Pinning one or two nails using a hammer might not be much of a problem, but putting nails for an entire home renovation project can be a challenge.
Manually nailing can be extremely tedious, especially for baseboard trimming. Conversely, baseboard nailers will be easier to use and reduce working time.
You might need to replace the entire house’s baseboards, and fastening the nails with a hammer will be extremely tiring. It is better to purchase possible best nail guns for baseboards to avoid such nuisance. It will make the renovation job a lot easier and faster.
What Type of Nailer is Used for Baseboards?
Baseboards are thin wood pieces that protect the wall and enhances the beauty of the interior. Sometimes the baseboards need replacement, either due to being damaged or for renovation purposes.
Whether you want to set a new baseboard or replace it with a new one, a cordless brad nailer will play an important role for your convenience. It will help you to complete your work a thousand times faster.
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Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
As baseboards are thin pieces of wood, you need to be careful what type of nail gun you are using. Using too thick and long nails can tear the baseboards and damage the wall.
On the contrary, if you use very thin and short nails or pins, they might not even hold the baseboards in place.
The best type of nailer for baseboards are 15 gauge nailers to 18 gauge nailers. If your baseboards are 1 inch or more, you can go for a nailer of 15 gauge. If your baseboard is 0.5 inches to 0.75 inches thick, 16-gauge nailers are the best.
For even thinner baseboards, you can use 18-gauge nail guns. Check more details here to know What Size Brad Nail is Ideal for Baseboard.
Best Nail Gun for Baseboards Reviews
Having many nail guns options available in the market, it can become overwhelming to decide which baseboard nail gun is best for your project. Yet, we have taken on the challenge and decided on our top picks.
After some investigation, we have compiled the 7 best brad nailers for baseboard and crown molding. So, here is our in-depth review:
Editors Top 3 Pick: Basebaord Nail Gun Comparison Table
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Metabo HPT NT65MA4 Finish Nailer Kit
Another top-rated baseboard nailer from the brand Metabo HPT, previously known as Hitachi. This model is one of their 15-gauge pneumatic nailers. It is a finish nailer that can be used for nail head from 1.25 inches to 2.5 inches in length.
This finish nailer has been a trusted tool by many professionals for over 7 years. Therefore, the expectation from this tool tends to be high.
Controlling this pneumatic brad nailer is very effortless. It has two triggering options, one for sequential nailing and another is contact nailing. It also has depth adjustment, which makes it suitable for different types of tasks.
Moreover, the 360-degree air exhaust port ensures that the airflow clears out any dirt or debris while nailing.
Despite being a sturdy and well-built machine, the tool is extremely lightweight. It weighs a little more than 4 pounds. You do not have to worry about fatigue or numbness after working for a long time.
Relevant Reading: How to Nail Baseboard with Nail Gun
Overview
- Brand: Metabo
- Nail Gun Power: Pneumatic
- Gauge: 15
- Nail length: 1.25 – 2.5 inches
Pros
- Very lightweight tool
- Two nailing options
- Switching between options is very easy
- It has a 360-degree exhaust port
- It has a depth adjustment
- The nailer has a no-mar tip
Cons
- The depth-adjuster does not always function properly
2. Paslode Finish Nailer 902400
The second nailer gun on our list is a cordless finish nailer. This will be best if you are looking for a trim nailer for the baseboard, which is battery-powered.
It is from the brand Paslode, and it is their 16 gauge finishing nailer. This nail gun is designed to provide precision.
The tip of the firing head and the angel for magazines make it possible to reach difficult places.
Another contributing factor for this brad nail gun is that it is very lightweight. Being less than 5 pounds and having no wire, this is suitable for any workplace. Moreover, it gives maneuvering while working. As a result, working in complex spaces becomes easy with this nail gun.
It has a no-mar tip that ensures that the surface you are working with does not get scratches or damage while nailing. The 7-volt lithium-ion battery is capable of inserting about 12000 nails at a single charge.
Above that, a fully charged nail gun is good to go for an entire day.
Overview
- Brand: Paslode
- Nail Gun Power: Battery
- Gauge: 16
- Nail length: 1.5 inches
Pros
- Inserts nails efficiently
- Battery operated, so it is portable
- Extremely lightweight
- It has a no-mar tip
- It has good maneuverability
- 7-volt Li-ion battery works for a long time
- The design makes it easy to reach complex spaces
Cons
- The nailer might start jamming after a while
3. NuMax SFN64 Pneumatic Nail Gun
In the third position, we have another pneumatic nailer, which is also excellent for baseboards. This angled finish nailer can hold 16 gauge 2.5 inches nails. Apart from working as a superb nailer for baseboards, this is equally suitable for other projects like molding, cabinets, staircases, furniture, etc.
The body of this nail gun is aluminum-made which makes it lightweight. Also, it has an ergonomic handle.
This tool performs incredibly well when you want to comfortably complete your nailing job. Moreover, the no-mar tip provides the precision that results in a clean job. Different trigger settings and depth adjustment allow versatility for the nailing procedure.
An outstanding feature of this nailer is that it has a quick jam release feature. It allows getting rid of the jamming issue without disassembling the nail gun. Lastly, this multipurpose nailer also comes with various accessories for different types of tasks.
