Refurbished Framing Nailer by Porter Cable (An Inexpensive Alternative to Retail)

Are you about to tackle a basement finishing project?  Maybe you’re going to build a new shed, or even a whole house.  If that’s you, the Porter Cable FR350AR Framing Nailer offers a compelling set of features for DIY and professional framing.  We’ve used this tool for several years and have been extremely happy with its performance.  It drives standard size round head framing nails consistently on every fire.  In fact, we’ve experienced almost no misfires the entire time we’ve owned it.

Porter Cable’s FR350AR Round Head Framing Nailer retails at Home Depot for just under $200.  A better alternative is to purchase this unit refurbished (factory reconditioned) from Amazon for only $139.95.  Shipping from Amazon’s CPO Porter Cable affiliate is $9.95, bringing the grand total to $149.90, or about $50.00 cheaper than buying this at the big box.  Better still, Amazon doesn’t charge sales tax in most places, and you save the gas driving to the store and back.  Here’s the link:

• Refurbished Porter Cable FR350AR Round Head 2 inch to 3-1/2 inch Framing Nailer

If you also require an air compressor to drive the framing nailer, Amazon offers a refurbished pancake compressor that will adequately power this nailer at a deep discount off retail:

• Refurbished Porter Cable 2002R 6-Gallon Pancake Compressor (1.5 HP) - At $114.95, this unit is $75.00 cheaper than the new version of this compressor.

Highlights on Porter Cable’s Factory Reconditioned FR350AR Round Head Framing Nailer

• Nail Type: The FR350AR framing nailer uses 22 degree 2 inch to 3-1/2 inch plastic collated round-head framing nails (also available on Amazon and at Home Depot and Lowes).  
• Fire Mode: The nailer operates in two modes, restrictive (required trigger pull) and contact actuation (fires on contact) for driving a large number of nails.  Each shot delivers consistent power with an internal piston catch mechanism.
• Ease of Use: Only required maintenance includes adding a few drops of oil to the unit before each  use.  Loading magazines is made simple by Porter Cable’s easy-access design.  Long angled nailer sleeve provides ample space for nails to avoid frequent reloads without getting into the way of firing.
• Powerful: Will drive 3-1/2 inch round head nails into engineered / laminate lumber, as well as all traditional dimensioned lumber.

What to Expect in Factory Reconditioned (Refurbished) Tools

• Most Factory Reconditioned / Refurbished Tools come with full manufacturers’ warranties.
• Factory Reconditioned means that the manufacturer repaired/replaced some part of the tools in this kit.  The repair is done to original specification, and manufacturer stands behind their work.
• Some factory reconditioned tools have minor differences from their retail counterparts.  In the case of this framing nailer, the gun that are normally included with the set are omitted.

What do you think?  Do you own this framing nailer or another.  Let us know what you think!