I've been looking at pneumatic framing nailers and the more I look the more confused I get. The Grizzly nailers use 34 deg, 28 deg and 21 deg nails. The Dewalt use 31 deg and 20 deg.nails.

What is the most useful and common type of nail used in framing?

I dont know angle but all my pneumatic are Stanley Bostich oldest is 20 years old, very little repair. Far as nails they use standard angle framing nails. Home Depot supplies nails by box cheap , as last look 15.00 box.

Your question has a geographical answer. On the east coast, Stanley-Bostitch seems to be the most popular, whereas on the west coast, Senco holds that honor. Personal preferrences aside, you should look around at your local lumber yard or home center as to what brand(s) of fasteners are most commonly stocked, and the most variety of sizes within each fastener family, and let that guide your purchase. The best nailer in the world ends up being useless if you are unable to get the right nails for the jobs you will be doing with that nailer.

For side-by-side tests of the most popular nailers, try logging on to Hanley-Wood's Tools of the Trade site: www.toolsofthetrade.net.

If you're going to be doing a lot of framing, you might want to consider a Paslode Cordless Framing Nailer. This nailer doesn't need a compressor or hose. It uses a rechargable battery and little cylinders of compressed gas to drive the nails. I've used one a few times and they're great. They really come in handy if you're doing a lot of moving around to do your nailing. You can occasionally get good deals on them on E-Bay and stores will sometimes have a deal on a framing/finishing combo set.

The grizzly crap might be ok for a home owner that does not use it often. I suggest you go to your local building products supplier and look over what they offer. We use Porter Cable, Ridged and Sears. They are alomst the same gun and some parts interchange. Just remember what color the box is of the nails you buy. Most suppliers color code their nails to make it easy for customers and stockers. For wall framing you should use 16d nails about 2-3/4" long. Good Luck.

I presently live in the Atlanta area;but, prior I lived in Ca....in both locations they have a Harbor Freight Tools store....I got a great buy on my mailer for about 95.00 Dollars- Pneumatic framing nailer....I have had it for 3 years now and use it on a regular basis for Home Improvements and Re Model work.....I don't know where you live- but it might be worth looking into....I also have a Senco set (finish nailer set) and another Harbor Freight finish Nailer ( I have it for about 4 years now)....If you keep "any" of them oiled properly- they should last a long time for you!!

Good Luck - Kevin

PS- I do believe in a good value when you can get it- as I have a ton of **** in tools!! Harbor Freight is often a good source if you are only a week end warrior!!

I have used the Bostitch for over 40yrs. and would not use anything else, they are durable and very serviceable. I am a roofing contractor and they are the best to use.

W.J. Parker, could not be more correct. It is based on geography. Buy local and buy quality. "Tools of the trade" is a great resource for conracting professionals to see inovative products and side by side comparisons, a free subscription doesn't hurt either.
As for which nails get used most on my sites. 16 g. hot dipped gal. They should be the glue that holds your framing tight. From sandwich headers to California rim boards to bottom plates and yes, ridge board to rafter face.
Deconstruct an old house and see what holds together the best. Although I use Stanley coil nailers, they have a much smaller gauge then similar type in a box. Over the years coil and stick nails have been extruded from smaller and smaller coils of wire. Reinforce your framing with box nails, 16 g. gal common top be exact.

In general, "16d Common" is the most common framing nail. That being said, there are other types of nails ("Box", "Roofing", etc) as well as finishes ("bright", "galvanized", etc) -- "Common" just being one type -- and sizes (lengths) that have their appropriate applications...all depending on the specific project.

Specifically regarding pneumatic nails, don't get bogged-down by the "angles", or even "clipped-head" or "round-head" (if you haven't discovered that issue yet); those issues primarily have to do with the nailer (the tool) being used -- varies by manufacturer. In other words, for whatever nailer you buy you have to buy the nails (angle, lengths, etc) that will work with that nailer. Type, finish & specific size are project related, not so much nailer related. (Roofing nails, though, typically require a "roofing nailer" because of their wide head.)

Also, you don't have to buy the same brand nails as the brand of nailer that you buy. Generic pneumatic nails -- Grip-Rite, for example, will work.

Without pointing you into a specific direction for your nailer brand, I recommend that you go to perhaps a home center chain to see what is sold in your area. Buy best quality you can afford and that uses nails commonly available in your area. Manufacturers/distributors not only color code their nails (for application) but also often have some type of signage or brochure to help with nailer & nail choice. Regarding making right choice for type & length of nail to use for your project, you can also look at signage on the packaged nail aisle.

Hope this helps!