Some brands ands styles of nailers, such as Bostitch and their new Smart Point models, offer two different kinds of angled finish nailers – “DA” and “FN” styles. Other offer one over the other. So what’s the difference?
“DA” and “FN” are two slightly different 15-gauge angled finish nail standards. DA finish nails have an angle of around 34 degrees. FN finish nails have an angle of around 25 degrees.
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Although the major difference is in nail angling, there can be minor differences in nail heads, although that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.
Historically, DA finish nails were a Senco standard, and FN nails were a Bostitch standard. That’s still the case somewhat, but both styles have flourished, and so you can readily find both kinds of nailers and nails.
If you’re looking for a new nailer and don’t know which standard to go for, you might have greater product selection with DA nailers and nails, while FN nailers offer greater nail collation density, meaning you could potentially drive in more nails without needing to refill your nailer’s magazine.
Neither standard seems to have any sort of price advantage.
There might be other differences, but none that I’m aware of. For those of you that have used both types of nailers and nails, which do you prefer?
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fred
We used Hitachi NT65MA2 nailers which uses the 34 degree DA nails. The 34 degree standard might have a bit of an edge when it comes to getting into tight spaces – but I did not personally do any side by side comparisons – so I’m not sure of this.
Phil
I can only comment on Senco straight versus angled finish nailers, and I find the angled the best solution for getting into tight spots and interior spaces by far, so I can assume the lesser angled versions will have a bit less maneuverability. The straight nailers have an edge for ensuring a nail be driven perpendicular to the surface, mainly in those cases where driving close to the edge and/or through thin materials and not wanting a surprise along the side. Resting the magazine on the surface makes this easier.
Nate
I just rented a new dewalt 15 gauge nailer and bought bostitch 15 gauge nails. 2.5 inch. They don’t fit. It’s a 2.5 inch nailer, but the nails are about a 1/32 too long to fit.
Martin Shaw
Bostitch nails will only work in Bostitch guns. Just had a customer with a PC gun with your same problem. Hitachi 2.5 nails slid right in the magazine. the angle makes a difference.
John Mastroelli
Dewalt is Bostitch rebranded and made in Taiwan. They all use the same nails. Its really too bad what Stanley and Black and Decker have done to Bostitch nail guns. Anything to make a buck.
Brian
actually the Bostitch N62 shoots a 25 degree 15Gauge nail where as the Dewalt DWFP72155 shoots a 34 degree nail.I work in a rental shop and have both of these nailers
James
Similar problem…I just purchased the DeWalt 15g DA angled nailer and the DeWalt 2.5” nails don’t fit . They are also 1/32 too big/long. This is frustrating! Any suggestions? GripFast 2.25” nails fit great.
Adam
Ya buy da nails….I’m willing to bet your trying to cram 25 degree nails into your 34 degree gun. Alot of people make this mistake
Yung Truong
Are all brands of same “DA” type/34 degree interchangeable? Technically, the answer should be “yes” if they share same specs. Right? But I haven’t been able to find a definitive answer…
Are there any generic nail brands made to be comparable to different nail guns? Specifically comparable to Bostitch BTFP72155 and Dewalt DWFP72155 (both are “DA” type 15 gauge/34 degree finish nailers).
Also, I’m looking for a finish nailer that can shoot nails with clipped head, preferably round or full head, plus with chisel point, preferably diamond point. Notice Dewalt and Bostitch don’t carry such extensive “DA” type of nails; compare to Senco, there’s a lot more choices. Thanks!
Yung Truong
Oh, I like these 2 finish nailers mainly because of their ease of accurate nail placement. Just wondering – if there’s any difference between these 2 new features: Bostitch Smartpoint and Dewalt Precision Point; or they share the same technology since both own by Stanley Black & Decker.
jimL
Their both the same technology. You will find that Dewalt, Porter Cable, and Bostitch will migrate toward the Bostitch design. Notice the Model numbers are the same except for the first couple of letters, telling you which line of product it is from.
Names or descriptions are different just to take care of those who love one or the other. Take the ad data away, and you have the same point with a different name.
Hope it helps.
