Hey everyone! I just got my hands on a used Ryobi Airstrike P326 16g electric nail gun, and I'm planning to use it to reattach my 3/4" wood baseboards to the studs through 1/2" drywall after they were removed for painting. However, I'm running into an issue where the nail gun struggles to fully drive 2 1/2" nails, leaving them sticking out by 1 to 3 mm. I've cranked up the power and depth settings and made sure the battery is charged, but it still doesn't quite do the job. I get that a pneumatic nailer might be better, but I'm really curious about using this electric one.
First off, do you think using 2 1/2" nails is a good idea for a secure hold through both the baseboard and drywall without using glue?
Also, I experimented by applying some silicone spray on the nails, which surprisingly made them go in fully. I'm wondering if lubricating the nails is a good idea or if it could compromise their holding power. What do you all think? Is there a better lubricant I could use instead of silicone? I'd like to avoid glue because the old baseboards were glued and it messed up the drywall when I removed them. Thanks for any advice you can provide!
4 Answers
I usually go with an 18ga. nailer for baseboards, but 16ga. is solid too, especially for the door jambs. A 2" nail going through your baseboard and drywall should cover you well enough. It’s baseboards we’re talking about; not much length is really needed!
Sticking nails is a common issue with the Ryobis. I recently picked up an airgun lube, but honestly, I haven't seen much difference compared to using silicone spray. Sometimes a solid hit with a hammer or a punch can do the trick too! Just keep it handy in case you need it.
I hadn’t heard of that airgun lube option! I’d prefer not to rely on a punch for every nail, but it’s good to know it’s available just in case.
Nail setting is all about technique. Make sure you’re backing the gun properly and pressing firmly to avoid any bounce. For your Ryobi, don’t rely solely on the advertised nail lengths; I find 2" is typically what you need for most baseboards. If you find that a little silicone helps, go for it—just don’t overdo it. It should work out fine! Also, consider using drywall screws in inside corners to prevent them from rolling under, it’s super quick and effective.
Honestly, I think 2" nails would do just fine for baseboards. If you’re having trouble with them not seating properly, getting a good nail punch can help you set them without any fuss. Just a few bucks and you'll have it sorted! Plus, make sure to use wood filler instead of caulk for the nail holes, since caulk shrinks and will show over time. I usually paint and prime my trim before installation and just do minor touchups afterward, it works solid for me!
Good point about the wood filler! I hadn’t thought about that. I was considering heavy duty spackle, but using wood filler sounds like a better option since it won’t shrink. Thanks for the tip!
Thanks for clarifying that! I was torn between 18g and 16g. I just want to avoid any issues with the baseboards lifting up, especially since I’m reusing old ones.