The two most common types of nails used for trim work are finishing nails and brads. Finishing nails have a thicker gauge and are ideal for most trim applications, while 16 gauge nail guns are commonly used for interior trims, 3/4″ crown moldings, and baseboards. Pin nails, usually found in a standard size of 23-gauge, are ideal for attaching delicate trim pieces and leaving a hole almost small enough to be filled.
Brad nails typically come in 18-gauge or 23-gauge sizes, while finish nails range from 15-gauge to 16-gauge. Pin nailers fire 23-gauge fasteners in both headless and slight-headed varieties, making them ideal for attaching delicate trim pieces. When selecting a finish nailer, consider your project type, material, portability, and budget.
18 gauge nails are ideal for trim work or delicate molding, leaving a minuscule hole that is easy to fill or may not even require filling at all. For small moldings and joining stock, use a 16 gauge finish nailer for attaching most interior trim (window/door/base), while a brad nailer (or pin nailer) is recommended for small moldings and joining stock.
In addition to small moldings, 16 gauge brad guns and/or 15 gauge angle finish nailers are recommended for interior trim work and woodworking projects. For baseboard trim, finish nails should be between 2″ (6d) and 2.5″ (8d). The most common gauge sizes are 15, 16, 18, and 23 gauge.
📹 What Gauge Nailer for Woodworking?
You have been searching for information and recommendations regarding nail guns and what size nail or pin that one should start …
Should I use 16 or 18-gauge nails for trim?
An 18-gauge brad nailer is ideal for delicate trim work and woodworking projects, as it fires thin nails between 3/8-2 inches long. These nails are suitable for attaching casing to windows, door jambs, stop moldings, base shoes, cove moldings, and chair rails. The small head of the nails reduces splitting of thinner wood, making them suitable for intricate work. The 23-gauge pin nailer is designed for fine detail work, firing headless or small-headed pins, and is suitable for attaching mitered returns, securing moldings, adding decorative details, and installing beads and thin stops.
What size nails for interior trim?
The most common fasteners used in non-structural interior applications include 23-gauge, 21-gauge, 18-gauge, 16-gauge, and 15-gauge. These fasteners are used for small painted or stained moldings, medium to small casings, chair rails, low-profile crown molding, outer nail on casings, base trim, and large trim. For structural fastening, such as framing, sheathing, or metal plate connecting, most fastening systems are dictated by code or architectural specifications. The substrate manufacturer may also designate specific fasteners for use with their product.
Plans may call for a 6d nail, which is a denotation for pennyweight, or a 6d Common nail, which includes the diameter of the shank of the nail. The “d” refers to the length of the fastener, while the “d” refers to the pennyweight. The 6d Common nail is an extra degree of exactness that includes the diameter of the shank of the nail, compared to a standard box nail.
Can you use 16 gauge nails for baseboards?
Fastener USA offers high-quality nails for fastening baseboards, with a gauge of 15 or 16 ensuring good holding power. For thin baseboards, an 18-gauge nailer is recommended. The thickness of the baseboard or trim determines the best tool for the job. FastenerUSA offers a wide variety of high-quality items, including stainless steel finish nails, and keeps up with the latest construction technology innovations. Shop safely and securely at FastenerUSA.
Are 18-gauge brad nails good for trim?
An 18-gauge brad nail is a smaller size that makes it easier to conceal in small pieces of wood trim, providing a cleaner look without extra touch-up. Finish nails, made from heavier 15- or 16-gauge wire, can handle a greater payload and are suitable for larger trim, such as baseboards or crown molding. They offer increased support and withdrawal resistance compared to brad nails, making them the better choice for installing larger trim and woodwork. However, a fully driven finish nail often requires follow-up attention, including being puttied over to conceal the exposed insertion point.
What is a 23 gauge nail gun used for?
Pin nailers are small, headless nails that shoot into wood, typically 23 gauge, with minimal holding power for larger materials. They are best used for small applications, such as holding pieces in place to check sizing or alignment while wood glue is drying. However, some models, like the Milwaukee M12 23 Gauge Pin Nailer, can drive into hard woods. Pin nailers are useful for positioning trim and decorative pieces, adjusting project layouts, and reinforcing secured pieces with wood glue. They leave small holes, preventing splitting and preventing damage to the workpiece.
