Finding a budget-friendly nailer that will maintain a decent performance and provide convenience to the user isn’t that easy. Lots of cheap nailers lack performance when it’s about real-life nailing. Luckily, there are still some nailers that come with an affordable price tag while ensuring reliable nailing performance.
Among budget-friendly nailers, Bostitch F21PL is one that got admiration from pretty much everyone, be it occasional DIYers or professionals. This particular model can even compete with nailers that come with a relatively higher price range.
For those who are looking forward to Bostitch F21PL review to compare with other of its class, and want to know if it will meet your nailing requirements or not, this is going to be an in-depth analysis about the nailer.
Bostitch F21PL Review
Features and specs make quite an appeal on pen and paper. However, when it’s about dealing with nailing projects, only then you can know whether the features and specs are beneficial to you or not.
That’s why I will mention each feature and specs that the unit comes with and tell you how these are going to make your nailing projects more efficient.
BOSTITCH (F21PL) Framing Nailer, Round Head
Overall Rating: 4.7/5
General Overview
F21PL is an entry-level framing nailer, which mostly deals with 21-degree nails of 1 ½ to 3 ½ inches. So, in terms of nail sizes, it gives you some sort of versatility. The magazine can hold 60 nails, which is more than enough for small to medium nailing projects.
One of the most highlighted features of the tool is that it can be turned into a metal connector nailer. This feature is extremely useful for those who have to deal with decking projects often. So, paying a relatively low price, you can also nail into metal pieces without much struggle.
Technical Specifications
Operating Force: 80-120 PSIMagazine Capacity: 60 nailsFastener Size: 1 ½ to 3 ½ inchesFastener Type: Plastic-collated and metal-collated framing nailsWeight: 8.1 lbs.Dimensions: 14.25 x 20.25 inches
Build Quality
You cannot compromise the build quality in any power tools regardless of the budget. Bostitch leaves no room for complaint here. They used high-quality magnesium to build the housing of the nailer. The magnesium build makes the tool durable enough for heavy-duty requirements, and it feels lightweight in hand.
Even if you purchase it to use at worksites, the tool can easily withstand abuses and accidental falls without any issues.
Nail Driving Performance
Although most framing projects don’t require that much power to get the work done, when it comes to continuous framing, you will need a nailer with a decent amount of power. When your projects demand to deliver force, you can rely on the tool regarding this matter.
As this one delivers up to 1050 in-pound of power while driving nails, rest assured about power and efficiency. Without taking much time, the nailer can handle a larger project with ease while not putting much pressure on the compressor unit.
Any air compressor with 80 to 120 PSI pressure will be more than enough to flawlessly use the nailer.
Apart from framing, you can use the nailer for siding, strapping, sheathing, and other nailing tasks that have to deal with a bit thicker wood as well as thin wood pieces.
Ease of Use
The handle on this one is ergonomically made using a rubber grip. Sweaty hands and other issues won’t let you slip-off the nailer that easily.
In addition to that, the nail gun features built-in rubber skid pads to protect your hand from accidental touch. This further ensures you get a firm grip for better and stable nail driving.
Weighing 8.1 pounds, it’s not a heavy nailer to work with. Even though it’s not too lightweight either, you won’t face much fatigue issues holding the gun, giving breaks in between operations. The nail gun is neither too heavy to cause muscle cramping nor too light to bounce during each nail driving.
Depth Control
Like most high-quality nail guns, this one also offers you adjustable depth control to drive into the wood of different thicknesses. With just a push of a button, you can adjust as per the workpieces require to nail into.
If you are doing large projects where you need to continuously nail into workpieces without taking much time, the tool allows you to adjust driving depth.
Convenient Air Hose Connection
Instead of placing the air hose connector to the rear, this one has it on its bottom. This is a much convenient place as it makes sure that there is nothing that comes between you and the nailer while operating. It will make you feel like using a cordless nailer.
21-degree Round Head Nails
Among all nails, 21-degree round head nails are widely available. Compared to their counterparts, these nails provide much better structural stability and match the building code of most states of the USA.
Anti-Jam Mechanism
No matter how expensive the nailer you get, the jam is something that you will experience once in a while. It’s quite inevitable, but Bostitch has implemented an anti-jam mechanism that clears up the jam within a few seconds. This saves a lot of time as clearing jams require a considerable period of time and effort.
HurriQuake Nails Compatibility
If you live in a hurricane-prone area, then you must use HurriQuake nails to make the construction more stable and strong. Not every other nailer in the market is compatible with this type of nails. Bostitch F21PL allows you to drive these nails with ease.
Firing Modes
There are two firing modes that this nail gun offers. When you need to deal with small projects, the single firing mode will suffice your most needs. However, when you got less time and need to take care of large projects, you will find the sequential firing mode to be extremely useful and efficient.
Pros
- Compatible with both plastic-collated and metal-collated nails
- 60 nails capacity bigger magazine
- Fairly lightweight
- Comfortable to hold rubber grip on the handle
- Nose pieces for nailing both wood and metal
- Versatile nailer gun
- Tool-less jam clearing
- User-friendly bottom loading system
Cons
- Lack of dry fire lockout system
- Changing firing mode is time-consuming
- Not the lightest option due to its decent power-to-weight ratio
Final Words
Comparing this Bostitch F21PL review with another framing nailer would make it easier for you to take the final decision. As far as framing, sheathing, siding, fencing, installing metal connectors, exterior decks, etc., projects are concerned, this nailer would be worthwhile considering.