20 Most Recent Porter Cable 18 - Gauge Brad Nailer and Compressor Combo Kit Questions & Answers

Porter cable makes a number of brad nailers (18 gauge) that very quickly suffer from the problem that you are having. You did not mention the model number of your gun but if it is one of these, (bn125a, bn200a, ns100a) kit # 60061 will fix the problem. It costs between 25 and 30 dollars. Google that part number or order from www.dewalt.com. Dewalt owns the porter cable brand. Before you order the kit, check that the driver blade is not bent and stuck. The driver should travel freely down the cylinder. When you install parts, use Danco silicone grease to lube (availabel at Lowes in the plumbing department) If your model # is different from those mentioned above, please email me and I will recommend a repair.

It is dangerous !!! Check your pressure switch - perhaps need to be replace. Or even better to replace with Digital Controller. Check this site: www.CompressorController.com

go online to portercable.com or just google it...

You should be able to just push it onto the the safety latch part 417 on the breakdown. The open part faces forward and you push the latch into the opening in the back of the nose cushion. It will then lock into place by the tabs on the latch.

There is a face plate on the front of the magazine to aid in clearing jams. Sometimes this can be dislodged a bit causing the striker to not hit the brad squarely. It could be that some cleaning is in order....never ever hurts that's for sure and may help determining any bent / broken parts. Make sure the tool is well lubricated also.
Take care.

A brad nailer in good working order, set to the deepest setting and using 125psi should almost shoot the brad through the wood. If you have been oiling the gun properly (three to four drops at he beginning of your work session and again in the afternoon if under constant use) then you probably have some worn o-rings inside the gun. Porter Cable makes a driver maintenance kit (PN1001 60062) for your gun that will make it work like new.

You can test the other components of the compressor by temporarily by-passing the pressure switch. Connect line in to motor wires and plug in unit, unplug when pressure reaches 125 to 130 lbs. There is a safety relief just in case so do not worry. It the pressure does not reach target pressure there may be a leak or worn cylinder. If target pressure is reached in a short time replace pressure switch. Very easy repair. Good Luck.

You did not mention the brand or model of your gun, however, you can determine the angle needed by placing a straight edge in line with the path of the driver and measure the angle from this edge to rails.. If the straight edge to the rails measure 90 degrees or makes a right angle, you need "0 degree" nails, if it measures 80 degrees, you need "15 degree" etc. Most generic nials 15 gauge nails will work. No need to by branded nails unless your gun requires an unusual angle. Good luck.

remove the drain plug. go to any auto parts store and tell them you need a drain ****.put it in and that should solve your problem. cost should be 2-3 dollars.

The real question is where exactly is the leak coming from. Compressors have a pressure release valve designed to let the pressure off of the compressor motor so it can start when there is pressure in the tank. This valve is often the culprit and fairly easy to replace. You can order it direct from porter-cable online. Just in case double check the drain petcock sometimes these get worn and won't close completely and can easily be over looked when trouble shooting.

Check that the pressure unloader in the switch is working properly. This should open when the compressor is turned off and close when it turns on again. It releases the pressure from the compressor so it doesn't have to start against the pressure.
If this is not being actuated or is stuck it might be the problem. You will hear the air escaping while the machine is running if this is the problem.

Pressure switch has gone bad and needs to be replaced. Part runs around $25. Go online and put in model number, pressure switch. You will find companies that sell replacement parts. I had to replace mind, it did the same thing.