NuMax SFR2190 Framing Nailer | The Ultimate Tool for DIY-ers

It’s challenging to choose a good framing nailer because there are so many different brands available and they all offer almost similar characteristics. For this reason, we chose to research the Numax SFR2190 frame nailer. It offers all the necessary features at a fair price and is one of the most popular framing nailers. Reading our honest evaluation and comparison before making your purchase decision will make your job easier.

Is the Numax SFR2190 Framing Nailer suitable for your needs?

Nowadays nail guns have become an indispensable tool for home remodeling and other woodworking projects because of their quick and precise fastening abilities. In consequence, if you decided to have a nail gun for your upcoming projects and head out for one, you’ll come across a number of well-known brands.

But, leaving those brands, NuMax SFR2190 has become one of Amazon’s best-selling pneumatic framing nail guns. You wondering the reason behind it. NuMax SFR2190 21 degree framing nailer delivers practically all the characteristics that the other high-end nailers have without charging a big amount of your profits.

Yes! You will acquire a Numax SFR2190 at half of the price of Bostitch, Dewalt, or Paslode.

To conduct heavy-duty duties, it must be both durable and lightweight in order to support long periods of work without causing user fatigue. The importance of these two features for any pneumatic frame nailer cannot be overstated. Fortunately, the Numax SFR2190 has both of these qualities.

In addition, it also has an appealing ash appearance and sufficient power to drive any generic brand nail into any engineered lumber swiftly and precisely.

NuMax SFR2190

Main Features

  • Lightweight and durable magnesium body
  • Ergonomically designed handle
  • The swappable trigger for bump and contact actuation
  • One-piece drive blade for sturdy performance
  • Tool-free dial button for easy depth adjustment
  • No-slip teeth and No-mar tip for secure nailing
  • Dry-fire lockout system
  • Ideal for various tasks, including frame or truss building, subfloor or deck building, fencing, sheathing, and more.

This isn’t the end; there are still more jaw-dropping features to be revealed. Let’s have a look at them together in our NuMax SFR2190 review.

Advanced Features Of NuMax SFR2190 That Make It Standout

Quality Build

You are going to deal with a necessary but little challenging tool where durability and lightness is an essential trait. NuMax address that brilliantly and use magnesium to build their nailer SFR2190. Magnesium is known as the metal of the future, because it is 30% lighter than aluminum, 60% lighter than titanium, and 75% lighter than steel. Nonetheless, it is stronger than those three metals per unit volume.

Therefore, NuMax SFR2190 will allow you to work all day without any pain as well as it will not easily fragment even accidentally slide from your hand from high and drop on the hard floor.

Is Numax SFR2190 Framing Nailer Good For You

Ease-Of-Use And Comfortable Grip

You already noticed that the NuMax framing nailer is constructed with durable and lightweight metal. However, it weighs 8.6 pounds which may feel significant if you use a couple of hours together without a break and your arm is not strong enough. On the other hand, if NuMax makes it much lighter then there is a chance to transmit the recoil force onto your forearm. So, there observed a proper weight balance ratio in this tool. 

Also, it comes with an ergonomic design and a Non-Slip handle that is easy to grip and works both horizontally and vertically. It will also provide anti-vibration comfort during drive nails.

Ease-Of-Use And Comfortable Grip

The Dual Actuation

The dual trigger option of the NuMax nail gun enables you to switch between sequential and bump fire so you can do both single actuation and or continuous nail shooting as per job site requirements. It does not have a selector knob like other contemporary nailers. But for safety, it is better to stick with the sequential actuation mode.

It is especially good for those who are first-time shooters or average pros. On the other hand, if you’re a professional framer, then switching to bump mode isn’t a large deal.

Regarding body stature, you will not find any difference in the NuMax SFR2190 from the other high-end brands, and could be nailing where others can access it. However, it is a bit challenging to do nailing in a tight space smaller than 16″ OC. Otherwise, I’m sure it will give you uninterrupted service which helps you to complete any small or big project smoothly.

