Why does a carpenter use so many different nail guns?

[@daverenken1371]

I’ve done finish carpentry for over 20years and only have a 15 gauge and a 18 gauge gun. I’ve never felt or thought like I needed anything else. It’s done everything I’ve ever wanted or needed them to do.

[@cjones2479]

What do you primarily use for baseboard and door trim?

[@Gerald-i6w]

Same here I just recently bought a new rigid 21.0 degree framing nailer, air power this thing is a beast !

[@HaveAHuff]

Ya but this guy uses Milwaukee tools and needs to show them off 😂

[@dans4900]

​@@cjones247918 Guage for 1/2" or less thickness. 3/4 thick 16 Guage unless it's finger jointed than I might use an 18

[@alexs2778]

@@cjones2479In my use it would depend on size and thickness of material, for thinner/smaller width I usually add some power grab and use 18GA, for thicker stuff 15GA suffices and doesn't break material either. Any feathered down edges I use 18GA or even 23GA sometimes depending on type of wood/material.

[@ChadAmI80]

Thanks for a very helpful video. I've always wondered which gauge to use where. Can you do another video where you explain which length of nail you use for various trim install? Like use a X length to install window trim. Use a X length to install baseboard. Use X length to install install shoe moulding. Use X length to install crown.

[@brennennowland2989]

You wanna use nails that are long enough through the trim or baseboard into the framing of the wall

[@richieb9067]

Excellent break down of different nailer gauges - especially Milwaukee. All that info is not easy to digest if you're not a carpenter by trade. 16G it is! Thanks man.

[@josecunha6974]

One of most concise, informative and "to the point" videos on KZbin, let alone on the subject. Great job. Wish more people made succinct and useful videos like this. Subscribed, keep up the good work!

[@ixBATMANxi]

Man, I've been looking for this explanation for like a month now. Going to start getting into some heavy DIY stuff and this makes a TON of sense now!

[@Rabbit5382]

Absolutely excellent video! As someone who knows quite a bit about construction, yet nothing about nailers, this was the perfect explanation. Picking up a 16-gauge nailer next week.

[@jeremylinderer7158]

Man, I remember that red DFW shirt. You’ve come a long way and definitely deserve the success. Keep up the good work, and thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@ryantuck5716]

I feel like for my purpose of building a small cabin I should grab the framing gun and the 18 gage. Framing can help with walls and structure and 18 can do all the trim and smaller jobs. Thanks for the video!

[@ryandiedrich6317]

I was on my way to Home Depot today to by a finish nailer. I have the pin nailer already but was going to go with the 15 gauge nailer but after this review I going with the 16 gauge. I am just a guy who screws off in the garage and seems this is the best solution for me. Thanks!

[@hansangb]

Love the 18 gauge brads for holding pieces together while the glue dries. But I keep shooting needless brads cuz, they're just fun to shoot it! 😂

[@scottkailey1]

Other than setting doors, I think the 18 will do most of the other stuff just fine. I own the framer 18 and 23.

[@kenbagwell8551]

Do you install larger trim (baseboards, crown moulding, ect. ) with an 18 ?

[@willbellamy590]

@@kenbagwell8551 I would use 16 personally

[@djdrake6100]

@@kenbagwell8551 in cabinetry we use the 23 ga for everything short of assembling cabinets which we use the 18

[@scottkailey1]

@@kenbagwell8551 Yep and I have not had any problems.

[@gageangstrom7875]

The 18g has the disadvantage of only shooting 2 inch nails. So if you're doing a 5/4 header you're only getting a 1/2 inch penetration in to framing. I'd say. at a bare minimum, you need an 18g and and a 16g because you can get 2 1/2 nails in a 16g and an 18g is delicate enough to do most tasks. If I only ever did trim I would have a 16g, 18g, 23g and be totally fine. I've set plenty of doors and windows with a 15g and a 16g and I'm not sure there is a huge difference in strength, at least at a home gamer level. As a professional I'll always choose 15g on paint-grade doors and 16g on stain-grade doors.

