The 'Lode' Zone

Paslode's Cordless Roofing Nailer and Engineered Lumber Nail Win MVP Award

Betsy — 2011-09-15T14:54:00Z

Paslode Receives Two MVP Awards from Building Products Magazine

That’s right, Paslode’s Cordless Roofing Nailer System and Engineered Lumber Nails were among 30 winners of this year’s Most Valuable Product Awards from Building Products magazine, which was announced on July 25.

These innovative Paslode products had to go before a judging panel made up of tough-to-please professional contractors who were looking for entries that are most valuable to the contractor by reducing installation time, callbacks and labor costs, solving a problem or boosting profits.

Certainly our Cordless Roofing Nailer System meets the criteria: With the convenience of cordless there are no hoses or compressor to set up or pack up, it saves time and labor costs and eliminates jobsite clutter. And many contractors have told us that even for small roof repairs, what was a three-man job is now a one man job, which is sure to save you money and boost profits!

Our new, Made-in-the-USA Engineered Lumber Nail solves a big problem we see on jobsites every day. That problem is the inability to drive nails flush into the newest, hardest engineer lumbers, such as LVL, LSL and PSL. Contractors spend a lot of time pulling bent nails or using a hammer to drive the nails flush. Many increase the pressure on their compressors, which increases fuel costs and the wear and tear on tools and equipment.

The Engineered Lumber Nail was specifically designed to solve this problem by driving flush into the hardest woods first time, every time. In so doing, there is no need to hammer nails down, pull out bent nails or up the pressure on your compressor – sure ways to save labor, nail and maintenance costs. And a sure way to boost profits.

Paslode Cordless Angled Finish Nailer Wins Fine Homebuilding Best Overall Award

Paslode Administrator — 2011-06-27T14:54:00Z

Have you seen the July issue of Fine Homebuilding magazine? If not, you’ve got to check out the “Tool Test” article on cordless finish nailers because the Paslode 16 gauge cordless angled finish nailer receives the Author’s Choice Best Overall tool award, if you’re a subscriber you can also check it out online at www.finehomebuilding.com. (Also check out the “How It Works” column in this issue, we provided the writer with a cordless finish nailer as visual aide to his explanation of how a fuel-powered cordless nailer works.)

Associate Editor Patrick McCombe put thirteen cordless 15- and 16-gauge finish nailers to the test, and we mean to the test. He tested nailer power by making a sandwich of 5/4 white oak, 1/2” drywall and 2x4 studs, he mocked up white-pine molding to test visibility and splitting, and milled strips of pine and white oak of 1/8” to 5/16” thickness to test the depth-of-drive adjustment.

He tested both Paslode’s straight and angled 16g cordless finish nailers and had this to say: “Paslode has had 25 years to perfect its cordless nailers, now in their third generation, and it shows. Both versions can easily handle the densest materials used in my testing. The depth of drive is consistent and sensitive, making it the best countersinking tool in the group. This isn’t the lightest nailer, yet it’s well-balanced and easy to handle. I also really liked that Paslode fuel is available at every lumberyard and home center I checked.”

Finally, when it came down to picking the winner, Patrick put it this way: “The Paslode has a better depth-of-drive control, and its fuel is widely available, making it my top pick.”

Why did Paslode’s angled finish nailer win out over the straight one? Author preference. As Patrick writes: “I prefer angled magazines because they provide a better line of sight to the business end of a nailer. This is especially noticeable when you’re working overhead or in tight locations.”

That’s one man’s opinion. We’d love to hear which you prefer angled or straight?

Paslode Fuel + Nail Packs Catching on with Contractors

Paslode Administrator — 2011-03-25T14:54:00Z

With all new things, there are some people who jump right in and some who don’t like change. Often new products or processes take some getting used to, but once you’ve tried it, you wonder why someone didn’t come up with the idea sooner.

That’s happening with the Fuel + Nail packs . When Paslode introduced the new CF325 cordless framing nailer, we offered the fuel only in Fuel + Nail Packs , and we’ll admit it, we heard from some Paslode customers that they didn’t like it.

Since then, we introduced Fuel + Nail Packs with PowerBoost Black Tip Coating and this past summer the Fuel + Nail Packs with Adapter, so all Paslode cordless framing nailers can use Fuel + Nail Packs, and as more and more contractors try the Packs, we are hearing from users around the country that this ain’t such a bad idea.

