When it comes to finishing nailers, two of the most popular sizes are 15 gauge and 16 gauge. Both offer different advantages that make them better suited for specific applications, But how would you know if 15 vs 16 gauge finish nailer is the right choice for your project?
It’s always a good idea to make sure you have the right tool for the right job. Finish nailers are very powerful and can put a lot of force behind the nail, so choosing the right size for your project is important.
In this article, we’ll look at the differences between 15 and 16-gauge finish nailers so you can make an informed decision when it comes time to buy one. So if you are considering a finish nailer and want to know the difference between 15 and 16-gauge, read on.
The main difference between 15 gauge and 16 gauge is size. 15-gauge nails are thicker than 16-gauge nails and therefore stronger. They also offer more holding power for heavier objects such as hardwood flooring.
15 Gauge Finish Nailer
So the first nailer we have is the 15g finish nailer. This type of nailer is ideal for heavier applications such as hardwood flooring or other heavy materials. The 15-gauge nails are thicker and stronger, so they can hold up to more weight without bending or breaking.
Thanks to the thickness of the nails, they are also able to penetrate further into the material you’re nailing. This makes them excellent for applications such as framing or siding where you need more power and penetration.
These nailers also have a bigger head that generates more holding power. So if you are working with trimming the exterior (or even interiors) then the 15-gauge nailer is an excellent tool for the job.
However, if you are working with more delicate works such as molding or trimming thin baseboards, the 15g Finish nailer can split the wood. This is why it’s important to make sure you have the right tool for the job before you start.
16 Gauge Finish Nailer
Now when it comes to 16g finish nailers, they are ideal for lighter materials such as molding and trim pieces. The 16-gauge nails are thinner than their 15-gauge counterparts, so they won’t split or damage the wood when driven in.
They offer less holding power but still enough to get the job done. In addition, these nailers have a smaller head which decreases the risk of splitting thin pieces of wood.
So if you are working with lighter materials such as baseboards or trim, the 16-gauge nailer is likely a better choice.
These nailers are quite versatile so you can use them for a wide range of applications. From crown molding to baseboards, the 16-gauge nailer can handle it all.
Comparing 15 vs 16 Gauge Finish Nailer- Key Differences
So now that we know what a 15g and 16g finish nailer is, let’s take a look at the key differences between them.
Nail Size
The first and most important difference is the size of the nails. 15g nails are thicker and stronger than 16g nails, so they offer more power and holding capacity. A typical 15-gauge nail is 1 ¼″ up to 2 ½″ long and has a thickness of 0.072″.
On the other hand, 16-gauge nails are thinner and shorter. They can range from 1 ¼″ up to 2 ¼″ long with a thickness of 0.056″. As you can see, the 15-gauge nail is the bigger one here.
Head Size
The 15g nailer has a larger head that gives it more holding power while the 16g nailer has a smaller head which reduces the risk of splitting thin pieces of wood. It mainly depends on the material you are working with as to which one is better.
Holding Power
Thanks to the larger nails, the 15g finish nailer offers more holding power. 15-gauge nails are larger and have a larger head than 16-gauge nails. The larger the head, the more surface area there is for the adhesive to bond to, which in turn increases the holding power.
A 15-gauge finish nailer will drive nails that are larger in diameter and longer than a 16-gauge finish nailer, which results in a stronger hold. This makes a 15-gauge finish nailer more suitable for heavy-duty tasks such as framing, sheathing, and installing flooring.
On the other hand, a 16-gauge finish nailer is more delicate, precise, and suitable for tasks such as trim work, crown molding, and baseboards. They have a smaller head size and produce less damage to the wood surface.
Versatility
When it comes to versatility both nailers are very capable. The 15g is great for heavier materials while the 16g is better suited to lighter applications. But since there are lighter materials than heavier ones, the 16g can be used for a wider range of applications.
However, if you are looking for more versatility, you can go with 18g nailers rather than a 16g nailer (depending on the project of course).
Power
When it comes to power and penetration, the 15g finish nailer packs more punch than the 16g. The thicker nails can penetrate further into the material while still providing enough holding power.
However, more power means more damage to the material, so you need to make sure you have the right tool for the job.
Price
When it comes to the price, it depends on a few things! For example, whether you are using a pneumatic or cordless nailer, the brand and quality of the nailer will all have an impact on the overall cost. Cordless finish nailers, however, are a bit pricier than pneumatic nailers.
That being said, typically a 15g nailer will be slightly more expensive than a 16 g nail due to the thicker nails and higher power output.
Weight
It only makes sense that a 15g nailer will be heavier than a 16g due to the thicker nails and higher power output. 15g nailers use more air pressure and can be heavier than their 16g counterparts, so they may not be the best choice if you are looking for a lightweight nailer.
When Should You Use A 15 Gauge Finish Nailer?
The perfect use case for a 15g finish nailer is when you are working with heavier materials such as hardwood flooring and framing. The thicker nails will provide more power and holding capacity which makes them ideal for these types of applications.
Here are a few projects that are ideal for the 15 gauge nailer:
- Door trim
- Sheathing
- Hardwood flooring
- Framing, etc…
When Should You Use A 16 Gauge Finish Nailer?
As we mentioned earlier, the 16g finish nailer is better suited for lightweight materials such as trim pieces and molding. Thanks to low power output, there is almost zero chance of damaging the material. So if you are working with lighter projects, 16g nailers are the ideal choice.
Here are a few projects that are ideal for the 16 gauge nailer:
- Crown molding
- Baseboards
- Chair railings
- Picture frames
- Cabinet trim, etc…
15 vs 16 Gauge Finish Nailer – Which Nailer is Better?
There is no simple answer to this question as it depends on the type of project you are working on. Both nailers have their pros and cons, so you need to decide which one is best suited for your needs.
If you’re looking for a nailer that offers more power and holding capacity, then go with the 15g finish nailer. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lightweight nailer with less power and the risk of damaging the material, then go with the 16g finish nailer.
It only comes down to deciding which one is best for the job. So make sure you do your research and read up on the material you are working with as to which one is better.
No matter which one you choose, make sure you always use safety gear when working with any type of nailer. Overall, both 15g and 16g finish nailers are great tools to have in your arsenal. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each before purchasing one!