nailer for base trim and window casing

21 years ago

Hi all,

We are finishing our basement and are at the point of installing the base trim and door/window casing. We're finishing approx 1000 sq ft and I've been told repeatedly to get my hands on an air nailer to make life easier. According to some, I actually need 2 guns...a finish nailer for the base trim and the 'thicker' part of the casing, and then a brad nailer for the 'thinner' edge of the casing. One option is to rent from the local hardware store, but since this could span several weekends the cost would add up. I do have access to an air compressor so I was looking at buying just a nailer. There's a Dewalt brad nailer for around $100 that uses 5/8" - 2" brads that seems to get good reviews. Could I get away with using just this one gun with the different length brads? Are there disadvantages to using brads vs. finish nails?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks.

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Comments (4)

User
21 years ago
I use a 16 gauge Porter Cable nailer that shoots from 1" to 2&1/2" nails for trim. I also have a 18 gauge PC nailer and a 7/32" narrow crown stapler I use for trim, depending on the application. I use the stapler for door trim---the inside to the casing---that is the same size staples manufacturers use there.

You can try pot luck and look on the Harbor Freight website---or in one of their stores and get a Chinese made copy of the real nailers for as little as $10----sometimes they work---and sometimes they dont.

PC and other brands have kit deals---a 16 and 18 gauge nailer with a compressor/hose/accessories package---some for as little as $250.

You may have to do some research to find the best deal. Google is your friend. :)
MongoCT
21 years ago
I'll join HandyMac in recomending PC.

They make a very versatile finish nailgun, the FN250. It fires 16ga nails from 3/4" to 2-1/2" in length.

Easy to use, easy to load, easy to clear the occasional jam, and the exhaust swivels to you can keep the breeze off your face.

Personally I think it's a great gun. I've fired several tens of thousand nails through it, with only an occasional misfire and with zero major problems.

About $150 or so.
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keeferb
Original Author
21 years ago
Will the 16 ga nails have a greater tendency to split the thin edge of the casing? That's why I was initially considering the Dewalt 18 ga brad nailer.
MrWiggles2
21 years ago
I use a Craftsman 15 ga. angle finish nailer (LOVE IT). I have had it for a few years, it works flawlessly. I use it for a lot of casework, replaced our upstairs baseboards and did great when hanging crown moulding. My other nailer is an 18 ga. brad nailer by Bostich. That too is a pleaure to use. Big difference between the two, but both have a purpose. A 16 gauge nailer is a good all around nailer. But, I prefer to have two guns. Look at Harbor Freight and ebay for deals.