For example, a contractor recently told us:
At first I really thought it was BS and a marketing scheme. However, over time we've started to notice a trend that works well for us. The fuel typically outlasts the nails so we end up with some extra fuel. This works well for us as we occasionally purchase extra nails which are still sold separately.

And here’s what Rob Robillard, a carpenter outside of Boston, told us:
Fuel and nails in one package? I was skeptical at first, but after using them I’m starting to come around. First, they now have the backwards compatible adapter so they work with any Paslode cordless framing nailer, which is a plus since most people currently have the older model. Second, by purchasing the fuel and nails together, you avoid having to remember to order more fuel cells, Paslode has done the math for you. Third, buying your fuel and nails at one time makes sense when you think about how you use the nailer and fasteners. Have you ever bought nails only to get to the job site and realized you forgot to buy fuel? I know many carpenters who have.

We know we’re not going to convince everyone, but there really were some good reasons why we decided to offer the Fuel + Nail Packs, and they haven't changed. But, please we'd like to hear from you. What do you think?

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Paslode Celebrating 25 Year Cordless Anniversary at the 2011 International Builders’ Show

Paslode Administrator — 2011-01-05T14:54:00Z

Paslode will have a booth at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Orlando next week (January 12 to 15, Booth #W1137), and we’ll be celebrating 25 years of cordless framing, finishing and roofing.

In 1986, we reinvented the nailer, created an entirely new category, and forever changed the way contractors, builders and remodelers work. We’re not just celebrating 25 years of fueling the cordless generation, we’re saluting you, our customers, for 25 years of excellent, innovative craftsmanship and success in everything you do.

So, if you’re going to IBS, stop by the Paslode booth and see what’s new for 2011. And, if you put our latest in fuel powered cordless technology to the test – the Cordless Roofing Nailer, you can put your name in the hat to win one. Now that’s a celebration!

Paslode's first CapStapler, model CS150

Paslode Administrator — 2010-12-03T14:54:00Z

Paslode’s new CapStapler Housewrap Stapling System, Model CS150, is designed to make it easier and faster for contractors to install housing wrap, plastic sheathing and roofing felt.

The CapStapler has been available for a few months now and the feedback has been very positive from tool reviewers and contractors. They like the speed this pneumatic tool has over manual staplers and all reports point to it being a very easy tool to load and operate, unlike some of the other pneumatic models on the market.

Plus, because it has a unique button cap design, contractors don’t worry about felt or wrap tearing off in high winds, and the caps are highly resistant to water, ensuring that the manufacturers warranty on the wrap remains in effect.

This is how Art Waldal, writing for BuilderNews Magazine put it:

“If you have just tacked down the paper with a stapler and it gets windy overnight, you’re in for a world of hurt in the morning. With the cap stapler you can paper off the whole roof and not worry if you don’t get it roofed before the daylight ends. We got ourselves in just that sort of pickle. But, having the new Paslode CapStapler on hand, we capped down the paper and let the wind howl during the night. We got to the job at 7 a.m. the next morning, and lo and behold the paper was all there.”

The CapStapler System includes the new Paslode pneumatic CapStapler, FasCap button cap reels and 18 gauge, 3/8” crown button cap staples available in 1” and 1 1/2" lengths. Contractors installing house wrap or roof felt appreciate the CapStapler’s large capacity reel, which holds 240 FasCaps, and its open design that allows for quick reloading of staples (capacity 90).

The CapStapler features a best-in-class drive performance for day in day out use, an adjustable depth-of-drive, a quick-clear nose with easy access to the staples and an in-line magazine for greater balance and control. It also is a lightweight tool that contractors find easy to maneuver while reducing fatigue.

The CapStapler has a switchable trigger for single or bump fire, an adjustable exhaust cap, an adjustable belt hook and a switchable cap feed so that it can be used as a narrow crown stapler that will take staples from 3/4” to 1-1/2”.

Building and remodeling contractors are finding that this a “must have” tool from Paslode. Check it out at your dealer or distributor today.

