If bought separately, these tools would cost $508. Porter-Cable makes some of the best pneumatic tools in the industry, and these fasteners are three prime examples. The 16-gauge is sturdy, compact, lighter and quieter than you'd expect with a nice, comfortable grip even smaller hands can get around. It’s got great balance, easy depth-of-drive adjustment, and it’s a pleasure to use. Similarly, the 18-gauge is light but rugged, comfortable and maneuverable, even in awkward places or after long runs. The stapler, well-balanced and comfortable to aim, uses standard 18-gauge, 1/4-inch crown staples from 1/2- to 1 inch long. Some other features we like on all three shooters: a special hardened driver blade, a sequential fire trigger (a bump fire mechanism is available free from Porter-Cable if you prefer that), a visual reload indicator so you don’t waste time firing when you’re out of fasteners, a safety located behind the driver guide for driving in tight spaces and an easy-to-adjust depth guide for perfect countersinking. They all have directional exhausts, too.

The pancake-style compressor has a six-gallon tank and easily runs two guns at the same time. It's light, portable and doesn't want much from you in terms of maintenance--it's oil-free and Teflon-coated. Some other reasons to like it: a high-flow regulator, an easy-to-read air pressure gauge, automatic thermal overload protection, an industrial-style quick-connect body in the air outlet, and a long-life motor with replaceable brushes. An integrated handhold makes it easy to tote, too.

Contractors, remodelers, furniture makers, trim carpenters and do-it-yourselfers will find this combo indispensable (and a great deal, too).--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Technical Details
NS100A stapler: Uses 18-gauge, 1/4-inch crown staple, 1/2 to 1 inch, with a magazine capacity of 100 staples. Weight: 2-3/8 pounds.

BN125A brad nailer: Uses 18-gauge, 5/8 to 1 1/4-inch brad nails; magazine capacity of 100 nails.

FN250B finish nailer: Uses 16-gauge, 3/4 to 2 1/2-inch finish nails; magazine capacity of 100 nails.

Six-gallon oil-free pancake compressor: 2 peak HP, .8 HP running; 135 psi; 87 Dba.

What's in the Box
Six-gallon oil-free pancake compressor, FN250B finish nailer, BN125A brad nailer, NS100A stapler, 2,000 fasteners, 1,000 staples, oil, 25-foot air hose, ¼ inch industrial plug, ¼ inch coupler, pipe joint tape and operating manuals.