QA

Quick Answer: What Gauge Nail For Exterior Trim

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.

What nails do you use for exterior trim?

Nail manufacturers recommend that you go with aluminum or stainless steel fasteners when you’re using either of these woods—and whenever you’re using pressure-treated wood. (The preservatives incorporate salts that react with the zinc.) Also, never use galvanized nails with copper flashing.

Can I use 18-gauge nails 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.

Can you use 18-gauge nails for siding?

The answer is, yes. Framing nail guns can be used for siding installation, if the nail being used is long enough to attach the siding firmly to your exterior wood sheathing.

Should I use screws or nails for exterior trim?

If you have any outdoor applications, you need to use stainless or galvanized nails. Finish nails are best for attaching trim and molding and for furniture assembly. Stainless Steel nails and deck screws are useful for outdoor projects where time and weather take their toll. These screws are coated to resist corrosion.

Can you use galvanized nails outside?

The process for hot-dip galvanizing includes cleaning the steel body, submerging the nail into molten zinc, and spinning it to remove excess coating. Perfect for use indoor and outdoor, HDG nails provide a good balance of cost and quality.

What size nails do I use for trim?

The 15-gauge nails, ranging in length from about 1-1/4 in. to 2-1/2 in., are strong enough to secure door jambs and other heavy trim materials. Plus, the angled nose on most 15-gauge nailers allows you to nail in corners and drive toenails more easily.

What is the difference between 16 and 18 gauge nailer?

The 16-gauge finish nail has a 0.0625-inch-thick shank and is typically supplied in 1 to 3½-inch lengths. Because it is thicker, it holds better than 18-gauge brads. Also, it can be used to fasten thicker, denser pieces of wood.

What is a 23 gauge nailer used for?

They blend the pin nails into wood grain: Pin holes blend in nicely with wood grain making them all but invisible in species with pronounced grain, such as oak and ash. At worst, the tiny voids require a light swab of finish or filler to blend in with the wood.

What gauge nail is used for siding?

Ideally, you should space the nails so that each one penetrates a stud; 8d nails, which are 2 1/2-inches long, are suitable for most siding materials.

Can Brad nails be used for siding?

Nail Gun for Siding Choose a nail gun that will accept siding nails. You cannot use a brad gun for installing siding because the brads leave two holes for each brad and do not hold up as well as siding nails.

What gauge are siding nails?

These Siding nails are 1 1/2″ length made of . 083″ (14 Gauge) RING shank 304 Grade Stainless Steel. Use 304 Grade Stainless Steel for outdoor applications to avoid nail corrosion and discoloration. Recommended for ACQ treated lumber, cedar and redwood.

Why are houses built with nails instead of screws?

Nails are often preferred for large projects, like house framing and installing hardwood floors, because they are typically stronger and less expensive than screws. Since most nails have smooth heads and shafts, they insert easily and speedily with a hammer or nail gun.

What nail gun is best for trim work?

Best Finishing Nail Gun For Trim BOSTITCH 15-Gauge 1 1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch Angled Finish Nailer. DEWALT 18-Volt Cordless 20 Degree Angled Finish Nailer. BOSTITCH 20V MAX Cordless Straight Finish Nailer. NuMax 16 Gauge Straight Finish Nailer. Hitachi 1-1/4 Inch to 2-1/2 Inch 15-Gauge Angled Finish Nailer.

What is a casing nail?

A casing nail is similar to a finishing nail but has a slightly thicker shaft and a cone-shaped head. Nails smaller than one inch long are called wire nails if they have a head and brads if they have a very small head or none at….

What nails do you use for pressure treated wood?

The manufacturers of ACQ, CA, ACZA and CCA and the treated wood industry are all recommending hot-dipped galvanized nails and stainless steel nails and screws with their treated wood products.

Can you use bright nails outside?

A nail that is uncoated in any way is often called a “bright” nail. Nails intended for outdoor use are often galvanized or “hot-dipped” with a coating of zinc to improve their weather-resistance.

When should galvanized nails be used?

Galvanized nails are used mainly in construction, specifically roofing. They get their name from a process they undergo called galvanization. This process adds a protective zinc coating to the nail that prevents rusting and corrosion.

What is the difference between 15 gauge and 18 gauge nails?

The difference between them is the gauge nail that they shoot. The most common and readily available types are 15 gauge, 16 gauge, 18 gauge, and 23 gauge. The higher the number, the thinner the nail and the smaller the hole.

What is 15 gauge nailer used for?

Let’s start with 15 gauge finish nailers. These tools are ideal for projects such as cabinet and furniture building, picture frame assembly, trim and molding installation, and upholstery trim applications. Look for an angled nail magazine on most 15 gauge finish nailers.