Bostitch and Porter-Cable are two popular power tool companies. Both brands are known for their commitment to durability, performance, and quality. Their power tools are among the most power, accurate, and reliable on the market.
But which of the two brands is better? Today, we’re going to compare the two brands head to head, in a number of different categories, to see which one comes out on top. Here’s your guide to Bostitch vs Porter-Cable.
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Both Bostitch and Porter-Cable have excellent reputations. It’s common to see their power tools on jobsites and home workshops around the world. Their products are just as popular with hobbyists as they are with professional contractors. But there are some key differences between the two companies.
Brand History
Both Bostitch and Porter-Cable are American companies. Bostitch is based out of Rhode Island while Porter-Cable is headquartered in Tennessee. Although Bostitch now manufacturers a wide range of power tools, they got their start in the fastener business.
After they were founded in 1896 in Arlington, Massachusetts, they spent their first several decades in business focusing on staplers, staple guns, nail guns, and other fasteners. These fastening tools still make up a larger part of their business, although they’ve since branched into other areas as well.
Porter-Cable got its start in Syracuse, New York in 1906. Although they manufactured primarily hand tools during their first few years in business, they made the switch to power tools in 1914. They were one of the first companies in the world to focus on the manufacture of power tools, with a line of lathes as their first products.
Over the years, Porter-Cable added a long list of other power tools to its repertoire. Today, the company is best known for its belt sanders, circular saws, and band saws. Interestingly, both Bostitch and Porter-Cable are now subsidiaries of Stanley Black & Decker.
Top Products
Bostitch is still best known for its fastening tools. Among their most popular products are a wide range of nail guns, staple guns, and air compressors, built for a wide range of applications. Porter-Cable has a slightly more extensive line of tools. Although they are also known for their nail guns and staple guns, their oscillating tools, power drills, and joiners are also popular.
Pros and Cons
One big advantage of both Bostitch and Porter-Cable is their reputability. Both companies have excellent reputations, including a strong commitment to customer satisfaction (which itself includes warranties on most products). Bostitch, in particular, is known for its professional-grade power tools that don’t sacrifice anything in terms of quality. The main pros of Porter-Cable, on the other hand, are a more extensive product line and slightly more user-friendly tools.
Which Brand is Best for You?
Bostitch and Porter-Cable are both quality power tool brands. Although there are differences between their tools, most beginners and hobbyists won’t notice them. Because of this, Porter-Cable is arguably the best choice for amateurs that won’t be using power tools on a daily basis.
Professionals that will be using their tools on a daily basis are likely better off paying slightly more for the higher durability that Bostitch is known for. Of course, much of the selection depends on the particular type of tool you’re looking for, such as our head-by-head comparison of a Bostitch air compressor and Porter-Cable air compressor below.
Tool Showdown
Because Bostitch and Porter-Cable both offer an extensive line of tools, we decided to focus on just one type of tool here. And that tool is the best air compressors. Both top power tool brands are known for their air compressors. Plus, both sell them as part of combo kits that also include a finish nailer, brad nailer, and stapler.
Bostitch BTFP3KIT 3-Tool Portable Air Compressor Combo Kit
The Bostitch BTFP3KIT 3-Tool Portable Air Compressor Combo Kit is a high-quality option. It comes with a 6-gallon air compressor capable of 150 PSI thanks to its 2.6SCFM high-efficiency motor. You’ll also get a brad nailer, straight finish nailer, and heavy-duty crown stapler plus a 15-foot air house and sample fasteners. The air compressor and all three tools are powerful and accurate. They’re built durability to stand up to all the wear and tear you can throw at them. This Bostitch Combo Kit comes with a one-year limited manufacturer warranty.
What We Like:
- Extremely durable
- Powerful compressor
- Lightweight and portable
What We Don’t Like:
- Short air hose
Porter-Cable PCFP12234 3-Tool Combo Kit
The Porter-Cable PCFP12234 3-Tool Combo Kit is another popular option. It comes with a 6-gallon air compressor with 150 PSI. This enables you to shoot a high quantity of nails on a single charge. You’ll also get a finish nailer, brad nailer, and heavy-duty crown stapler in addition to a 25-foot air hose.
Like the Bostitch air compressor, this air compressor from Porter-Cable is very powerful. All three of the provided tools are powerful and accurate. The air hose is even longer than the Bostitch for increased portability and ease of use. This Porter-Cable Combo Kit comes with a one-year limited warranty on compressor components.
What We Like:
- Long air hose
- Air compressor fills fast
- Simple to use
What We Don’t Like:
- Not as durable
Wrap Up
Bostitch and Porter-Cable are both excellent power tool companies. Not only are they known for their innovative tools and extensive product lines, but also for their reputability and strong customer service. Concluding which is best is difficult, if not impossible, without taking your individual needs and preferences into account. That said, Bostitch is slightly better overall for professionals.
All of their power tools, including the air compressor reviewed above, are built with professionals in mind. This means that their power tools are incredibly durable and high-performing. They’ll perform as expected time after time again – even with daily use. But the downside to the professional quality of Bostitch products is a high price tag.
That’s why Porter-Cable edges out Bostitch for home use. If you plan to use your power tools on an infrequent basis, the lower-priced, but still high quality, tools from Porter-Cable are a better yet. Sure, they might not be quite as durable or high-performing, but they certainly get the job done and are easier to use for most hobbyists and DIY beginners. Will you choose Bostitch or Porter-Cable? Tell us in the comments.