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Fuel + Nail Combo Packs Now Work With ALL Paslode Cordless Framing Nailers

Paslode Administrator — 2010-09-08T14:54:00Z

You heard that right. When Paslode introduced the Fuel + Nail Combo Packs, they only worked with the new cordless framing nailer, the CF325. But we heard from many Paslode customers still using older versions of our cordless framing nailer that they liked the convenience of never running out of fuel before you run out of nails, and they said “what about us?”

And we listened, so now every Paslode Fuel + Nail Combo Packs comes with a backward compatible twist-on adapter, allowing users of older generation Paslode cordless framing nailers to take advantage of the convenient combo pack concept. And not to worry, loading the fuel cell is as easy as twisting off the top on the fuel cell and twisting on the adapter, no snapping necessary.

Better still, now all Paslode cordless framing nailers can achieve optimized performance with the PowerBoost™ Black Tip Coated Nails (3” and 3-1/4”), which are only available in the Fuel + Nail Combo Packs. The PowerBoost™ Black Tip Coating is a proprietary coating that allows Paslode cordless framing nailers to drive the nail flush into the hardest engineered lumber, such as LVL.

The new PowerBoost™ Black Tip Coating on these nails also translates into better performance at higher altitudes in parts of the U.S. where, typically, combustion-type framing nailers have had drivability issues due to the lack of oxygen. These nails finally allow remodelers and builders in high altitude markets to benefit from the freedom of cordless framing nailers without the hassle of hoses and compressors.

Fuel + Nail Combo Packs come in two sizes: 1,000 nails with one Quicklode™ fuel cell and one adapter, or 3,000 nails with three Quicklode™ fuel cells and three adapters.

You’ll find them where ever you buy your Paslode nailers and nails.

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New Metal Connector Nailer A Hit With Contractors

Paslode Administrator — 2010-07-19T14:54:00Z

If you're a builder or remodeler, you know that more and more communities are requiring metal connectors, straps and ties. When metal connector nailers, like the Paslode® Model F250S-PP, were first introduced years ago, they were designed to handle both 2-1/2” and 1-1/2” nails due to the requirements for longer nails in coastal areas. But the majority of the new building codes only require 1-1/2” nails, and while these older tools work fine, they are heavy and bulky, and a bit of overkill when it comes to driving only 1-1/2” nails. Palm nailers are often used but they are much slower than a dedicated metal connector tool.

Paslode®, which is always looking for ways to help builders and remodelers be more productive, has introduced the new Positive Placement® Metal Connector Nailer, Model PF150S-PP, designed specifically for 1-1/2” nails. Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver into tight spaces, and its lightweight – under 6.4 lbs. – is easier on the arm, especially when using the tool all day. With Paslode’s unique Positive Placement® probing tip, the PF150S-PP easily and accurately locates the metal connector hole without damaging a nail, making this a fast and productive tool. And its high capacity magazine easily accommodates two strips of nails for less reloading and added productivity.

Reports from Paslode reps in the field have been very positive. “Contractors have told us their workers are very happy with the tool,” says Steve Golich, Paslode Product Manager, “they are finishing jobs in half the time and their arms aren’t ready to fall off by end of day.“

The nails are important too. The PF150S-PP is designed to drive Paslode positive placement metal connector heat-treated hardened nails, which are head marked for easy nail identification by building inspectors. Without the head mark a building inspector can order you to re-nail everything!

The new Positive Placement® Metal Connector Nailer, Model PF150S-PP is available at your local distributor now. Go on in and check it out.

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Paslode's T250A-F16 Angled Trim Nailer is now available at Lowe's!

Paslode Administrator — 2010-04-08T14:54:00Z

Great news! The Paslode 16 gauge angled finish nailer, Model T250A-F16 is now available at all Lowe’s stores. The T250A-F16 is the only pneumatic 16 gauge angled finish nailer on the market today.

The T250A-F16 takes finish nailer performance to a whole new level. Its angled-magazine design gives users a combination of maneuverability and comfort never before available in a full-size finish nailer. It is lighter than most finish nailers, meaning less fatigue when working on bigger projects, and its small size lets you work in harder to reach places than ever before.

The T250A-F16 is designed for professionals; it can handle the toughest conditions and perform for years with a minimum of maintenance. This nailer is ideal for Pros who spend the day installing door jambs and stops, door and window casings, baseboard and shoe molding, chair rails, paneling, stair assemblies, and crown molding. It is also perfect for cabinetry and furniture assembly.