[@TinManKustoms]

Great information I generally run a framing nailer, 16g, and pin nailer cause this works for all my woodworking needs. I've use 16g nails to set doors and window boxes, but usually follow up with some screws cleverly hidden for the durability factor.

[@paulkramer4176]

Totally agree. I happen to have an 18 too, and thus use it more than the 16 for trim. BUT if only one, the 16 is it. But I add another to it. I have a siding nailer too, (coil) as most framing nailers don't run siding nails well, (too often jamb)

[@coachwalrus3158]

We do a lot of 7’ interior doors with 9’ ceiling These mdf doors are so freaking heavy I use 15 gauge and take stop off hinge side and screw it 4 places with matching top hinge bomber

[@csimet]

Agreed, I always follow up with screws. The 15 and 16 are so close that I find them to overlap. I have and use a 16 GA for that reason. I just got a 23 GA pin nailer... man, how I got along without it before makes me shake my head. So useful for small/delicate jobs.

[@ScottyDrake]

I absolutely LOVE my 23 gauge pin nailer for holding pieces in place while glue dries. For example, when installing base molding around the bottom of a wood filing cabinet. I glue the base molding where I want it, and instead of using clamps, I shoot pin nails. They hold the molding in place, the glue dries, and often I can't even find the pin holes to fill them!

[@jailerobreak]

i thought i was the only one :(

[@tinasluder]

Thank you for this! Now when my hubby asks why I need all these nail guns, I’ll refer him to your video 😝

[@SalvatorAlexandros]

Bit late to the party but I love the layout of your video mate. Showing little shots of every item/tool/accessory you mention in your script as you say it is a small but very appreciated detail. Good on ya.

[@krisgee9553]

Finally...been trying to work out sizes and whys for a while now. Thanks!

[@dwaynenero535]

Thanks again Richard for an excellent video. I have the Mil Framing, the 15 & 18.

[@nathanriddle4190]

Me too, just deciding if I need the 23 pin nailer haha

[@semiretired6033]

I use 16 gauge for doors all the time. I just shoot a few extra in each spot. The casings once installed with the 18 gauge ties it all together nice and solid.

[@carl3500]

Some people use 18g for doors doesn't make it right

[@gagehindle210]

Solid core doors, I put a screw behind the hinge. Or a windy situation. Beds and hallway doors.

[@Klatubarada1979]

This is how I do it

[@megdahlin1118]

Finally the that I was looking for! So much confusion around what these guns do and are used for. And I don't need another "unpacking" video! You just helped me decide to keep both guns that I just bought-the 16 and 18. I had been thinking the 15 and 18 but don't think I'd be using the 15 much right now with what you showed here. Doing a lot of trim and tongue and groove. Can always go up to the 15 when the time comes if it should. Thank you so much! By the way I love your "Come and take it" t-shirts-what a hoot!

[@elrey8876]

Very useful explanation thanks. I was wondering what to get for a garage reno and this answers the question.

[@jayf9259]

Got'em all, plus the 1/4" crown stapler

[@EmeyMendez]

I had doubts about 18s and 16s. Now I'm clear about the difference of those 2. Thanks for you explanation amigo. I own the framing and the 18, now I know for sure I need the 16 meantime.

[@samtx5518]

Lunch time run to Teague today whilst the weather is nice in TX. Then bop over to Angelo’s for a bbq sandwich. Happy holidays Richard!

[@andre1987eph]

0:37 you could buy all five of those at harbor freight in the pneumatic version at their end of year sale for around $330 total for all 5 (highly ranked Banks brand). For example, I got the 23 pin for $20

[@wilfredjones5849]

I'm new in those DIY projects and was thinking of getting myself a new nailer and wasn't sure what to consider. Funny thing is I thought only one nail gun can be used for all jobs😂😂. Thanks mate your video is helpful and educational. Thumbs up 👍 for me. Keep doing those videos you are helping plenty of people out there.

