Hey everyone! I'm a long-time Dewalt user and I'm thinking about getting my first nailer. I mainly need it for some basic projects like building cabinets, shelves for my shed, and simple desk setups. Would a 16-gauge nailer be sufficient for these tasks? I'd love to hear your thoughts and recommendations. Thanks!
3 Answers
There isn’t one nail gun that can do everything you need. I’d suggest starting with an 18-gauge nailer, then add a 15-gauge angled one and a 23-gauge for more specialized tasks. The 16-gauge isn’t one I use much. For exterior projects, think about getting both a framer and a roofing nailer too, and remember to use the right nails for the job!
I wouldn’t really recommend any Dewalt battery-powered nailers except for the 15-gauge DA (DCN650B). I’ve tried the 23-gauge (DCN623) and the 18-gauge (DCN680), and they just didn’t cut it for me. The 23-gauge jams a lot after a year, and the 18-gauge has inconsistent drive quality. The 15-gauge, though, is fantastic for trim and more structural work. If you can, consider going with a pneumatic nailer instead. Hitachi (now Metabo) has some great options that are budget-friendly.
Honestly, I'd steer clear of Dewalt nailers. They have a costly electronic part that’s likely to fail, and when it does, the repair costs are almost as much as a new nailer. I switched to Hitachi four years ago, and it's been reliable. My Dewalt nailer failed after just a year and a half, and even the repairs didn’t last long. Just my experience, but I wouldn't take the chance again.