Tool comparison

Status
Not open for further replies.
hey_poolboy

hey_poolboy

Senior Member
Location
Illinois
I just purchased my first "Nail Eater" by Greenlee. I haven't used it yet, and wondered if they are worth the money.

I usually use Irwin, or whatever else is available, but I needed a longer one than anyone had in stock. Will these things cut nails w/o getting the edge butchered, and how are they to sharpen?

Mike
 
Re: Tool comparison

I have used the Lenox bits and they are phenomenal. However, the company that used to make them for Lenox in Japan now makes them for Ideal. They redesigned them to have two cutting edges. I just bought a new Ideal 3/4 bit and if you blink your eyes, you may miss the bit tearing through the stud. The thing is fast!
 
Re: Tool comparison

nail eater is right. nails eat both greenlee and irwin. I have used both and can't tell a differance.
 
Re: Tool comparison

In a pinch you can sharpen, but basically for what you would pay a low end guy to sharpen them, consider them disposable.
 
Re: Tool comparison

I will say nothing beats the sound of a new helper finding a big 16d nail early in the morning with a good strong drill. :D :D
 
Re: Tool comparison

Wow,that was fast,thanks guys.
I guess they really are disposable. I have a tendency in my free time to sharpen some of my old bits, so I was curious.

BTW any of you having trouble with page loading speed. I just went to another site for a minute, and when I came back it was super s l o w .
 
Re: Tool comparison

Try sending your auger bits out to one of those cyrogenic treatment facilities. It sounds a bit like pseudo science, but the deep freeze/slow warming, followed by heat tempering really strengthens the metal of the bit, and it will keep its sharp edge much longer than untreated bits will.
 
Re: Tool comparison

I NEVER considerd Naileaters to be disposable. I re-sharpen and get lots of life out of them. Be it Greenlee, Ideal or Lenox. All three are top quality.

Obvioulsy if you hit nails they do dull. The name "Naileater" is most definitely a misnomer.
 
Re: Tool comparison

Yeah, kinda like the saw blades that cut nails.
They have the ability to cut nails, they aren't made to cut nails. If you hit one or two now and then they will stand up to it, but you don't go looking for them. (unless you need something for the helperto do.) :D
 
Re: Tool comparison

Originally posted by e57:
In a pinch you can sharpen, but basically for what you would pay a low end guy to sharpen them, consider them disposable.
Click to expand...
I think they're around $30 a piece. I've had the same bit in the Hole Hawg for almost a year now, ever since I sought the advice of the forum.

I use a small triangle file, even splurged for the handle for it, cost me a grand total of $10 or so from Home Depot. I'll whet an edge on it before starting a house, it takes about 3 minutes, and I always have a brand new bit in my drill, for every house! :)

I've come to the conclusion there's no sense in cluttering up the landfill with perfectly serviceable equipment. :D
 
Re: Tool comparison

Originally posted by georgestolz:
I've come to the conclusion there's no sense in cluttering up the landfill with perfectly serviceable equipment. :D
Click to expand...
George, I was thinking the same thing. As I just got back from throwing a weeks worth of newspapers in the trash can. :eek:


We normally use Irwin bits.
The Greenlee bits have alot more metal in the twists, which seems to cause them to bog down even the Hole Hawg, when drilling through 3 or more studs at a time.

We did just have to place an IDEAL order, so we ordered some of their bits. We have not actually used them yet, but I'll let you know how they work out for us.
Click to expand...
 
Re: Tool comparison

I've tried the chepo auger bits and once you hit a nail they are done. I now use the greenlee nail eater and when you hit a nail it stops cutting...pull the bit out and unscrew the nail from the tip and its ready to go. IMO it does live up to its name.
 
Re: Tool comparison

I drop bits off 5 at a time at a local tool shop and they sharpen them for 2 bucks.
 
Re: Tool comparison

I have been very happy with the greenlee nail eaters. I have a friend re-sharpen when they get dull. What I have found is that I even touch concrete with them they are ruined. I started drilling through a top plate and caught a 16d with a 3/4 nail eater and snapped the chuck off my dewalt timberwolf.
 
Re: Tool comparison

I think the blackndecker right angle is the actual timberwolf, but dewalt is owned by blacknpecker. Timberwolf by proxy :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top