[@tonyd4346]

Another great video!!! With the nail hole of the 15 gauge being so close to the size of a trim screw, you can get by without the 15 gauge until you have the $$ for the 15. Especially setting doors, using composite finish screws that adjust the jamb in and out once the head is set (the specialty screws for that task cost 👎). The composite screws do the same job for less. Just a tip for those who can’t get that 15 just yet.

[@kevlar1482]

Good advice. I did all the door jambs, casings, window trim, baseboards, etc. while renovating my house and the 18 gauge was the best option. Those brads can at least hold a door jamb in place until you drive a few screws. The screw holes are getting covered by the door stop and / or hinges anyway so I don't care about the size of the hole.

[@Hardworkpays209]

I use the bostitch 15ga fn. it’s a 15ga shank but the head is flat like 16 or 18ga nails. Leaves a hole half the size of my senco 15ga DA nailer that shoots the standard round head 15ga nails.

[@Ayeboi1]

Carpenters and joiners are the trade that spend most on tools as we NEED them all. Table saw, nail guns, mitre saw, 1/2 inch router, palm router, track saw, impact driver, drill driver, sds drill, jigsaw, planer, circular saw, and not to mention the number of hand tools.

[@momouppa]

Hardly, have to spend a lot more to do other trades.

[@rickyperkins232]

I hate buying tools but I find myself buying all that you mentioned and more. Sometimes you have to buy 2 of the same tools too. I told myself I will only buy 1 Sliding Miter Saw 12" Ridgid and as heavy as it is, there is no job it can't cover and since I am not making furniture I am good until it broke and while in the shop I ended up having to purchase a 7 1/2" compound Sliding Milwaukee because I was only doing trim work then. I use a 18 Brad nailer for everything even doors when I do a door I use 3 nails in 1 spot and I shoot straight, 1 nail left and right, the amount of nails I go through is crazy that is why tomorrow morning I am getting a 15 & 21 Brad nailer to join my 18 gauge Milwaukee.

[@oldtireman4665]

Depending on your budget and immediate needs vs. what you plan to do in the future, the big boxes often have 3 gun packages with a compressor available. The battery powered guns are great but unless your budget is unlimited or you are a full time pro that will use them everyday, the pneumatics are more than enough for hobbyists and first timers. I still use 16 and 18 gauge guns I got as a set with a 1/4” crown nailer from Sears back when it was where America came to shop. I use them in my remodeling work with great results although I did pick up a much quieter Senco compressor and a 25’ hose because I got tired of tripping over a 50’. I’d love to add DEWALT guns to my collection of other 20 volt DEWALT tools but can’t justify the $500 outlay it would be just for bare tools.

[@jimcvengros9265]

Yea I agree the prices are steep. I’m eating to make the jump from the air compressor though. I was asking more so the DeWalt 15ga 20v max XR finish nailer versus the Milwaukee 15ga gen 2 finish nailer shown in this video. Not sure if anyone’s had the opportunity to use both and prefers one over the other. I’m on the DeWalt platform pretty heavy, but after seeing reviews on this line of nail guns, it has me thinking to go with the Milwaukee for cordless nailers.

[@sail1998]

It really depends what you do. This guy is truly professional he needs all of them! I am truck a driver and I have 2 small boxes with tools in my truck wich are around 400$ worth. My father is a truck mechanic and he has 3 huge drawer snap-on carts full with tools. He spent on everything close to 50k$. Everything has lifetime warranty. Whatever he brakes he gets new for free with no questions. Snap-on on guy comes ones a week. He doesn't need to go anywhere.

[@timothykuharich9967]

95% of the trim I install is pre-stained and I find that the 21ga (with a slight head) works great on casings and base materials. I do not want to go back and with filler to match and fill in all those holes. Very few people even bring up the 21ga nailer

[@christophermoore9436]

Framers be like “which one you got more nails for?” “Well there ya go. Use that one”

[@samueldavis5895]

A Brad gun to frame?… or a 23 gage? Bad idea

[@timothy6936]

Great video. I am deciding between the 15 and 16 guage and you clarified my decision. Thanks

[@davidperry4013]

I love the 15 gauge because I prefer the extra holding power. I also have a narrow crown stapler.