Versatile And Powerful

NuMax SFR2190 is an innovative and powerful framing nailer that can shoot any generic nailer 10-12 GA from 2 to 3 and 12 inches. It can not only frame or nail 24s studs but also roof and wall sheathing, siding installation, wood box assembly, fencing, and so on.

Depth Adjustment Mechanism

During work, you may have to fasten different hardened woods and need to adjust the depth of drive accordingly. Keep this in mind Numax framing nailer offers a depth adjustment system. By turning the depth wheel left or right you can regulate depth-of-drive without problems.

360° Adjustable Air Exhaust

It is an operational hazard that you drive a nail and exhausted air comes directly to your face. You will never experience this problem with Numax SFR2190 as it has a 360° adjustable air exhaust. Moreover, you can use it to clear debris from your workplace.

No-Mar Tip

It would not look good if your nailer left some mark on your work surface. No-Mar Tip features of Numax SFR2190 eliminate that tension. Now you can drive a nail without any dents or dings and get a professional finish.

No-Slip Teeth

For safety especially when you do toe-nailing no-slip teeth are essential. In such a case, if you take off the no-mar tip, the no-slip teeth will be exposed easily on your Numax SFR2190.

Anti-Dry Fire

Some framers do not like this feature as it does not fire the last three nails due to the anti-dry fire mechanism. However, it is not acceptable to shoot when there are no nails in the gun as it may cause damage to internal parts and decrease lifespan. Once you load a fresh strip of the nail in the magazine, it will back to its original mode, and you can go forward.

Anti-Dust Cap

Air filters or anti-dust caps keep clean the internal parts of your nailer specifically when left at the store or not at work.

Quick start guide of Numax SFR2190

Benefits Of Using NuMax SFR2190

The NuMax SFR2190 framing nailer is an excellent tool for professional contractors and DIY enthusiasts alike. This powerful and versatile tool offers a range of benefits that make it an essential addition to any job site.

Some of the key benefits of using the NuMax SFR2190 include:

  • Lightweight and ergonomic design for comfortable use and reduced fatigue
  • High power output for quick and efficient nailing
  • Adjustable depth control for precise and consistent results
  • Compatible with a range of nail sizes for increased versatility
  • Easy-to-load magazine for convenience and speed
  • Safety features such as a trigger lock and anti-dry fire mechanism for added protection
  • Durable construction for long-lasting performance in tough job site conditions.
  • Observed minimal jamming or misfiring issues.
  • Reasonably low-priced, money well spent
  • Beautiful gray color and ergonomically designed tool.
  • Work flawlessly – out-of-the-box performance.
  • Countersunk every nail without any issue.

Overall, the NuMax SFR2190 framing nailer is an excellent investment for anyone looking to improve their efficiency and productivity on the job.

Limitations Of Numax Nail Gun

It has to change the trigger instead of just pressing a switch to turn bump mode to contact actuation.

Yes! It is true that it doesn’t have a bump-fire selector switch like other branded products. Instead, you have to change the entire trigger to shift from one mode to another, which is a hassle.

If you are a pro framer, you may not require sequential fire mode during driving nails into 2×4 studs. But, while you will fasten plywood sheathing or any such, you may need to quickly change the trigger. Which is not possible with this tool.

However, It is not a deal-breaker for DIYers in any way. Moreover, it is safe and precise to use single firing mode.

The Jam Removing System Is Not Tool Free

Yes! It is true that you must manually clear the jam on your Numax nailer, whereas most brands offer tool-free jam removal. However, the reality is that you will face very few or zero jam problems with the Numax nail gun. Fortunately, if you encounter any such situation, it is not a big deal to unjam your device.

Depth Adjustment System Is Not Easy to Turn

If you lift the nose piece slightly upward then you can quickly turn the depth wheel. Moreover, using oil at regular intervals will give excellent support too.

