What nailer is best for Crown Moulding?

What type of nail gun should I use for crown molding?

If you're planning on installing heavier pieces, like heavy crown molding or anything that needs to be able to bear a little weight, pick 16 - 15 Gauge Finish Nailers. Some DIY users recommend the 16 gauge finish nailer as the most versatile option.

What gauge nail is best for crown molding?

15-gauge – For the outer nail on casing (through drywall) and for base trim or other large trim , and sturdy install of door jambs, particularly heavy, solid-core doors. Non-structural interior applications such as crown molding, door casings or chair rail offer the most choice in the tools and fasteners you use.

Should I use a brad nailer or finish nailer for crown molding?

While the downside to a brad is its holding power, finish nails are made from heavier 15- or 16-gauge wire, which means they can handle a greater payload. For larger trim, such as baseboards or crown molding, a finish nail is the more suitable choice.

Do you need a nail gun for crown molding?

Installing it is as simple as buying a box of itty-bitty finishing nails and hammering in the molding. Seriously, you do not even need a nail gun. Here's the whole step-by-step for how to install baseboards and crown molding—note that most of the work happens in the planning phase.

The 5 Best Nailer for Crown Molding You Should Consider in 2021

What's the difference between a finish nailer and a brad nailer?

What's the Difference Between a Brad Nailer vs Finish Nailer? The main difference between these two different nail guns is the size of the nail they shoot. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the nail. The brad nailer fires 18 gauge nails, and the finish nailer fires 16 gauge nails.

Can you install crown molding with a brad nailer?

Crown is typically nailed up with a 2” finishing nail and a compressor and finishing gun. Outside corners are usually done with a brad nailer and 1” brad nails with glue. Studs are generally 3-1/2”, drywall a ½” and the crown moulding a minimum of ½”; therefore 2” finishing nails are necessary.

Which is better 16 or 18-gauge nail gun?

With a thickness of 0.0625-inch, 16-gauge finish nailers can hold better when compared to 18-gauge brads. It is supplied in lengths of 1 to 3.5-inch. 16-gauge finish nails are perfect for dense pieces of wood.

What can I use an 18-gauge nailer for?

Stop moldings, Base shoe, cove moldings—smaller profiles are a good use here, as well as some chair rails, and a variety of woodworking projects. If you do some trim work and a fair amount of woodworking, the 18-gauge brad nailer is the one to have. These nailers are available in pneumatic and cordless configurations.

Can you use 18 gauge Brad nails for crown molding?

Brad nails typically are sold as 18 gauge steel wire nails that range in length from 5/8 inch to 2 inches. Here are the sizes you need, depending on the project: Use 1-inch nails for the door trim and crown molding. Use 1 1/2-inch to 2-inch nails for shiplap and hardwood flooring perimeter.

Can you use a finish nailer for crown molding?

Of the many available choices, the best nail gun for crown molding is the 16G finish nailer. The 16-gauge nails have sufficient holding power to secure the molding in place, yet the nail holes are small enough to hide. For small and lightweight molding, you can use the 18GA brad nailer.

Which is better 15 or 16 gauge finish nailer?

The 15 gauge finish nailer is ideal for heavier jobs. If you're working with thin wood, delicate molding or want a smaller nail head to fill, then the 16 gauge nailer is the better option.

Which is better straight or angled finish nailer?

When in doubt, the angled finish nailer is more likely to fit into tighter corners compared to the straight finish nailer. Most angled nailers use nails with larger, fuller heads which secure into the material a little stronger compared to the types of nails used in straight nailer versions.

What is a 23 gauge pin nailer used for?

A pin nailer is a small, handheld power tool used to drive tiny, slender nails into wood. It's the smallest power nailer available. It uses small 23-gauge headless nails that look similar to a sewing pin. Most 23-gauge pin nailers use ⅜-inch to 1-inch nails, but some can accommodate up to 2-inch nails.

Are 18-gauge nails OK for baseboards?

What gauge nails to use for baseboards? Based on nail size, you should be looking for anything between 15 gauge and 18 gauge. With these gauges it you can easily find nails up to 2.5'' long which is an ideal length for baseboard nails.

What gauge nailer is best for trim?

18-gauge brad nailer

It's perfect for standard trim, furniture making and odd jobs around the shop. Models that shoot brads up to 1-1/4- in. are common, but I strongly recommend spending a few bucks more for a gun that can handle brads up to 2 in. long.

Should I use brad nails or finish nails for baseboards?

In terms of best uses, brad nails are better suited for tasks like light decorative trim and molding, paneling, picture frames, and crafts such as birdhouses. Finish nails are better suited for larger trim, such as baseboards or crown molding.

What's the difference between a brad and a nail?

Brad nails are formed from a fine, 18-gauge wire, so they are smaller in diameter than finish nails and typically have less holding strength. They're better suited for tasks like light decorative trim and molding, panel installation and crafts.

Should I glue crown molding?

It is important to put an adhesive (Loctite's Power Grab, PL Premium, etc.) on both edges of the molding (ceiling and wall) and on the seam between each piece. This helps to hold the crown molding up during installation and, more importantly, will prevent the crown molding from ever separating.

What is a brad nailer used for?

A brad nailer is a light-duty tool. It might be used for adding narrow decorative moldings to plain panels or under stair treads. These tools are popular with crafters and model makers. They are often used for making birdhouses and bat boxes.

Should I glue or nail crown molding?

Use glue to hold the crown molding in place to nail or to provide extra security for using thinner nails. Use material-specific glue when the installation does not allow for nails. Use nails without glue if the install may be a temporary solution to determine if the look is desired.

Does crown molding have to be nailed into studs?

Crown Molding

As long as you're inserting the nails into the top 3 inches of wall, locating studs isn't necessary. The exception to this rule is when the crown molding is unusually wide, or features multiple pieces that extend farther down the wall.