Overview
- Brand: NuMax
- Nail Gun Power: Pneumatic
- Gauge: 16
- Nail length: 1 – 2.5 inches
Pros
- The nail gun is lightweight as its body made of aluminum
- It has an ergonomic handle
- The tip is a no-mar tip
- It has a depth adjustment
- The nailer allows sequential fire
- It has a jam release feature
Cons
- Sometimes the nails do not fully enter the surface
- Not suitable for heavy work
4. Hitachi NT65MA4 Finish Nailer
Up next, we have a nail gun from the brand Hitachi. Although, for their power tools, they have changed their brand name to Metabo HPT. Whatever the name is, the nail gun performs equally great as they did before. Besides baseboard trimming work, it is the best nail gun for trim work.
This nailer is lightweight, weighing only about 4.2 pounds. It is easy to reach complex spaces with this angeled finish nailer.
It is a 15 gauge nailer, which is perfect for hammering down nails into baseboards. However, this tool is versatile and can be used for other interior jobs.
The tool is easy to maneuver and control. It has a simple flip switch to choose between sequential nailing or contact nailing. You can also adjust depth for inserting nails. It also has a 360-degree exhaust that is directed away from the user. It prevents the user from getting interrupted by dirt, debris, or oil. Above that, the air duster of the nail gun allows the user to clear away any dirt or dust while working.
Overview
- Brand: Hitachi
- Nail Gun Power: Pneumatic
- Gauge: 15
- Nail length: 1.25 – 2.5 inches
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- It has good performance
- Flip switch for choosing nailing option
- It has a 360-degree exhaust
- Air duster clears away dirt
- The tool comes with a good warranty
Cons
- It sometimes misfires with short nails
- It can be too loud
5. DEWALT Finish Nailer D51257K
This air-powered 16 gauge finish nailer is perfect for baseboards. It can nail pins with a length of 1 inch to 2.5 inches. This nailer has a unique option; that is, you can use this finishing nail gun with or without oil. This feature makes this tool different from others.
Some other features of this fantastic nailer include a 360-degree rotating exhaust cap, nail depth adjustment, adjustment belt hook. Moreover, the front of the nail gun has an opening to release jammed nails. This feature comes in really handy while doing bigger projects.
Above that, it has a pre-installed sequential action trigger and a trigger lock-off. The no-mar front also ensures that the surface stays as it is. Finally, the pneumatic brand nailer comes in a good quality casing.
Overview
- Brand: Dewalt
- Nail Gun Power: Pneumatic
- Gauge: 16
- Nail length: 1 – 2.5 inches
Pros
- Magnesium built and sturdy
- 16 gauge nail gun, perfect for baseboards
- It has a 360-degree rotating exhaust cap
- It has an opening for jammed nails
- Safety feature includes a trigger lock
Cons
- The nailer might not be very longlasting
- Loading nails can be difficult
6. BOSTITCH Finish Nailer BTFP71917
One of the greatest nailgun for baseboard trim, crown molding, or cabinet projects in the market. This is the best option if you are looking for a nailer specially for baseboards. Moreover, this tool is suitable for both amateurs and professionals.
This one is a pneumatic nailgun with a selectable trigger system for comfortable use. It allows you to put nails smoothly with its 16 GA gauge finish nailer, sufficient for baseboards. You can put nails having 1-1/4-inch to 2-1/2-inch in length.
Above that, this nail gun’s tip is designed to provide precision both in position and depth. This feature makes this nail gun more demandable. Moreover, you get two options for inserting nails. One is for single insertion, and another one is for multiple insertions. You can also adjust the trigger of the nail gun.
Overview
- Brand: Bostitch
- Nail Gun Power: Pneumatic
- Gauge: 15
- Nail length: 1.25 – 2.5 inches
Pros
- The nail gun is lightweight
- Easy to work with
- Provides precision on inserting nails
- It has two options for nailing
- 16 gauge makes it idle for baseboards
- LED light helps in the dark
- It has an adjustable trigger
- No oil or maintenance required
Cons
- It works only with a few specific types of nails
7. Makita AF505N Brad Nailer
This is the only 18-gauge nails gun on our list, and it is perfect for baseboards. If you need thinner nail for your baseboards, you should definitely go for this nail gun from Makita.
The nailer has the capacity of having 100 nails at a time and can have nails with a length between 5/8 inches to 2 inches.
It is lightweight, weighing about 3 pounds. This aluminum-made nailer makes it extremely easy to work with. Also, the ergonomic design, the handle with rubber grip, and overall design ensure comfort while nailing. Also, the narrow nose design ensures you get access to confined spaces while working.
The nailer has two options for nailing, one is contact nailing, and the other is sequential nailing. You can choose any of these two using the trigger. You will also get depth adjustment with this incredible brad nailer.
