Tool Review: Porter-Cable NS105C Stapler

I love narrow crown staplers. They’re the fastening tool I use when no other fastening tool will do—or do as well. I go to my narrow crown stapler installing tongue and groove paneling, trim assemblies, on woodworking and shop projects, and installing 1/4 plywood subfloors and plywood backers. Staples hold fast, don’t split the material, and are easy and quick to drive. The staple head is almost always a snap to hide if they show too. I don’t use it everywhere—nails are way better for exposed trim details like base, case and crown—but when I do use it, I love it.

The first thing I need is power to work in all kinds of materials and the Porter-Cable NS150C has it. I also like a consistent depth of drive in materials from PVC to plywood. Again, the NS150C delivers with an easy-to-use but out of the way depth dial near the trigger.

After power, I look for design-features that make the tool a go-to. The Porter-Cable has a belt hook that snags a tool pouch bag easily but is also slim enough to be out of the way during typical use. The tool loads and unloads easily (not all staplers do) and I really like that the air exhausts out the bottom of the tool’s handle. I wish every pneumatic tool had this. Add a light, but rugged magnesium housing and an easy to pull trigger and you’ve got a tool you can use from frame to finish. I do.