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Framing

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  • Introduction to Framing
  • Framing Tools, Techniques, and Materials
  • Framing Floors
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Tool Tech

Rebuild a Framing Nailer

Learn how to diagnose and repair a pneumatic nailer.

By Patrick McCombe

Compared to electric and battery-powered tools, pneumatic nailers are supereasy to repair. In this episode, host Patrick McCombe goes step-by-step through the process of replacing the trigger valve and all the O-rings and seals inside a Bostitch N80 framing nailer. The repair parts are readily available, and the whole process takes about 15 minutes using basic tools.

When a pneumatic nailer breaks, it doesn’t make a lot of sense trying to isolate the individual part that is broken. The rebuild kit includes all of the wear parts, so it makes sense just to replace them all. Although in the video Patrick is working on a Bostitch nailer, the internal parts and seals are basically the same for every brand of framing nailer. In addition, the repair process for roofing and finish nailers is nearly the same.

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Previous: Pneumatic Framing Nailers: Why Choose Coil over Stick? Next: Wall-Framing Tools I Love: QualCraft Wall Jacks

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Framing

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Framing Tools, Techniques, and Materials

View Comments

  1. chaoslost200 | Nov 09, 2018 10:54pm | #1

    Man if only this had come out in September. My nailer died and I had no idea what was wrong and didn't have the time to figure it out so I just bought a new one. Now I can repair the old one and keep it as a backup.

  2. BGodfrey | Jan 28, 2019 04:10pm | #2

    You got lucky with that kit. My brad nailer died a year ago. I bought the kit, took apart the nailer, and found that the kit had a few parts that didn't match my nailer and was missing some including the one that I needed. I double-checked and am sure it was the right kit. I was able to kludge it to finish up what I was doing, but I expect it will die for good one of these days. Fortunately I have a newer one as a backup.

  3. remodel53 | Jan 28, 2019 06:32pm | #3

    thank you

  4. cloclo | Feb 07, 2019 07:44pm | #4

    Nice and very informative , Thanks .

  5. kjweinstein | Mar 05, 2020 03:10pm | #5

    It's THAT easy! Mine failed last year and I mentioned it to the guys at the lumber desk. They had the kit in stock and did the job for free!

  6. nailerguy | Jun 27, 2020 02:43am | #6

    Wow! Great idea. I can repair my old nailer

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Framing

Framing

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Introduction to Framing
  • House Framing Concepts, Tips, and More
Framing Tools, Techniques, and Materials
  • Tools
  • Techniques
  • Framing Lumber
  • Steel
Framing Floors
  • Floor Framing
  • Engineered Floors
  • Floor Sheathing
Framing Walls
  • Wall Framing Basics
  • Layout
  • Wall Assembly
  • Raising and Straightening Walls
  • Framing Rough Openings
  • Blocking
Framing Stairs
  • Stair Layout
  • Building Stairs
Framing Roofs
  • Roof-Framing Basics
  • Roof Design
  • Laying Out and Cutting Rafters
  • Framing Valleys
  • Working with Trusses
  • Dormers
  • Special Situations
Efficient Framing Methods
  • Advanced Framing
  • Double-Stud Walls
Timber Framing
  • Timber-Frame Construction
  • Timber-Frame Design

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