24
Jan
Battle of the Paslode Framing Nailers: IM350+ vs IM360Ci
Updated 20th February 2020.
Are you looking to buy a Paslode framing nailer? There’s two models to choose from: the IM350 Plus or the IM360Ci.
As a Paslode Specialist and Approved Supplier/Service Centre, we can help you choose the best first fix nail gun for your needs! Read on for our Paslode framing nail gun reviews and a side by side comparison of each tool.
A framing nail gun is used to fix heavy-duty nails into wooden framework and structures where a strong connection is required. This includes wooden supports in house building, roofing, decking and fencing. A framing nailer is a faster and less fatiguing alternative to using a regular hammer, which makes it ideal for larger projects. It’s often referred to as a first fix nailer.
This is opposed to a finish nailer which is used to fix shorter, slimmer nails into wooden trim like skirting boards. This is often referred to as second fix.
As mentioned, there’s currently two Paslode framing guns on the market: the IM350+ and the IM360Ci. We’ve highlighted the main differences between the two in the table below.
| IM350+ | IM360Ci | |
| Materials: | SAME > | Wood |
| Applications: | SAME > | Timber frames, fencing, roof battening, truss work, cladding, stud work, joists, roof boarding, flat roofing, overboarding, floor boarding, panelling, shuttering, decking, hoarding |
| *KEY DIFFERENCE* Nail type: | IM350 nails – clipped head | IM360 nails – full round head & NailScrews |
| Nail length range: | SAME > | 50-90mm |
| Magazine capacity: | 55 nails | 47 nails |
| *KEY DIFFERENCE* Fuel type: | IM350 gas cell | IM360 gas cell |
| Shots per gas cell: | 1,100 shots | 1,250 shots |
| Battery type: | SAME > | 2.1Ah Li-ion |
| Battery charge time: | SAME > | 90 mins |
| Shots per battery charge: | 9,000 | 13,000 |
| Fixings per sec: | SAME > | 2-3 |
| Fixings per hour: | SAME > | 1,000 |
| Power (impact force): | 82 J | 105 J |
| Size: | 370 x 305 x 110mm | 381 x 328 x 127mm |
| Weight: | 3.3kg | 3.8kg |
| Vibration: | 2.6 kg m/s² | 3.9 kg m/s² |
| Sound power/pressure level: | 102/89 dB(A) | 109/96 dB(A) |
| Additional features: | On/off battery switch, rafter and belt hook |
Start & Go sensor, battery/fuel gauge, on/off battery switch, rafter and belt hook |
The Paslode IM350 has been the market-leading tool in timber to timber construction for over 30 years! The IM350+ Li-ion is the latest version of the tool. It has all of the same great features as the previous models, but it has been upgraded to Lithium battery technology for even better performance and efficiency! The battery’s charging time is cut by 30 minutes for increased productivity, with a battery on/off switch for optimum runtime per charge.
This 1st fix nail gun can be used on wooden materials for a wide range of applications, as listed in the table above. It’s powered by both a gas fuel cell and a 2.1Ah Lithium-ion battery for an outstanding 9,000 shots per charge – that’s more than twice the amount of any other IM350 model! It’s compatible with standard Paslode IM350+ RounDrive nails (clipped head) and standard IM350+ gas cells.
The IM350+ Lithium provides an impressive 82 joules of impact force with a delivery rate of 2-3 nails per second. It has a multi-angled teeth nose probe which provides extra bite to stop the tool from sliding and ensure positive placement. It also has easy depth of drive adjustment via a pinch and slide action, and a dual-action rafter and belt hook which allows you to keep the tool within reach.
Compared to the IM360, the IM350 has the lightest weight, most compact size, lowest vibration and lowest noise. It also has excellent balance and a non-slip soft grip handle for increased comfort and control.
Overall, the Paslode IM350+ Lithium is a great framing nailer which offers excellent power, quick work progress and low user fatigue. The upgraded Li-ion battery technology significantly increases its performance and efficiency, allowing it to successfully take over from the previous IM350+ NiCad model.
The IM360Ci is Paslode’s most advanced 1st fix nailer! Like the IM350, it can be used on wooden materials for a wide range of applications, as listed in the table above. It’s powered by both a gas fuel cell and a 2.1Ah Lithium-ion battery for an unrivalled 13,000 shots per charge! It’s compatible with standard Paslode IM360Ci RounDrive nails (full round head), as well as the manufacturer’s innovative NailScrews for increased flexibility. It uses a Series-i gas cell which provides an extra 150 shots than the IM350+ gas cell.
The IM360Ci has the best power-to-weight ratio on the market, with an outstanding 105 joules of impact force. It has an improved aggressive probe for easy access in tight spaces, plus easy depth of drive adjustment without the use of tools.
In addition to a battery on/off switch, the IM360 features a ‘Start & Go’ sensor which automatically cuts off the battery power if there’s no movement of the tool for more than a minute. This intelligent, power-saving technology prevents the battery from losing charge when it’s not being used for up to 25% more shots per charge! It also has a one-touch LED battery and gas gauge which ensures that you never run out of power unexpectedly.
Overall, the Paslode IM360Ci is unrivalled when it comes to power and performance. Its intelligent technology significantly increases its efficiency for higher productivity levels than the IM350 Plus.
For optimum power and performance; go with the IM360Ci! It can do everything that the IM350 can do and more. It has the most power and it’s unmatched in its number of shots per battery charge. Plus, its smart features like the power-saving Start & Go sensor and useful battery/gas gauge – something which the IM350 is still sorely lacking – allow the battery to go even further.
A key consideration you need to make though; what nails are you using? The IM360 has its own set of nails which are cheaper than IM350 nails. This is a great incentive to get an IM360Ci, however if your nails are supplied by a contractor and IM350 nails are being used on site, you’ll need an IM350+ to fire them.
Tags: Paslode
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