Porter-Cable NS150A 1/2-Inch to 1-1/2-Inch 18-Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler

by Porter-Cable

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Porter-Cable NS150A 1/2-Inch to 1-1/2-Inch 18-Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler

From the Manufacturer

This stapler uses standard 18 gauge, 1/4-inch crown staples from 1/2- to 1-1/2 inches long. The contact safety is located behind the driver guide for stapling in tight spaces. Includes stapler, carrying case, pack of 1,000 staples, 1/4-inch male quick coupler plug with dust cap, oil, Allen wrenches, and operator's manual.

FEATURES

• Uses standard Ga., 1/4" crown staples from 1/2" to 1-1/2" long
• Special hardened driver blade with quick-release nosepiece
• Strong and light weight die-cast aluminum body
• Rugged top-load magazine with hardened steel rail
• Contact safety located behind driver guide for stapling in tight spaces
• Tool-free jam release mechanism designed not to block line of sight
• Removable rubber nose cushion protects delicate work
• Tool-free directional exhaust port
• Standard Equipment: Stapler, 1/4" male quick plug with dust cover, carrying case with provision to store 5,000 staples, box of 1,000 staples, oil, wrenches, and operating manual

SPECIFICATIONS

• Fastener Type (Inches): 18 Ga. 1/4" Crown Staple
• Shipping Weight (Lbs.): 8
• Fastener Range (In): 1/2 to 1-1/2
• Magazine Capacity: 100 Staples
• Jam Clearance: Lever Type Quick Release Nose
• Operating Pressure: 70-120 psi
• Firing Modes: Sequential & Bump Fire
• Height (Inches): 9-5/8
• Length (Inches): 10-3/8
• Weight (Lbs.): 2-1/2

WARRANTY
One-year warranty with 30-day performance certification.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 17 x 13.8 x 3.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00002267G
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: NS150A
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,857 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #25 in Home Improvement > Air Tools > Staplers > Finish Staplers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

89 of 90 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More useful than you might think, September 27, 2000

By 

Michael J Edelman (Huntington Woods, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable NS150A 1/2-Inch to 1-1/2-Inch 18-Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler (Tools & Home Improvement)

I bought this stapler- actually, its predecessor that shot shorter staples- for some cabinet making chores. It turned out to be a lot more useful that I thought. I've used it for attaching cedar shingle siding, making shipping crates, attaching window jamb extensions and a lot of other little tasks. It's surprising how often you have to nail some thin material, and need something that won't just pull through. The 18 gauge staples are as small as a brad, but hold thin materials like a roofing nail. Very handy, and the combination of PC quality and customer support is a winner, too.

98 of 101 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars An OK stapler, September 7, 2003

By 

Christopher Kennel "remodel carpenter" (Denver, CO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Porter-Cable NS150A 1/2-Inch to 1-1/2-Inch 18-Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler (Tools & Home Improvement)

My coworkers and I have used this stapler for a variety of professional remodeling and construction tasks. So far, it's been very handy in situations when larger nails or staples wouldn't be appropriate and when finish nails won't hold well enough. It's amazing how often we find uses for the stapler, and its small size allows it to squeeze into tight situations.

On the downside, we've found that it often misfires (no staple comes out) or fires two staples at the same time. We're usually firing 1.5 inch Porter Cable staples. As staplers go, it's a relatively cheap choice that's probably better suited for occasional rather than daily professional use.

I recently bought an Hitachi N3804AB narrow crown stapler that's a bit smaller than the Porter Cable NS150A, but also more solid and powerful. So far, my coworkers and I prefer the Hitachi over the Porter Cable because it's much more reliable (the only time it ever jammed was when I fired it directly into a steel joist hanger as a test; it has never misfired or fired more than one staple either), it will fit into smaller places because it's about an inch shorter than the Porter Cable, and can sink 1.5 inch staples fully into hardwoods and knots. It also fires smoothly and doesn't recoil. The Hitachi is made in Germany so it's ridiculously expensive (I got mine used), but I've been impressed by it's durable all-metal solid feel, simple construction, and ample power. Best of all, the Hitachi is not even close to as temperamental as another reviewer suggests the Porter Cable is (see below).

Another reviewer suggested five reasons why the Porter Cable stapler misfires. Since I've used Porter Cable brand staples at 80-90 PSI, these two variables (brand and air pressure) weren't possible causes. However, the three other possible causes which are sawdust and job site grit, not giving the gun 20 drops of oil per 1000 staples, and not "gently laying it down" could all be at play on our jobs. Here's what I think about these three factors:

The other reviewer works at a cabinet shop that's probably a much more controlled environment than the old houses I have to work in. I frequently work in the midst of sawdust, plaster dust, drywall dust, concrete and stone dust, mortar grit, metal filings, old cellulose insulation, dirt, rain, snow, and mud and my tools get exposed to all of these things. That's why I prefer tools that can withstand and function well in the midst of a harsh environment.

Some afternoons I can easily go through 5000 staples, which would mean that I'd need to put 100 drops of oil in my stapler according to the other reviewer's recommendation. That seems quite excessive to me--I don't even use that much oil in my larger framing nailers, let alone a small stapler. It's been my experience that it's not very easy to get much more than about five drops of oil simultaneously into the air fitting anyway. Besides the inconvenience of having to constantly pour oil into the stapler, I prefer not to have a lot of oily residue collecting dust around the exhaust port or on work pieces.

As for not treating the tool gently, I'm guilty as charged. I don't go out of my way to abuse my tools, but over time they've been accidentally dropped off of ladders or counter tops and have gotten bumped around in the back of my truck. My tools sometimes get used by other workers and subcontractors (who may or may not take good care of them) because that's occasionally what it takes to keep a job running smoothly and efficiently. I think that's why some companies design their tools to withstand a certain amount of reasonable, real-world, job site abuse.

I haven't used a Senco, but I've heard they're good as well. Before I bought the Hitachi, I was going to get a Senco SKS, but now I don't think I'll need it. The Hitachi seems to have enough power for every situation, plus it's smaller. It's a bit difficult to find a store that carries the Hitachi 3804AB, but if you look around you might be able to find a used one at an equal or lower price than the Porter Cable NS150A.

Lastly, another reviewer out of hand dismissed all Hitachi nailers as overrated and marketed to younger folks. I have some Porter Cable tools that I'm happy with and others that I'm lukewarm about. Likewise some Hitachis are good while others suck (read my review of their NT50AE brad nailer). I generally think that's the case with most companies that make construction tools nowdays. You've got to evaluate each tool a company makes and not assume anything, especially now that most US companies are no longer making tools in the US (same thing for German and Japanese companies not producing tools at home). Plus, aren't Dewalt, Porter Cable, Delta, and Black & Decker all owned by the same parent company now? The marketing comment baffled me because I've never seen Hitachi tools marketed in places where other companies like Porter Cable were not also marketing their wares. Most of the Hitachi tools that I've purchased were introduced to me by older (some in their 60's) framers and trim carpenters. One of my Hitachi nail guns is 20 years old, rusty, and still works flawlessly. Well, that's my two cents; thanks for bearing with this long review.

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good buy for a good little stapler, July 3, 2000

By 

Shooter "Shooter" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Porter-Cable NS150A 1/2-Inch to 1-1/2-Inch 18-Gauge Narrow Crown Stapler (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is a good stapler I can find nothing wrong it. It shoots em from 1/2" to 1&1/2" has a rubber nose so it doesn't mar the wood and punches em in below the surface . I don't use it alot but when I need it I need it. When you need a little better holding power over using brads this will do it.