Porter Cable BN200B nailer

[Porter Bassett]

I was looking at the BN200A (http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-BN200A-4-Inch-2-Inch-Nailer/dp/B00004SBBQ/ref=pd_bbs_8?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1225235781&sr=8-8) on Amazon, and it said that there's a newer version of that tool available, the BN200B (http://www.amazon.com/Porter-Cable-BN200B-8-inch-2-inch-Nailer/dp/B001AJ0LWC/ref=dp_ob_title_hi?ie=UTF8&qid=1225235781&sr=8-8). My google skills must be weak today, because I can't find any place that tells me the difference between the two tools.

I see that the 200B is oilless -- is the 200A oilless as well?

[Kevin N Brown]

I have this, it uses oil.

[Charlie Plesums]

The recommended amount of oil is 12 drops for all day use by framing or roofing contractors. Therefore, since I use my 200A for a half dozen brads at a time, infrequently, I occasionally add a drop of oil. Not a big deal.

[Dan Clark]

I have the 200A. Great tool.

Dan.

[Porter Bassett]

Is there any difference between the 200A and 200B besides cosmetics?

[Charlie Plesums]

Is there any difference between the 200A and 200B besides cosmetics?
I thought you answered that in your original post... "A" requires occasional oiling, and "B" is oilless.

Remember that oiling is simply putting a drop (or several) of oil into the air intake, where you connect the air hose. I have one oilless nailer (presumably different internal metals) and two oiled - not a big deal for a casual user (and from what I have seen, not a big deal for construction workers who squirt some oil in at the beginning of each day).

[Rich Engelhardt]

Hello,


Is there any difference between the 200A and 200B besides cosmetics?

Yes.
You can rebuild the 200a for ~ half the cost of the 200b.
(quick check @ tools direct)
$49.00 for one kit (200a) /$97.00 for the other kit. <--which pretty much makes the 200b a "throw away" since the rebuild kit is ~ the same price as the gun.

Having said that - and as the owner of a bunch of oiled nailers (3 -18 ga, 1 -23 ga, 1 - 16 ga and a framing nailer + a palm nailer), I'd say it doesn't really matter - I'd still opt for the oiless, all other things being equal or reasonably close. Again, quick check of the specs & it looks like the 200a has a 3/4" minimum size, where the 200b is 5/8".
That can be a factor if you want to apply trim to stock that's 3/4".
(Been there - done that - and yes - it did form a little "bump" in the veneer on the backside.)

I didn't have a non-repairable experience with an oiled gun, but it was mildly irritating (@ myself for being so stupid).

I fastened a 1x6 on top of some framing as a ledge & didn't pay attention to where the exhaust was pointed on the 16 ga PC finishing nailer.
When I got done and stepped back to admire my handy work, there were fist sized oil splotches all along the nice fresh paint on the wall:mad::confused: - stupid - stupid -stupid.

In all honesty though, I'd not spring more than ~ $30.00 for an 18ga anymore.
I picked up a 23 ga PC 100N pin nailer a few months ago and have almost switched exclusively to using that.
It does 95% of the jobs I used to use the 18ga for w/a little help from some dabs of Titebond II.

[Bill White]

All my guns are oiled (1 or 2 drops) each time I start. Never had a "oil blow" prob.
I have rebuilt a bunch of these puppies, and it is no big deal. Pull the piston, clean off the old gasket, wash out the cylinder w/ mineral spirits.
I think I'll stay w/ the oiled type just because I've had such good luck w/ 'em.
Bill

[James Walters]

The one to two drops of oil is all you need. I use these guns everyday, with good results.
Watch your pressure to the gun and use smallest length of hose needed.
Also these socalled oilless compressors do give off a oilly residue so drain your tank daily.

[Porter Bassett]

I thought you answered that in your original post... "A" requires occasional oiling, and "B" is oilless.Ah. I thought that Kevin Brown was correcting me about the B, but instead he was confirming what I said about the A.


Watch your pressure to the gun and use smallest length of hose needed.Really? Can a 50-ft hose really cause a significant drop in pressure?