Brad nails, slightly larger than pin nails, are made from 18-gauge steel wire and are more versatile due to their strength and more holding power. They are used for nailing baseboards, finishing carpentry, and installing cove or crown molding due to their long-lasting power and discreet finish. Although they leave slightly more visible nail holes, they can be easily covered up with putty.
What are 16 gauge nails used for?
The 16-gauge straight galvanized finish nails are designed to create smaller holes and prevent splitting in expensive trim woods. In contrast, Paslode nails have been developed to reduce jams and misfires when used with Paslode nailers. The product features a chisel point, stronger material, and superior corrosion resistance.
What are 15 gauge nails used for?
The 15-gauge finish nailers are suitable for heavier jobs with thick, dense wood, door trims, casings, or hanging doors. They are powerful and have round heads for penetrating and holding power. The 16 gauge finish nailer is the sweet spot between 15 and 18, allowing for some overlap. However, it is better suited for delicate and thinner trims, such as smaller bed moldings, base moldings, interior trim, and baseboards.
What gauge nail gun for interior trim?
A 16-gauge nail gun is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of projects. 15-gauge nails are particularly well-suited for thick trim installation, while 18-gauge and higher-gauge nail guns are ideal for fine detail work, furniture repair, and thin trim work.
Can you use 23 gauge nails for trim?
SENCO’s 21LXP is a 21-gauge slight/medium head nailer that offers a balance of fastening strength and aesthetic advantages. It is ideal for delicate moldings and prefinished crowns, as 18-gauge nails can split wood or leave unsightly marks. Headless or slight-head 23-gauge pins are thin and nearly invisible, but may not have the holding strength for solid connections. The 21LXP is suitable for projects involving MDF, where 18-gauge is too much firing power requiring filling and sanding on trim.
It offers users holding power without sacrificing finish quality. The 21LXP is a new addition to the 18 and 23-gauge nailer range, offering a more durable and aesthetic option for finish carpenters and cabinet builders.
Is 18 gauge too big for trim?
The 18-gauge pneumatic nailer is the standard tool for finish and trim applications due to its thinner nails and less likelihood of splitting narrow trim and molding. However, for delicate moldings and prefinished crowns, professionals often switch to a 23-gauge pin nailer due to its ability to prevent splitting wood and leaving unsightly marks. The headless or slight-head 23-gauge pins are thin and nearly invisible, but may not have the holding strength for solid connections and may require adhesive for permanent placement.
SENCO’s 21-gauge slight/medium head nailer, the 21LXP, offers a balance of fastening strength and aesthetic advantages, particularly for projects involving MDF. This nailer allows users to use slight/medium head fasteners, offering holding power without compromising finish quality.
What are 23 gauge nails good for?
Pin nailers are small, headless nails that shoot into wood, typically 23 gauge, with minimal holding power for larger materials. They are best used for small applications, such as holding pieces in place to check sizing or alignment while wood glue is drying. However, some models, like the Milwaukee M12 23 Gauge Pin Nailer, can drive into hard woods. Pin nailers are useful for positioning trim and decorative pieces, adjusting project layouts, and reinforcing secured pieces with wood glue. They leave small holes, preventing splitting and preventing damage to the workpiece.
Brad nails, slightly larger than pin nails, are made from 18-gauge steel wire and are more versatile due to their strength and more holding power. They are used for nailing baseboards, finishing carpentry, and installing cove or crown molding due to their long-lasting power and discreet finish. Although they leave slightly more visible nail holes, they can be easily covered up with putty.
📹 The Two Things They Don’t Tell You About Nailing On Trim!
I wish I knew these tips when I started out! My Favourite Calking Guns: Yellow Gun https://amzn.to/3xDyPlS Red Gun: …
As an educator for close to 20 years in NYC, and a woodworker by hobby and passion, I can appreciate good instruction. You did a great job of explaining the progression of the gauges and transition from nails to staples. I loved the portion of the article where you compare all the different types of gauges side by side. Great article. Great instruction.
