. My neighbor saw what I was doing and loaned me his Pasload framing nailer. It took about 5 milliseconds for me to realize that I was behind the times and needed to get a nailer for myself.

I'm writing this review about 2 hours after I used the Porter Cable FR 350 for the first time. Except for the loud POP of the gun firing (that's why I only gave it 4 stars), each nail I shot went in with great ease. Speaking of nails, my local Home Depot has a great selection. The manual calls for 22 degree nails but the 21 degree work just as well.

I was impressed by its light weight compared to the Pasload. It generally took me 2 hands to handle the Pasload but I was able to use the PC with one hand with great ease.

If your looking for a good nailer with an even greater price, go with the the Porter Cable FR 350.