The Craftsman I bought used years ago has gone bad and parts are not available anymore. I'm looking for a replacement but the reviews for DeWalt, Paslode, Maikita, Porter Cable, Rigid, Bostitch, Metobo (Hitachi) all pretty much say the same thing "XXX used to make a good tool but not any more, this one is crap). Who makes a quality 16 gauge straight pneumatic finish nailer?

I have tried to buy the discontinued DeWalt D51257K that had great ratings and are still advertised for sale, but none of the vendors actually have them in stock.

This seemed interesting.

https://www.jlconline.com/tools/fastening-tools/power-tools/tool-test-16-gauge-finish-nailers_o


Favorite Models
After using these tools for several months, I had no trouble choosing a favorite: Paslode's T250A-F16. The only 16-gauge pneumatic with an angled magazine, this nailer gets into corners easily, plus it's sleek and compact and has a good line of sight. Useful features like a dry-fire lock-out and a belt hook — not to mention the fact that the gun doesn't need oiling — make it even more appealing.

The T250A-F16 costs about $40 more than the average 16-gauge nailer — but for a pro, performance trumps price every time. After all, a savings of $50 or $100 can be lost in a single day if the tool performs poorly.

My only misgiving about this gun concerns the angled nails it takes: They cost two or three times as much as the straight nails used by other 16-gauge tools. Although cost shouldn't be the main issue when buying the nailer itself, fasteners are different — their cost is recurring, and could quickly exceed the price of the tool.

Which leads me to my second-favorite tool: Paslode's other nailer, the T250S-F16. In terms of function and features, it's nearly identical to the T250A-F16, but it has a straight magazine and therefore takes the less-expensive straight fasteners.

My third favorite is Ridgid's R250SFA. This gun performs well, is easy to load and unload, and packs a swivel air fitting and swivel belt hook. It also comes with the best case.

I really wanted to include the Bostitch FN16250 in my list of favorites; I appreciated its unique side-loading magazine, rear exhaust port, and extremely light weight. And I liked that it doesn't need oil. But I couldn't get past its visibility problem; the tool's stubby nose and protective tip simply made it too hard for me to see exactly where nails would be placed.

However, for users who are willing to work without a protective tip or who are comfortable relying on index marks, the Bostitch could be an excellent choice.

Paul Allenis an interior trim contractor in East Tennessee.

I run Milwaukee tools. Bought a 16 gauge finish nailer and have been very happy with it. I have an older but still works Pasload framing nailer and it has been great.

I see the Porter Cables are redesigned again, like all the brands. All my trailers are outfitted with Porter Cable for finish work but all mine are older models. I have a few newer Bostitch staplers and very pleased.

I bought one at harbor freight years ago, I don’t know how many reams of nails I’ve ran through that thing. Never given me any problems. I’m not using it to do daily construction work but I’ve used it countless times around the house, on the farm, and on projects for friends and family. Eric

ditch pneumatic and get battery

I run a Grex 18g cordless a lot. It's awesome. Don't know about the 16 though.
The fuel cells are butane, so no expiration date like Paslode.

The average pneumatic nail gun of most brands are not what they used to be. Unless you are talking about professional grade then I doubt it makes a difference between the name brands. Look into Senco. Not there $129 China junk but their top level. I’ve not used enough cordless nailers to comment other than you have to use them regularly to keep them working well.

I have a bunch of Senco products, very happy with them all.

Osky

first question is how much you use it. If 1-2 times a year get a cheap one from harbor freight .I got a paslode gas and a bostich air. If in the shop working on furniture it the bostich. On a spot that no air the paslode. No problems in either 15 years and counting. BUT average using for a job 5-6 times a year . Not like I'm framimg a house or doing trim jobs every day.

what other battery powered equipment do you have since the batteries are interchangeable its a good start

You are right, the reviews pretty much say they are all garbage. How do I find a "professional grade" tool.

Senco used to make good stuff