Overview
- Brand: Makita
- Nail Gun Power: Pneumatic
- Gauge: 18
- Nail length: 5/8 – 2 inches
Pros
- The tool is extremely lightweight
- Made of aluminum, sturdy and durable
- It has a narrow nose for better accessibility
- Two nailing options
- It has a depth adjustment
Cons
- It does not work effectively with hardwoods
- The depth adjuster sometimes does not work
Perfect Baseboard Nailer Buying Guide
As many nail guns are available in the market, deciding which one you should purchase can be challenging. We have even suggested a shortlist of products. We also compiled the requirements you need to check before buying a nail gun for your baseboards.
a. Type of Nails or Gauge
As there are different types of nails, all nailing tools cannot be used for every kind of nail. Some nail guns can use a more extensive and thicker nail, and vice versa.
The pins are described with a number and the unit gauge. There could be nails from being 15 gauge to 23 gauge.
For instance, 15-gauge nails are thicker and have a prominent head, 16 gauge are slightly thinner than 15 inches and shorter. Finally, 23-gauge nails are very thin and short, which almost looks like pins.
The suitable gauge for baseboards is from 15 gauge to 18 gauge. Therefore, if you are willing to purchase a nail gun dedicated to baseboards, you should consider these numbers.
b. The Power Source of the Nailer
Generally, you will find two types of nailer. One of them uses air pressure to operate, and the other one uses a battery. You can choose any of them as both are equally good. Your choice should be based on your preference.
For pneumatic nail guns that use air pressure, you need to attach an air compressor. You will see a lot of Powerful Air Compressor nail guns available. These nail guns are meant to tackle heavy-duty work, but you need to compromise having a wire hanging around the nailer. Also, you might need to oil your machine and take good care of it.
On the other hand, battery-operated nail guns are portable. You can reach difficult places without any problem. However, the downside of battery-operated nail guns is they can be heavy due to the battery.
c. Trigger Operation
The trigger is the most crucial and delicate part of a nail gun. This power tool is not easy to operate. The final stage of successfully inserting a nail is pulling the trigger. Some nail guns have safety features for the trigger. Sometimes you can run out of nails, and pulling the trigger can cause dent or damage on the surface.
Triggers with lock features ensure that when the nail magazine is empty, it does not shoot. Moreover, some triggers can be switched to have different nailing options.
On contact nailing or sequential nailing, the option can be chosen using the trigger. Being a power tool, a nail gun can damage your project and cause accidents if not used carefully. To ensure safety, having a good and functioning trigger is undeniably essential.
d. Jam Release
When you are doing significant projects or fastening nails sequentially, you will likely face some jamming problems with your nail gun. This is a common problem. However, the solution needs to be easy to the baseboard nail gun for the cabinet project.
Some nailers get jammed, yet it is relatively easy or takes no tool to release jammed nails. On the other hand, some of the nailers are incapable of releasing jams. Moreover, sometimes nails get stuck so badly that the entire nailer becomes unusable. You should choose a nail gun with a jam releasing option or takes no tool to remove jammed nails to avoid such hassle.
e. Other Features
Manufacturers are continuously upgrading their products and technologies and consistently trying to add new features. While purchasing a nail gun for your baseboards, you should see what features a particular nail gun has to offer.
Some nailer these days comes with a rotating exhaust system that blows away dirt from the working area. Again, some have an advanced tip that does not leave marks or dents; some have lights that make it easy to hammer nails in the dark, and so on.
f. Price and Warranty
Everyone considers the price of an item while making a purchase. Obviously, the nail gun you want to purchase has to be within your budget. Some great nail guns come at a reasonable price. However, some higher-priced nailers can offer better durability and features.
On the other hand, good manufacturers tend to give a better warranty and customer service. It is better to choose a nailer that has a better warranty so that in case any problem occurs, and you get a solution or replacement for your machine.
Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Baseboard Nail Gun: FAQ
1. How Do You Cut Angles for Baseboards?
Ans: Firstly, you need to mark where to cut. Then you need to cut the baseboards for both sides at a 45-degree angle. Sometimes cutting them slightly less than 45 degrees angle makes the two baseboards fit properly.
2. Can You Use A Pin Nailer for Trimming Baseboards?
Ans: A 15- or 16-gauge nail gun is most suitable for baseboards and can hold the trimming baseboard most effectively. However, pin nails are 23 gauge which is very thin and small. Therefore, they are not the appropriate baseboards nailer.
3. How Much Can Be Cost to Install the Baseboard?
Ans: The cost of installing new baseboards can vary between $350 to $575. However, the expense can vary based on the linear feet of baseboard installation.
4. Do You Need A Nail Gun for The Baseboard?
Ans: No. However, if you try to put every nail using a hammer, the task can become tiresome. It is better to use a nail gun to simplify your job.
5. Can You Use 16 Gauge Nails for Baseboards?
Ans: Yes. In fact, 16- or 15-gauge nail guns are best suited for nailing baseboards.
Recommended Reading:
- Cordless Battery-powered Framing Nailer Reviews
- Best Nail Gun for Fencing
- What is the Best Nail Gun for Hardie Trim
Final Words
When you purchase the best nail gun for baseboards, you can also use it for crafting or other projects. However, the thickness of the wood should be similar to the thickness of the baseboard.
If that gets matched, the nailer will work fine for other projects. Once you get used to nailing work, you will find it very enjoyable crafting new things or completing new projects.
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