"Definitely makes cordless tempting. Still, I think pneumatics have the edge for consistency, especially on older roofs."
Yeah, cordless is getting better, but I'm still not fully sold. Had a buddy switch to cordless last year—loved it at first, but ran into battery issues mid-job on a hot day. Pneumatics might be a hassle with hoses snagging (been there too...), but at least you know they'll keep firing consistently. Maybe in another year or two cordless will finally catch up.
"Had a buddy switch to cordless last year—loved it at first, but ran into battery issues mid-job on a hot day."
Yeah, that's exactly why I'm still dragging hoses around. Sure, I've had my share of hose tangles and near face-plants (graceful as ever, lol), but at least I don't have to babysit batteries all day. Curious though, anyone tried those newer high-capacity batteries yet? Wondering if they're actually worth the extra cash or just marketing hype...
I've been using cordless nailers for a couple years now, and honestly, the newer high-capacity batteries are a game changer. Yeah, they're pricier upfront, but I think they're worth it if you're doing regular projects. Last summer, I reroofed my shed in the middle of a heatwave (brilliant timing, I know...), and the battery held up surprisingly well. Got through most of the day without swapping out, and when I did need to switch, the spare was already charged and ready to go.
That said, I totally get the hesitation—nothing worse than being halfway through a job and having your tools quit on you. But if you're tired of tripping over hoses (been there, done that, got the bruises), I'd say give the newer batteries a shot. Maybe borrow or rent one first to see how it holds up under your typical workload before dropping serious cash.
I've been eyeing the cordless nailers myself, but still haven't pulled the trigger. Your experience definitely makes them sound tempting, especially for something like roofing where hoses are a total pain. Last year, I replaced some siding boards on my garage and spent half the day wrestling with tangled hoses and climbing down to reposition the compressor. Not fun in 90-degree heat...
One thing I'm curious about though—have you noticed much difference in power or consistency between cordless and pneumatic? I've always heard mixed opinions on driving force, especially when it comes to tougher materials or colder weather. My pneumatic gun never misses a beat, even in winter, but the convenience factor of cordless is hard to ignore. Just wondering if you've tested yours out in colder temps or tougher jobs yet.
I switched to cordless about two years ago, and honestly, I haven't looked back. Did a deck rebuild last fall when temps dropped into the 40s, and the cordless nailer handled pressure-treated lumber without any noticeable drop in power. That said, I did notice battery life took a bit of a hit in colder weather—had to swap batteries more often than usual. Still beats dragging hoses around though, especially when you're balancing on a ladder or roof edge...
