• Uses 20 degree to 22 degree nails, 2-inch to 3-1/2-inch by .113-inch to .148-inch plastic collated round-head framing nails

• Power to drive nails (up to 3-1/2-inch by .131-inch) into engineered lumber

• Compact body design for better balance and style

• Consistent power on every shot with internal piston catch mechanism

• Selectable trigger - restrictive or contact actuation mode; Tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment with detents for proper setting of nail heads

Very Well Balanced Machine, little fatigue during the day. Great hands-free depth adjustment. Extremely easy to load, advance and clear. You can change from restrictive to sequential fire easily on the trigger.

My Hitachi can now be retired, I will not go back, this is my framing nailer of choice. As another reviewer seems to have found out, this is not an appearance nailer, for something like siding you may want to try the Porter-Cable RN175A Coil. I have had no problems sinking 16D's in even engineered lumber. For everyday use the 350A is highly recommended.

47 of 49 found the following review helpful:


Rough Framing isn't for everyone  Jul 31, 2005 By Celtic Framer "gorgeousdan"
Rough Framing is not for everyone or every nailer. We had three of these porter cable nailer because of the price on a framing crew. As time went on we had one nailer on the job because two were always in the shop. The guns do not have the duribility needed to stand up to driving a few thousand nails a day. We oil the guns every day and keep the compressor at 110 but still had problems. The guns jam at least twice a day and there is no easy way to fix them while hanging off the side of a house. I've used Dewalt, Hitachi, Bostich, and a few other and never had to wonder if they would fire each time I pulled the trigger. It is also tricky to change out a clip of nails once they are loaded.

The tool free adjustable muzzle and depth are nice features. I wish that the nailers were put together better. We chose to go to Hitachi and get a nailer worth the money.

29 of 29 found the following review helpful:


Light, powerful and agile  May 03, 2006 By James A. Mckelvey "Toolio"
I bought this based on a lot of positive reviews that I read while researching framing nailers on several different websites. I must say, I am VERY pleased.

First of all, this tool has copious amounts of power. I was able to sink 3.5" 8d nails with no problem, even while adding a work bench and shelving in my new/old garage which features some really tough dimensional lumber. Further, and in spite of what I had read, I thought that the recoil was minimal.

Some of the reviews I read gave this tool mediocre to above average reviews w.r.t. balance and weight. I'm not sure what inspired these comments. The only issue that I had with balance was when the air hose got caught on something and pulled on the nailer but let's face it, this is an issue with any air tool. In fact, after using it for residential framing for two days straight, I did not notice any fatigue in my forearm or wrist. When I first opened the case, I looked at the size of the thing and assumed that it would be heavy. Quite the contrary. I've had the opportunity to try a few other framing nailers (Senco, Hitachi) and I thought that this felt lighter. Just my opinion.

I live in Chicago, Illinois and have had absolutely no problems finding nails (Lowes and the Borg have multiple selections for this tool). A box of 2500 2-3/8" nails cost me $25.00. Strangely, this is perhaps one item that is cheaper to buy locally when you factor in shipping charges.

I had read somewhere that the exhaust was not tool free. I bought the nailer conceding this fact however I found that it is not true.

I've read a couple of gripes based on the fact that the nailer does not have a holder for the mar-free nose piece. To this I say "big deal." When you are doing framing work, do you really care if you leave toenail spike marks in the lumber when you are face-nailing??

I was suprised to note that, when the magazine is down to 2-3 nails, the gun no longer fires. I don't really see this as an issue though.

One other reviewer noted that it is difficult to remove nails from the chamber if for instance, you wish to change nail lengths/sizes. I own several different nailers including Bostich, Campbell Hausfeld and PC. To date, I haven't found any that are particularly easy w.r.t. removing nails that have already been loaded. On the other hand, loading nails in this gun is simple. You shove a set in the rear of the gun, pull the tensioner back beyond them and let it go. Voila!

To summarize, I am not a professional framer/carpenter. I do not use a tool like this for a living although as a woodworker and homeowner, I probably use my framing nailer more often than most. I think that it is a great product for the money. Can you buy a better nailer? Without even looking, I'm sure you can but at what cost? Finally, the quality of higher-end tools is quite subjective, much like a good pair of home stereo loudspeakers. I think that this particular product is a fantastic combination of quality and value.

Skeptical? Buy one from Home Depot and try it out. If you don't like it, all you have to lose is 35-45 minutes in line trying to return it! ;o)



20 of 20 found the following review helpful:


This Machine "GUN" Out shoots Bostitch-Senco-Paslode!  Mar 13, 2006 By ShowCase Cabinet & Display Case Co.
We own all 4 brands and many different guages of each Mfg type. We have just upgraded to this model from the FR350. The first thing you need to do is invest in GOOD SAFETY GLASSES! And watch your fingers!!

No problem finding round head nails in our area. Ctrl Oregon. The feature that we like the best is going from full autonail to (semi).

I have an apprentice working with it and this is a good safe feature for him. If you have a need for this size and type of nail gun this is the one you want!

Very easy on the wrist in any prolonged position. I hate reloading some guns but the rear load feature helps get the job done faster!

We recomend the case on this gun to keep it protected when not in use. One note about the case, remember to retract the nail spring load to its fully closed position or the gun will not fit in the case..Nice safety feature.

I have to give the FR350A a 5 out of 5 stars. It has never jammed once in over 250,000 shots of 3.5 in nails! Great design and highly recomended for the home owner and contractor in general

ShowCase Cabinet & Door Co.

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