Tool Test: 16-Ga. Finish Nailers

In this tool review, Fine Homebuilding contributing editor Rick Arnold takes a look at the current crop of 16-ga. finish nailers. After narrowing the field to 14 nailers of more than 20 on the market, Arnold gives top marks—both best overall and best value—to a Bostitch nailer. Arnold lists his primary set of criteria (such as depth adjustment, nail placement, no-mar tip, and more) for assessing his own methodology for his ratings. Then he includes a list of secondary criteria (belt hook, trigger action, firing mode, and more) to encourage prospective consumers to make their own determination of what is the right set of features on the right nailer.

Product Finder: Related Products

Copemaster - Trim Adjuster Screw
The Copemaster Trim Adjuster is a two-part screw: After drilling the Trim Adjustor into the bottom edge of the baseboard, the drill is switched to reverse, and the baseboard rides out along the threads to close the gap in the coped joint

Bostitch - N62FNK-2 15-ga. Finish Nailer
This finish nailer from Bostich features an LED light, 16-in. on-center gauge, and a built-in pencil sharpener

Hitachi - NT65GB 16-ga. Finish Nailer
Hitachi's NT65GB cordless finish nailer is not only superlight and comfortable to use, it also costs less than other comparable models.

Hitachi - NT65GA 15-ga. Finish Nailer
The HItachi's NT65GA cordless finish nailer includes power cables for 12V DC and 110V AC so that it can charged in a vehicle if necessary.

Hitachi - NT65GS 16-ga. Finish Nailer
This 16-gauge finish nailer from Hitachi is superlight and comfortable to use.