Good article. I acquired a Hitachi collection a few years ago and got the 15ga angle finish nailer, 18ga brad nailer, 18ga barrow crown stapler and 23ga pinner. What I’ve observed: – The holding power of staples is many times that of nails. If the joint won’t be visible, use staples. – The pinner is the way to go for anything visible. Use it with glue and toenail the pins for better holding until the glue sets. Paint/stain right over with no filler and they disappear. – 15ga angle nailer is best for harder to reach things or any time you need a really long nail. – 18ga brad nailer is the most versatile, but once you get the other guns you’ll rarely use it because there’s always one of the specialist guns that works better. One of the others either hides better or grips tighter or has longer reach. It is now my least used gun. I’d get the 18ga bras nailer first, then get the narrow crown stapler 2nd.
This article was exactly what I was looking for! 1. Compared guns/gauges 2. Discusses projects each gauge is good for 3. Makes recommendation on which to buy first 4. Thorough, but short and sweet (no wading through minutes of unbearable rambling) 5. Clear and steady camera work with good audio Well done, and Thank You!
Quick Question – For individuals with no nailer, nails range from 10 ga framing nails to 23 ga pins. I’m torn between 16 ga and 18 ga. In your experience which do you believe to be the more useful for 90-95% of trim. Many people who are getting into wood work or carpentry have to spend money on miter saws, nails, adhesives, sanders etc. and may not have the budget for 5 specific nailers. 16 ga has more holding power but makes slightly bigger holes (don’t want to blow out your pieces) at the same time 18 ga may shear off with bigger/deeper trim. Price difference of ~100 dollars is negligible
Excellent article, especially in that you gave good information and move very quickly. No unnecessary banter that slows the process down. Getting to the point quickly is great. One suggestion only, place a coin near your samples of nails for scale. It’s great to see the difference between them, but putting in a coin to give a scale would provide a little better feel for which one might work best for our situation. Otherwise, great job
Great job Andy. I have a 16 gauge for trim work – baseboard and door casings where I need the added nail length to penetrate the drywall and still get into the stud. I don’t do much fine carpentry, but I agree 16ga is probably too big as it not only leaves a large hole, but I would think it might even split the wood.
Hi there, Im a British female who has decided to stop calling out the handyman and learn to do it myself. I bought a Ryobi 18 gauge nailer, which is cool, except even with full pressure and adjusting depth, it didnt drive a 50mm brad nail into hard wood, I had also wanted a nail gun that does staples too, so I have one versatile gun, would you be able to recommend any, or if its better to do that or get a stand alone stapler, my jobs will be fixing things, like a chicken house, and things around the house, would like to have a go at making a bird table etc, and also re upholster things, any advice, Id be very very grateful. thank you xx Holly xx
As a newer woodworker, would you say a cordless, or pnuematic is the way to start? I’m leaning towards pnuematic myself due to their durability, cost, and power… but I’m still not sold on *not* getting a cordless style (my current cordless tools, that carry nailguns in their linup is limited to dewalt 20v, and I don’t hear a lot of great things about their cordless 18ga nailers. And I’m not limited to any particular tool brands. I want the best value.
Thank you so much for the article, it was exactly the information I needed. A lot of these type of articles tend to be to ambiguous in the end. However this article is exactly what a new woodworker like myself needs. I’m grateful for the solid, start with the 18 gauge. Non ambiguous solid answer, thanks. Got my sub!
I am a home owner an window/glass installer. I am moving to cordless nailers. I bought the Ryobi 18g Airstrike first and it’s great. All my guys grab that before thinking about hauling around cord and tank. I plan on getting a 23g and am debating wheather to get a 15 gauge or 16 gauge. Leaning towards the 15 gauge.
Perhaps you could guide me. I made a few ‘racetracks’ for my son. The vertical ones with tiny little cats that zigzag down 4 levels. First had PZ2 screws. It’s very strong but looks terrible. It’s made if 12mm ply, and the screws crack the ply edges. Then the 2md trial was all glue and dados/grooves. Now this one has the look I want but after 3 weeks of use it fell off a coffee table and broke. I want to get a nail gun to add strength so that it lasts years and years. I was looking for the thinnest nails. So naturally I would take the 23 due to the small hole . However, you said it does not add much strength. So now am wondering if I have to go with the 18! Then deal with the holes. What would you advise?
