# Air Tools - Finish Nailer



# Manual(s)

*Manuals and other reference materials from the manufacturer or other sources.*

- <div class="li">Model:[FN250B](https://www.portercable.com/products/power-tools/nailers-and-staplers/finish-and-trim-nailers/16-ga-212-in-finish-nailer-kit/fn250c "https://www.portercable.com/products/power-tools/nailers-and-staplers/finish-and-trim-nailers/16-ga-212-in-finish-nailer-kit/fn250c")</div>
- <div class="li">Manufacturer: [Porter Cable](https://www.portercable.com "https://www.portercable.com")</div>
- <div class="li">Manual: [finish\_nailer-porter\_cable-fn250b.pdf](https://wiki.protohaven.org/attachments/178)</div>

# Member Notes



# Resources

*Where to obtain materials, consumables, and tooling.*

# Tool Tutorial

(Link to PDF Tool Tutorial)

Finishing nail guns are powerful tools that can handle basic home improvement tasks as well as professional jobs. Use finishing nailers (also known as trim nail guns) to complete flooring and molding projects without one swing of a hammer. Finishing nails are thicker (15 or 16 gauge) and have a larger head than brad nails, which are used for light trim projects. While they may be more visible than brad nails, finishing nails are strong enough to secure large and heavy pieces of wood. You can cover them with putty to make them less noticeable. Use finishing nailers to attach heavy crown molding, affix large baseboards or install a new hardwood floor. You can also use them to put together cabinets and furniture.

The [Tool Safety](https://www.protohaven.org/wiki/tools/hand_tools/finish_nailer_16ga?s[]=nailer#tool-safety "tools:hand_tools:finish_nailer_16ga ↵"), [Tool Care](https://www.protohaven.org/wiki/tools/hand_tools/finish_nailer_16ga?s[]=nailer#tool-care "tools:hand_tools:finish_nailer_16ga ↵"), [Operation](https://www.protohaven.org/wiki/tools/hand_tools/finish_nailer_16ga?s[]=nailer#operation "tools:hand_tools:finish_nailer_16ga ↵"), section of this guide are what instructors use to ensure that you can use the equipment according to community expectations.

# Requirements

No Clearance Required. If you don't know how to use the tool ask for help.

# Warnings

🚫 Do not use this <span class="search_hit">nailer</span> for fastening electrical cables. 🚫 Do not fire fastener on top of another fastener, into surfaces too hard to penetrate, or too close to the edge of the workpiece.  
🚫 Do not hold tool near body while firing. Tool recoil can cause injury.  
⚠️ Wear appropriate PPE.  
⚠️ Ensure the switch is in the off position before connecting to power source and/ or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool.  
⚠️ Remove finger from the trigger when not driving nails.  
⚠️ Disconnect the tool from the power supply when a. Unattended, b. Performing any maintenance or repair, c. Clearing a jam, d. Moving the tool to a new location.

See the [Safety Section](https://www.protohaven.org/wiki/tools/hand_tools/finish_nailer_16ga?s[]=nailer#tool-safety "tools:hand_tools:finish_nailer_16ga ↵") for more information.

# Tool Anatomy

[![](https://www.protohaven.org/wiki/_media/tools/nailer.png?w=400&tok=ee2993)](https://www.protohaven.org/wiki/_detail/tools/nailer.png?id=tools%3Ahand_tools%3Afinish_nailer_16ga "tools:nailer.png")

<div class="level1" id="bkmrk-trigger-switch-trigg">1. <div class="li">Trigger Switch</div>
2. <div class="li">Trigger Lock-Off switch</div>
3. <div class="li">Depth adjustment wheel</div>
4. <div class="li">Depth adjustment indicator</div>
5. <div class="li">Worklights/low battery/jam/stall indicator</div>
6. <div class="li">Stall release lever</div>
7. <div class="li">Jam clearing latch</div>
8. <div class="li">Contact trip</div>
9. <div class="li">Magazine</div>
10. <div class="li">Pusher latch</div>
11. <div class="li">Hang hook</div>
12. <div class="li">Pusher latch release</div>

</div>For more visit the manufacturers website and user manual both linked at the top of this document.

