
Porter Cable is a well-known brand of reasonably priced professional woodworking tools. Their nail guns use two types of triggers: threaded and pin. Removing the trigger from a Porter Cable nail gun requires specific steps to be followed, including checking the spring tension, oiling the gun, removing nails, and releasing pressure from the tank. It is important to prioritize safety when handling power tools and ensure that the gun is disconnected from its air supply before attempting any maintenance or repairs.
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What You'll Learn

Removing the trigger lock
To remove the trigger lock on a Porter Cable finish nailer, follow these steps:
First, ensure the nailer is disconnected from the air hose by pulling back on the brass ring of the connector. This is important for safety reasons.
Next, you need to remove the nails from the nailer. Check the nail clip to ensure it is loaded and not stuck. Release the clip by depressing the lever on the bottom of the gun, just in front of the air fitting.
Now, we will focus on the trigger mechanism. There are two types of triggers in Porter Cable nail guns: threaded triggers and pin triggers. For pin triggers, there is a retaining O-ring and two roll pins that hold the trigger arm and trigger valve in place. Use a small punch to drive out the two pins, and then pull the trigger valve straight out. With threaded triggers, you will need to use a wrench to remove the trigger valve, and then pull on the two sides of the valve to access its internal components.
Once the trigger valve is removed, you can swap in a new one or replace specific parts. Use a small punch to remove pins holding the new valve together, then swap the spring, brass fitting, inner valve, and O-rings. After greasing the O-rings, reassemble the trigger mechanism by threading the trigger assembly back into the gun and tightening the valve.
Finally, reinstall the trigger, trigger pin, and O-ring that holds the pin in place. You have now successfully removed the trigger lock and replaced the trigger mechanism.
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Troubleshooting a jammed nail
First and foremost, safety should always be the primary consideration when troubleshooting any nail gun. Ensure that the nail gun is not connected to its air supply and is not pointed at anyone or anything. Check that the power compressor is plugged in and turned on, and release the pressure from the tank by pulling out the release valve, which is typically a red or yellow plastic-shrouded valve near the pressure gauge.
Next, remove the nail gun from the air hose by locating the end of the hose where it attaches to the gun and pulling back on the brass ring of the connector. If the hose does not detach forcibly, check for any stop valves or moisture collectors in the airline that may be causing the issue. Open any closed stop valves and clean out moisture collectors.
Now, check the nail clip to ensure it is loaded and not stuck. Release the clip by depressing the lever on the bottom of the gun, just in front of the air fitting. If the clip is empty, load nails into it, ensuring they are flat with the points toward the front of the gun, and slide the bottom of the clip up until it snaps into place.
Once the nail clip is loaded, check for any jams in the plunger. Release the tension on the spring by opening the top of the gun and pulling forward on the flip latch. This will reveal the plunger slide. Look down into the nail clip to ensure the slot is clear, as nails can sometimes crumple up and jam the plunger. If there are any stuck nails, remove them with a flat screwdriver or needle-nose pliers.
After clearing any jams, reload the clip, connect the air hose, and test the gun. Remember to oil the gun after completing the repair by tipping it so that the air hose fitting is facing up and adding three to four drops of pneumatic tool oil. Finally, reattach the hose and use the gun.
If the nail gun still does not work after these troubleshooting steps, it may need to be professionally serviced. Contact your local hardware store to locate the nearest service center.
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Replacing the trigger
To replace the trigger on a Porter Cable finish nailer, you'll need to determine whether your nail gun uses a pin trigger or a threaded trigger. This is important because the process for replacing the trigger differs depending on the type of trigger your gun uses.
If your nail gun uses a pin trigger, the process is relatively straightforward. First, remove the retaining O-ring that holds the trigger arm in place. Then, drive out the two roll pins that secure the trigger valve using a small punch. Once the pins are removed, pull the trigger valve straight out. When installing the new trigger, ensure that the recesses align with the holes for the retaining pins.
On the other hand, if your nail gun uses a threaded trigger, the process is a bit more involved. You'll need to remove the O-ring that holds the trigger pin in place and then take out the trigger pin itself. With the trigger pin removed, you can detach the trigger from the gun. Use a wrench to remove the trigger valve, and then access its internal components by pulling on the two sides of the valve. Use a small punch to remove the pins holding the valve together. At this point, you can swap parts between the old and new valves, including the spring, brass fitting, inner valve, and O-rings. Reassemble the old valve with the new parts and add a thin layer of grease to the O-rings.
It is important to note that safety should always be a top priority when working with power tools. Ensure that you disconnect the nail gun from its air supply before attempting any repairs or maintenance. Additionally, refer to the user manual or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any steps or procedures.
