OK, once again I have an opportunity to display my ignorance.
I use a PC 18 GA brad nailer to attach custom cabinet backs and cabinet trim. I am getting ready to finish my basement and suspect I need something larger and more powerful for finishing trim.
So, what is the difference between a 15 GA and 16 GA finish nailer, other than the obvious gage size. I read the specs on the Bostitch 15 & 16 GA and they are identical.
Thanks in advance.
Daniel
Replies
The 15 has a larger head and shank than 16 ga, and since you already have the 18 ga, I'd go with the 15. I have a 16 and 18 ga gun and they work fine for me, but the 15 ga nails are more versatile for around the house. Watch out for the Bostitch 15ga--it takes a different style nail than other and at least one poster on BT has lamented that he cannot find certain sizes for it.
Jason Pharez Construction
Framing & Exterior Remodeling
The 16 ga are usually straight magazine and the 15 ga are usually angled. There are many times that it's good to have the angled mag cuz it fits into corners better.
Since you have the 18 already, go with the 15. I have the PC 18 and 16, and Bostich magnesium 15 which is much lighter and works well.
I'm sorry, I thought you wanted it done the right way.
The 16 gauge angled clip nailer would be a good choice as the smaller head aids in puttying. Combined with a bead of adhesive on the trim and you're golden. We've used the PC and Senco 16 gauges at work, both seem good. We usually use the Paslode 16 and 18 gauges but then they're comp. equiped so it's nice. One good point about the angled nailer is it makes it much easier, if not possible in some cases, to get a nail to tighten an inside corner, be it butted, mitered or coped.
Daniel,
I have the Bostich 18 gauge and a Hitachi 15 gauge. I wanted to buy all Bostich nail guns (I have a total of 7 nail guns) untill I spoke to the thousands of contractors that I regularly meet with. Almost universally they choose the Hitachi over other brands due to it's rugged reliablity.. It's slightly more expensive than most brands but the contractor loyalty is astonishing!..
Hitachi 65MA2 15 gauge angled finish nailer.You aint had a real finish gun until you had this one. Like Stewart Copeland says, "All the others are complete bulls***".