[@raymondstitt648]

I wish I had have seen this a couple of years ago. I love tools especially milwaukee and bought a framer but a 16 gauge would have been a better buy for what I needed. Thanks for this video

[@spanzek]

Thank you very much for the explanation of the nail guns. I have been looking at either the 15 or the 16. You have definitely helped me decide.

[@philbrandon0532]

I own a Hitachi 15g gas framer and Ryobi cordless 16g and 18g brad nailers; all used for exterior and interior work. Never an issue or problem especially on roofing, stud, jamb or trim work. Each nailer is specific to each task and as long as the finish is professional and sturdy, why else do you need to keep getting more...

[@Fahrenheit38]

As a DIY guy just looking to hang doors and casing I went with the 15ga. I haven't had an issue with the 15ga and door casing.

[@gdh613]

Very informative and right to the point--no BS and obviously knows what he's doing. Thank you.

[@murphymmc]

I have all those as well, plus three sizes of staple guns, all get used depending on the task. I have used (don't own yet) a 21ga brad nail gun which nicely replaces the 18ga for many uses. Good holding, smaller hole to fill or see. My 15ga leaves a smaller hole than my 16ga straight nail, that tee shaped head has a larger footprint. The 21ga is on my list. It does very well on pre-finished crown and door casings. As dk states below, there is no reason to get all at once. If you're a framer, you won't need any brad nailers, but you'll need a few otheres that finish guys never will. If you get into building and remodeling from the ground up, you'll acquire a lot of these fairly quickly.

[@reddawgrup1779]

Door casing with 21 gauge? I wouldn't trust that... Unless I misunderstood.

[@jesse7jesse7]

Thank you for this video. I was almost going to buy an 18gauge Ryobi but then..... this helped me to bump it up to 16gauge. awesome info thank you so much.

[@BM-qg7hl]

Finally, someone explained it clearly! Thank you

[@TheHandystanley]

Thank you Richard for answering my question!

[@kassemhamed9296]

Thank you for the info I got the 16 haven’t used it yet

[@mchilly]

Let’s be honest, when you say “a lot of people have been asking”, we know who really asked why you have so many nail guns.

[@danielyeary148]

The ol ball and chain lmao

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

LOL

[@xSWlMx]

😂

[@AlexKunstar]

He was spending a lot... Had to make the video to keep the wife in the dark 😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@Shompenify1]

The same one that is slamming his doors 🤣

[@redscortgt93]

I don’t have all those guns but when installing my exterior doors I liked setting them even with an 18 gauge brad it was enough to hold the door in place while I came back pre-drilled and ran in screws to finish. You could use a hammer and nails if you’re just setting doors. lol

[@mytoolworld]

I own all those sizes. BTW, what's this "hammer" you speak of?

[@Nick.NoCoNative]

@@mytoolworld "hammer" is a technique where you hit things with your nailer, very common in framing 😉

[@shantanarain2841]

Yup 18 gauge to hold it well you adjust and screw..then 18 g in the casing to stiffin up the jam .. with casing screws to finish it off .. I could use a decent sheer strength milwahkee gun tho

[@jamisontitus4137]

Not if you want to make money

[@huejanus5505]

Hammer and nails? You savage! ;-)

[@MartyM_33]

Great!! Now I KNOW I NEED to buy a framing nail gun and pin nailer to go along with my 18g Brad nailer. LOL. awesome video as always.

[@qzetu]

Your videos have really helped me step up my game. I really do appreciate you.

[@bobkoss280]

Thank you. I started my morning by not knowing anything about nail guns. You fixed that.

[@JoshWrightWoodworking]

I only ever use the 23 ga. Interesting to learn the uses for the other 4. Thanks for the vid 👍

[@kartboarder22g17]

Awesome I'm getting into trim nailing so you excellent information will help me figure out what nailer to get. You earned my subscription.

[@thetek4285]

Just got my 18 gauge Milwaukee, can’t wait to use it :)

[@georgiafan6618]

I started out with a Paslode 16 w/straight nails and still have it. The video is correct and helpful.

