Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

I bought this Porter cable crown stapler because of the great reviews it got from the rest of you. Except the guy who claims he shot a staple into his bookeepers neck. I don't see how that can happen since the head of the gun has to be pushed up to your work before you can pul the trigger and fire a staple.
I used the gun to make a few frames and fix the edging on an old table. What a great tool. I wish I had bought one 20 years ago, I can think of thousands of times I could have put it to good use. The exhaust deflector can be turn away from your face into any other direction. The oil is no problem. I read the notes of the more experienced reviewers and noted that adding too much oil will make a mess, and just the right couple of drops will not produce any splatter. Keep lots of different size of staples on hand and you will find many uses for this gun.

I just laid down a 1/4" subfloor on top of old vinyl flooring in a kitchen and two baths. I shot about 3500 1.25" staples and only had one situation with a double staple fire. (Probably my fault.) I was shooting in the sequential mode. Since this was my first time using it my accuracy of placement was a little off in the biging but improved as I learned hot to handle it. The stapler paid for itself on this one job as all the flooring contractors wanted about $320.00 to lay down 8 sheets of luan. My cost was about $72 for the luan and $99.00 for the stapler. I am sure I will find many other uses.

I havent had mine very long so it gets 4 stars .
I have fired 1/2" , 3/4" , and 1" staples in various materials without fail thus far . I strenghtened a 250 year old dresser made of old oak and hickory ( no jams ) .
I wish it had a empty mag lockout and was oiless but I can live with these gripes .I favor the double action trigger and have not had any double fires to date. I run 80 psi line pressure and then use the depth wheel for tuning further ( If firing lots of staples on rapid fire it will creep a little. In all I love this unit ( Mine came with 1000 1" staples ),oil and a case.

I worked as a finish carpenter/cabinet maker for over 20 years and have been pretty much sold on Senco air tools over anything else but I have to say this is a very good tool. Oak, maple, hickory... no problem!

Once again, a Porter-Cable air tool is well made, powerful and works well - all at a good price.

I've used mine for about a year with great success. It doesn't jam, as one reviewer mentioned, and is very reliable.

It's small enough to get into tight spaces, and has a rotating vent on the top so you can point the exiting air in a direction away from your face or the pile of sawdust.

I have used it for making boxes, attaching weather stripping, holding sound deadening board to a wall, and for many other projects.

It was inexpensive to buy, and the staples are easily available.

I keep buying PC air tools because they work well and are priced low.

Good stapler, Has good driving power drives staples below the surface. I had some problems adjusting the depth of drive, but I believe it was the amount of air pressure that I was using. I bought the stapler to fasten some thin material and it worked great.

I have no idea what Mr.Chris Kennel is talking about...

We have over 20 of these and have never had one single problem as Mr. Kennel has talked about!

We shoot UP! DOWN! SIDEWAYS! EVERYWAY you can think of...

And use both the NS100A and the NS150A guns.

The #1 problem any owner will have will occure when sawdust, and other harsh grit is left in and around the gun and not cleaning it!

The #2 problem is caused by NOT oiling the gun! 20 drops per 1000 staples or brads for that matter is a good starting point.

The #3 problem is caused by not enough air pressure. 50 lbs is a good safe point to use.

The #4 problem is not using PORTER CABLE BRAND staples, nails or brads.... and this can be a big one for some off brand nails!

The #5 problem is hired help throwing the tool down instead of gently laying it down! I fire employees for doing just this!

Any tool will break if you abuse it!

This is a very good gun! Porter Cable only puts out GOOD GUNS!

In fact I have to say that 75% of all complaints people have with these guns are due to one of the above reasons!

Hitachi nail guns are over rated and marketed to the younger

generation of young carpenters....

*Porter Cable* 100 years and still #1 in the industry!

ShowCase Cabinet & Door Co.

"Quality At Every Angle"

Since 1976