It has a number of standard features that help ensure a high quality finish and more productive work, including:

An easy-to-use tool-free quick clear for nail jams – finish nailers without this feature can take a while to clear, really slowing down the job.
A tool-free depth of drive adjustment mechanism, making it quick and easy to set and adjust the depth of drive.
A two-step follower which allows for faster, easier nail loading.
A no-mar tip to prevent damage to trim work surfaces.
A nail lock out capability – very important when working fast, or with fine hardwoods, as this feature won’t let you fire the tool without fasteners in the magazine, if you could, the driver blade would mar the wood surface, and you would also have to figure out where you stopped setting nails.

As every Pro knows, it’s not just the nailer that makes for better quality, it’s also the nails. All Paslode nailers work as a system with Paslode nails. This means less jamming, better quality work and more productivity.

Whatever the project, a finish nailer is going to make the job easier, quicker and provide a high quality finish; it’s time to put the hammer away and get a Paslode 16 gauge angled finish nailer.

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Why convert to cordless?

Paslode Administrator — 2010-03-15T14:54:00Z

We get asked this question all the time: Why should I convert to Paslode fuel powered cordless nailers? And our answer is: Because you save money, you are more productive and your business will be more profitable.

Where is the savings, where is the productivity improvement you ask? Some of it is in the roll out and roll up of compressors and hoses. It takes about 20 minutes to pull out the compressor and roll out the hoses; and another 20 minutes to put it all away. The Paslode cordless framing nailer takes just three minutes to set up and start nailing, and three minutes to put away. So that’s 40 minutes of nonproductive labor versus six.

Savings can also be found if you use gasoline powered compressors. Not only will you save the time it takes to refuel the compressor, but you save money on the gasoline.

Your productivity improves because you work faster. For example, you don’t have the hassle of hoses to pull around the job site, and no hoses pulling you down when working on a ladder, or scaffolding. You can eliminate the hassles of winding hoses in and around the braces of framed walls or during truss installation.

Finally, with no hoses to trip over, and no compressor noise to have to compete with when giving cutting measurements, you’ll see jobs move along quicker with less mistakes made.

Paslode cordless nailers are not just good for punch out or small remodeling projects. With advances in speed and efficiency, today, Paslode cordless nailers are being using to build additions, decks, complete gut remodels and even framing in new home construction.

If you still don’t think you can save money with Paslode fuel powered cordless tools, then check out the Cost Saving Calculator, on the Paslode website at http://www.paslode.com/calculators/CordlessCalculator.aspx, and see for yourself how you save time and money by using Paslode fuel powered cordless tools.

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Why Fuel + Nail Combo Packs?

Paslode Administrator — 2010-02-02T14:54:00Z

On our jobsite visits, we noticed that everybody was running out of fuel. We’d often see contractors stopping work to go get more fuel, or sending a crew member off to pick some up. Not the best use of their time, and often they’d end up buying more fuel cells than they needed, just to make sure they wouldn’t run out. So, when we decided it was time to make some major upgrades to our cordless framing nailer, we also thought, why not pack the fuel cells with the nails. This will ensure that you have enough fuel for all the nails. And, sure enough, with the new CF325 and its Fuel + Nail Combo packs, no one needs to stop and go get more fuel, you buy only what you need – no more wasted costs or interrupted work!

Now, even better news: we’ve put the Paslode PowerBoost™ black tip coating on 3” and 3-1/4” nails in all Fuel + Nail Combo packs. The proprietary coating on PowerBoost™ nails gives the CF325 the power to drive nails into engineered lumbers, such as LVL. The new boost also translates into better performance at higher altitudes in parts of the U.S. where, typically, combustion-type framing nailers have had drivability issues due to the lack of oxygen. These nails finally allow remodelers and builders in high altitude markets to benefit from the freedom of cordless framing nailers without the hassle of hoses and compressors.

What’s the bottom line? With the Paslode CF325 and Fuel + Nail Combo packs, you save time, you save money, you’re more profitable job after job. So what are you waiting for?

Not all nails created Equal

Paslode Administrator — 2009-10-12T14:54:00Z

Not All Nails Created Equal

Oct. 6, 2009

Nails, simple commodity, right? Wrong. Not all nails are created equal. In fact, nail quality affects worker productivity, and thus the all-important Bottom Line.

