You need a user account to post in our forum or submit Did-it-Myself projects.

Don't have an account yet? Sign up today.

Login Error

Invaild User/Password combination

Close

Choosing a Finish Nail Gun

Welcome to the DoItYourself Forums!
To post questions, help other DIYers and reduce advertising (like the one on your left), join our DIY community. It's free!

  1. 02-22-12, 04:58 PM #1
    trexk
    trexk is offline Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    State:
    GA
    Posts
    20

    Choosing a Finish Nail Gun

    Could some of you trim guys tell me which is better, a 15 gauge nail gun or a 16 gauge nail gun? I have some baseboard molding and some crown molding to put up and was just wondering if one was better than the other for that job. Thanks for any input.
    Rex
    2. Sponsored Links
  2. 02-22-12, 05:03 PM #2
    mitch17
    mitch17 is offline Group Moderator
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    State:
    WI
    Posts
    9,195
    15 is a longer, stronger nail than a 16 but it makes a bigger hole.

    I think 16 would be fine for what you're proposing but the crown could put you into 15 territory.

    Hang tight and one of the pros will be by with a more qualified opinion.
  3. 02-22-12, 05:18 PM #3
    XSleeper's Avatar
    XSleeper
    XSleeper is offline Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    State:
    NE
    City:
    Somewhere
    Posts
    8,227
    An angled finish gun is probably what you want, and they are 15 gauge. Straight finish guns (straight, meaning the magazine is straight) are usually 16 gauge. An exception would be Paslode's cordless 16 ga angled finish nailer.

    Some guys don't mind using a straight finish nailer cuz they are used to holding them sideways when they shoot, but I like the angled finish guns because the magazine isn't ever going to accidentally scrape the wall when you don't want it to. Angled nailers can also get into corners a little better. Having only owned an angled finish gun, I do NOT like to use the straight ones. Too clunky.

    There isn't a ton of difference in holding power, (15 and 16 ga nails are both available in the exact same lengths) but mitch is right, the 15 ga does make a little bigger hole. Not really a big deal, IMO. They all get filled anyway.

    Senco's 15 ga angled nailer is one of the best. Hitachi is very similar.
  4. 02-22-12, 05:21 PM #4
    Gunguy45's Avatar
    Gunguy45
    Gunguy45 is online now Super Moderator
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    State:
    AZ
    City:
    Northern AZ
    Posts
    12,751
    Ditto on all points XSleeper made....
    Vic
    "Vita brevis"
  5. 02-23-12, 03:27 AM #5
    chandler's Avatar
    chandler
    chandler is offline Forum Topic Moderator
    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    State:
    GA
    City:
    Young Harris
    Posts
    22,261
    Likewise, I use a Senco SFN40 with 15 gauge angle nails. For where there is no power, or for small jobs where I don't want to get the compressor and hoses out, I use a Dewalt angle nailer using 18v XRP batteries.
    Larry

    Half of communications is listening, and you can't listen with your mouth.
  6. 02-25-12, 09:00 PM #6
    trexk
    trexk is offline Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    State:
    GA
    Posts
    20
    Thanks for the help. I went with the Hitachi angle finish nailer. Any suggestions on a compressor. I intend to purchase a roofing nailer soon so would like a compressor that would run it as well.
    Thanks
    Rex
  7. 02-26-12, 04:19 AM #7
    marksr
    marksr is offline Forum Topic Moderator
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    State:
    TN
    Posts
    21,206
    Nail guns don't require a lot of cfm so most any air compressor should do ok. Air sanders and paint guns require the most cfm. Check the cfm requirements of any tool you expect to own and size the compressor accordingly.

    Also the oiless air compressors are extra noisy so I'd shy away from them.
    retired painter/contractor avid DIYer
« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts

Forum Rules