I’ve been watching the video clips at FHB and just watched the ones comparing the 16 gauge nailers. It looks like the Bostitch was the favorite.
I currently own a 15ga finish nailer and an 18ga brad nailer(that shoots up to 2″ brads). I use the 15ga for baseboard and the thick side of casing, and I use the 18ga for the thin side of casing.
My question is, would it be beneficial to own a 16ga nailer in addition to the 15ga I already have? I’ve always assumed that carpenter’s owned one or the other, but probably not both. Does anyone here use both? Are there applications where the 16ga would be better than the 15, or is it simply personal preference?
That Bostitch sure is tempting, I just wanted some opinions before I make a purchase I may not need. Perhaps a 23ga would be a better addition than a 16ga????
Replies
I don't think you need a 16 guage if you've got a 15 and an 18 but what do I know? If you're itching to buy a new gun, ya got a roofer, sider, stapler? I don't own a 23 guage either but can see how they'd be handy for small stuff and to hold moldings while the glue dries.
It's a little redundant, but is a better choice for some situations. With copper pipes, the 16 is less likely to penetrate the pipe compared to the 15.
Nails are less expensive for the 16. With many young carps the 16 is the first nail gun because of this.
In trim where the 15 is having minor problems splitting the wood, stepping down to the 16 is often all thats needed to avoid the problem.
If a guy needs only one gun to do everything, I'd recommend the 16 over the 15.
For me the 23 would be a better choice if you have an 18 and 15 and can only get one new gun.
I have the bostich 1/4" stapler, 23g and 18g, but the 18 could be better. It just doesn't feed as reliably as it could. It doesn't jam, just misses a brad from time to time. Can't say anything about the 16g.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
What Idaho Don said except I'd add the 16 before the 23.