Best Finish Nailer – 15 or 16 Ga. / Bran
Hello,
I’m new to the forum but not woodworking. I have been reading many of your questions and comments and decided I’d like to be a part of this.
Anyway, my question deals with Finish Nailers. When I saw the “Nail Guns for Cabinetry” article in the 2005 Tool Guide I bought a copy to read in my spare time. The Senco Finish Nailer is the first Nailer you see so I assumed <(seems theres an ‘old saying’ about that word) that they were going to review and rate them. The reviewers did a good job on Brad & Framing Nailers but I think they forgot the Finish Nailers for their Cabinetry article.
So… I’ve been doing some research and have found three different brands (Bostitch, Porter Cable, and Paslode) of Nailers I like, some in the 15 Ga. and others in the 16 Ga. variety. I’m kinda leaning towards the 16 Ga. nailer because of the smaller head size. Currently I have a Porter Cable Brad nailer and need something a little larger. I’m just a hobbyist who likes to build shelving, small cabinets, work benches for folks and I’d like to do some crown molding.
Anyone care to comment on the Finish Nailers and why they like which gage?!
Thank You!
Steve
Edited 12/9/2004 10:41 am ET by TakeAim
Replies
Im sorry I cant directly comment on gauge, but with your list there, you must look into Hitachi finish nailers. You can check them out at Amazon.com. The tongue mark left after the wood has been struck is very small in comparison to other nailers, and that the new one has an air valve that you can open and blow particles out of the way without detaching the gun. Hitachi finish nailers seem to be the preference over the others you mentioned, but everyone likes guns for different reasons.
Im sure you will get more comments, but you also can check out the reviews with each tool at amazon as well.
I've been a Senco fan for some time since having the oil exhaust issues (I would get lazy during assembly or rushed and simply forget to rotate the exhaust port out of the way.)
The Hitachi's have a great reputation as noted, but, I love my oil-less designed Senco :)
-mike
The 16 gauge Porter cable is a good gun (much better than the PC 18 gauge) and is sufficent for most carpentry. I have the PC 16 and 15 angled. I only use the 15 to hang doors.
Steve, I prefer the 15 ga because the nail is larger in diameter, plus the guns are angle design. From your post I would think you only need an 18 ga brad nailer that can handle up to 2" brads.I use the brad nailer most of the time in the shop. The 15 ga nailer is used for installing base , medium to large crown and the outside portions of window and door trim.Either 15 or 16 gauge should suit you, buy a decent one, there are lots of them on the market. I use a Bosch 15 gauge finish nailer. I do not recall the #, it is the more expensive Bosch finish nailer, there is also a homeowner Bosch nailer that I have never used .Senco, Hitachi, Porter Cable, Bosch are all good guns in my expierence.
mike
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