Both 15 gauge and 16 gauge finish nailers have their benefits and drawbacks. When deciding between the two, it’s important to consider the types of projects you’ll be working on and your specific needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare 15 vs 16 gauge finish nailers across several factors to help you determine which is the better choice for your needs.
Page Contents
Nail Sizes
The main difference between 15 gauge and 16 gauge nailers is the size of nails they use. 15 gauge nailers drive larger, thicker 15 gauge nails that have a diameter of .072 inches. 16 gauge nailers drive smaller 16 gauge nails that have a diameter of .062 inches.
The thicker 15 gauge nails are able to withstand more force and hold better in hardwoods like oak and maple. They are less likely to bend or break under pressure. 15 gauge nails also have greater holding power in dense materials like engineered flooring and exotic woods.
16 gauge nails, while smaller in diameter, are suitable for most general finish work in softer woods like pine. They provide sufficient holding power while leaving smaller nail holes that are easier to conceal with putty or wood filler. The smaller 16 gauge nails are less likely to split more delicate materials.
Drive Mechanisms
Finish nailers use either pneumatic (air) power or battery power to drive nails. Pneumatic nailers require connection to an air compressor, while battery powered nailers use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack.
Most 15 gauge finish nailers are pneumatically powered because they require more force to sink the thicker nails into dense materials. The constant air supply from a compressor provides the consistent power needed.
16 gauge finish nailers are available in both pneumatic and battery powered models. Battery powered 16 gauge nailers are lightweight and portable, while pneumatic models offer more driving power.
Pneumatic
Benefits of pneumatic nailers:
- Provide consistent, powerful drive for sinking nails fully
- No batteries to charge
- Higher capacity for heavy duty nailing
Drawbacks of pneumatic nailers:
- Require being tethered to an air compressor via hose
- Compressor must be transported to work site
- Internal oiled compressor mechanisms require maintenance
Battery Powered
Benefits of battery powered nailers:
- Cordless operation for maximum portability and ease of use
- No air compressor required
- Quieter operation
Drawbacks of battery powered nailers:
- Heavier weight due to battery pack
- Extended nailing can drain battery life
- May not provide as much driving power as pneumatic
Depth of Drive Control
An important feature for finish nailers is depth of drive control. This allows you to adjust how deep the nail sinks into the material. Being able to control nail depth is crucial for fine finish work.
Most 15 gauge finish nailers have tool-free adjustable depth control that is easy to set. Some models also offer sequential depth control so you can precisely set the depth for every single nail for detailed finish work.
16 gauge finish nailers also include various forms of depth control. Look for micro-adjustable dial controls that allow precise increments of depth changes down to the millimeter. Tool-less slide controls are another convenient option.
Nail Angling
In addition to driving nails straight into a material, some finish nailers allow you to angle nails for toe-nailing and angled fastening. This is useful for joining perpendicular surfaces like moldings and trim.
15 gauge nailers are heavier tools, which makes them more suited for vertical nailing. Some models offer limited angled nailing around 10-15 degrees.
The lighter weight of 16 gauge nailers allows for easier angling mobility. Many 16 gauge models can nail anywhere from 0-45 degrees for maximum angling versatility.
Magazine Capacity
The nail magazine capacity refers to the number of nails the tool can hold for continuous fastening between reloads. More nails in the magazine means less downtime spent reloading.
15 gauge finish nailers typically hold between 60-100 nails per reload. Their wider nail diameter limits capacity compared to 16 gauge nailers.
16 gauge finish nailers generally have magazine capacities between 100-150 nails before requiring a reload. Some battery powered models hold up to 200 nails.
Weight
| Nail Gauge | Weight Range |
|---|---|
| 15 Gauge | 4-7 lbs |
| 16 Gauge | 3-5 lbs |
Due to their size and powerful drive mechanisms, 15 gauge finish nailers tend to be heavier tools. Weights range from 4-7 lbs for most models.
The lighter gauge 16 nailers weigh in around 3-5 lbs on average. Battery powered models are at the lighter end of the spectrum.
The lighter 16 gauge nailers cause less user fatigue over extended nailing. Their lower weight also makes them easier to maneuver into tight spaces.
Safety Features
As finish nailers drive nails at extremely high speeds, safety features are paramount. Look for the following safety mechanisms when choosing a finish nailer:
- Sequential firing – Nails discharge one at a time instead of rapid fire.
- Contact safety tip – Nailer won’t fire unless tip is pressed against a surface.
- Lockout mechanism – Prevents firing with missing or empty magazine.
- Dry fire lockout – Prevents firing empty nails when trigger is held.
Modern finish nailers are equipped with multiple redundant safety features. However, users should always wear safety glasses when operating any nail gun.
Price
In general, 15 gauge finish nailers have a higher purchase price than 16 gauge:
- 15 Gauge – $180-$400+
- 16 Gauge – $100-$350+
Industrial grade pneumatic models tend to be the most expensive. Battery powered nailers are generally the lowest cost options. Factor in any additional costs for batteries and chargers if purchasing a cordless tool.
Conclusion
For driving nails in harder woods and engineered materials, a 15 gauge finish nailer is the best choice. The larger 15 gauge nails have the holding power needed for those applications.
A 16 gauge finish nailer is ideal for general trim, molding, and finish work in common softwoods. Their lighter weight and angling abilities provide the most versatility.
For the widest range of finish applications, some carpenters choose to have both a 15 gauge and 16 gauge nailer in their tool arsenal.
When selecting between pneumatic vs battery powered, consider your mobility needs. Pneumatic offers unlimited runtime while battery powered provides freedom of movement.
Always look for multiple safety features like sequential fire, safety tips, and lockouts no matter which gauge nailer you choose. Wear eye protection and follow safe nailing practices for best results.
Key Comparisons
| 15 Gauge | 16 Gauge | |
|---|---|---|
| Nail Size | .072″ diameter | .062″ diameter |
| Best Used For | Hardwoods, engineered floors | Trim, moldings, softwoods |
| Drive Power | Mostly pneumatic | Pneumatic or battery |
| Depth Control | Adjustable, some sequential | Micro adjustable |
| Angling Ability | 10-15 degrees | 0-45 degrees |
| Magazine Capacity | 60-100 nails | 100-200 nails |
| Weight | 4-7 lbs | 3-5 lbs |
| Price Range | $180-$400+ | $100-$350+ |
As you can see, both 15 gauge and 16 gauge finish nailers have their particular strengths and applications. Consider the types of materials you’ll be nailing and your maneuverability requirements when deciding which finish nailer will work best for your projects.