I'm planning to buy a nailer for my DIY projects, which mainly involve building cedar railing planters for my deck, equestrian jumps, and some smaller garden tasks. I know I'll eventually want both a 16 ga and an 18 ga nailer, but for now, I can only get one. Which gauge would be more versatile for the type of projects I'm working on?
3 Answers
For the outdoor projects you described, I’d recommend starting with the 16 ga nailer. It gives a better hold for construction compared to the 18, which is more suited for finishing work. If you're not too concerned with appearance, a narrow crown stapler may also be a strong option for your builds!
If you're working on functional items, a 15 gauge nailer might suit you better since it offers more holding power. However, an 18 gauge nailer is great for lighter projects, especially if you add glue to help with the strength. You might want to grab a combo of both down the line!
I recently got a cheap 18 ga nailer/stapler from Harbor Freight, and it's been a fantastic investment! It handles small fixes and projects really well. I avoided getting a combination tool since they usually don’t excel at one specific task, and so far, it's been just right for my needs.
Sounds like a solid choice! I'll definitely keep that in mind as I shop around.
Totally agree! I love using the 18 for smaller projects, and then switching to a 15 when I need that extra strength.