Multi-angled teeth nose probeprovides extra bite to prevent the tool from sliding for increased fixing accuracy At the end of 2022, a second-generation IM350+ Lithium was launched. The specification of the new tool was identical to the first-generation lithium model, but the generation II machine featured a new rubberised grip for improved handling and comfort in use. A redesigned nail lip also allowed for easier and smoother nail loading and the head housing featured a non-slip and durable rubber cover. SERIES-i Platform You can see below how the two different platforms, IM350 and SERIES-i, have changed with the introduction of new upgraded versions. IM350 Platform The key features and benefits that were added to the original SERIES-i nail gun remain today with the cold weather performance, down to a staggering -15°C, being pertinent in the UK. The comparison table below shows the specifications for the two latest Paslode 1st-fix framing nailers.

Nail Gun Buyers Guide: Our experts discuss the various types of wood to wood nail guns available and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of cordless battery powered versus gas powered nail guns. It’s apparent that the best innovative ideas have been reserved for the SERIES-i tools, with the aim to encourage users to switch platforms. What is the difference between a straight and angled nailer?, Our recent article explores the advantages and disadvantages of a straight and angled nail gun. In 2008, the SERIES-i IM90i was launched into the UK market, offering key features and benefits over the original IM350 Nail Gun as well as alternative brands.

What are the main differences between IM350+ and 360Xi Paslode Gas Framing Nailers?

At the end of the 20 years patent period, other manufacturers started to enter the market with their own versions of the Paslode impulse cordless nail gun. Very similar copies were launched that fired identical nails with exactly the same design of fuel cell. In truth, the nails were interchangeable between old and new, but the gas canisters were most certainly not. To avoid confusion in the marketplace, the obvious solution would have been to kill-off the original IM350 Nail Gun, but concerns over losing market share meant that the two different Paslode first fix platforms were to be produced and made available side-by-side. The main improvements were not only based on the tool, but also on the nails and fuel canisters, notably:

After very little change over more than 20 years, the Paslode Gas Framing Nail Guns have evolved considerably more recently. Another useful and unique feature of the 360Xi, and other SERIES-i nail guns, is their ability to fire NailScrews. The countersunk ‘screw’ is fired-in like a nail but can be removed and reinstalled like a traditional woodscrew. Following the expiry of their impulse patent and subsequent market congestion, Paslode realised that they had to raise the bar, by immediately instructing their research and development team to develop the next generation in cordless nailing technology. For optimum performance and usability, we would say that the 360Xi is the best 1 st fix cordless gas framing nailer available. This decision is not just considering the two Paslode options, but all brands of cordless gas nail guns. Using a combination of gas from a small fuel cell and the spark from a battery, the patented ‘impulse technology’ produced incredible power, capable of firing a 90mm long nail with no compressors, hoses, or cords.One word of caution though; many ‘copy’ nails out there contain very poor-quality gas canisters that prematurely clog up the nail gun and compromise performance and reduce service intervals. Potentially, the savings you make on purchasing the copy fastenings are lost in the future for additional servicing, repairs, and downtimes. I recall when the IM90i was replaced by the IM360Ci thinking… ‘what’s the point?’ I couldn’t fathom why Paslode had bothered. There was very little difference between the two nail guns in terms of features and performance. The latest SERIES-i platform upgrade, which is the brand new Paslode 360Xi , does have tangible benefits though:

Apart from a handful of other little tweaks, the internal workings of the two nail guns were very similar. The latest battery eliminated the potential for accidental firing and was also compatible with other Paslode nail guns, including the SERIES-i framing nailers, brad nail guns, and positive placement nail guns . The major changes were implemented when the original IM350 was replaced by the first IM350+. New technology improved reliability and increased service intervals. There was also a rubber soft grip handle for user comfort and a more effective nose probe. This Paslode Framing Nail gun review looks at how the Paslode 1st fix gas nailer has evolved over the years, explores the differences between the latest options – highlighting their advantages and disadvantages – and ultimately helps you decide which model is best for you.The improved battery was designed to allow the user to mechanically turn their framing nail gun on or off. With the older models, there was no on/off facility, unless the battery was completely removed.