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I am going to be finishing out my house with new baseboards, window casings, and crown mouldings and need to know which type of nail is best for the job. I own a Senco FN1 that shoots 15 guage 1-2″ nails. I also have access to a Pasload trimpulse that shots upto 2 1/2″ nails but are only 16 guage. My question is, is it better to use a shorter but heavier guage nail or a longer one that is slightly less thick. Or as a third option I could buy a Senco or Hitachi finish gun that shoots 2 1/2″ 15 guage nails. Thanks
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I have a Paslode for such applications and it works fine. Either way.
*I have a bostich works great I am sure any gun is fine but you need different size nails for different application. also when nailing with a gun I usually go back and secure with a few "rugged"hand nail
*I use a Senco pin nailer 1" nail to hold the moulding to the jamb. makes a very fine hole and does not split the moulding where it is only about 1/4" thick.A paslode 2" nail to hold the outside of the moulding to the drywall and the framing underneath.Makes a larger hole where the moulding is 1/2" 5/8" thick.
*Use what you've got. My bias is to the heavier nail. But, everyone has their own bias. I like the heavier nail because it just about eliminates any hand nailing. Depending on wood species, shape of moulding, etc. you may have to set the nails by hand. But that's all.I use hand nails for that rare place where the shorter nail just isn't enough.
*Pinner, 1" pins, the 2" in that Senco, you'll have what you need. 2 1/2" is needed for thicker stock or maybe plaster/lath.
*I use 18 guage 1 3/16" brads for case, base, etc. 16 guage leave a lot bigger hole, and I don't think holding power is really an issue. Casing almost breaks in two if I have to pull it off. But everyone has their own preferance. I wouldn't go out and buy a new nailer over it. If you've got a 16guage use it.
*I own the SFN1 and the SLP20 pin nailer. These two guns fulfill my trim carpentry needs.The pin nailer for casing to jamb, molding returns and other delicate applications to avoid splitting.The SFN1 is fine, if I didn't already own two, I would have selected the SFN40 because it can shoot the 2 1/2'' nail. Advantageous when it comes to crowns. As far as selecting which gun to use when, I want my nails to bite into some solid stock to hold that trim stock snug. Quite discouraging to look back at your work whether it be a few weeks or a few months to see cracks.
*I use a SFN40 and a cheapo 18 gauge nailer for all of my trim work and I rarely have to use the 2 1/2" nails. Your SFN1 should take care of business. The 16 gauge brad nailer leaves holes of similar size as the Senco.fv
*I too will be trimming my house soon and don't own any air nailers. I guess I could buy more than one, but "the boss" would frown on it (she just doesn't understand tools). Would the SFN40 be a good choice? I've looked at a bunch and am sort of drawn to it.
*Crusty,If I could only buy one gun to do a variety of trim work, I would probably buy a Porter-Cable big pin gun. I can't remember the model # but it shoots from 3/4 to 2" nail. That will pretty much suffice, but I would not set doors with it. I would hand nail the door jambs if thats all you had. 2 guns would certainly be a better choice. You could always buy the one and rent the the other...Steven
*I like my P/C 250. It's not a senco, but it's a whole lot cheaper. It's awfully nice being able to shoot 2-1/2" nails too. That and a cheapo pinner and you can do everything from prehung doors to building your mantel and everything in between.
*If you own no nailers go for the 16 guage over the 15, nails are half the price.
*16 gauge brad nailers and 15 gauge finish nailers are not the same tools. They do not look alike and they perform differently. I personally don't like 16 g. nailers and I use the SFN40 which is a magnificient tool. It's also oil-less, and so is the new Bostich which is also a great tool. The 2.5" capacity, though not often required, is a great asset. I even fasten battens using 2.5" galvies with this same tool.fv
*For the guy on the budget.......Porter Cable nail guns are the way to go. We mostly buy 18g 1 3/16" pins for shooting casings on jambs, and 2 1/2" for everything else (casing to wall, base and crown). The PC guns seem to hold up as well as the Senco for half the price. Also, you can shoot Senco nails in a PC but we've had trouble shooting PC 18g in a Senco pin nailer.I prefer trim head drywall screws in the door jambs. 15g or 16g..........I don't see that one holds better than the other. That's what I've learned over the years of doing this 40hrs a week.Ed. Williams
*Thanks for the input guys. The SFN40 just feels soooo good when I pick it up -- nice heft but not heavy, well balanced. But I guess I'd be better off to maybe get a PC 15 gauge gun and a cheap pinner for about the price I'd pay for the Senco. I won't be using it that often after I finish the house. On the other hand, I could probably sell the Senco to someone after I was done with it. :)Ed, I like your idea of screws in the door jambs. I plan on being in this house for as many years as the good Lord gives me (40? 50?) and I've already done a lot of things that "you don't see anyone doing that anymore" as my guy at the lumber yard keeps telling me.Again, thanks to all.
*It's hard to resist a good tool... But everyone I know who owns a PC, whether it is a framing gun or an 18 ga. brad nailer, seems to be happy with their tool and feel the price is great. We use Senco nailers on our framing and trimming crew, but one guy doesn't touch them and cherishes his PCs instead. It sort of makes me curious...fv
*How about the elcheapo guns from Harbor Fright for a one time job?
*I don't think I want my face rearranged by Harbour Freight.Ron.
*My brother bought an Airy nailer through Harbor Freight. There is no depth adjustment and it leaves every nail standing 1/16" proud. What a pain in the butt.
*My pinner is a $25 CP from harbor frieght. Figured if it got me through my house I would be done with it. Trimmed two more homes since mine, and it still works fine. Probably spend the 80 bucks or so for a PC pinner if I was buying again, but for now this one won't die.
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I am going to be finishing out my house with new baseboards, window casings, and crown mouldings and need to know which type of nail is best for the job. I own a Senco FN1 that shoots 15 guage 1-2" nails. I also have access to a Pasload trimpulse that shots upto 2 1/2" nails but are only 16 guage. My question is, is it better to use a shorter but heavier guage nail or a longer one that is slightly less thick. Or as a third option I could buy a Senco or Hitachi finish gun that shoots 2 1/2" 15 guage nails. Thanks