By following these steps and taking the necessary precautions, you can successfully replace the trigger on your Porter Cable finish nailer, ensuring that your tool is functioning properly and safely.
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Installing an overhaul kit
Step 1: Safety First
Before beginning any repair work, always prioritize safety. Ensure the nail gun is disconnected from its air supply to prevent accidental discharge. Additionally, make sure the gun is unloaded and no nails are stuck in the nail clip.
Step 2: Identify the Trigger Type
Porter Cable nail guns use two types of triggers: threaded triggers and pin triggers. Identify which type your gun uses before proceeding.
Step 3: Remove the Trigger
If your nail gun uses a pin trigger, simply replace the trigger valve with the one provided in the overhaul kit. For a threaded trigger, the process is a bit more involved. Start by removing the o-ring and the trigger pin. Then, use a wrench to remove the trigger valve. Pull on the two sides of the original valve to access its internal components, and use a small punch to remove the pins holding the valve together.
Step 4: Swap Internal Components
With the old valve open, you can now swap parts between the old and new valves. Take the new valve's spring, brass fitting, inner valve, and o-rings, and install them into your old valve assembly.
Step 5: Reassembly and Lubrication
Grease the o-rings on the threaded valve assembly. Reassemble the trigger mechanism, ensuring that the recesses in the trigger line up with the holes for the retaining pins.
Step 6: Test the Gun
After installing the overhaul kit, test the nail gun to ensure it is functioning properly. Oil the gun after completing the repair, and regularly oil it if you use it throughout the day.
Remember to always refer to the manual for your specific model of Porter Cable nail gun, as there may be slight variations in the disassembly and reassembly process. Additionally, it is important to use the correct nails and oil specified by the manufacturer to ensure optimal performance and avoid issues like double firing.
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Safety precautions
Safety should always be the first consideration when troubleshooting a nail gun. Here are some important safety precautions to follow when removing the trigger from a Porter Cable finish nailer:
Do not point the nail gun in any direction that you do not intend to shoot, especially when it is connected to its air supply. Always treat the nail gun as if it is loaded and ready to fire, even when you are troubleshooting or disassembling it. Ensure that the nail gun is unloaded and the safety is on before beginning any work on it.
Make sure you have an adequate air supply and check that the nail gun is properly connected to the air hose. Inspect the air hose for any leaks or damage, and ensure that the air pressure is set to the correct level for your Porter Cable finish nailer.
Before working on the nail gun, release the pressure from the air compressor. This is typically done by pulling out on the release valve, usually a red or yellow plastic valve near the pressure gauge. Continue releasing the pressure until the compressor kicks in and recharges.
Always wear appropriate safety gear when working with power tools, including eye protection and gloves. Ensure that you are in a well-ventilated area when working with compressed air and power tools. Keep bystanders away from your work area to prevent accidental injury.
When removing the trigger, be careful not to damage any internal components, such as the spring or the feeder mechanism. Follow the manufacturer's instructions or a reputable guide for removing the trigger to avoid accidental discharge or damage to the tool.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are the steps to remove the trigger from a Porter Cable finish nailer:
- Remove the nail gun from the air hose by pulling back on the brass ring of the connector.
- Release the pressure from the tank by pulling out on the release valve.
- Open the top of the gun by releasing the flip latch.
- Look down into the nail clip to ensure there are no jammed nails.
- Remove any stuck nails with a flat screwdriver or needle-nose pliers.
- Disconnect the air hose and tip the gun so that the air hose fitting is facing upwards.
- Add 3-4 drops of pneumatic tool oil into the fitting.
- Reattach the hose.
- Remove the O-ring that holds the trigger pin in place and then remove the trigger pin.
- Remove the trigger from the gun.
Here are some general troubleshooting tips for a Porter Cable finish nailer:
- Ensure that there is an adequate air supply and check that the nail clip is loaded and not stuck.
- Check the power on the compressor and ensure it is plugged in and turned on.
- Check the tension on the spring that pulls the nails into position.
- Oil the gun prior to each use, especially if it is being used regularly throughout the day.
If your Porter Cable finish nailer is leaking air from the nose, head, or trigger, you will need to install an overhaul kit. Here are the steps:
- Remove the O-ring that holds the trigger pin in place and then remove the trigger pin.
- Use a wrench to remove the trigger valve.
- Pull on the two sides of the original valve to access its internal components.
- Use a small punch to remove the pins holding the valve together.
- Swap the spring, brass fitting, inner valve, and O-rings with those from the new valve.
- Reinstall the trigger, trigger pin, and O-ring.








