Available NuMax Framing Nailers For Your DIY Projects

CriteriaNuMax SFR2190NuMax SFR2890NuMax SFR3490NuMax SFN64
Type21° Round Head28° Clipped Head34° Clipped Head16 GA Straight Finish
Power SourceAir-PoweredAir-PoweredAir-PoweredAir-Powered
Operating Pressure70-115 PSI70-115 PSI70-115 PSI70-110 PSI
Fastener Size2 – 3.5 in.2 – 3.5 in.2 – 3.5 in.1 – 2.5 in.
Fastener Gauge10 – 12 GA10 – 12 GA10 – 12 GA16 GA
Nail Collation PlasticWire or PaperPaperGlue
Magazine Capacity55 pcs90 pcs55 pcs100 pcs
Tool-free Depth AdjustmentYesYesYesYes
No-Mar PadYesYesYesYes
Actuation ModeBump + SequentialBump + SequentialBump + SequentialSequential Only
MaterialsMagnesium with heat-treated steel partsAluminumMagnesium, aluminum, and heat-treated steel partsAluminum with heat-treated steel parts
Weight8.6 lbs.8.4 lbs.8.6 lbs.4.07 lbs.
ApplicationsPerfect for framing, but also suitable for sub-floors, roof decking, wood fencing, siding, sheathing, and more.Great for framing, sheathing, subfloors, deck work, fencing, and more.Great for framing, sheathing, remodeling, subfloors, roof decking, fencing, pallet and crate assembly, furniture manufacturing, truss work, and general outdoor uses.Great for interior and exterior finish and trim work, furniture assembling, cabinetwork, staircases, baseboards, installation of the shoe and crown molding, window casing, and more.
PriceCheck on AmazonCheck on AmazonCheck on AmazonCheck on Amazon

From the above comparison, we see that all the framing nailers are primarily good to do framing jobs and can also be used for other woodworking jobs like flooring, fencing, siding, roofing, or sheathing. Then selecting the right tool is going to be a difficult task. To find the solution, we have to look at the degree angle of the magazine.

The magazine of the Numax SFR2190 is designed to drive 21 degree round head nails, whereas SFR2890 and SFR3490 are designed to drive 28 and 34 degree nails respectively. And the last one is a finish nailer which is different from the first three models and mostly suitable for finish or trim works.

21 degree framing nailers are good for heavy-duty work like building or remodeling homes and framing. Whether you can also use 28 degree nailer to do those, but 28 degree framing nailers usually drive clipped head nails which will not give you 100% gripping power like 21 degree framing nails. So, most of the building code doesn’t allow 28 degrees for heavy-duty tasks.

On the other hand, when you need to drive nails at tight corners, 34 degree framing nailer will give you more leverage than others. Therefore, you have to choose the framing nailer degree based on the project you’re going to handle.

To know more about the degree difference and which one should you choose, let’s read our article by clicking here.

Comparison: Freeman PFR2190 Vs NuMax SFR2190

Freeman and NuMax 21 degree framing nailer is the prototype of each other. Both are marketed by the same Prime Global Products Inc. What features we discussed about NuMax SFR2190 are all the same for Freeman PFR2190 too, except for one thing and that is the warranty policy. Freeman offers 7 years warranty whereas NuMax will provide you with one year of warranty.

In terms of price, Freeman PFR290 will charge a bit higher than NuMax SFR2190. So, if you want to save some money, you can go with NuMax SFR2190 without any doubt. Otherwise, both are on the same page.

How Do I Use Numax SFR2190 Framing Nailer?

Here are some steps to use the Numax SFR2190 framing nailer:

  1. Prepare the nailer: Before using the nailer, make sure it is properly lubricated and connected to an air compressor. Adjust the air pressure to the recommended level, which is typically between 70 and 120 PSI.
  2. Load the nails: Open the magazine and insert a strip of nails, making sure they are properly aligned and facing the right direction. Close the magazine and lock it in place.
  3. Adjust the depth: Use the depth adjustment wheel to set the depth of the nail. This will determine how far the nail will be driven into the wood.
  4. Position the nailer: Hold the nailer firmly against the wood, making sure the nose is flush with the surface.
  5. Fire the nailer: Pull the trigger to fire the nail. Repeat the process, making sure to keep the nailer in the correct position and angle.
  6. Clear jams: If a nail gets stuck or the nailer jams, disconnect the air supply and remove the magazine. Clear any debris or jammed nails, and reassemble the nailer.
  7. Maintenance: After using the nailer, disconnect the air supply and clean the nailer with a soft cloth. Lubricate the nailer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

It’s important to read the user manual and follow all safety precautions before using the Numax SFR2190 framing nailer.

