Gauge Nails. Just to recap, the thicker the nail a nailer shoots, the greater the holding power. A baseboard is a thin layer of protection that is easy to replace if damaged. Answered. I would not recommend or buy this gun again. On the other hand, 16 gauge nailers (shoots up to 2-1/2” long nails) are technically called finish nailers or just finish nail guns. When using the right nailer, you might go up to 18-gauge if the baseboards are thicker and stronger than normal. For baseboards thicker than 1/2 inch I recommend you go for 16 gauge nail … As such, a 16-gauge nailer – it shoots the thicker 16ga nails- is the best bet for base-boarding. The bigger the nail, the deeper the impression it makes into the material. I know that you can use one of those dual purpose nailers but personally I stay away from 2-in-1’s for the simple reason that I often find them too unreliable for my projects. … That brings me another important point in our 16 or 18 gauge nailer for baseboard debate: Does it mean that you should never use an 18 gauge nailer when mounting baseboards? There is considerably less work when you use this size of nail. DEWALT Angled 16G Finish Nailer – CLick to See Price. I'd like to own a 15 gauge gun but I got a great deal on a Home Depot Husky brand set with a 16 gauge finish nailer, 18 gauge brad nailer, and a 18 gauge stapler for ~$75. Is your nail gun not shooting nails and only blowing …, One of the most common types of nails used in …. I mostly used 2 inch brads. For baseboards and other trim pieces that are about 3/4 of an inch thick, you’d probably want the 15 gauge finish nailer. Trim nailers are categorized by the thickness or “gauge” of the nails they shoot: The bigger the gauge number, the smaller the nail (seems backward, doesn’t it?). In terms of nailers, the general rule is the bigger the gauge number, the smaller the nail. However, and even he admits, 16-gauge nailers are easier to handle- they are generally smaller and lighter than a 15-gauge nail gun. However, the 15-gauge nailer is often used because it shoots thicker nails. CLICK FOR THE BEST FINISHING NAILS The rule of thumb is that the bigger the gauge number, the smaller the nail it uses. There are good reasons why this is the perfect size for nails when attaching baseboards to the wall. Thanks for any advise you guys can pass along. Applying the baseboard to the wall normally means using 15 or 16-gauge nails from a nailer or nail gun. Let the putty dry and then sand the baseboards smooth. When it comes to finding different sizes of nails, there seems to be no shortage. 18 or 16 gauge brads for baseboard repair- what do you think? Depending on the brand, these shoot nails from 3/4” to 2-1/2” inches long. Wondering What size nails for baseboard trim? Now, the biggest challenger that you’re likely to encounter when using the 16 gauge nailer originates from its strongest point: its fatter nails. This size has sufficient framing penetration (without splitting the material) through the drywall for a firm hold while avoiding the underlying wiring or plumbing. Once the baseboards have been attached, the next step is applying putty to the indentions created by the nails. They have enough size to firmly attach the baseboards in place without being too big to split the material. The thinner nails are easier to hide and the hole is much easier to fill in with this gauge. long, and can be an option for baseboard trim- you’d still end up with an exemplary hold. 16 Gauge Brad Nailer- Pros/Cons; 18 Gauge Brad Nailer- Pros/Cons; Which is Best Used with Brad Nailer? Now, the rule of the thumb when it comes to nailing baseboards is: the thicker the nail a nailer shoots, the greater the holding power. That’s why they’re ideal for delicate trim work. The 16-gauge nailer is no angel and has a couple of issues when it comes to baseboard installation. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you are always busy with hefty forms of the woodwork, then we suggest that you lean towards picking the thicker 16-gauge nails. a 16 gauge or 15 gauge nailer is better suited for installing trim that requires more holding power such as hanging doors, baseboard, closet cleats. We recommend the WEN 61764 as our top choice for 16 gauge nailer. For this reason, it’s best to stick with a 16-gauge nailer, if given a 15-gauge nailer as an alternative. The casing was all finger jointed pine (it is all painted). Well, a finish nailer is basically involved in the pretty work such as fastening trim molding, attaching wainscoting, and the like (which is more or less all about achieving a flawless finish). Yet, it is long enough to firmly attach itself to the wall. Finish (Trim) Nailer: Primarily for shooting 16-gauge or 15-gauge nails. Because a baseboard is quite thin, the nails should never be more than two and a half inches (8D) long with 1 ½” to 2″ being recommended. What size nails to use for baseboard trim The standard size of the finish nailer for baseboard is gauge 15 or gauge 16. Maybe I should go with a smaller gauge to avoid splitting. Go for a pneumatic nailer since they cost less and are powerful. This will create a complete finish for the wall while providing the protection offered by the baseboard. They use a finish nailhead, easily identified by being stored at an angle on the nailer. Answer + 5. machinelounge.