I'd been thinking of getting a 23 gauge pinner for a while. I knew Cadex and Grex where respected names from reviews I've read of both over the past few years. It turns out the tools are extremely similar and based on the same chassis. I hat buying cheap tools (especially Harbor Frieght level tools) and look at most tools as a lifetime investment. I bought the Cadex, over the Grex, based on it's ability to shoot a headed brad if desired.
So I have the tool now and have been given it a thorough work out. I recently installed crown molding (on the kitchen cabinets) which was built up from four different pieces. I bought the tool specifically for this job because I didn't want to have to fill nail holes. It has proven to be a joy to use. It is light and handy. My hands are very large and it is very comfortable to hold. The rear exhaust is great. I read several reviews of the tool and I don't recall anybody mentioning just how quiet it is. The belt hook works great though I use it more to hook onto one of the holes in the top of my ladder.
I considered getting one of the larger versions but I couldn't really think of a time when I would need pins longer than 1 3/8. Most of the time I'm going from 3/4 to 3/4 stock and the slightly sunk 1 3/8 pin won't come out the back. As some have mentioned the 23 gauge pins have a tendency to follow grain and bend. Longer pins would only make this tendency worse. I have come to the conclusion that if you need a longer length than 1 3/8 you probably need a finish nail gun.
My only complaint is with the air connection fitting provided. It does have a bit of a swivel to it but not nearly enough. The other problem is that it required the female coupling and hose to stick out the back making the gun larger than it should be I pulled it of and replaced it with this
http://www.amazon.com/Jet-JAS-14-Threaded-Pnuematic-Coupler/dp/B000BHIDQ0/ref=sr_1_40?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1295846225&sr=1-40
It is a swivel coupler and makes the gun feel 5 or 6 inches shorter and you can get it into tighter places. In addition the quick connect supplied is commonly found on tools when sold but rarely found anyplace else. I replaced it with a much more common Amflo auto service connection. It now matches all my other air tools.
All in all I recomend this tool most highly; it is truly a joy to use. Amazon's service was great (as usual) and had the best price I could find anywhere. CADEX CPB23.35 1-3/8" 23 GAUGE HEADLESS PINNER & BRAD NAILER with starter 6000 pc. pin & brad assortment - Nailers - Pinner'
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