I’ve been a woodworker by hobby since the late 60’s early 70’s. Personally I think you did a great job explaining the differences for the newbies. As for my self, I have both an 18 gauge brad nailer and crown stapler. I wish I could afford a pin nailer and a 15 ga framing nailer, but you how that goes when the budget is extremely tight.
Absolutely terrific article. I’ve been doing everything from framing to furniture on and off for half a century. I needed some practical, usable information and WorkshopAddict provided it. Thank you. What I learned for what I need to do next is 18 gauge nailer, combo with staples if that’s a possibility, after that with the small frames I assemble a 23 gauge.
Wow I’m surprised, I got the right one. I got my first nailer today and out of a whim just by how it looked and price I went with an 18 gauge Brad nailer at Lowe’s for $60. I had no idea that all nailers would be so different on size but this looked be a good versatile size with a good price I’m glad I went with it. 🙂. I just use it for hobby and small projects. I am not a Carpenter, I may go with a 15 gauge or a framing nailer next. This stimulus payment is all going to be all tools related purchases. 😁
I’m installing laminate flooring on stairs. I will use nailgun and also glue. Anyway, what nailgun should I get, given that the laminate plank is about 12-13mm, and the thickness of the stairs is around 25-30mm? I really appreciate if you can answer me. I am using nailgun for the first time, also installing laminate on stairs for the first time. Oh also, would a staple gun be better than a nail gun? Someone told me that nails wont go up and down with the movement of the stairs when people walk up and down on it, whereas using a stapler, it’ll grab onto everything better and will go up and down accordingly. Thank you 🙂
I’m starting up a project for framing out door casings/jambs and building my own wainscot from solid oak (going to stain it), as well as possibly a coffered ceiling. Would you recommend sticking with the 18g or going with something a bit beefier like the 16g? I read through the comments and it seems that the 18 might be ok, but those bigger pieces have me concerned. Trying to minimize the hole size while still having enough holding power. Thanks very much!
Good article on the gun but can you show a visual of what type of wood or the thickness of the wood every gun is used on people like me understand but when my girl watched it she keeps asking how thick is the wood so i show her then she says how would a person know what your talking about when you are just talking about it but not showing what or how thick trim, molding and backing to cabinet’s is. She made a point to me and i said I’d leave a comment she pick my brain for others that do not have someone to show them how or what
I feel like I’d be happy with the Milwaukee 18g, but my worry is that it only offers the straight option. I’ve read that people seem to rather use an angled nailer for tighter corners and such. Would the Milwaukee 16g angled nailer be a better option for me if this is a concern of mine? (I’d mainly be doing indoor stuff, like trim, baseboards, crown etc…) – Thanks
Hi I want to Do Chair Rail and Crown Molding in my home. starting with Chair Railing right now. Im looking to buy a Cordless Nail gun. I ssaw the Ryobi Nailer and I really Like it, but what gauge should I buy for Chair Rails and Crown Molding? 18 gauge? Or 16 Gauge? and what size nails should i use for a piece of chair rail that’s roughly 3/4 inch thick?
Terrific article and instruction. Thank you. I’m installing pallet boards on accent wall. Debated between 16 and 18 gauge. I think I’ll start with 18. Keep the articles coming. Want to build a work bench for the garage next. Please let me know if you have any articles for this or other projects for a DIY guy. Thank you!
Andy, Thank you for that excellent article review. It gave me the information I needed to put down the hammer & nails and enter the world of pneumatic tools. I always wanted to, but just didn’t know where to start. I’m new to woodworking so I went with a combo kit from Porter Cable. It came with a six gal. compressor, 16 ga. finish nailer, 18 ga. brad nailer, and an 18 ga. 1/4″ crown stapler. I purchased a 23 ga. pin nailer separately. Now I’m ready to go. Thanks again.
I’m new to woodworking and I’ve been scouring the internet for clarification regarding nails/fasteners. Your article is great, information delivered in a clear and concise manner. I couldn’t have asked for anything better. You explained the differences and the uses so well, I finally understand what I need and why. Thank you for your article. I do have a question, what are your thoughts on the Brad Nailer/Stapler combo tools? I have been looking online for the correct tool to purchase and came across the WEN 61718 18 Gauge 2″ 2-in-1 Pneumatic Brad Nailer & Stapler on Amazon for what seems like a surprisingly low price… But anyway, seeing as how I’m going to be building and upholstering furniture, I thought it might be a good choice.
