Comparison Bostitch BT1855-E vs Makita AF506

Normal air consumption during operation of the pneumatic nailer/stapler (see "Type"). Indicated per one hit; knowing the performance of the tool (see below), it is possible to assess whether the performance of the existing compressor is enough for the normal operation of the stapler. For example, for a model that produces 150 beats / min and consumes 3 liters per beat, ideally at least 3 * 150 = 450 liters of air per minute are needed. At the same time, in fact, even the most experienced operator finds it difficult to maintain a pace of 90 bpm or more; therefore, in fact, even relatively low-power compressors that do not reach the perfect value often turn out to be quite suitable for "quick-fire" staplers.

A device that protects the tool from being triggered at the wrong time.

Most often in a modern tool there are manual fuses in the form of a button or switch. Such a device blocks the release button or opens the power circuit; thus, when the fuse is on, the tool will not work, no matter what the user does. This reduces the chance of fasteners "shooting" in the wrong direction and reduces the risk of personal injury and property damage.

The largest thickness of nails (see "Type of fastener") that the stapler can work with.

Thick nails require not only the appropriate size of the magazine and feeder, but also significant effort is required to drive them. Therefore, the larger the maximum allowable nail diameter, the more powerful, heavier and more expensive the tool, usually. Professional pneumatic nailers can be compatible with fasteners of 3.5 mm or more, but for entry-level tools, a thickness of 1.2 — 1.5 mm is often more than enough.

The longest length of nails (see Fastener Type) that the stapler can handle.

With the same thickness, a longer nail requires not only the appropriate space in the magazine and feed mechanism, but also a higher impact energy — otherwise it simply will not work to hammer it “on the head”. This means that the maximum fastener length is directly related to the power and, accordingly, the overall level of the tool. Recall that a powerful professional tool has the appropriate dimensions and weight, moreover, it is often made pneumatic (for more details, see "Type"). Therefore, it makes sense to look for models that are compatible with long nails only if this is critical for the planned work.

— Adjustment of impact force / depth. The ability to adjust the force of impact or the depth of clogging fasteners. These functions are implemented somewhat differently: the impact force is changed by adjusting the power supplied to the striker upon impact, and the driving depth can be set due to a mechanical limiter — for example, by retracting the striker a certain distance back, so that it simply does not was able to move beyond a certain distance. However, the purpose and use of these functions is similar: first of all, they allow you to change the depth to which the fastener is driven into the material. In addition, adjusting the force of impact (namely force) can be useful when working with delicate materials, where too powerful impacts are undesirable. Specific details of the implementation of this function should be clarified in each case separately.

— Double hit. Possibility of operation of the stapler in the double impact mode. Here, this term means the ability to drive two fasteners at once in one blow — for example, for connections that require increased reliability. Note that double impact most often only works on staples, even if the tool is able to work with other types of fasteners (see above). Firstly, it is for brackets that this possibility is most relevant; secondly, it is much more difficult to implement it for nails or pins.

— Bending the staple.... The ability of the stapler to work not only for driving staples, but also for bending their legs after installation. The need for bending arises in cases where the tool is used to fasten relatively thin layers of material, and the staples pierce the parts to be fastened through: bent legs provide a secure hold, and are also safer — the risk of scratching or pricking the protruding edge of the staple is minimal. Note that such work requires an anvil of hard material placed under the fastened materials; in some tools with a bending function, the anvil is part of the design, but most often it is not.

— Blade of knife. The presence of a knife blade in the design of the stapler. This feature allows you to use the tool not only for driving fasteners, but also for cutting material — for example, preparing upholstery for furniture. The blades are usually made removable (so that a dull one can be quickly replaced with a fresh one or sharpened with convenience) and have a beveled shape (this allows you to cut with the very tip of the knife, providing high accuracy and accuracy). However, this function is quite specific, therefore it is rare, and mainly among percussion models (see "Type") — only they turn out to be quite light, compact and convenient for use as knives.

— Backlight. The presence in the stapler of its own built-in flashlight, usually directed in such a way as to highlight the place of impact. This feature is extremely useful when working in low light conditions. Note that such conditions can easily arise even under normal ambient lighting: for example, the tool itself often obscures the impact site, worsening visibility and complicating accurate aiming.

— Brushless motor. Such motors do not have the classic carbon brushes found in conventional power tools, whose friction during engine operation leads to additional heating, which leads to unnecessary energy consumption and general engine wear. Refusal to use them allows you to extend the battery life of the tool, on the one hand, as well as the life of the engine, on the other.