Pneumatic nail guns are famous for their strength and reliability, and thus even though cordless tools are slowly flooding the tool market, air powered nailers will never become obsolete. Moreover, air tools are cheaper, smaller and lighter than most of their electronic or battery powered counterparts and that makes them widely appreciated too.
This Bostitch framing nailer is a great representative of its kind. It is packed with features, affordable and powerful. It appeals to both DIYers and professionals as it helps them complete their projects much faster and with less effort.
For all the reasons stated before, I have set out to write a detailed Bostitch F21PL Review. If you are wondering if it is a right tool for you, you will have all your questions answered and be able to make an informed decision that you will not live to regret- just stay to the end.
Bostitch F21PL Features Review
The Bostitch F21PL is an air-powered or pneumatic framing nailer, which means that it requires an air compressor in order to operate. The fact that it is air powered makes it far more potent than its gas or battery powered relatives.
Packaging Framing Nailer Review
The package includes the actual framing nailer and two interchangeable nosepieces that can convert this tool to serve as either a framing nailer or a metal connector. There is no bag or hard case to store the unit or carry it.
Size, Weight, and Material of The Nail Gun Review
The Bostitch framing nailer model is 14.25 inches high and 20.25 inches long, and it weighs only 8.1 lbs. This means that it is light enough to hold in one hand as well as compact enough to be easily maneuvered with.
In fact, lightweight magnesium housing allows you to use the unit during the entire working day without feeling fatigued. On the other hand, magnesium is a material strong enough to withstand all the requirements of a busy work site. As a bonus, magnesium is a durable material that does not damage easily, so even if you accidentally drop the nail gun, it will remain undamaged.
Capacity of Bostitch F21PL
The Bostitch F21PL can comfortably hold up to 60 nails. It is more than enough for occasional framers and people who do not use this tool for the entire day. You can choose between the plastic collated nails (1.5 - 2.5 inches) or the wire collated nails (1-1/2 - 3-1/2 inches ), but bear in mind that the second option is noticeably more expensive. The maximum nail size is 3.5in while the minimum nail size is 1.5in.
The nails are round-headed to comply with the building codes and state construction laws in most states. The angle of the magazine allows for a clear view of the work area while the 16 inches indicator slot enables you to see your magazine status at any moment and refill the nails in a timely manner.
Power Review
The Bostitch's nailer model provides you with a powerful penetrating force of 1,050 in/lb. Such an effect allows you to easily drive nails into tougher materials such as hardwood and perform work like sheeting, bracing and sub-flooring with much less energy extortion. This framing nailer works wonders when used directly on thin metal sheets too.
The air compressor needed to get the best out of this nailer must be of high capacity too as it performs best with the pressure of 90 - 120 PSI.
Grip Review
The Bostitch's nailer model also features a rubber grip for added comfort. Even when your hands are wet, these anti-slip rubber grips provide a secure, firm, and comfortable hold of this tool. The rubber grips also guarantee less hand fatigue for professionals or enthusiasts who work long hours.
Settings on The Nailer Review
Besides a 2-in-1 nose piece I have already mentioned, you can also set the nailing depth with a push of single button thus adjusting it to the material you are currently working on. This option is especially useful for those of you who often change the materials they are working with.
Price and Warranty Review
The Bostitch F21PL framing nailer offers a good price and quality ratio balancing the performance, power, and versatility as well. It might not be the cheapest model on the market, but it does offer more than most of the lower-priced framing nailers. Besides, the price includes a seven-year limited warranty as well so you will be buying peace of your mind too and you can hardly put a price tag on such a valuable item, am I right?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the Bostitch F21PL framing nailer connect to the air compressor?
This Bostitch's model connects to the air compressor at the bottom, unlike many other pneumatic nailers. This is to avoid the air connectors and fittings getting in the way or limiting your movement while you work. In this way, your nailer becomes more versatile and portable too.
What if a nail jams? Does it happen often on the Bostitch F21PL framing nailer?
The nails are angled at a 21-degree, and thus the jams are very rare. If a jam does occur, there is an anti-jam mechanism that will ease the process of clearing it. I have not had a single jam and people generally rarely do, so that goes in favor of this nail gun. Bravo to the Bostitch!
Why to Buy?
- Powerful yet not excessively big
- Heavy duty yet lightweight
- Rubber handles allow for a comfortable and secure grip
- Takes both wire-collated and plastic-collated nails of different size
- Jam clearance system
- Decent magazine capacity
- 2-in-1 Nose Piece: Suitable for both woodworking and metalworking
- Allows for control of the depth of the nails
- User-friendly unit suitable for beginners
- Reasonably priced
- Seven years of the warranty period and strict product quality control
Are there any Negatives?
I must admit there are not many downfalls to the Bostitch F21Pl framing nailer, but these minor issues still need to be mentioned:
- The trigger is overly sensitive so make sure you press the head against the wood firmly before you pull it.
- This nail gun delivers a notable kickback so be cautious when using it.
- It is rather noisy, and that can be quite stressful after a couple of hours of work.
Conclusion
The Bostitch F21PL (see full specs) is a very powerful framing nailer that can be used for an array of materials in numerous framing projects. It is versatile, reliable and reasonably priced and that makes this framing gun a smart choice for anyone. It is not without faults, but it is definitely worth giving a try!
Related: The Best Nail Gun for Fancing