My first finish nailer was a Ryobi 15 gauge angled finish nailer. I like hold holding power of the beefy 15 gauge nail for baseboards and door jambs and have also used it on quarter round. You’re going to have to fill the hole anyway so why not go with the larger nail? I disagree that the Brad nailer should be the first nailer, you’re limited to 2 inch nails so it’s not ideal when your going through 3/4 baseboard, 1/2 inch drywall, and want to hit a stud.
I’m gonna be putting together some fence panel converting it into shelves which gauge should I use? I believe I have a ryobi with 18 Gauge will that work? I usually put wood glue anyways but want it to hold and do it fast and putting glue does make it take a little longer… great article, I’m a new wood worker I’m 5 projects in this will be my second one I’m doing for a customer
I’m a new wood worker. I have a 18 gauge nail gun, my question is when you need to be Perfect on target with your nail. How do you know where to shoot it, so it will not miss or shoot out the side? Thanks, great article. I just built my first project, a work bench, go check it out let me know what you think.
I just bought the Hitachi NT65MA4 15 gauge yesterday at Lowes for $130 and a box of Hitachi 2 inch DA finish nails 4,000 count for $35. I read tons of reviews and bought this based on my application and on the quality for price aspect. I haven’t done research on what 18 gauge is the best bang for the buck, should I stay with Hitachi on that too? I don’t own a pancake compressor yet and like the Porter Cable for $100 but I know it is loud and not meant for quality That is what earbuds/hearing protection is for. That heavy duty and quiet Dewalt is nice but the $160 for it makes me think I should pass it up. I like the portability of the pancake size to be able to put in the cab of my truck for security reasons as opposed to a bigger hotdog style compressor. I am a solo do it yourself kind of guy that has learned to not buy the cheap crap in situations like this due to cheap quality. I’m not in the business either so I don’t need that $300 and up stuff. Can somebody give opinions on a reasonable pancake compressor only and on a pancake compressor that comes with a 18gauge and a 23g pin nailer combo kind of system?
Stay away from the Milwaukee and Porter Cable cordless nailers. these two companies have not got this tool dialed in YET!!!. However the porter cable pneumatic are good. Cordless nailer winner by high demand is the Dewalt cordless. surprisingly the Ryobi cordless nailer is not bad for the price. reviews of the Milwaukee and Porter Cable has had loads of bad reviews. there are tons of other nailer manufacturers out that make decent nailers… but by all means if red is you color knock your self out. Not being biased to Dewalt for I own many tool brands. this is just a comment on what is proven to be good at this moment.
Let me preface this, I’m a beginner woodworker. I consider myself fairly intelligent. Math comes very easy to me, with one exception. Geometry. I absolutely love algebra, hate geometry. Does anyone know of a website or method available that would help me towards a stronger grasp of the subject as it pertains to French cleats, joints, etc. I’d gratefully appreciate the help.
I’ve seen a lot of 2-in-1 pneumatic 18 gauge brad nailer/staplers on the market. I like the idea of having a tool that can use both brads and staples, but I’ve heard that, when using brads, they will create a larger indent in soft wood than a single-purpose 18 gauge brad nailer. What do you think of them?
Great article. I’m new to wood working and have been collecting tools over the past couple years. I’ve been doing mostly smaller crafty projects and have been experimenting with nails and glue. By the info you give in this article, it seems like I should maybe get a brad nailer and use 18ga or 23ga, maybe in combination with some sort of adhesive. But I’m also going to be installing wood planks on my ceiling next month. If possible, I’d like to buy a nail gun that is appropriate for that project, but then can also be used for all my smaller projects after that. If I got a brad nailer, would it be appropriate to use 18ga brad nails along with construction adhesive on the wood planks, and then continue to use 18ga on my smaller projects?
Could you use the 18 gauge for making a privacy screen fence for the garden? Or would you need the 16g? Bit confused what to get as 18g would be fab for my indoor projects but worried the 18g would pull away from the post as it will be going through pressure treated timber slats (22mm deep) Many thanks! Can not find the answer anywhere!!
