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Nail Gun Question...

Discussion in 'The Tool Shed' started by FinoCJ, Mar 20, 2020.

  1. Mar 20, 2020
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2013
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    Although a tool question - posted in this forum as I've never thought about using a nail gun on my jeep...but maybe i should?
    Anyway, for you carpenters and DIYers, I am looking to add a pneumatic nail gun to my collection - the main reason is for installing baseboard trim. Do I want an 18 gauge finishing gun, or the 16 gauge?
    thanks!
     
  2. Mar 20, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    18. Get one that accepts at least 2” nails and has a front nosepiece that is attached with a quick release clip to aid in jams.

    The only thing I’ve ever used my 16g for was giant crown molding in a courthouse.
     
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  3. Mar 20, 2020
    termin8ed

    termin8ed I didn't do it Staff Member

    Mason, MI
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    Dec 22, 2002
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    I dont remember which is which at the moment but mine are all the smaller gauge. Have one gun that shoots up to 2 1/4 i think. They hold but would like the larger trim gun if i did more stuff. The smaller pins work good on small wood projects
     
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  4. Mar 20, 2020
    mortten

    mortten I can’t put my finger on it 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Peninsula, Ohio
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    I have both. Smaller moldings don’t like the 16ga. Splits them. My casings are 3/4” thick and the 16 ga hold better. IMO anyway.
     
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  5. Mar 20, 2020
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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    18 ga. for base and trim work, 16 ga. for door frame work...

    Be sure to get one that accepts standard nail clips...
     
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  6. Mar 20, 2020
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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    If you do small stuff get a micro pinner...
     
  7. Mar 20, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    ^ Yes. They’re da bomb. 23 gauge. Again, look for one that accepts 2” long pins.
     
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  8. Mar 20, 2020
    Lockman

    Lockman OK.....Now I Get It . 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Silver Hill,...
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    Hi James,
    Below is the 2 that I used as a Trimmer on many, many, many Jobs. The pneumatic Bostitch is 15 ga. , but with a teflon piston for oiless operation . Used both heavily for years. No problems. The gas & battery powered Paslode is 16 ga. & you don't need a hose chasing you around , but at Altitude such as in Colorado , you need a specific tip for the gas charges. ( Ask me How I Know ) :)
    Both use 1" to 2 1/2" nails & have adjustable depth settings. Both break down easily for & if you get a jam. I also have a Bostich brad nailer. 18 ga. for moldings under 3/4 " wide. I would never use 18 ga. on casing's or baseboard's, professionally that is. Simply not enough hold , from the nail gauge to the Head. ( IMPHO )
    Good Luck in your decision , But with these two Brands you can not go wrong.
    My Trimmer’s.jpg
    My Trimmer’s.1.jpg
    My Trimmer’s.2.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2020
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  9. Mar 20, 2020
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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    I've been using a Milwaukee M18 18ga nailer lately and it has performed great...

    [​IMG]
     
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  10. Mar 20, 2020
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    have seen these...what kind of projects are they good to use on?
     
  11. Mar 20, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    Anything you don’t want to fill nail holes. :D
     
  12. Mar 20, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
    Joined:
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    Here’s one of my kitchen cabinets. I used the pin nailer to hold the glass-stop in place. They are surprisingly strong, especially in hardwoods.

    [​IMG]
     
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  13. Mar 20, 2020
    Snoops

    Snoops Making progress, slow but at least it's forward! 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Idaho
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    Use my 18 gauge for most trim work, just picked up a porter cable 15 gauge to install door frames. Have to admit however, nothing like shooting 3 1/2" full head framing nails, it's just so satisfying.
     
  14. Mar 21, 2020
    piffey263

    piffey263 Active Member

    Medford, OR
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    I run baseboard with 18 guage max finish nailer. I bought for about $100 shoots 2 1/8" I shot dewalts, sencos, Bostitch, Hitachi. My favorite is Max or DeWalt.


    15 guage angled finish nailer for setting doors, or heavy trim.

    I like to shoot about 1 3/4 nails for base. I have shot a lot of base with 2 1/8" I find the guns struggle. Maybe it's my compressor.

    I have gotten by without the 23 guage for bullnose pieces, and scribe. It's on my list to buy but being picky on brand.
     
  15. Mar 21, 2020
    Lockman

    Lockman OK.....Now I Get It . 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Silver Hill,...
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    I was taught & worked old school ........... You guys have never seen suggested nail application's & gauge / length application's . There are also Building " Codes " that were written to use. The Ship's Carpenter I apprenticed under is just shaking his head right about now. I realize that everyone does things their way. I don't blame you at all........... you came up having to do this work quickly , to earn money ; In this environment, Right or Wrong, The faster it's done , The more money is made.
    P.S. Moderator's, may I suggest that
    this thread be moved to "The Tool Shed".
     
    Last edited: Mar 21, 2020
  16. Mar 21, 2020
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Done!
     
  17. Mar 21, 2020
    Admiral Cray

    Admiral Cray I want to do this again.. Staff Member

    Bainbridge...
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    You probably used a Yankee screwdriver. I still have several. I know I use to drill holes with a corded drill, but where and how I plugged it in I don't remember. I remember when I started carrying a cordless drill on my tool belt. I've had my battery drills for so long I rarely use a corded drill. I still have nail sets and can do nailing. Nailers seem to be replacing hammers in finish work...
     
  18. Mar 21, 2020
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    I don't really care where the thread ends up...my thought was the tool section is more geared towards jeep work and tools, whereas this was geared toward home improvement aspect...plus, if there ever was a vehicle that nail gun might be useful on, Cadillac would be it!...:bash:
     
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  19. Mar 21, 2020
    89/01 XJ

    89/01 XJ New Member

    Temple, TX
    Joined:
    Nov 30, 2010
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    I recently bought the HDX Home Depot brand to do trim and baseboards.
    It was a package deal that included 16 and 18 ga and an 18 ga stapler. I haven't used the stapler.
    I haven't gotten much of the work done yet but I am pleased with them.
    Obviously someone that would be doing more than a single home would want to invest in higher quality but I have had no issues yet.

    The 16 ga has a depth adjustment but not the 18 ga. The 18 ga also doesn't have a non marking tip but I haven't found that to be an issue.
    I was able to adjust my line pressure to get the proper depth on the 18 ga and then adjust the depth knob on the 16 ga so I don't have to be concerned with line pressure changes switching guns.
     
  20. Mar 22, 2020
    Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    Albertville, AL
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    Sep 22, 2002
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    I bought this about a month ago for doing quarter round, door and baseboard trim, this thing worked awesome compared to my air nailers. 18gauge finishing nails up to 2" long. No airline in the house, no noise from an air compressor cycling or cord to trip over. Drives around 500 nails per charge on the 2.0 ah battery. I love it and for $129 was worth every dang penny.

    51BgzBstraL._AC_SY400_.jpg
     
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