On Sep 20, 10:29 am, dpb wrote:
wrote:
I realize that they use different nails but is one actually better
than the other? I hear that some codes require the round head nails
which makes me wonder about the clipped head models - or were they
made first?

For a suitable definition of "better", sure...

The clipped head were invented to get more nails per stick so wouldn't
need to reload as often. Good for production rates, not so much for
strength.

As Bob says, some Codes have changed (primarily FL and perhaps some
other Gulf Coast areas) to require full round head for better wind
resistance.

My personal feeling is the clipped head isn't much more than a finish
nail and has no business being used for other than sheathing or subfloor
kind of applications, but that's me... Nail gun nails tend to be
undersized anyway compared to hand nail sizes and when you compound that
w/ the reduced head area, they just aren't my choice.

I hear what you are saying but what other options are there besides
manual nailing in every single nail? That's okay for small jobs but I
need to get into tight areas and I'm tired of screwing around with a
hammer/nail and my hand in these tight areas.

I actually called porter cable and they claim that some codes
"require" a clipped head nail and some "require" a round head nail. I
find that hard to believe that any town would "require" a clipped head
nail. On what grounds would they prefer that type of nail? Unless
that is just their standard response when anyone asks that question.