When we first heard about the new Paslode PF150S-PP Nailer, we knew we had to get our hands on one. Having some experience with the previous generations of the Positive Placement Nailer made us want to check out the new kid on the block since the specs seemed so much better. First off, when we opened the box, we were pleasantly surprised at the shrunken down size of the tool. Overall it is about half the size of most framing nailers. But don’t let the pint size make you think it is not designed for heavy-duty work, this new nailer still has a decent heft to it as it weighs in at 6.4 pounds. Some weight and size was shaved when the decision was made that this nailer would be a dedicated to 1-1/2” size nails only. While other sizes of nails are used in certain applications, by far the most common size called for by different building codes is 1-1/2″. Thanks to the single nail size, the width of the nail magazine was minimized, yet they made it long enough to accept two full strips of nails. Nails are loaded though the end of the magazine and there is a nail lockout that prevents the driving blade from excessive wear due to dry fires.
Paslode PF150S-PP Nailer
The ergonomics of the tool is great. With a small main body, the balance was greatly improved and, with the induced rafter hook, it is easy to keep the tool within reach without having to set it down or balance it on top of a ladder. What makes the Paslode metal connector nailer different than other similar tools on the market is how they help pinpoint the location of the nail hole. With other brands, this is done with the tip of the nail sticking out of the nose, but with the Paslode, it is done with a little movable metal probe tip. Just press the tip where you want the nail and pull the trigger. What this does is it protects the nails, eliminates jams and actually helps you find the nail holes faster. There are a number of other nice touches on the nailer like the rear exhaust that can be positioned in any direction and the large overmolded rubber grip area on the handle.
Just a quick word on the nails; the PF150S-PP is designed to drive Paslode positive placement metal connector nails, which are head marked for easy nail identification by building inspectors. These nails are paper-tape collated, smooth shank, heat treated and come in 1-1/2″ x .131 and 1-1/2″ x .148 bright or mechanically galvanized. They are ICC-ES recognized under ER2126.
Testing and Use
We welcomed the opportunity to test out the new Paslode PF150S-PP Positive Placement Metal Connector Nailer.. Where we live is located in coastal South Carolina and just about everything that is built here has some kind of strapping or hangers. Pretty much, if in doubt, just go ahead and add some more straps because the code official will probably make you anyway. Like we said earlier, we have some experience with the previous generations of the Positive Placement nailers. The earlier nailers were large, heavy and not exactly compact. Anyone that has had to add straps and hangers knows that many times, they are in tight spaces like between joists and up in rafters. Armed with the new Paslode PF150S-PP Positive Placement Metal Connector Nailer there has not been a single instance where we had to break out our palm nailer because we could not fit the nailer into the space.
Compact size will fit almost anywhere
The lighter weight and overall reduction in size were the two biggest improvements in our minds as we used it on a few projects. The other thing that we noticed is how hard the nailer drives the fasteners home. It was a rare instance when we needed to hand hammer a nail tight after it had been set by this nailer. It hits so hard, in fact, that in a few cases, when we missed the hold in the strapping, it simply shot a nail right though the metal. (We don’t recommend doing this since there is always the risk of a ricochet.)
Conclusion
The Paslode PF150S-PP Positive Placement Metal Connector Nailer has a great feel and it looks like it can really take daily job site abuse. While many homeowners probably will not need this tool for their deck projects; most heavy duty DIY types and professional contractors should quickly see the value of a tool like this. Thanks to a more compact body, hard hitting driver and super ease of use, we give this nailer a 9/10 for our Performance rating. For our Value rating we gave this nailer a 8/10 because, while on the surface it might seem a little pricey, in the long run the amount of time that is saved and the ease at which strapping and joist hangers can be installed will quickly make this tool pay for itself.
About Paslode
Paslode, a division of Illinois Tool Works, is a leading manufacturer of Cordless and pneumatic nailers, staplers, and fasteners. The company’s products are widely used by professional contractors, remodelers and carpenters for framing, sheathing, trim and finish applications, fencing, floor and roof decking, siding, and insulation. Paslode and Positive Placement are registered trademarks of Illinois Tool Works.