# Tool Safety

<div class="level1" id="bkmrk--1">  
</div>### Personal Protective Equipment

⚠️ Safety glasses, hearing protection, heavy duty gloves, and closed-toed shoes are required.

⚠️ All hair, clothing and accessories should be secured close to the body.

### Common Hazards

**Unintentional Firing**

<div class="level3" id="bkmrk-be-sure-the-trigger-">- <div class="li">Be sure the trigger is released before connecting to power.  
    </div>
- <div class="li">Keep fingers away from trigger when not firing.  
    </div>
- <div class="li">Always assume the tool contains nails.  
    </div>

</div>**Balance and Tool Control**

<div class="level3" id="bkmrk-do-not-overreach.-ke">- <div class="li">Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times.  
    </div>
- <div class="li">Do not attach the tool to your body.  
    </div>
- <div class="li">Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against the body is unstable and can lead to loss of control.  
    </div>

</div># Tool Care

<div class="level1" id="bkmrk--2">  
</div>## Daily Cleaning

Clean magazine, pusher, and contact trip mechanism. This permits smooth operation of magazine, reduces wear, and prevents jams. Clean tool with a clean, damp cloth. Do not oil or lubricate this tool. The use of oils, lubricants or solvents is not recommended as they tend to attract debris.

## Weekly Cleaning

Blow dirt and dust out of all air vents with clean, dry air at least once a week.

## Inspection

Before you start using the <span class="search_hit">nailer</span> you are expected to do an initial inspection and assess its readiness for use.

<div class="level2" id="bkmrk-remove-battery-pack-">1. <div class="li">Remove battery pack from tool and engage trigger lock-off.</div>
2. <div class="li">Lock the pusher in the back position and remove all nail strips from the magazine.</div>
3. <div class="li">Check for smooth and proper operation of contact trip and pusher assemblies.</div>
4. <div class="li">Do not use tool if either assembly is not functioning properly.</div>
5. <div class="li">NEVER use a tool that has damaged parts.</div>

</div># Operation

<div class="level1" id="bkmrk--3">  
</div>### Set Up

Secure loose workpieces using a vise or clamps to prevent movement while working.  
⚠️Make certain the trigger lock-off button is engaged to prevent switch actuation before removing or installing battery.  
**TO INSTALL BATTERY PACK:** Insert battery pack firmly into tool until an audible click is heard. Ensure battery pack is fully seated and fully latched into position.  
**TO REMOVE BATTERY PACK:** Depress the battery release button and pull battery pack out of tool.

### Loading

⚠️Keep the tool pointed away from yourself and others.  
⚠️Never load nails with the contact trip or trigger activated.  
⚠️The battery should always be removed and the trigger lock-off is engaged whenever any adjustments are made or when tool is not in use.  
⚠️Keep fingers clear of pusher to prevent injury.

<div class="level3" id="bkmrk-insert-fasteners-int">1. <div class="li">Insert fasteners into the bottom of the magazine.</div>
2. <div class="li">Pull pusher downward until the nail follower falls behind the nails.</div>
3. <div class="li">Release the pusher.</div>

</div>### General Operation

⚠️The contact trip needs to be depressed followed by a full trigger pull for each nail followed by a release of both the contact trip and trigger after each nail.

<div class="level3" id="bkmrk-fully-depress-contac">1. <div class="li">Fully depress contact trip against the work surface.</div>
2. <div class="li">Fully pull trigger and motor will start. (nail will drive into work surface).</div>
3. <div class="li">Release trigger.</div>
4. <div class="li">Lift contact trip off work surface.</div>
5. <div class="li">Repeat steps 1 through 4 for next application.</div>

</div>Note: There are work lights located on each side of the <span class="search_hit">nailer</span>. Work lights turn on upon depressing the contact trip. These work lights are for illuminating the immediate work surface only.

<div class="level3" id="bkmrk-the-work-lights-will">- <div class="li">The work lights will flash and then turn off completely to indicate **low battery.**</div>
- <div class="li">The work lights will flash continually if a nail becomes **jammed** in the nose piece.</div>

</div>#### Adjusting Depth

⚠️Always remove battery pack, engage trigger lock-off, and avoid contact with trigger during adjustments. The depth that the fastener is driven can be adjusted using the depth adjustment wheel on the side of the tool. Depth settings are on a sliding scale. The left side indicating the deepest and the right side indicating the shallowest.

