Porter-Cable FR350MAG Round Head 2 3/8-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Round Head Framing Nailer with Magnesium Housing

Purchased the new FR350MAG because I wanted a full round head nailer (they hold better, esp on outdoor projects), and wanted enough power for full 16penny common nails. I have only framed out my basement since I got it, but so far love the nailer. Is an improvement over the FR350 (lighter, more power, easier to clear jams, and can shoot bigger nails), but identical in physical size.

Pluses: Light, good balance, comfortable to use, powerful, easy jam clearing, very easyloading magazine, good toe-nailing, good price for product.

Minuses: Double-fires often with standard trigger (as most nailers do). Called them and they sent restrictive fire trigger (free). Large size makes nailing in joist space, etc, difficult. Can’t hold as many nails in the magazine as a clipped-head nailer (duh).

Overall a great nailer. Have used lots of framing nailers, and this is my favorite so far. Not sure about durability, since I do not frame houses for a living (though i’ve done a couple). Will update this review as I use this nailer more (a big shed project scheduled for spring!).

I am a home “handiman” who wanted a cost-effective nail gun to build a screened-in porch, large deck, and replace the defective wood siding on my house with Hardiplank, a cement based siding. I needed a gun that would drive round head nails. I was counting on this gun to drive a wide range of nail lengths and be able to vary the driven depth (critical for the cement siding). I am very pleased with the performance of this gun. I’ve driven between 5 and 10 thousand nails so far without one misfire or jam! I experimented with air pressure (75 to 80 pounds) and the depth adjustment on the gun and drove 2 1/2 in ring shank nails flush with the siding (countersinking is a no-no). It will countersink 3 1/4 smooth shank and ring shank nails without messing with the depth adjustment by cranking up the air pressure to 100 – 110 pounds.

Having read other reviews regarding its Taiwan manufacture, I was a little unsure of my purchase until I opened the box. I was pleasantly suprised to fine a very well made and amazingly light gun, even with a full load of nails. … I’d recommend it to anyone!

I bought a used FR350MAG over a year ago because I wanted a lighter round-headed nailer. I remodeled a friend’s (HUGE) basement and built a 12×20 deck with this nailer, shot thousands of nails and never once did it misfire.

I’m a tool fanatic and love to keep my tools in good shape. I understand the want for a case, but the box it comes in does a pretty good job of keeping this thing protected and luggable. Box vs. case is not that big of a drawback, nor would I make it a major point in deciding which nailer to buy. If you plan to shoot a lot of nails, weight and reliability make all the difference in the world…especially if your shooting above your head or trying out some new-fangled yoga position hanging off a joist.

As others have mentioned, I have inadvertantly double-tapped this thing a few times. It will definitely let you know you’re alive, but a quick call to PC and you’ll have yourself a new trigger that will eliminate the multiple bump-fire capability.

Also, setting the depth may take a couple of test fires to get it right, but, again, I’ve had no real issues with that either.

The bottom line: If you want a framing nailer that’s lighter than most, easy to load/use and fires every time, buy this one. When it comes to air nailers, PC knows its stuff.

I gave this nailer four stars because it doesn’t come with a case, and I don’t think Porter Cable even makes an aftermarket case. Also, the depth of drive adjustment is not the greatest. That being said, this is a fine framing nailer and is lighter then most. I really like the way nails are loaded and advanced(it loads similar to the senco guns). Compared to the Hitachi NR83, it has similar power, it is better balanced, and has way fewer jams because of the way it advances the nail strips.

I think Porter Cable nailers are under-rated in general. The Hitachi’s are extremely popular with framers here on the west coast, and they are good nailers. However, for less money, the magnesium PC framer is hard to beat. It is a hard working tool and I have had no problems with it so far. I have owned it about one year and it has been used for framing, sheathing, and decking. The only thing I have not liked is that it was difficult to adjust the depth of drive to allow for flush nailing decking boards with 8d nails. For framing applications, it has been basically maintenance free and pretty much flawless. I just keep it well oiled and work it hard.

Bought for handyman general work. Works great in my initial use. Light easy to use, light recoil, easily drives 31/2 inch nails. I use the restrictive trigger (I consider this a must for the non-pro otherwise this gun will double and triple fire— a very very dangereous situation). There is a lot of scrap plastic flying around so anyone near the user must also wear eye protection. Local source of nails (covering the full range) is a problem not finding Porter Cable Dealers (locally) much help. A bit in hindsight I would recommend that anyone buying a framing nailer check first that a good source of nails is available locally (most pros locally seem to use split head nailers and HD in this area stock those nails but not round head.

I am a professed “Weekend Warrior”, renovating my home in PA. Bought this nailer because the DeWalt model was so badly panned. I have not been disappointed. Have fired well over 1000 nails & the only thing slowing me down is reloading. The gun will not fire with 2 or 3 nails left in the magazine, but other than that, it is flawless. After working for a few hours, the nailer does get heavy, but it is worth it not to have to hammer all those nails. I nailed down a 10′ x 20′ subfloor in about 1/4 the time it would have taken me with a hammer & nail. No misfires. It is a joy to use!

I’ve only used it a few times but it seems to be a quality tool. I did experience a lot of kickback causing the gun to double fire. I called PC and they sent me a “restrictive” trigger for free. That solved the problem. I don’t think you can go wrong with this tool.

This unit is super. It loads easily, it shoots solidly and has yet to jam. In fact none of my PC nailers have ever jammed, whereas my Bostitch units did so repeatedly.

PC has lived up to it’s name with this one. I sure wish that they would provide a case for it though!

Excellent product, performs as advertised. Watch for kickback when using nailer. Also recommend ordering free trigger for single release directly from manufacturer – Porter Cable-Delta

The framing crew likes this gun. It’s light weight. It shoots the fat common nails that engineers are starting to specify, unlike the FR350A. Single fire is now an adjustment on the trigger so no accessory is needed. Depth adjustment requires an allen wrench. You will need a real air compressor that produces at least 9 cfm at 100 psi to keep up with bounce nailing subfloor and sheathing.