How Do I Use Numax SFR2190 Framing Nailer

How To Put Oil In Numax Framing Nailer?

To put oil in the Numax framing nailer, first ensure that the tool is unplugged and disconnected from any power source. Locate the oil port on the side of the tool and remove the cap.

Using a high-quality pneumatic tool oil, fill the oil reservoir until it is full. Replace the cap firmly and wipe away any excess oil.

It is recommended to oil the nailer before and after each use, as well as periodically during extended use.

Proper oiling will prolong the life of the tool and ensure optimal performance. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety precautions when operating any power tool.

How to put oil in Numax framing nailer

Numax Framing Nailer Troubleshooting

When it comes to troubleshooting a Numax framing nailer, it is important to approach the task with a professional and methodical attitude. One of the most common issues with a nail gun is misfires, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as low air pressure, worn-out components, or improper loading of nails.

To address this problem, it is recommended to check the air compressor and the nail gun’s settings to ensure they are at the correct levels. Additionally, inspecting the nail gun for any damaged or worn-out parts can help to prevent misfires and other malfunctions.

By taking a thorough and careful approach to troubleshooting, you can ensure that your Numax framing nailer remains in optimal condition and performs at its best.

Frequently Asked Questions For Numax SFR2190 Framing Nailer

What is better a 21 degree or 30 degree framing nailer?

When it comes to selecting a framing nailer, choosing between a 21 degree or 30 degree option can be a difficult decision. Both nailers have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. A 21 degree framing nailer typically provides a greater range of fastener options and can handle a wider variety of projects.

On the other hand, a 30 degree framing nailer is known for its ability to access tight spaces and its ability to drive nails at a more consistent angle. Ultimately, the decision between the two will depend on the specific needs of the user and the nature of their projects.

Does it come with any compressor? If not, what will be the recommended size?

Nope. The package of the Numax framing nailer does not include any air compressor. So, you have to buy it separately, if you have no one at your store. The recommended air compressor specification is – volume: minimum 2.5 CFM @ 90 psi, pressure: 70 – 115 psi, tank capacity: at least 3 gallons. You will get more information about buying an air compressor on our page air compressor for nail guns.

What type of collation is suitable for this nail gun?

Numax nail gun allows any generic branded plastic collated nails from 20 to 22-degree ranges and 2 to 3½ inches in size. Therefore, you can choose any plastic collated nails from your nearby hardware stores or from online.

Round or clipped head, which one is suitable for firing with this gun?

It allows round head nails to shoot. And you will be happy to know that building code in most states is permitted round head nails because of their extra holding power over clipped head nails.

Is it challenging to clear a jam?

If you apply the oil twice a day, the chances of that happening of jamming will significantly reduce. It’s not a tool-free jam release system though, making it unjammed isn’t a major problem. You just need an Allen key.

What gauge nails are suitable to drive with it?

Numax sfr2190 framing nailers can drive 10 – 12 GA or 0.113 – 0.131-inch diameter nails comfortably. 10 – 12 gauge nails are usually bulkier in diameter and a perfect match for heavy-duty tasks like framing, decking, or fencing.

Unboxing The NuMax SFR2190 Framing Nailer

Final Thoughts

You can easily choose other high-end nailers like Paslode, Hitachi, and Bostitch that offer the same or a bit more features. However, if you’re looking for a device that delivers high-quality performance at an affordable price, then you might think about this NuMax SFR2190 21 degree framing nailer without any hesitation. It’s also an absolute beginner-friendly tool.

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Tushar Mirror

Toolsmirror is a group of co-fighters led by Engr. Tushar is dedicated to gathering information, analyzing & test various items, and releasing reviews on various woodwork and outdoor tools. Our mission is to provide our readers with the most up-to-date ideas and approaches, as well as reveal the genuine features that will assist them in selecting the best items for their professions and DIY projects.

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