Why does a carpenter use so many different nail guns? 

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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! 😂

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

If you're just starting out all you need is a 18G, 15G and a framer.

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...

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.

As a female who is interested in doing DIY projects, this was very helpful. Thank you

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

There is no reason to buy all of these at once. Just get them for the job you're doing. I built a shed so I got a framer and a roofing gun. Later, I got a 22 ga pinner for small glue ups in the garage. After that I got a 15 ga for installing base in the house. Unless you're busting out of the gate as a traveling handyman, playing this "I would get this as a starter" seems like bad advice. Like every other tool in my shop, they were all purchased for the job I needed it for (or I came across a sale or good yard sale buy). I like how you broke each one down for it's purpose though, that's what's important.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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....

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Crown stapler is so under rated. Not even a mention

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

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

If the trim material I'm nailing through is 3/4" thick or more I use 15 gauge in most situations.

Need to buy all of them!! Love it

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

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.

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

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

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!

Finally, someone explained it clearly! Thank you

I mean, it comes down to what they actually fire 15/16 gauge nailers fire *finish nails* 18 gauge nailers fire *brad nails* 23 gauge nailers fire *pin nails* The big thing I think is a difference not covered that really helps explain the difference between these three, particularly the 15/16 is head size, which is what really equates holding power -- that's why a 15 is *significantly* stronger than a 16 -- just look at the head size -- and why 15/16 finish nailers, shooting actual, 'finish nails' have a lot more than an 18 gauge 'brad nailer' that has almost no head, and why 23 gauge 'pin nailer' firing essentially just wire pins with no head leaves almost invisible 'pin holes' and yet you can more or less pull a piece fixed with them alone off with your bare hands.

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

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

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.

I use my 16g for interior doors shims roughly every 16" and 3x 2 1/4" per row and no problems. Paslode, beats breaking out the Hitachi 15g and compressor.

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

I have the same 18 and 23. I had a Ridgid 15 that I primarily used to set doors but decided to get rid of it. I was converting over to Milwaukee and have been waiting for this newer one to come out with the better tip. However....in the meantime I have swapped to using trim screws for setting doors and I have come to like it better than using a nailer. I may end up still getting it at some point... or now after watching this I am thinking I may get the 16 and use trim screws when the need for 15 comes around. Thanks for the video. I respect your opinion.

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

I actually question the need for a 16ga stick nail when a 15ga angle handles base, case and larger pieces. Also, I’ve always had two staplers. A 22ga furniture stapler with 5/8” legs and a narrow crown 18ga stapler with 3/4” legs. The small one is great for case to jamb and the larger one is great for attaching 1/4” backs to things like bookcases.

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

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

I returned the 16 and got the 15 when I realized 16 ga nails are harder to find in store than 15 ga nails. Based on availability of 16ga nails you'd think it was the least popular between 16 and 15

"You just gotta buy all of them" pretty much sums it up, and you can show this video to your wife.

Well I agree.....if budget is an issue then buy the 16g. You can set interior doors with a 16g.....don't forget that when you nail the door casing ...you must attach the casing with 2 nails per 18inch. Shoot one nail from the casing the the jam and one into the stud. This will ensure great stability. I have all of those guns but there are times I just grab the 16g for all the trim work instead of lugging all 3 inside the house. But if you start to do allot of cove and quarter round......buy a 18g.......so yeah just like he said get all of them! 😂

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

Last remodel i did.. I had bought a new pinnailer.. So i decided to install the lower trim with it. I didnt want to fill holes. Lesson learned.. Couple spots are pulling from the wall. Ohh well.

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💪

I have a 18 gauge nailer from Milwaukee, I think I need a framing nailer now

Thank god Milwaukee finally released the 23 gauge pin nailer.

Damn, now i need a 15 gauge, got 18 16 and a framer but i do a lot of exterior work and doors. learned a lot watching. Commercial repairs for twenty years finishings carpentry for four.,always wondered about 15/16 gauge but the visual showed me what i needed to know, big difference even though the gauge difference is slight.

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

Just buy all of them lol love that… honey they guy said to buy all of them lol

If needed you can set doors with a 16. Just need the longest nails you can run. And I'm a fan of the narrow crown stapler on stuff like your winsdor one blind nailing thing

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

If you close your eyes you can imagine hes talling about nailing a door with a 15 guage shotgun

Got the 21 degree framing, was first to get new 15 g, and also have 18 g plus m12 stapler. Although 15 g leaves larger holes, holding power is my preference. If I need pretty and good enough I’ll use 18g.

15g is definitely a preference. I’ve always used 16g since they came out for doors and almost everything like outer casing nailing, base , crown, ect The brad is good the small stuff and of course the 23g for fine or delicate things. It’s amazing how good these battery guns are now.

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.

Thank you Richard for answering my question!

I prefer the 15 ga to nail my fingers to a door jamb… 😂… true story… 2-¼” through my pinky… thankfully no bone action… snip, pull and keep going lol…. Thanks for the nice videos though… I really enjoy your trim work

Screws on the hinge side and trim screws to finish work well for doors, or you can use an actual hammer and nails. Especially if you hang like four doors a month. I would probably use a narrow crown stapler for something like those tongue and groove boards, you're a little limited on length there obviously, but I'm not trying to shoot 2 1/2 in nails into walls and ceilings in other people's houses anyway. I have the Milwaukee and use that gun a lot. The 18g brad nailer is great and the pin nailer might be the best tool they make. The only air gun I have is the 15g Hitachi. Great gun, but mostly stays in the garage with the compressor. 15g for me is rare, something like a coffered ceiling, and 16g seems utterly useless. Both kinda old school, used in all the 20 year old trim I pull off that would still be attached to the wall after a tornado. I was so close to buying the Milwaukee framer, but went with the Paslode for weight reasons and couldn't be happier with that choice.

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

he says if you need it for small you trim work you get ..... you just need to buy all of them...... lol

Milwaukee needs to come out with a roofing nail gun.

I use so many different nail guns because, well.... tools! 🤪😁

"Just buy all of them" got it.

In New Zealand we use the framer..... and 16gauge 95% of the time on finishing lines( Trim)

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

16g is "great" but honestly not necessary considering everything and more can be achieved with 18 and 15g compared to 18 and 16g.

Just get all all its Milwaukee! 😂