MAINTENANCE TIPS
Most problems with our tools are
a result of:
• Normal wear and tear to rubber components due to high
usage
• Lack of proper lubrication
• Dirt or water that may enter the tool via the air
lines
Routine maintenance procedures consisting of
the breakdown, cleaning and installation of the proper O-ring
kits and trigger valve kits will prevent and/or correct approximately
90% of the symptoms.
If your compressor is conventionally lubricated,
be sure to check the oil regularly and change it as recommended
in the operator’s manual. And don’t forget the
air filter. All air compressors have an air filter to keep
the dirt and dust out of the compressor pump. If you run the
compressor in a dusty environment, check and clean the air
filter often.
REGULATE AIR
Use regulated, compressed air and never use
more air pressure than is necessary to drive the fasteners.
Tank pressure in an air compressor varies between the pressure
it’s set to start up and the pressure it will cut out.
Regulators maintain a constant pressure to the tool regardless
of this pressure fluctuation at the source. Most Bostitch®
tools, except a few designed for corrugated packaging, will
operate well between 80 and 95 PSI. If the fastener sets well
at 85 PSI, use that pressure.
DRAIN THAT WATER
The process of compressing air generates
condensation in the tank and that water needs to be drained
regularly. In hot humid weather, you’ll need to drain
it several times each day. In dryer climates, once per day
is enough. Open the drain valves near the bottom of the tank/s,
while the tank is under some pressure and let the moisture
out. Then close them carefully. Never twist the valves with
pliers. Just tighten them until the air stops leaking.
POSITION COMPRESSOR AT ELECTRICAL
OUTLET
Don’t use an extension cord to run
your compressor if at all possible. If you must operate it in
a remote area, use a heavy gauge extension cord as follows:
Distance |
Cord Gauge |
25 feet |
14 |
50 feet |
12 |
100 feet |
10 |
150 feet |
8 |
We don’t recommend using a generator to operate air compressors
but if you have no choice, be sure there are no other devices
on the circuit and use a generator with at least 6500 watts
capacity.
DON’T STARVE THE TOOL
Be careful not to restrict air
to the tool with small diameter air hoses, small fittings,
or water in the air line. We recommend using a heavy duty
3/8” air line and fitting even though the pipe threads
going into the tool may be 1/4”. And keep the air line
as short as possible. This helps to prevent a pressure drop
and air volume reduction to the tool. Remember, if the tool
drives the first few fasteners but leaves the others above
the surface during fast operation, you have an air restriction
and turning up the pressure won’t help. Look for an
air restriction.
DROPS OF OIL ONLY
Most air staplers and nailers need
to be oiled unless they are oil-less, like the model N62FN
finish nailer. And remember, even though a compressor may
be conventionally lubricated (needs oil), that has nothing
to do with oil in the tool. Put a few drops of oil in the
air fitting of the tool in the morning and again at noon.
That’s all you need to keep the tool running smoothly.
And, always use only approved non detergent oil that comes
with the tool.
COLD WEATHER OPERATION
When operating your nailer in cold weather,
use BOSTITCH® cold weather oil. It’s formulated
to help prevent water accumulation and freezing in the tool.
Ask for item number BC603. Other oil products are: 4 oz bottle
of oil – BC601 1 pint bottle of oil – BC602 1
quart bottle of oil – BC 604
FITTINGS
We sell both 1/4” and 3/8”
fittings. Our light duty fitting are all 1/4” pipe threads
and connect to a 1/4” air line. Great for small tools.
Our heavy duty fittings have a larger hole at the air input
end and always connect to a 3/8” air line. They are
available with either 3/8” or 1/4” pipe threads.
Most of our newer tools use 1/4” pipe threads while
the older Mark III series (MIIIFS) uses 3/8” pipe threads.
Note: The air input size (3/8) is the same in all heavy duty
fittings.
GAUGE INFO
Wire on some BOSTITCH® fasteners is
measured in thousands and sometimes we need to know the approximate,
equivalent gauge.
| .000 = Gauge |
.148 = 9
.050 x .035 = 18
.131 = 10
.050 x .019 = 20
.120 = 11
.040 x .023 = 20
.099 = 12.5
.030 x .023 = 22
.026 x .019 = 23
.021 x .015 = 25
.025 round = 23
.019 round = 25 |
BUNDLES & SQUARES
Although there is some variation
due to size of the roof, size of the shingles, etc., here
is a general break down of some roofing stuff. 30 shingles
to a bundle 3 bundles to a square A Square is 10 ft. X 10
ft. 20 squares per average home 4 nails per shingle 120 nails
(1 coil) per bundle 360 nails (3 coils) per square 7200 nails
(1 box) per roof.
STEEL FRAMING
Fasten plywood sheathing to the
steel studs using the model N64CP-1 and the C4DCSBALG, helix
threaded, ballistic point nail. This is a great application
and our nails have been proven to hold exceptionally well.
Bostitch® plywood to steel nails have been evaluated by
the ICBO (International Council of Building Officials) and
were issued the number ER-5426 This number lets the industry
know that the nails can be used in steel frame construction.
THE CONTACT OR SEQUENTIAL TRIP
Bostitch® offers two types of triggers for pneumatic
tools: Contact Trip (black trigger) and Sequential Trip (silver-gray
trigger). Each trigger has specific advantages. For example,
the Contact Trip is best suited for high volume rapid nailing
or stapling where exact placement of the fastener is not important.
The Sequential Trip is best suited for applications where
rapid nailing is not required or where the exact placement
of the fasteners is important. Your construction project should
be evaluated to determine which trigger is best.
CONTACT TRIP
A Bostitch® tool with the Contact Trip (black trigger)
installed will drive a nail whenever both the trip and the
trigger are depressed at the same time.
The tool can be used to rapidly drive nails by holding the
trigger pulled and repeatedly bumping the trip against the
work to be nailed (Bump Nailing). A nail is driven each time
the trip is bumped against the work.
The Contact Trip (black trigger) will not prevent a nail from
being accidentally driven if the trigger is held, pulled and
the trip is bumped against any object or
person. Never hold or carry the tool with your finger on the
trigger unless driving fasteners.
The Contact Trip (black trigger) can also be operated by holding
the tool against the work with the trip depressed and then
pulling the trigger (Place Nailing).
When using a Contact Trip for Place Nailing, the tool may
bounce due to recoil and if the tool is allowed to re-contact
the work surface while you are holding the trigger pulled,
a second nail will be driven. The operator should allow the
tool to recoil far enough to release the trip and avoid a
second cycle. Don’t push the tool down too hard, let
the tool do the work.
SEQUENTIAL TRIP
The Sequential Trip (silver-gray trigger) offers a positive
safety advantage since it will not accidentally drive a nail
if the tool is bumped against any
surface or anybody while the operator is holding the tool
with the trigger pulled.
It also allows Place Nailing without the possibility
of driving a second nail on recoil as described under “Contact
Trip”.
The Sequential Trip (silver-gray trigger)
gets its name from the “sequence” required to
operate the tool. To drive a nail, the operator must first
depress the trip against the work and then pull the trigger.
To drive a second nail, the operator must lift the tool from
the work, release the trigger, and then repeat the above sequence.
DRIVE SAFELY
• Always wear proper eye
protection
• Don’t carry the tool with the trigger pulled
• Never point the tool toward yourself or anyone else
• Disconnect the air supply when the tool is not in
use
• Always use regulated compressed air
• READ YOUR OPERATOR’S MANUAL
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Bostitch Europe