I bought this to replace my 19-year-old FR350, which P-C no longer will provide parts for. The updated FR350B has some advantages but doesn't seem as well-built. I like it, but I doubt this one will last another 19 years.
Pluses:
1) Loading nails is a lot easier; you just slide them in the end of the clip, and pull the spring clip back over them.
2) There's an adjustment for nail depth now! That's a big improvement.
3) There's a trigger safety and the auto-trigger is switch-selectable.
4) There's a hanger clip, useful if you're working on a ladder.
5) It's quieter. They've done something to the pressure vent system. Hard to describe, but it "pops" instead of "whooshes" the way the old one did.
6) It supposedly can be set up to fire thicker JH nails into hangers. I seldom do that, so not tested.
Cons:
1) it's still heavy, roughly the same size and weight as the FR350.
2) All the non-pressure parts, including the nail clip, slide, and hanger are made of plastic.
3) The auto-trigger is still way too light. It's VERY easy to do accidental double-taps and one-and-a-halfs.
4) The anti-mar tip is annoying and falls off if you hit it on things.
Those things said, it's pretty nice. I gave it a workout last weekend, building a small deck. ~600 nails into 2-by material and composite decking, using 3 1/2" and 2" ring-shank nails, with no jams, which is better than the FR350 it replaced ever did. Still love the P-C tools!
Also, the B&C Eagle 21 degree .131" nails that Amazon sells in 500 nail packs fit this perfectly, so you don't have to blow a Benjamin on 5,000-nail cases.
| Manufacturer | PORTER-CABLE |
|---|---|
| Part Number | FR350B |
| Item Weight | 7.3 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 21 x 5 x 15 inches |
| Item model number | FR350B |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Power Source | air-powered |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Number of Handles | 1 |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
