Hi,

This was brought up in another thread, I figured it deserved its own spot.

I have been using a CO2 system for my nailers on site work. It consists of a regulator with a paintball type CO2 tank (bottle) screwed to it. Comes with a short coil hose. You could put whatever hose you like on it though (standard fittings). And it can be clipped to your belt. The one I have is from Lowes under the Kobalt name. But I think it is made by Jac Pac.

It comes with one 9 oz bottle. But other sizes are available 12 and 20 are common. I can't really say how many shots a bottle will deliver because I have not kept track. I often don't use more than 20 brads or finish nails on an install. I am thinking though, that a 9 oz will get at least 100 shots with an 18ga. Won't swear to it though. It is a little hard to tell because my use is sporadic. And you loose some everytime the tank is disconnected. So a larger job would get more shots than several small jobs.

It is very handy. I can put a 15ga, 18ga, 1/4" stapler, pinner, two or three 9oz bottles, regulator, hose, and fasteners in a Systainer - IV. When in use the regulator belt clip will also clip on the side of the open Systainer if I don't want it on my belt. It is great being able to just pick up the Systainer and have the whole deal ready to go.

Many places fill the bottles now for paintball use - Dick's, Walmart, etc. 9oz is $2 -$3 per fill. 20oz is $4-$5. Or they can be exchanged for full ones at Lowes much like a propane tank swap works. But this costs about $7.00 for the 9oz. So refills are a much better deal.

Seth

Thanks the info Seth! I'd sure like to reduce my pneumatic kit to a Sys 4 size.

Hi,

I think the regulator kit is about $80. The pressure will "bounce" down when you fire, but recovers quickly. I don't think it would be suitable for really going fast like bump firing staples. But for placing finish nails, etc. It works well.


Seth

Seth,

Thank you so much for your hands on experience. I think I will try that CO2 pack and pick up a 23 gauge nailer.

Fred

__________________
Kapex, OF2200,Domino,TS 75, Trion PS 300, RO 150, ETS 150/5, ETS 150/3, DTS 400, RS 400, LS 130, RS 2, Deltex 93, RAS 115, CT 33, CT 22, CT Midi, OF 1400, MFK 700, C 12, LR 32 3 MFT/3s, 3 MFT 1080s, 4 Sysports, 2 Walko's, Marcou's S20A, M12, S45, VSP 40

Fred,

You don't have a 23g pinner!?! I'm VERY disappointed! How can you hold your head up (assuming that you can do that now) without a pinner?!?

When you're ready, look at Grex or Cadex pinner. They're the best, IMO.

Make sure that you hold one in your hands before buying. I was set to buy a smaller Grex or Cadex pinner until I found that that they didn't fit my hand as well as the larger Grex and Cadex models.

I have a short, wide hands. When I tried the Grex pinners at a woodworking show, my fingers caught on the safety trigger and main trigger of the smaller one, and I had lots of accidental firings. On the larger pinner (which has more space between the triggers and the pin magazine, I had no problems.

Note that the main-line Grex and Cadex pinners have the same housing (made in the same factory). So you can get an idea how the Cadex fits your hand by holding a Grex.

I got a Cadex CPB23-50. I'll probably never shoot anything over 1-1/2 inch pins, but it's nice to have the capacity. This Cadex has two features that the Grex does not - a built in blower nozzle and the ability to shoot slight-headed brads (in addition to headless pins). I don't care about the first, but wanted the second.

Regards,

Dan.

__________________
"You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?’" George Bernard Shaw

Seth, thanks for info and refill options. Good compliment to the compressor cart I just made which obviously doesn't get carried up flights of stairs. Eric

Dan,

First I must say that I am deeply ashamed and mortified to be caught out with no 23 gauge nailer. I will rectify that very quickly and thank you for the great advice. As to my head, it is a long story but basically I have a piece of 5/4 maple that is four inches wide and 18 inches long running from the middle of my back to the top of my head and held in place with 2 1/2 " 16 gauge nails that I had shot in from my Paslode angle nailer. I hope that helped you better understand how I can be SOOOOOOO shamed and yet keep my head up.


Fred

__________________
Kapex, OF2200,Domino,TS 75, Trion PS 300, RO 150, ETS 150/5, ETS 150/3, DTS 400, RS 400, LS 130, RS 2, Deltex 93, RAS 115, CT 33, CT 22, CT Midi, OF 1400, MFK 700, C 12, LR 32 3 MFT/3s, 3 MFT 1080s, 4 Sysports, 2 Walko's, Marcou's S20A, M12, S45, VSP 40

Seth,

I also get a lot of use out of my Kobalt CO2 system. As a trim carpenter, I use it a lot for punch-out work - like when I have to shoot a couple nails in the basement, then to the 2nd floor for a couple more nails. Beats hauling a compressor all over the place. In the Lowe's flyer I received today (11.27.08), they have the kit on sale for $50 if anyone's interested.

TC

Wow , that is a great price on that! I have a $10 off $25 or more coupon for Lowes. I think I might get a second one. A second regulator would fit in the Systainer - IV , no problem. I often find myself swapping guns a lot. Hooking up two at the same time would be great.

Do you know if this was a Black Friday only price?

Seth

I'm not sure, but at that price I would guess it's limited to Friday only. By the way, have you had any problems loosing CO2 if you leave the bottles exposed to cold weather? If I don't take them inside overnight during the winter, they're toast. I never paid enough attention in science/chemistry class. Maybe this is a no-brainer.

TC