Makita Framing Nailer AN924 Review

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Makita AN924 3-1/2-inch 22-Degree Round Head Framing Nailer

Makita Framing Nailer AN924

4/5
Manufacturer: Makita
Model number: AN924
Price: $ 230.00
Power source: pnuematic
Motor size: 2 SCFM @ 90 PSI
Weight: 3 lbs
Makita just released a new 3-1/2″ Framing Nailer, 21° Full Round Head (AN924). The AN924 features enhancements such as:

  • Larger capacity air chamber, which allows for increased power to drive nails up to 3-1/2” x .148 (16d) nails
  • Top-loading, solid aluminum magazine, which is an easier and more intuitive way to load a nailer
  • Heat-treated S7 steel driver blade, engineered for long term durability
  • Redesigned 2-position selector for faster selection of bump or compact mode
  • Redesigned sharp, pronounced spurs that grip wood for controlled nailing at any angle. It’s sharper than earlier generation AN923.
  • Redesigned ergonomic handle and grip
  • Reversible tool hook

Lightweight

A framing nailer is one of the most vital tools in a carpenter’s arsenal. Even with all these improved features, the AN924 has a lightweight design, weighing in at only 8.3 lbs. There’s often a tradeoff for reduced weight, usually resulting in a reduced nail capacity. However, the AN924 does not suffer reduced capacity, and holds two sticks of nails.

There is also a built-in air filter to minimize dust and debris from entering, and a “tool-less” depth adjustment for more precise flush and countersink nailing.

Using the Makita AN924 Nailer

As a remodeling contractor, we do a lot of our work cordless. However, there are certain situations where it makes sense to use a pneumatic nailer for speed and efficiency. Typically, if the framing is going to last more than a day, we break out the hoses and plug in.

I’ve been using the same Paslode Power-Framer for 8 years, and it’s a great nailer. It wasn’t until I started using the Makita AN924 that I realized that it might be time for an upgrade. Switching selection of bump or compact mode is fast, just a flick of a switch, which is a nice feature.

It certainly seems like it has a faster driving speed than my older nailer, and its POWERFUL. Like many nailers, it does struggle a bit getting 100% consistently flush nails into LVL beams. We found it hit-or-miss when nailing LVL headers. Out of 20 or so nails we would get a few that didn’t sink, with a compressor set to120 PSI.

I like that the Makita allows for two full strips of nails plus. [64-70 Nails] I like using full round head nails for better holing power. Another feature, that I like and found useful, was the front loading nail slot – this is fast, intuitive and makes sense from a production standpoint. Stripping nails and reloading different length nails, from framing to sheathing nails, was fast, easy and intuitive.

 

An anti-dry fire mechanism stops the tool when three nails remain in the magazine, and a nail lock-out mechanism prevents dry-fires. The depth of drive dial knob is easy to access, even with gloves on.

Tool Nose and Hook

I really like the new nailer tip spurs design. It securely grips wood, at any angle, for controlled nail placement. The reversible tool hook allows for two different widths and we like the widest width as it allows for more versatile hanging on framing.

Features

  • Power Type : Pneumatic
  • Operating Air Pressure : 70 – 120 PSI
  • 2 SCFM @ 90 PSI
  • Nail Size : 2″-3-1/2″ .113″-.148″ shank diameter plastic collated
  • Maximum Magazine Capacity : 73
  • Dimensions (LxWxH) : 22″ x 4-5/8″ x 13-3/4″
  • Weight : 3 lbs.
  • Minimum recommended air delivery of 6.2 SCFM @ 90PSI
  • 3-year limited warranty
Makita Framing Nailer AN924
$ 230.00

Conclusion

While cordless is cool and getting better daily. Nothing beats the power, capacity and longevity of an pneumatic nailer. The Makita AN924 is and ideal tool for framers, roofers and carpenters in residential and commercial framing applications.

Makita Framing Nailer AN924 Video Review

About the author

Rob Robillard

Robert Robillard is a remodeler, general contractor, and principal of a carpentry and renovation business located in Concord, Massachusetts, and serves as the Editor of Tool Box Buzz and founding editor of A Concord Carpenter . Rob is in charge of our Tool and Product Review - Tool and Product Review - Video Channel, , where we post all of our tool reviews and video tutorials. Rob enjoys using his knowledge and experience to help and educate building professionals as well as DIYers on best practices in the remodeling industry. The Concord Carpenter's motto: "Well done is better than well said!" : Read more about Rob

http://www.aconcordcarpenter.com/@https://twitter.com/robertrobillardRob Robillard

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4 Comments

  1. Brad

    Dang man, what’s with the mask and ear protection? Looks like his first day yeah?

    1. Todd Fratzel

      Just a seasoned carpenter that doesn’t want to pay the price of abusing his body 🙂

    2. Brad

      Update 6/12/19
      My brother(framer) bought this 3 days ago. He said the rafter hook is massively intrusive compared to the previous model. Other than that he said it’s a big step up. specifically in actuation speed and ease of loading. I held it, and I’d say it’s NOT noticeably lighter than the old model, but it feels more balanced. Also, the plastic spring housing that cracks on the old model is now fitted more to the frame, theoretically reducing it’s chance of breaking. It was an $11 part that took about 5 minutes to replace, but boy did people complain.

  2. mark

    I used this nailer for about 3 months.It blew out the driver from the piston. I replaced the driver complete and it did it again @ 110psi.

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