I originally purchased the Porter-Cable PCFP12234 3-Tool Combo Kit for use in installing ¾ oak flooring (face nailing, edge-board nailing, and related trim work). I needed the 16-gauge finisher for board nailing and baseboard trim attachment, the 18-gauge brad nailer for quarter-round fastening, and the stapler to tack down the underlayment. I already had a compressor. However, who can’t use another one? At the time, the kit was on sale for $200. While it increased to $250 at one point, I see it’s now back down to $200… and worth every penny (at either $200 or $250). I need to preface the review with, “I’m not a pro.” I didn’t purchase this kit with the intention of performing professional installations. I’m a simply DIY’er looking to save money in installation costs. This did (and still does) the trick… saving me roughly $2K in labor, when paired with the this flooring stapler/nailer (
NuMax SFL618 3-in-1 Pneumatic Flooring Stapler/Nailer with White Rubber Mallet
, which also worked great, BTW). It’s been a few months now that I’ve owned the combo kit. I used it not only in installing flooring, but also in a number of other applications. Here’s what I experienced so far.
Pros: Regarding the three tools included, you get them for a phenomenal price. Part them out separately, I guarantee (for the three tools and the compressor) you’ll come back to this deal, as you can’t beat the price. Concerning your time, I can’t stress enough just how much time these tools save you when compared to having to hammer nails by hand or use a spring-loaded stapler. I installed trim, crown moulding, etc. in the past the old-fashioned way -- i.e., nail, hammer, countersink. Like many, I used spring-loaded staplers to install insulation and underlayment. I tacked in countless boards for numerous projects… all by hand. If it can be avoided, never again. All three tools (guns and stapler) worked flawlessly (over many projects to-date). So far, I experienced only one jam on the 16-gauge finisher (which was my fault for being too impatient and not paying attention to the type of nail I inserted in it, as I had a couple packs laying around). The brad nailer and stapler have all worked (again, many times), without a single jam or misfire. I dropped the 16-gauge nailer roughly two feet on to sub-flooring. It bounced around a little; but, upon picking it up and using it, it fired away like a champ. This speaks to how tough the tools are, as all tool housings are similar in construction and durability. Regarding their general assembly, all triggers are responsive and easy to use. Finally, reloading nails and staples is a breeze (as long as you use the right nails in the slides ;) ). Moving on to the compressor, it’s nice in that it is relatively light and easy to move around. It also has a smaller footprint than other compressors I own. Unlike my other compressors, this one didn’t require a break-in period. I was able to go full force at the flooring install right out of the box. Excellent. All couplings and gauges seem sturdy and have held up well. The pressure is easy to adjust. The relief valve is easy to use. The compressor fills fairly quick, which is nice. The included 25-ft hose is sturdy and has enough length in it to allow you to move around a decent-sized room, without having also to move the compressor. On my version of this model, which appears to be slightly different from the one now pictured, there is a cord storage on the top of the motor housing. This placement works well enough at allowing you to stow the power cord when not using the compressor. I like the two-coupler option the compressor provides; but, truthfully, I’ve had no need to use two tools at the same time. Besides, Porter-Cable only provided the one hose. I like the versatility of the compressor in that you can adjust it for use with the included tools; or, assuming you purchase or have on-hand compressor accessories, as I had from my previous compressor, you can use it to fill car, truck, or bike tires, or even use it to clean off saw dust, etc. from work spaces. Speaking of accessories, Porter-Cable included a belt-”hook” which you can use hold your hose and/or guns at your side while not in use. They also included some sample nails and staples.
Cons: I just don’t have any, as of now, for my DIY’er needs. There are wants, but really, they’re neither pros nor cons, as I knew what I was getting with this compressor, including tools/accessories. (Please see General Comments)
General Comments: Some call the following a Con, I don’t… the compressor is loud. Really loud. But, I haven’t used a pancake compressor that isn’t just as loud as this one. So, again, not a con… more of a just-is. Not really a con either, while the holster was a nice add, I would’ve rather seen a generic accessory kit included (i.e., one with a tire inflator and/or a blower attachment). Also, it would’ve been nice if Porter-Cable included gun/staple oil, like a lot of compressor-tool companies do. A few questions have arisen regarding whether you can use this compressor for framing. The answer is, yes… but with a caveat. There is enough power to sink framing nails in 2x4’s (i.e., wood to wood -- not wood to cement, which you wouldn’t do with air anyway). The issue comes down to capacity and a need for the compressor to refill every 3-4 shots. I used pancake compressors like this one, in the past, to frame out walls. While nowhere near ideal for pros, it works fine for the average DIY’er. Just make sure to wear ear protection from all the noise, as the compressor has to refill a lot. Other questions I saw on the product page included whether the guns have a bump feature. No, there’s no bump feature. But, that’s not a con, IMO. To date, I simply haven’t needed the feature, like you would when framing. And, then, you’d need a framing gun anyway.
Recommended Purchase?: Absolutely, for my purposes (i.e., for the Joe or Jane six-pack DIY’er), I definitely recommend the combo kit as a general time and effort saver. The value is there for the price due to all you’re getting and just how durable and versatile this set is. I rarely hand these ratings out; but, for me, this was a five-star purchase all the way. If I have a reason to change my review, for any reason, I’ll do so ASAP. ‘Til then, happy nailing and stapling.
| Brand | PORTER-CABLE |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Drilling, Air Brushing, Spraying, Nailing |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Noise Level | 70 dB |
| Included Components | 6 gal, 150 psi compressor; FN250C: 16 ga. 2-1/2" Finish Nailer; BN1200C: 18 ga. 2" Brad Nailer; TS056: Heavy Duty 3/8" Crown Stapler; 25 feet of 1/4" air hose with a coupler and plug; 16ga finish nails of 2" length; 18ga brad nails of 1-1/4" length; 3/8" Crown staples of 3/8" length; belt hook accessory |
| Item Weight | 1 Pounds |
| Maximum Power | 0.13 Horsepower |
| Capacity | 6 Gallons |
| Color | Red |
| Material | Blend |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 22.5 x 20.44 x 20.56 inches |
| Style | Combo kit |
| Air Flow Capacity | 2.6 Cubic Feet Per Minute |
| Model Name | PCFP12234 |
| Hose Length | 25 Feet |
| Manufacturer | PORTER-CABLE |
| Part Number | PCFP12234 |
| Item Weight | 1 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 22.5 x 20.44 x 20.56 inches |
| Item model number | PCFP12234 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | One Size |
| Horsepower | 2 |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number Of Pieces | 3 |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Battery Cell Type | NiMH |