<div class="level4" id="bkmrk-to-drive-a-nail-deep">1. <div class="li">To drive a nail deeper, rotate the depth adjustment wheel (3) downwards. This will slide the depth adjustment indicator (4) to the left on the scale.</div>
2. <div class="li">To drive a nail shallower, rotate the depth adjustment wheel (3) upwards. This will slide the depth adjustment indicator (4) to the right on the scale.</div>

</div>### Unloading

<div class="level3" id="bkmrk-press-pusher-latch-r">1. <div class="li">Press pusher latch release button.</div>
2. <div class="li">Manually slide nails towards the bottom of the magazine.</div>
3. <div class="li">Open the jam clear door on the nosepiece to verify there are no nails remaining.</div>

</div>#### Consumables

Nails are consumables. Please bring your own. This tool can accept 16 Gauge 1″ - 2.5″ nails.

### Maintenance Requests

If you encounter any of the issues listed in the Inspection area or have any other issues with the printer not working properly

<div class="level3" id="bkmrk-update-the-physical-">- <div class="li">Update the physical Maintenance Tag at the machine</div>
    - <div class="li">🟢Green can be used without issue</div>
    - <div class="li">🟡Yellow can be used withcaution</div>
    - <div class="li">⛔Red cannot be used without hazard to either the user or the equipment</div>
- <div class="li">Record issues at [protohaven.org/maintenance](https://protohaven.org/maintenance "https://protohaven.org/maintenance"). This notifies our staff and volunteer maintenance crew of any issues.</div>

</div>## Troubleshooting

<div class="level2" id="bkmrk--4">  
</div>### Clearing Jams

<div class="level3" id="bkmrk-remove-battery-pack--1">- <div class="li">Remove battery pack from tool and engage trigger lock-off.</div>
- <div class="li">Rotate the stall release lever (6) on the tool to release the driver blade and clear the jam. If tool is still jammed follow steps 3-11 listed below.</div>
- <div class="li">Pull pusher downward until it locks in place then tip the tool over so the nails slide freely out from the bottom of the magazine.</div>
- <div class="li">Lift the jam clearing latch (7) then pull up to open front door (14).</div>
- <div class="li">Remove bent nail, using pliers if necessary.</div>
- <div class="li">If driver blade is in the down position, insert screwdriver or other rod into nosepiece and push driver blade back in position.</div>
- <div class="li">Close the front door and engage the wire form (13) under the two arms (15) on the contact trip. Push jam clearing latch down (7) until it locks in place.</div>
- <div class="li">Reinsert nails into magazine (see Loading the Tool).</div>
- <div class="li">Pull pusher (10) downward until the nail follower (D1) falls behind the nails as shown in figure D.</div>
- <div class="li">Reinsert battery pack.</div>
- <div class="li">Disengage trigger lock-off (2), allowing the trigger to be actuated.</div>

</div>### Stall Release

If the <span class="search_hit">nailer</span> is used in a rigorous application where all available energy in the motor is used to drive a fastener, the tool may stall. The driver blade did not complete the drive cycle and the jam/stall indicator will flash. Rotate the stall release lever (6) on the tool and the mechanism will release.  
NOTE: The tool will disable itself and not reset until the battery pack has been removed and reinserted. If the unit continues to stall please review the material and fastener length to be sure that it is not too rigorous an application. If the driver blade does not automatically return to the home position after rotating the stall release lever, follow the instructions for clearing a jammed nail.