Great article!! and i do have a question. I will be putting up 1″ x 10″ ship lap pine in my garage for the interior walls and i considering purchasing the Ryobi p330 and hopefully finding a ringed 15 gauge nail to do the job with. So my question is do you think my choice of nailer and its size are correct and i cannot seem to find a ringed nail anywhere for this job so do you know of any ringed nail i can run in this nailer or should i not worry about it and just go with any old 15 gauge finish nail for the job. I will be doing about 1300 square feet and i like things built lie they used to say “built like a brick shit house” Thanks, D
thank you for the information. I have a uestion thought, maybe someone around could help me as well, and its how to pick the correct lenght I need for my project. lets say that Im using the 18 gauge brad nail to put together 1/2″ plywood over 3/4″ plywood, should I use 1″ lenght for that? how much deep does the brad nail goes from the surface?
Solid presentation and instruction for beginners….like me. I appreciate it very much. Question: Have you done a article on types of nailers (ie….pneumatic, battery, gas cartridge) is the best or recommendation ? I’m considering a major purchase and am trying to determine whether a battery pack nailer (woodworking use) is preferred over pneumatic. I’d be interested in seeing your points of view on this topic.
I’m looking to buy a nailer, been thinking about 18g, I build marquee letters from MDF, led letters for weddings, I currently drill pilot hole, screw and then have to fill and sand, letters get moved about alot, would 18g be enough to handle the letters being moved about, I want to change to a nailer to cut down assembly time and also a smaller hole to fill equals less sanding.
I use the jlab epic sport anc wireless ear buds. They have the be aware feature so if you want you can hear whats going on like someone talking along with the noise canceling. I use them with a grider oscillating tool and chainsaw. Now i dont know how many decibles they actually block but i know for a fact my ears dont have ringing in them after doing loud work. Especially when using the foam insert. And they have a earhook on them, i will not buy a set of buds that does have the ear hook. Plus they cost under $100 with a 2 year warranty.
What do you guys think about the Freeman product? I am seeing a nice package deal with a Framing nail gun, a 15 gauge finish gun, an 18 gauge brad gun and an 18 gauge stapler all for $230. I have a deck to rebuild, fencing to put up and other basics around the house and thought if Freeman was a good product the 4 gun kit would take care of pretty much all my handy work around the house and yard.
I don’t yet have a nailer, but do intend to buy both an 18g and a 23g. But I haven’t decided whether to go battery powered or pneumatic. I intend to finish some of my furniture projects with sprayed finish; so I’ll need a compressor–obviously. Any other reasons for buying a pneumatic combo vs a battery powered combo?
Thank you for this intro. I’m an amateur woodworker and I got a compressor system recently. I’m looking to build small thin cabinets for DVDs/blu-ray. I imagine I’ll use 1/4″ to 1/2″ pieces. I’m okay with paying a bit extra for quality though I don’t imagine I’ll use it very often outside of special projects. Where should I begin? The Stapler? The 18awg? Also for brands – holidays coming up and lots of deals out there. I see Hitachi, Bostitch, and others – any recommendations for what to get or what to avoid? Thank you.
Very nice presentation! I especially like the picture of the holes sizes. Another article said gauge represents how many nails fit in a inch (18 gauge = 18 nails per inch). As a novice, I wanted an 18 gauge brad nailer but not knowing one from the other, ended up with a 18 gauge stapler, oops.. wish I’d seen your article first.
I just SUBD, mainly because I’ve been looking for a vid just like this 1. I was following the samurai Carpenter but I think he’s stopped, i have wanted to know the difference in nail penetration the difference in first fix to finishing brads and here we have well done that man keep the vids that nobody else seems interested in showing but all us DIY;ers love to learn peace from Uk.
Well that answered my questions about what gauge gun to start with, now the age ol’ question: Brands. Which brand of 18g gun to stay away from? I currently have Milwaukee, RIDGID and Ryobi tools so their cordless guns would be cheaper for me to buy into due to having their battery platform already. Any other suggestions? Ryobi’s have hands down the best and most reviews on Home Depot’s website. Basic DIY and wood working for me at this point so a $500 Brad nail gun isn’t necessary.