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I just bought a 15 gauge angled finish nailer for home use. I have alot of window and door molding to install. Every time I nail the thin side of the molding, I split the wood. Am I doing something wrong, or do I need a smaller gauge nailer? I would greatly appreciate any input.
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Been there, been through that. You are trying to shoot a rather large guage nail through a fairly thin piece of stock. If your stock is a species such as fir that tends to split readily, then the problem gets worse. If you can choose a softer wood with less tendency to split, you may get away with the 15 ga nails. The best solution that I have found is to use a brad nailer such as the Senco SLP20 (18 ga) for the thin edges of the trim and a 15 ga nail for the trim body. Good luck
*Turn your gun to a 90 degree angle then shoot. I use a Bostich trim gun and when I do that the nail head runs parallel to the trim...making a huge difference. TRy it.
*I use an AIRY brand BRAD nailer. About 3 years now. [email protected]$98 with case and brad assortment. Never a problem. It will also use SENCO brads and the SEARS 1'. Only air nailer I have and never regretted buying it and frequently use it as a finish nailer because I don't have one.Hope this helps.JL
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I just bought a 15 gauge angled finish nailer for home use. I have alot of window and door molding to install. Every time I nail the thin side of the molding, I split the wood. Am I doing something wrong, or do I need a smaller gauge nailer? I would greatly appreciate any input.