[@Sheddysheddysheddy]

Excellent video, really broke it down to how the different gauges work in application.

[@libertarian1637]

15 Gauge both FN & DA (Angles), 16 Gauge both 20° and 0° (Flats), and 18 gauge brad nailer and crown staplers (narrow and wide) along with a framing nailer, either full round head 21° or lipped head 31° nailer along with a stick or coil roofing nailer, and 23 gauge pin nailer all can have places in shops. I use mostly 20° 16 gauge and 18 gauge brad nailers for probably 90%+ of trim jobs. I like both the flatter angle nailers regarding framing and 15 gauge as they hold more nails per magazine, tend to have larger full round heads, though they don’t get into the same spaces. I also live the 20° 16 gauge nailer over the old school flat 16s. Been in the trades for over 3 decades and can say while you may mostly use a couple they all have their uses and it’s nice having the rare ones when you need them. Glues have come a long way over the years and with the newer ones nails aren’t even needed; 23 gauge pins can act as clamps with glue while it’s setting and can be the best of both worlds near imperceivable holes and great holding. A lot of manufacturers simply don’t keep up with new technology or techniques. I’ve never had a problem or failure with installing ship lap or T1-11 with 18 gauge narrow crown staples; they just hold better than brads or even 16 gauge nails.

[@stephanpetranker8994]

Very well done - thank you. You were struggling to five advice on what gun to get first because it has to do with what type of work the carpenter is most likely to do most of the time....go with what you need most. For example, if you do more trim than doors, get an 18 and use either pound in finish nails with a hammer for the rare door, or go with headless screws (perhaps an even better door install option for vibration resistance.) Also, consider the nail length and material you are shooting into -- harder woods than pine and long nails will need a 16g, not an 18. I would suggest an 18 for nailing 1/2 inch and less thickness....

[@Isaac-lo8mb]

Just bought a 40 degree nailer. Can't wait to use it tomorrow at work

[@tortillawingtv2175]

I’ve hanged doors with an 18 gauge before I got a 16, I just shot it a little extra, it holds good hung from it to check it

[@JesseHaskell33]

Good breakdown, only video or content period I could find on what each nailer was used for.

[@Bob-L42]

Thank you for the explanation on the different nailers. Now I have knowledge to pick my “excuse” to get one…or two of them.

[@goodtobehandy]

Something else that is important is the nail length. A longer nail adds to the holding power. You can sometimes get good holding power with a 18g. by using a 2" nail.

[@scrappyny7432]

I agree. I do a lot of moldings and even setting doors with my 18g 2" nailer. I good test to see how well they hold is nail 2 3/4 plywood together with 3 or 4 2" nails and try to pull them apart. For 18g they hold together very well

[@davidpavey7233]

Great video. I was honestly looking for this exact answer for the last 2 hours.

[@JaredHershberger]

Novice here. Which nail gun would be versatile enough for common pallet projects? Thank you, and thanks for the video explaining the different guns!

[@michaelprosperity3420]

Good run down. I'm getting the 16gauge for my quick in and out jobs. I hate getting out the compressor for 5 shots

[@richardalvarado2698]

Need to buy all of them!! Love it

[@peterwalsh6867]

Thanks for the vids , best of the season to you and yours , Peter

[@BretClements]

Thanks for this video, Richard! It definitely clears things up for me! I truly appreciate it.

[@daljitam]

Excellent video it helped to buy the right Nail Gun for the Right job. Thanks a lot.

[@Themalvar56]

Nailed it! Love watching ur vids keep them coming

[@techtechuw597]

15 and 18 is the way to go for most use cases in my opinion and thats what I have as well.

[@aknorth1053]

What helps remember guages is that it refers to the number of holes a piece of metal was pulled through during manufacturing each on getting smaller as you went. Definatly a but odd as the larger wire sizes switch to metric kcmils

[@alrightythen1533]

My go to nailer for trim is the 18g. If needed I combine with adheasive, rather than use a 15g like I see a lot of trim guys use for base etc. I still have my 16g air nailer from about 25 years ago, it's hardly got any use on it. I think I still have the same box of original 16g nails I bought at the same time. I love the 15g for heavier finish applications, and of course hanging doors like you mentioned. 23g nailer is a wonderful tool for small trim. I've always wanted a 21g which I've seen a lot of other trim guys utilize in their work.