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com]. I saw the 15 ga nailers and thought about them but since they weren't the common 16 ga or 18 ga wasn't sure if they were specific for something else. This nailer is lighter and smaller so it is easier to use. But for the 18-gauge nailers, they are perfect at hiding traces. I have a big busines building shed and lots of custom building a great tool very durable. The 15G and 16G nails are bigger in diameter (see nail size comparison) and are longer which give them more holding strength. While brad nailers work with smaller, 18 gauge nails with very small heads, finish nailers use larger, 15 or 16 gauge nails. Also, it can be used to fasten thicker, denser pieces of wood. 15 Gauge Finish Nailer. Keep in mind that nails which are even smaller, such as 16, 18, or even 23 gauge can be used to line the baseboards. The more versatile type of nail to use is 16-gauge which can support and penetrate thick boards and hold them in place permanently. The main difference between the two is the type of nails each of them is designed to be used with. The base was mostly low density fiberboard but some was finger jointed pine. Had new baseboards installed 2 years ago (not br me) and what looked good is now pulling away from the walls. Although not all baseboards are alike, they all share common attributes that you can determine to help you choose the right size or gauge of nail. Plus, you increase the chance of splitting the baseboards when driving the nails. Features of Wen 61764 16 Gauge Pneumatic Straight Finish Nailer with Carrying Case. You may need to cut a miter or trim the baseboards that wind up near a door or corner of the room or hallway. If you drive a nail into the wall, the chances of hitting an electrical line increase with the length of the nail being used. Finish Nailers generally use bigger nails. Choosing the right one means accounting for the size or width, length, and type of nail being used. These are good for when you are nailing thinner baseboard trim. Obviously the installer did a poor job. Baseboard is the common 1/2" pine. The 18 gauge brad nailer works well for thin trims, base cap, and shoe molding; but not recommended for thick baseboards. It is far better to let the baseboards shrink first, then apply to the walls. The last nailer that you need to know about is the 23-gauge nailer (also called the Pin Nailer). Brad nailer is 0.047 inches and 1.207 in millimeters. 16-gauge nailers shoot nails that are a little thinner than the 15 gauge and have a smaller head. First, it’s important to mention that trim nailers are categorized by the gauge (thickness) of the nails they’re meant to shoot. Also strange because the wen brad nailer is great. When you compare the prices and work needed to replace a baseboard compared to repairing an interior wall, the value of baseboards becomes quite apparent. You should only need a little putty for the job. Now, to nail baseboard trim, we suggest 2”(6d) to 2.5” (8d), typically 15 to 18 gauge finishing nails even though you can use a different gauge depending on the nail gun (more on this later). What you should understand is that the Pin nailer is actually the smallest of the three and shoots super tiny 23ga headless nails or to put it more clearly, pins! 15-gauge is preferred for the on the job assembly, as the smaller (in diameter) 16-gauge is less rigid and more likely to bend or buckle. “16 gauge is the most versatile type of nail to use. The main difference is the diameter of the nail (15G is bigger) and the angled base of the 15G nailer that helps you to reach corners easily. Repeating the procedure of nailing, applying putty, sanding, and then covering with paint. Then, you can drive the nail in and the head will hold the baseboard in place. You are probably wondering if you need an 18 gauge or 16 gauge nailer for baseboard trims. The 16-gauge and 18-gauge nailers are both good electric tools that work with different needs. DEWALT DCN660B 16GA 18 gauge is better for door … Well, yes but only when you’re installing super delicate, thinner crowns/boards that you fear can crack or split. ABove: BOSTITCH Air Nailer – Click for Price & Details. Unlike the wide hole that the finish nailer leaves. This is because it is large and long enough to attach the baseboard, yet thin enough to be barely noticeable. If the baseboard itself should become damaged, you can remove it from the wall and add a new one. The 16-gauge nailers prove their work by evidence, you can see the nail as bright as it can be. On the other hand, nailers that range from 18 to 23 gauges are more likely to use for finer finishes. There are different types of nail guns such as roofing and framing nailers that can drive big nails. Problem is, you don’t get the same results.