I’ve been using relatively hard-to-find galvanized 15 gauge nails to install exterior trim: fascia, brickmold, etc. And I’ve wondered for some time why 18ga and 16ga galv nails are common on retail shelves, but 15ga galv nails have to be special/mail ordered.
Which raises two questions. Are 15ga galv nails the wrong fastener for (Minnesota) exterior trim jobs? And, if not, why are they so hard to find?
Thanks for your responses.
G’day,
Dan MacD
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Replies
Just my guess...you're shopping in the wrong places. Retailers (HD & Lowes) stock what sells, and cheap sells. Most DIY buy 18 & 16 ga nailers because that's what's on the shelves. Look in the phone book for a ... well I don't know. Ok, try this...look on-line for the Senco website, then see who they list in your area for sales and service, other then HD & Lowes. Chances are it's a store usually frequented by contractors only, not open on Sat afternoon or Sunday, probably don't sell Ryobi, etc. Down here it's Texas Tool Traders, with 6-8 locations in the state. Or buy on-line from someone like Maze Nail.
Do it right, or do it twice.
Both Lowe's and Home Depot carry Senco finishing nailers and stock their Senco 15 ga. nails. Senco must now be "cheap"??
Didn't mean exactly that. The big boxes stock what sells, and if you want something that doesn't match what the purchasing agent is pushing that month, you're out of luck. They probably sell one type of nail for each gun...hope that suits your needs!
Do it right, or do it twice.
I was thinking the same thing. I've been nailing with 15 ga. Senco for years, and no problem finding the nails at all. We don't even have Lowe's here.
For exterior trim, consider stainless nails. A google search for manasquan fastener and swan secure will yield two mail order sources.
-- J.S.
Funny, I had McFeelys catalog open to the stainless steel nail section, getting ready to make an order when I read your post. They have 15 ga stainless nails in 1.5", 2", 2.5".
Give them a call at 1-800-443-7937, or visit them at http://www.mcfeelys.com.
Go to Anchor fastners in St. Paul and buy stainless steel.