I'm planning to replace all the baseboards in my home and have a few other related projects lined up. I'm looking for recommendations on the best type and size of nail gun for the job. I currently own several DeWalt 20V tools and would like to stick with that battery system if possible. I also have a small 18-gauge pneumatic brad nailer for smaller tasks but am hoping to transition to a battery-operated option. Any suggestions?
2 Answers
You might want to consider a 15-gauge angled finish nailer for larger projects, especially if you're also doing shoe molding. For precision tasks, a 23-gauge pinner is excellent but remember that it's not suited for heavy-duty jobs. Personally, I've done a lot of baseboards with an 18-gauge, and I find it sufficient. Just keep in mind that the bigger gauge nails leave larger holes that you’ll need to patch.
If you're mainly working with trim, an 18-gauge nail gun is a solid choice. I use 1 5/8" nails for baseboards and door trims, which work great. I've invested in DeWalt's 20V and 60V line, but the cost of a cordless trim nailer was just too high for me as a DIYer. The 15-gauge nail guns don't offer much more functionality for general household tasks, so I recommend sticking with the 18-gauge for trimming. It gets the job done without all the fuss.