Yung Truong
In the end, conglomeration would mostly benefit company’s bottom line. Furthermore, it tends to hinder innovation, since little incentive of improvement is needed; it’s much cheaper for a big conglomerate like Stanley Black & Decker to use the same technology in another of their brand with just some cosmetic change. (“Kill two birds with one stone.”) If both brands weren’t own by the same company, Dewalt would work hard to stay competitive by further improving Bostitch Smartpoint technology – creating better products for its costumers. The more brands/companies there are, the more innovation is encouraged! JimL, thanks for your reply…
Neil Jannes
Senco nailers are far superior to Bostitch finish nailers. Why they have kept making the latter- I do not know why.
Brian
I absolutely love my Bostitch 15 gauge fn type nailer; it is oil free, lightweight, and never misfires, or leaves anything more than a nail hole in the wood.
The frustrating part is nobody sells fn type nails in house anymore, thus forcing me to order them in advance of running out.
Nothing is more annoying than having to oil a gun, or end up with wide marks in trim from a nail gun. ( Bostitch rocks)
Rita
Where can I purchase nails for my Bostitch N62fn? It says on the gun it takes FN 15 series 25 degree nails. But I can’t find anywhere that has them. Can anyone help me. I dont mind ordering online as long as they are the correct nails..
David
CPO outlet sells the gun and nails online also Amazon but they only sell 1.5″ and 2″nails at this time
Eddie Marano
I am having the exact opposite problem right now. Bought Dewalt DA angled nailer but can’t find nails in store. At home depot, they have Dewalt brand FN nails, which I bought by mistake thinking a yellow and black box with DEWALT stamped on it would be for a Dewalt nailer. NO! Checked every retailer in my area to no avail. Had to order online and am now sitting on my ass as I can’t proceed with job. To answer your question, go to HD.
hartgraves
home depot senco nails fit my dewalt nail gun
Stephen
Will all DA nails fit in the Bostitch Smart Point 15-gauge DA-style nailer, including stainless?
Stuart
The user manual should tell you which nails the nailer is compatible with. Failing that, you can always contact the manufacturer for accessory guidance.
In other words, I’m not 100% confident and don’t want to guess.
Stephen
Thanks Stuart,
The manual only gives general info — says simply DA nails, not brands. I wondered if anyone had direct experience with other nails.
I just bought a box of Hitachi 15-gauge nails and they shoot fine.
cheers, S
Stuart
Glad to hear it!
Generally, nailers don’t care which brands of nails are used, but there are some variances in nail styles that it’s hard for me to make generalizations or guarantees.
MWGunsNJunk
I use a Bostitch LPF28WW for anything i need to nail (ha). Weather its helping a buddy with a framing job, or home projects that doesnt need screwed (ha). 28° nails up to 3-1/2″ nails. Great gun id highly recommend.
Maria
Great article. Now I know the reason my gun stopped working when I changed nails. ?Out to the store to get FN
Jim Quinones
I successfully use 2″ FN nails in my Ryobi Airstrike 15GA P330 nailer. Been through five strips without a single jam! Tried 2 1/2 inch FN and, no-go. They would not even load. Wondering if the 2 inch FN has been tried by anyone else in this nailer, and/or their results. Now I got a box of 1000 Grip Rite DA nails with proper 34 degree angle (Although page 8 of Operator’s Manual never mentions either the 34 degree requirement OR the DA specification under “product specifications”.
Jeff
Will Meite 15 gauge DA angled nails work in a Metabo 15 gauge angled finish nailer
Stuart
Which one?
The Metabo HPT model NT65MA4 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M62L77L/?tag=toolguyd-20) has a 34° magazine and is said to work with 15 gauge DA angle finish nails 1-1/4″ thru 2-1/2″, and so for that model the answer *should* be “yes.” Since you don’t specify the exact nailer or nails, I cannot guarantee compatibility.
Daniel Fineman
I have a Milwaukee 2743-20 finish nailer (M18). I bought Meite 15 Gauge 34 Degree DA Series 1-1/4-Inch nails which meet the nominal criteria for the nail gun. The heads on the nails are too wide to go in the slot. Any ideas???
Stuart
Here’s what it says in the 2743’s user manual:
Fastener Length: min 1.25″ / max 2.5″
Collation Angle: 34°
Fastener Size (Diameter): 15 Ga / 1.8 mm
Magazine Capacity: 110 nails
I don’t see why 34° DA series 1.25″ nails wouldn’t fit.
I also can’t find any information or complaints about compatibility issues. You might want to contact either or both brands for their advice.
Do you have any other nails to try?
Daniel Fineman
Yes, the nails I tried to load match the nominal requirements. I have written to both Meite and Milwaukee: no replies so far.
Thank you!