August 2, 2007

Politicians fight over gay parenting

Candidates for US state Arkansas lieutenant governor are squabbling over whether the state Supreme Court’s reversal of a ban on gay foster parents should be a campaign issue.

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August 1, 2007

Bostitch F21PL Round Head 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer with Positive Placement Tip and Magnesium Housing

Bostitch F21PL Round Head 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Framing Nailer with Positive Placement Tip and Magnesium Housing This Bostitch is really two nailers in one, and combined with all the features that make Bostitch stand out in the field, this is the framer to buy.

First off, it comes with two nosepieces, one for framing and one for metal connector applications. This will save you a couple hundred bucks by eliminating the need to buy a dedicated metal connector nailer. It fires 21-degree plastic-collated full round head stick nails, in lengths of 2 to 3-1/2 inches and shank diameters of .113 to .162 inches. With the metal connector attachment, you’ll need 23-degree plastic-collated full round head metal connector nails, 1-1/2 or 2-1/2 inches and shank diameters of .131, .148 and .162 inches - but with the metal connectors, you can load just one stick at a time.

The nosepiece conversion is quick and easy, provided you haven’t installed the included Smart Trigger (this one is black), which lets you fire in a bump mode, because the metal connector feature can only be used with the factory-installed sequential trigger (the gray one). Nevertheless, it’s a money-saving feature we love.

The depth-of-drive is a pleasure instead of a chore, because it’s regulated by Bostitch’s patented push-button method. After you depress the button, you physically slide the contact arm and release the button. Loading fasteners also is a two-second task - pull the latch back, drop the nails in, let the latch go, and you’re ready to work. They couldn’t have made it easier. And here’s a neat little thing they designed into the gun: a notch at 16 inches, so all you need for on-center work is, well, the nailer.

The gun itself is made of lightweight magnesium, so it’s both light and rugged, and it won’t take a terrible toll on your arms, shoulders and back, even after a day of putting up sheathing, siding, trusses, fencing or even a backyard deck. If you’re considering a metal connector gun anyway, buying this is like getting the other gun for free. We like Bostitch guns, and this one is a keeper.–Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Tools & Hardware:  1-1/2-inch to 3-1/2-inch framing nailer; 1,050 inch-pounds of driving power; sequential and bump trigger, 2 nailers in one: includes two quick-change nosepieces, converts to framing or metal connector applications, Lightweight magnesium housing; integrated rubber skid pads; rubber grip, Includes 1 framing nailer, 14-1/4 by 20-1/2 inches; 8.1 pounds; 7-year limited warranty
Company: Bostitch 
List Price: $329.00
Amazon Price: $240.36

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