Finish nailer recommendations

[Wyoming09]

I have a remodel project coming up and will be replacing a bunch of trim and quite possibly adding crown molding. Since I'm like lightening and never strike twice in the same place I'm thinking a nailer might be helpful. What say you all on a decent finish nailer? Really no preference as to air or battery but if I go with battery it'll probably be DeWalt as I already have some DeWalt things.

 

[ItsNemo]

I have the DWFP12233 brad nailer and DWFP72155 finish nailer. I find I use the brad nailer more for trim as it leaves less of a mark, less chance of splitting, and is easier to remove a base board if necessary. Just use the larger finish nails if you need a bit more length/bite.

 

[Toolfool]

Ridgid : https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L00C0UM/?tag=atomicindus08-20 .

 

[The Cobbler]

I prefer air as I find the cordless ones heavy & awkward , but we have a compressor on the job already so it's not a big deal.
I would suggest 18 gauge for smaller, thinner trims. 16 gauge for heavier trims and door jambs etc.
At one time I would have recommended HItachi, but their new models are low end ,in my opinion.

 

[engineer2]

Bostitch 15 Ga. Finish Nailer Kit N62FNK-2 for crown molding and baseboard trim
Bostitch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer BT1855K for shoe and little stuff.

 

[bcradio]

I would look into one of the 3 gun kits. Mine has worked great and it was nice having the variety for different tasks.

 

[shawhite]

Hitatchi here 15ga for larger trim and 18ga for smaller stuff. Have had good luck with bostitch as well.

 

[snickers muncher]

I've got the Porter Cable 18ga and 16ga that came with the small compressor kit I bought from Home Depot years ago. So far they've kicked ****, but I'm not a heavy user. I just put a drop or two of 3-in-One oil in the gun before I use it.

I've found the DeWalt nails to be cheaper and work just as well as the Porter Cable the guns recommend.

Also keep in mind that nailers tend to split the wood a lot less than hand nailing.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I would look into one of the 3 gun kits. Mine has worked great and it was nice having the variety for different tasks.

It's what I would consider checking out also. I bought a brad nailer first when for a little more money, I could have gotten a lot more.

 

[PelicanPines]

Make sure you look at Senco… not sure how relevant they are now... but I'm extremely happy with the 4 finish guns I have... Senco(s) are pretty easy to maintain and fix as well in the long term. I have replaced a bushing in both a pin nailer and finish nailer I believe... and O-rings... basically it's a gun you buy once and keep it oiled and it IS REPAIRABLE...

 

[toplessHO]

second on the Senco
Ive had an SFN2 for many years and love it
I found that it was the only one to do my tongue and groove cedar siding.
I have a smaller brad nailer and would recommend both for trim work

 

[engineer2]

Whatever you think you might get, google the model number's parts list. If nothing comes up, stay away.

 

[PassnThru]

I would recommend a dual purchase. Go ahead and get an air powered gun along with a small pancake compressor. The smaller compressors are quieter now than they were in the past - even if they are oiless and they are only around $100 or so. The oiless compressors also don't have as large of a start up current so they are better suited in the house where your outlets might not support a larger compressor. Air nailers use surprisingly little air. You will be shooting nails for a long time before it kicks on again.
Also, once you buy a portable compressor that leaves you free to bolt something huge in your garage without worrying about portability.
I've got a portable air tank taking up space in my garage right now and I'll never use it again. Why charge the air tank if I can just pull the portable out and plug it in and charge it up instead. It doesn't take that much longer and it isn't that much heavier.

 

[Bill C]

I’ve had good luck with my two Senco finish nailers. I have the Senco FinishPro 25XP (18ga) brad nailer and the Senco FinishPro 33Mg (16ga). Both have performed flawlessly installing two houses worth of baseboards, window/door casings, and crown moulding. Neither has jammed up or failed to perform in any other way.
The 16ga nailer has an angled nail cassette which allows better access in corners and other tight spots. The only downside is that ONLY Senco sells 16ga angled nails, so getting more nails when you run out may require an online order.

https://www.senco.com/tools/details-page/finishpro33mg
https://www.senco.com/tools/details-page/finishpro25xp

 

[ItsNemo]

Bostitch 15 Ga. Finish Nailer Kit N62FNK-2 for crown molding and baseboard trim
Bostitch 18-Gauge Brad Nailer BT1855K for shoe and little stuff.

Bostitch and Dewalt nailers are clones of each other...so whichever brand is cheaper.

 

[Tom Sestito]

16ga for hanging doors and 18 ga for trims and casings.
23 ga if you don’t want to see any holes at all.

Brands:
I’ve shot abt 1,000,000 nails through my porter cable 18ga.
Anyone can make a decent 16 ga. Except bostich.
If you’re looking for 23 gauge, buy a senco. For pins that small you need a high quality, high precision tool.

 

[ZRX61]

I have a 3 gun Porter Cable set (air), don't ask me which models*. Never had any issues.


Also picked up a Horrible Fright stapler a while back, discovered it doesn't have as safety trigger so I can fire staples across the garage... which was a bonus




* I should probably look that up to see what I actually have.

 

[ddurrett896]

Porter Cable kit from HD is like $200 and bulletproof for a homeowner.

 

[Wyoming09]

Thanks for all the recommendations. Looks like I have some looking to do.

 

[joe_pinehill1]

I have the Porter cable line, from framing nailer to pin nailer, 5 total, they have worked fine for 20 years and used to build two houses.

 

[Robinson1]

Senco and Grex are basically the industry standards in finish guns.

Best 18ga gun I've ever used is a Makita. Second best was a cheap WEN that cost like $30. No joke. Worst was Bostitch.

16 ga I've got a Paslode gas gun that's trimmed out 100+ houses and never gave any trouble. Air powered I'd go Senco or Grex.

I pretty much use 16ga for everything except really delicate stain grade mouldings.

You can probably skip 23 ga unless you are doing high end woodwork or cabinetey.

Framing guns pick one that shoots whatever type nail is cheapest in your area. Around here that's 30 degree paper tape nails. Paslode or Hitachi make good framing guns