<div class="level3" id="bkmrk-problem-possible-cau"><div class="table sectionedit21"><table class="inline"><thead><tr class="row0"><th class="col0">Problem</th><th class="col1">Possible Cause</th><th class="col2">Possible Solution</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="row1"><td class="col0" rowspan="3">Unit will not start.</td><td class="col1">Battery pack not installed properly.</td><td class="col2">Check battery pack installation.</td></tr><tr class="row2"><td class="col0">Battery pack not charged.</td><td class="col1">Check battery pack charging requirements.</td></tr><tr class="row3"><td class="col0">Trigger lock-off is engaged.</td><td class="col1">Disengage trigger lock-off.</td></tr><tr class="row4"><td class="col0">Tool doesn’t actuate. (Headlights on, motor does not run)</td><td class="col1">Motor stops running after 2 seconds.</td><td class="col2">Normal operation; release trigger or contact trip and re-depress.</td></tr><tr class="row5"><td class="col0">Tool doesn’t actuate. (Headlights flash)</td><td class="col1">Low battery charge or damaged battery.</td><td class="col2">Charge or replace battery.</td></tr><tr class="row6"><td class="col0" rowspan="2">Tool doesn’t actuate. (Headlights flash continuously)</td><td class="col1">Jammed fastener/tool stalled.</td><td class="col2">Remove the battery, rotate the stall release lever. Clear the jammed fastener, and reinsert battery pack.</td></tr><tr class="row7"><td class="col0">Jammed mechanism.</td><td class="col1">See authorized service center.</td></tr><tr class="row8"><td class="col0">Tool doesn’t actuate.(Headlights on, motor runs)</td><td class="col1" rowspan="2">Jammed fastener/tool stalled.</td><td class="col2">Remove the battery, rotate the stall release lever. Clear the jammed fastener, and reinsert battery pack.</td></tr><tr class="row9"><td class="col0">Tool doesn’t actuate. (Headlights on, motor runs, driver blade stuck down)</td><td class="col1">See authorized service center.</td></tr><tr class="row10"><td class="col0" rowspan="4">Tool operates, but does not drive the fastener fully.</td><td class="col1">Low battery charge or damaged battery.</td><td class="col2">Charge or replace battery.</td></tr><tr class="row11"><td class="col0">Depth adjustment set too shallow.</td><td class="col1">Rotate depth adjustment wheel to a deeper setting.</td></tr><tr class="row12"><td class="col0">Tool not firmly applied to workpiece.</td><td class="col1">Read instruction manual.</td></tr><tr class="row13"><td class="col0">Material and fastener length too rigorous an application.</td><td class="col1">Choose appropriate material or fastener length.</td></tr><tr class="row14"><td class="col0" rowspan="4">Tool operates, but no fastener driven.</td><td class="col1">No fasteners in magazine.</td><td class="col2">Load fasteners into magazine.</td></tr><tr class="row15"><td class="col0">Wrong size or angle fasteners.</td><td class="col1">Use only recommended fasteners.</td></tr><tr class="row16"><td class="col0">Debris in contact trip or magazine.</td><td class="col1">Remove debris.</td></tr><tr class="row17"><td class="col0">Jammed fastener.</td><td class="col1">Read “Clearing a Jammed Nail”.</td></tr><tr class="row18"><td class="col0" rowspan="4">Jammed fastener.</td><td class="col1">Wrong size or angle fasteners.</td><td class="col2">Use only recommended fasteners.</td></tr><tr class="row19"><td class="col0">Material and fastener length too rigorous an application.</td><td class="col1">Choose appropriate material or fastener length.</td></tr><tr class="row20"><td class="col0">Low battery charge or damaged battery.</td><td class="col1">Charge or replace battery.</td></tr><tr class="row21"><td class="col0">Debris in nose piece or magazine.</td><td class="col1">Remove debris.</td></tr><tr class="row22"><td class="col0" rowspan="3">Battery pack will not charge.</td><td class="col1">Battery pack not inserted into charger.</td><td class="col2">Insert battery pack into charger until LED lights.</td></tr><tr class="row23"><td class="col0">Charger not plugged in.</td><td class="col1">Plug charger into a working outlet. Refer to “Important Charging Notes” for more details.</td></tr><tr class="row24"><td class="col0">Surrounding air temperature too hot or too cold.</td><td class="col1">Move charger and battery pack to a surrounding air temperature of above 40 degrees F (4,5°C) or below 105 degrees F (+40,5°C)</td></tr><tr class="row25"><td class="col0" rowspan="2">Unit shuts off abruptly.</td><td class="col1">Battery pack has reached its maximum thermal limit.</td><td class="col2">Allow battery pack to cool down.</td></tr><tr class="row26"><td class="col0">Out of charge. ( To maximize the life of the battery pack it is designed to shutoff abruptly when the charge is depleted.)</td><td class="col1">Place on charger and allow to charge.</td></tr></tbody></table>

</div></div>## Additional Resources