Porter Cable 18" Nailer Quit Shooting 2" Brads

[crokett™]

This morning I was using it, and it jammed. I found a bent brad stuck in it, so I took it out. I guess the brad hit something it was folded in half. After that it won't shoot 2" brads. It will shoot 3/4". I assume something's bent somewhere and it's not picking up the longer nails on the way down. It's a BN200C. Any suggestions? Visually it looks ok and it shoots the shorter nails.

[woodhead]

Check to see that the driver returns all the way up. Check for bent driver.

Al

[crokett™]

Thanks. I will do that. Hopefully this is a quick fix. I'd rather put 18 guage brads into shoe mould than 16.....

Thinking about it, I think the driver bent/not retracting is the problem. I'll do some searching on the driver to be sure but recalling what I was seeing this morning I think that's the problem.

[K. L. McReynolds]

Seems the piston seals might be leaking a skosh, not allowing the piston to fully retract.

I have a similar(if not the same) 18 guage nailer. And agree with the use there instead of 16 guage(which I also have).

I do have a Stanley/Bostich stapler that had that problem, was resealed under warranty. Has worked well for 15 years now.

[blackhat]

What diameter are 18" brads? How much compressor do you need?