[@mtnmecca_ej]

exactly the info I was looking for - thanks!

[@pcatful]

This is an excellent presentation!

[@nevefamily3524]

My dad was a carpenter home builder. WWII veteran as well. He liked nails and a hammer. He wasn't convinced machine nails/staples would hold in roofing, etc.

[@kenbagwell8551]

Thanks! I've been wanting a rundown like this for some time.

[@JC-dc9oz]

your video was the best , so Clear and simple

[@dans4900]

Crown stapler is so under rated. Not even a mention

[@bartman59laj55]

Very true. My 1/4” battery stapler is one of my favourites for so many things, and they hold tough!

[@Or0s_808]

I'm another one that runs 15, 18, and 23 on cordless (Which I use 90% of the time now). If I absolutely need a 16 or 1/4 crown which is pretty rare I'll run a small compressor. For what I do I'll normally add an extra 18 ga nail if I feel it needs the extra holding power.

[@719vol]

Absolutely. Run-in 2 18g nails. Shoot one in at an angle. Keep contact tip in the same hole, reverse the angle in the other direction. Shoot nail #2. 2 nails for holding power. 1 nail hole to fill.

[@fosterslover]

16 gauge nail is definitely the sweet spot if you're only buying 1 gun. If you need more holding power, just put in an extra nail :)

[@pounderish]

The 23 is also good for small hardwood trims like quarter rounds and panel moldings

[@Gabriel-ej5te]

Lol sold! I’ll get the 15 nailer for my doors!

[@johnafable9558]

Why do you no longer use the Milwaukee 12 inch miter saws you had?

[@U.s.e.r.3493]

The video I've been waiting for!!! Been trying to figure it out. Many thanks 🤙🤙

[@scottcurtis1887]

I just told my wife that I need more nail guns. She simply doesn’t understand. Lol. Thanks for the vid. Love the channel.

[@justinbrent-white2143]

i've been looking for this video for a while, thanks a heap- from west australia

[@R4wF4ce]

Thanks for answering this! It seems my mentors may have led me astray in the name of cost savings.

[@steveyoungs6588]

Great and very informative video that cleared up those very questions. Semper Fi.

[@JuanGarcia-wu6wq]

Thank you bro for the review I needed to know that!! 💯🙌🏽🤜🏾

[@scottwaugh13]

I have all of these except the 16 gauge, I am going to have to blame you for my latest purchase of the 15 gauge Hahaha!, as always great information and good vid💪

[@mdbrenna]

Ughhh!! I have a framer, 15 and 18.. Now I have to buy a 16ga!!!

[@jtjtrs8806]

Wow I never knew they made a 15 , this could be could for different applications, will get one to see it's capabilities

[@frameriteairdrie578]

I usually use my 15g for setting doors, but have used an 18g brad with 2" nails. Not with a "pre hung" door, but with a knock-down or site built frame. Because then you can shoot the nails down the strip where the door stop will later go, and if using 18g I can fire in a bunch extra for better strength without leaving 100 nail holes to be filled.

[@amandalong1749]

I needed this video a year ago! Thankfully I bought a 16 and 18, and have been so glad I did. Like he said, the 18 is perfect for smaller trim where the 16 splits it, but the 16 has much better holding power.

[@jamesmyerssr.3119]

Ha! In my garage, the length of the nail determines the gage. Most of the time....

[@michaelrichter9462]

You so nailed it!!! Sorry, couldn’t help myself

[@raulruelas9443]

Thank you for making this video!!

[@alanleija889]

very straight to the point and uses and good info nice video

[@johntiefel4248]

Always great information. Always well done. Greatly appreciated!!!!!!

[@jimmyreyes8096]

I do appreciate the explanation! Great information

[@j.w.7688]

Thnx man! Very informative and well-done review👍.