Tools - Fastening - Tool Tests and Resources

Tool Tests and Reviews

April 16, 2013

Lightweight Framing Nailers

Tim Uhler

These sub 8-pound nail guns are comfortable to use and surprisingly powerful. Read More
February 19, 2013

Paslode IM250A Li Cordless Finish Nailer

Doug Mahoney

Though expensive, this tool offers some real advantages over comparable pneumatics Read More
- Nail Guns,
- Cordless Tools,
- Carpentry
October 15, 2012

Senco Joistpro Metal Connector Nailers

Tim Uhler

My crew and I used to hand-nail framing hardware, but as codes changed and we had to install more and more of the stuff, it became impractical to nail by hand. Read More
- Nail Guns,
- Metalworking Tools
August 13, 2012

Tools Up Close: Two Fuel-Powered Framers

Early this year, Tools of the Trade sent me the newest models from Paslode and Bostitch, and this story is about my crew's experience with those guns. Read More
April 19, 2012

Tools Up Close: 16-Gauge Fusion Nailer

Jesse Wright

In my work as a finish carpenter, I use a variety of nails: 18-gauge brads for molding and trim, 15-gauge nails for door jambs, and 16-gauge nails for everything else. I prefer to work without hoses, and for the last 10 years have been using 16- and 18-gauge fuel-powered nailers from Paslode. They... Read More

Johnson Johnny Square

A powder-coated aluminum square with easy-to-read markings.
DeWalt DWE575SB Circular Saw

A compact circular saw that weighs less than 9 pounds.
Bosch FNS138-23 Pin Nailer

A small pinner with dry-fire lockout and a very small tip.
Hammer + Prybar

The True Temper 30-inch Claw Bar looks like a cross between a framing hammer and a crowbar.
Li-Ion Finish Gun

Paslode updated its 16-gauge cordless finish gun and added a load of new features, the most prominent of which is a lithium-ion battery that's smaller and lighter than the nicad in the previous model.