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Ask the Experts

How Many Different Trim Nailers Do I Really Need?

It seems there's always one more must-have tool.

By Gary Striegler Issue 296 - Dec 2020/Jan 2021
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I’m fairly new to trim carpentry and the plethora of nail gauges is really confusing. Just how many different nail guns do I need to own?

—Josh Newman via e-mail

Carpenter and woodworking teacher Gary Striegler replies: The longer I’m a carpenter, the more nail guns and gauges I find myself using. I use 15-ga., 18-ga., a few 21-ga., and lots of 23-ga. nails. If I could only buy only one nailer, it would be an 18-ga. You can nail base and casing with 2-in., 18-ga. nails if needed, and they are small enough for a lot of delicate work. Plus, an 18-ga. nail leaves a fairly small hole.

I use a 15-ga. nailer for hanging doors, installing crown and base, and nailing the outside edge of casing. It would be the second tool I would buy. I find the extra length of 2-1/2-in., 15-ga. nails especially helpful for reaching the framing or blocking on the top edge of crown.

Having said all that, nothing changed the way I work like my 23-ga. pinner. For wood-to-wood finish applications, 1-3/8-in. headless pins are plenty strong. They never split even the smallest pieces and the tiny hole is really easy to fill. I use the 21-ga. tool at times for things like building drawer boxes because it offers a little more strength and holding power than 23-ga. pins, while still leaving a tiny hole.

So, I guess the answer to how many nail guns you need is N+1, where N is the number of nail guns you already own.

From Fine Homebuilding #296

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Milwaukee 18v Cordless Reciprocating Saw (2720)

This is a great quick-cutting saw with a brushless motor, an LED light, and a handy folding rafter hook.
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Bosch Wall Scanner (GMS 120)

This wall scanner can locate wood and metal studs with respectable accuracy.
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Cadex 18-Gauge Brad Nailer (CB18.50)

This tool operates smoothly and quietly, is relatively compact, and features a built-in air blower.
Buy at Amazon

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