That’s right, you get what you pay for and we see this on jobsites all the time. Cheap nails mean more nail jams and tools wearing out prematurely. Cheap nails also mean trouble with building inspectors who have been known to question the structural integrity of a house made with inferior nails. They often will “red-tag” such a building, making the workers re-nail everything with code-recognized nails.

The only sure way to know you’ve got high quality, code-recognized nails – and won’t have the inspectors asking a lot of questions – is with the ICC-ES stamp on your nail boxes. Some manufacturers say their nails are “made to ASTM standards” and that may suffice, but having the ICC-ES stamp is better.

To obtain the ICC-ES stamp, nail manufacturers not only have to meet ASTM standards, but they must also demonstrate that their manufacturing processes and materials meet the rigorous standards of ICC-Evaluation Services an independent third party evaluator and subsidiary of the International Code Council. Every box of nails with an ICC-ES stamp means that it has an ICC-ES evaluation report, which provides evidence that the nails comply with structural integrity code, and rest assured building inspectors like to see the ICC-ES stamp when they look at your nail boxes. Of course all Paslode nails have the ICC-ES Stamp. Got a nail story you’d like to share? We’d like to hear it.

Next week, we’ll talk about nail collation, plastic or paper, does it matter?

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PowerFramer takes on Engineered Lumber!

Paslode Administrator — 2009-09-25T14:54:00Z

New PowerFramer Framing Nailer Takes On Engineered Lumber

Engineered or laminated veneer lumber (LVL) is all the rage in the home building industry. It has many advantages, but these woods are much harder and, we’ve noticed, your standard framing nailer isn’t powerful enough to drive a 3” nail flush. Workers are constantly stopping and pulling out a hammer to seat a nail. As you can imagine, this really slows things down. And time is money when you’re building a house.
	Paslode saw the need, went back to the drawing board, and we can comfortably say that the new Paslode PowerFramer PF350 is one of the most powerful framing nailers on the market today. It will sink a 3” nail into the toughest engineered lumber. But besides being a more powerful nailer, it is also one of the lightest, weighing just 7.5 lbs, and is extremely durable. In fact, the PowerFramer PF350 is made to deliver more than 18 months of service before requiring maintenance and has a tool life of more than five years.
So, what do you think? Have you tried the PowerFramer PF350?

The 'Lode' Zone

Paslode Administrator — 2009-09-15T14:54:00Z

Congratulations to Mel Somerville! Mel submitted the name "The 'Lode' Zone" and won a FREE CF325 Fuel Powered Cordless Framing Nailer! We appreciate everyone's submissions and participation! Please check in often to see any other blog topics, contests, rebates, etc... through The 'Lode' Zone from now on.

As always, feel free to post questions or ideas you want insight on from fellow Paslode customers through The 'Lode' Zone blog. Happy Nailing!

NAME THIS BLOG FINALISTS!!!

Paslode Administrator — 2009-08-12T14:54:00Z

We want to thank everyone who entered the Name This Blog contest. The judges, after much deliberation have chosen the top 10. And now it’s your turn once again to tell us which one is your favorite. The one with the most votes wins. We will close the voting on September 8th, and announce the winner on September 15th. Of course the winner receives the all new Paslode CF325 fuel powered framing nailer. SUBMIT YOUR VOTE in the comment section below!

The Top Ten Are (in no particular order):

1) Nail Mail

2) The “P” Buddy Blog

3) The Daily Nail

4) Blogapalooza

5) The Blab Blog

6) Pasloders Park

7) The “Lode” Zone

8) The Paslode Lounge

9) Orange Power Blog

10) MyPas

Nail Some Cash! Get a $35 rebate on select Fuel Powered Tools
Speaking of fuel powered tools, going on right now until September 15, 2009; you can get a $35 rebate for every eligible Paslode fuel powered tool you buy. All you have to do is go to Paslode.com, print out the form and mail it in with your original receipt and the UPC code cut from the box. It’s that simple. Eligible tools include the new CF-325 Fuel Powered Framing Nailer, the 16 Gauge Angled and Straight Fuel Powered Finish Nailers and the 18 Gauge Fuel Powered Brad Nailer.

So tell us which name you like for this blog. Your comments are always welcome, and, until next time, happy nailing…..wear your safety glasses!

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