Semi-Automatic Powder Actuated Tools

Tester Comments
This tool is well-designed through and through. It’s well-balanced, feels good in your hand all day, and is upgradeable to fully automatic?great for production speed. And, it works perfectly as a single-fire tool. The box could use some work.

Price
$669

Contact
Hilti
800-879-8000
hilti.com

Tester Comments
This is a powerhouse tool with a good, basic layout and a good price. It’s light and easy to maneuver in tight spots. I also like its sensibly laid-out box. It has a hefty recoil and is loud. I wish the grip was a little more comfortable.

Price
$250

Contact
Powers Fasteners
914-235-6300
powers.com

Tester Comments
I really like the spring action that advances the booster, making this a fast-shooting tool. It has smooth action and comes in both magazine and single shot versions. The fully automatic conversion shoots shorter pins than I often require, so it’s limited on my sites, but might be great for others. The recoil is noticeable and the tool is loud. I wish it had a better box.

Price
$499

Contact
ITW Ramset Red Head
800-348-3231
ramset-redhead.com

Tester Comments
This is a very solid tool with smooth action. It’s better for one-off work than production speed. It has a good, sensible box with plenty of room for a day’s worth of pins and boosters.

Price
$319

Contact
DESA Specialty Products
800-858-8501
desatech.com

Tester Comments
This is the price champion?the best combination of features and cost. The tool is well-balanced and deals with both recoil and noise very well. The box is the best in the group and the tool will soon have a fully automatic upgrade.

Price
$350

Contact
Simpson Strong-Tie Anchor Systems
800-999-5099
simpsonanchors.com