The Bostitch F28WW has long been an ideal solution for contractors and homeowners in need of heavy-duty nailing, as it has a lot of power and ease of use. Despite being a little bit on the larger side at 23 x 16 x 6 inches, it is lightweight at 7.6 lbs making it quite maneuverable with one hand. Importantly, it uses exclusively clipped head nails and not round heads, which can make its usage restrictive to some depending on state building codes and laws. So, is it the right framing nailer for your need? Stick around and you’ll find out!

Power:

When it comes to framing nailers, power is one of the most important aspects to consider. The Bostitch F28WW is reputed for being a very powerful pneumatic framing nailer. It delivers a decent 1050 in/lbs which is ample for nailing on engineered wood, wood planks or any other type of low-density material.

Capacity:

The F28WW generous magazine capacity is what this framing nailer is most reputed for. It can accommodate an impressive 100 wire collated clipped head nails of 2 - 3.5 inches in its magazine. This translates to less reloading time and more work getting done. It even has a convenient 16 inches notched indicator that allows you to watch your magazine status as well as making the correct stud distance adjustments on the go.

We like that this tool uses wire-collated nail sticks instead of the cheaper plastic ones. The nails are delivered more efficiently with less chances of a jam. The only caveat we have is the nail stick angle of 28-degree. This is not the most common angle, especially that it uses clipped head in a wire-collation form factor - making it even rarer (and possibly more expensive). Unless you have those types of nails readily available to you, it is something to keep in mind for now.

User-Friendly:

At 7.6 lbs, this framing nailer is not the lightest one out there. It is also not as heavy as the Hitachi NR83A3. We think that it offers a nice balance between weight and power, while not being too overwhelming for those with smaller arms and hands. In any case, it is still light enough to be quite effectively used with only one hand, and very maneuverable in tight spots.

​Ergonomics is also a big plus in this model. The magazine is angled to a degree that offers a nice balance while still giving the user a wide and clear nailing view. The soft rubber-coated handles makes it a pleasure to hold, even during heavy-duty nailing for long hours.

​Another small caveat with this model is the small handle. People with small to medium hands will feel at home with this model. Large-handed users can still maneuver it comfortably, but for a small minority with excessively large hands, it may feel a little tight.

Other Features:

• Push-Button Depth-Of-Drive: The depth-of-drive can be adjusted by simply pushing a button. This is a patented design and mechanism not seen on other types of nailers. It is very easy to use and nailing to material of any thickness and density is a seamless experience.
• Rafter Hook: The rafter hook is tillable and quite sturdy. It can be used to hang this nailer on a ladder, for example.
• Nose Tip: The nose tip has a sharp and aggressive tip that makes it ideal when nailing on engineered lumber or other wood material. It easy dives in the material offering more stability and accuracy.

Price:

The Bostitch F28WW is priced a little bit on the expensive side. Not by much, compared to other decent pneumatic nailers like the Porter-Cable FR350B or Bostitch F21PL but the little extra difference is still tangible, especially for budget-conscious buyers. One of the best justification for the price is the large magazine capacity of 100 nails.

If you hate refilling your framing nailer and work in awkward positions that make refilling difficult, this model makes sense. It also uses clipped head nails in a wire-collation rather than the more common and cheaper round head in a plastic collation. If this is an important factor for you, the price is easily justifiable. In any case, it is still a competitively priced nailer and offers great value for money if its benefits appeal to you.

Pros/Cons of Bostitch F28WW

Pros:

• 1050 in/lbs power can nail in hardwood or other dense material quite easily. It penetrates engineered lumber like butter.
• Very generous capacity of 100 nails allows you to nail more and refill less.
• 7.6 lbs is still considered “lightweight” and this framing nailer is maneuverable and can be used to work in tight areas.
• Works with 2 - 3-1/2 inches nails making it versatile.
• Wire collated nails. Easier to shoot with significantly fewer jams than other collation types.
• Toe nailing claw improves accuracy and stability when nailing.

Cons:

• Uses only clipped-head wire collated nails. 

Who Should Buy?

We like to think about the Bostitch F28WW as a “niche” framing nailer. It uses clipped-head nails and this nail type is not allowed in construction in quite a few states. Unless your state specifically allows you to use clipped-head nails in commercial and personal work, this framing nailer is not for you. A round head framing nailer with almost the same power and features like the Bostitch F21PL is better suited for you.

On the other hand, if clipped heads in a wire collation are the type of nails you must use, this model is great buy. It will offer excellent power, versatility, and handling on the job.

Image source: Bostitch