Cordless technology is threatening to take over the entire tool market, and it is no wonder as it brings about convenience no other type of tools can measure up to. The Paslode 902600 CF325Li framing nailer is a true representative of cordless tools as it offers all the advantages of the battery powered technology.
Besides, Paslode is a well-renowned company with a long tradition of producing high-quality power tools. Their framing nailers are highly appreciated in the woodworking industry too, and that is why I have chosen to write Paslode CF325Li framing nailer review and see for myself if it is truly worthy of all the praises it has been getting.
Review Paslode 902600 CF325Li Lithium Ion Cordless Framing Nailer
There is no doubt that the Paslode CF325Li is an excellent framing nailer, but it is not the cheapest one, quite oppositely, its price is on the higher end of the spectrum.
It is, therefore, crucial to know if it is worth the money, and that is why this review is so valuable. It will provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision about whether or not to buy this cordless lithium-ion framing nailer.
Packaging
In the package, you will receive the actual Paslode 902600 CF325Li Lithium-Ion Cordless Framing Nailer, one rechargeable 7.4-volt Lithium-ion battery, a charger, and the case made from hard plastic to both protect and carry the nail gun. You also receive safety glasses and a 5/32-inch hex wrench.
Size, Weight, and Material
The 902600 CF325Li nail gun measures 17 x 17 x 5 inches and weighs only 7.5 pounds. Being both compact and lightweight, it is easy to maneuver with, and it will not make your hands fatigued too quickly.
This nail gun is almost entirely made up of plastic, but do not worry; it does not appear cheap by any means. On the bright side, being made from light plastic makes it ultra-portable as well as scratch resistant.
Capacity
This model of Paslode comes with a magazine capacity of only 48 paper collated nails, and at its price, it is a bit of disappointment. Considering the fact that it can shoot whooping 2-3 nails per second, the low capacity brings about even greater disgruntlement.
This nailer is compatible with nails that are 2 - 3-1/2 inches in length and it can shoot both Paslode clipped head and Roundrive nails. It is more suitable for smaller nailing projects than heavy-duty nailing on very tough materials and, therefore, it is more appropriate for the DIYers than the framing professionals.
The capacity might be a bit of a turn-off, and I cannot help but wish it was a bit bigger as that would make this versatile tool so much more practical. Although, I have to say that it is still more than enough for general purpose nailing. You will need to reload the magazine a bit more often, and that's all. As a reward for your sacrifice, you can enjoy the fact that Paslode CF325Li can shoot an impressive 6000 nails on a single battery charge.
Battery Power
The new Paslode CF325Li nail gun is actually an upgraded version of the NiCAD model. The NiCAD version was able to shoot 4000 nails per charge while the new and improved version shoots an awe-inspiring 6000 nails per charge. Quite an improvement, right?
Besides that, the Lithium-Ion battery can hold a charge five times longer as well as fire 50% nails more before it needs to be recharged. Translated into the actual numbers, the new battery provides an impressive five hours of constant use. Furthermore, it takes only two minutes for a quick recharge, which is enough for the gun to fire 200 nails, and only one hour is needed to recharge the unit to the maximum.
How can you tell when your battery is ready for the recharge? It is simple, you only need to throw a glance at the indicator light to the side of the handle, and you will know what the battery status of your nailer is. If the light blinks red, it is time to recharge your tool so you can take a short coffee break while you wait.
When it comes to power provided by this unit, I will tell you right off- it is appropriate for wood nailing but might be insufficient for nailing on metal sheets. After all, this is not a pneumatic gun, and you cannot expect the same performance and power. Pneumatic framing guns are far more competent when it comes to hard materials, and if you work with such materials, you should best check that option and sacrifice mobility for a higher power.
Grip
This model is compact and lightweight, but there is one more feature that makes it very comfortable to hold- an elastomer coating on the handle. The ergonomic 30-degree magazine slant also works in your favor as it allows for better visibility to your nailing.
Additional Features of the Paslode 902600 CF325Li
Belt hook: It allows you to clip the unit directly on your belt and you can even move it to the right or the left when needed.
The depth adjustment dial: The depth-of-drive is easily adjusted by pulling or pushing the nose piece so that you can select the depth you want to drive in the nails at.
The battery locking option: This feature allows you to save charge while the battery is safely stored inside of the gun.
Price and Warranty
This product is feature-packed and highly efficient so you cannot expect it to be a bargain as well. Its price matches its performance, as well as the high-quality battery and provided fuel cell. This nailer offers you the best battery autonomy on the market as well as incredible recharge speed. There might be a few models that can compete with the Paslode CF325Li nail gun in these aspects but they are even more expensive.
Besides the plethora of features, ease of use, and excellent performance, the company provides you with a 1-year full warranty if anything goes wrong.
Should You Buy the Model 902600 CF325Li?
The short answer is - If you’re in a need for such a framing nail gun, absolutely. It all depends on your needs and preferences. On top of that, here is a short list of all that goes in favor and against the Paslode 902600 CF325Li:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
As I have already stated 902600 CF325Li framing nailer is a great tool worth having in your tool collection as it is highly efficient and very powerful. However, it is better suited for people who perform casual nailing on wood and DIYers than for heavy-duty nailing and professionals who work with various materials.
If you don't mind a bit of noise and having to refill the magazine quite often, this unit might be perfect for you. After all, its maneuverability paired with 1200 fuel cell autonomy and rapid-fire rate are hardly a compromise.
