We must admit, carrying out projects with baseboards is not as easy as it seems. Things went far south when we once tried to carry out such projects without the right tool.
Now, by the right tool, we are referring to the best nail gun for baseboards. Again, getting your hands on that will not be easy either. We struggled a lot and so will you.
Well, the good thing is that we now have a good amount of experience with nailers for baseboards.
After that terrible experience, we have tested out most of the top-rated models and know which one is right for baseboard projects and which one is not. And we are going to make the choosing process easier for you as well.
10 Best Nail Gun for Baseboards
As we have mentioned above, we have tested out most of the top-selling models. From the extensive testing that we did with baseboards, there are some that stood out the most. And here is a descriptive review of each of them:
1. WEN 61721
While there are plenty of brands out there offering the best nailer for baseboards, not all of them have a hassle-free operational procedure. Well, that is where this one from WEN stands out.
So, what makes operating it hassle-free? Well, the nose latch is the reason. It makes clearing the jams look quick and easy. That means even if nails do get stuck inside, there will be no need to go through that many difficulties in terms of releasing it.
The unit also operates at 60 to 115 PSI. There is a knob that will let you change the PSI accordingly. Also, as it utilizes ¼ inches NPT air fitting for the inlet, it should be able to offer a consistent pressure.
When it comes to compatibility, this one is capable of shooting 18 gauge brands that are from 3/8 inches to 2 inches. You would be capable of working with a wide range of nails while working with baseboards.
There is a depth adjustment mechanism as well. You will also find a rotatable exhaust. And the magazine holds the ability to accommodate up to 106 nails.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The hassle-free jam releasing mechanism is the highlighting point of this one. Also, it can work with plenty of different 18 gauge brads.
2. PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA
On the lookout for the best nailer for baseboard that is battery-operated? When we were looking for one, this one from PORTER-CABLE is the one we picked. Wondering why? Well, you need to read the review for that!
The first thing that makes this one stand out the most is that it requires no hose, no compressor, and no gas. In other words, it is battery-operated. That makes the task of moving the tool around pretty easy. And with each charge, it can shoot up to 1300 nails, which is not a small thing.
It utilizes a proper motorized design to offer consistent firing power. That means the nails are going to get inside the baseboard flush, and the finishing tasks will not require any hammering. Also, it shoots 18 gauge nails and has a tool-free stall release lever.
Even the jam-releasing mechanism is tool-free. For that reason, there will be no need to carry a tool with you when operating this one. There is a depth adjustment wheel on the body as well.
This tool also has a LED light on the front. That will come in handy while working in a relatively dark environment.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The battery-operated nature of the tool will make it easier to handle the tool. Also, there are tool-free mechanisms.
3. DEWALT DWFP12231
You might have already heard about the brand DEWALT. They have some of the most amazing tools to offer in the market. And this brad nailer for baseboards is not an exception in that regard.
One of the things that make this one amazing is the motor. It will not require any maintenance at well. And the best part is that it has a long lifespan, making it the best finish nailer for baseboard.
Like some of the other nailers, this one also has a depth adjustment mechanism. That will let you adjust the depth without requiring any additional tools. Also, it has dedicated settings for different lengths of nails.
The depth adjustment mechanism is not the only thing that is tool-free. Even the jam-releasing mechanism is tool-free. And it will make the task of releasing the jammed nails a piece of cake.
It even has a rear exhaust. Wondering what it does? The exhaust will keep the contaminants away from the space. And thanks to the belt hook, it will be possible to carry it around without facing any issues.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The motor of the tool has a long lifespan and does not require any maintenance. And let us not forget that it has tool-free adjustment mechanisms.
4. BOSTITCH BTFP12233
When looking for the best nail gun for baseboard, you might want to opt for something that is smart. Well, if that is the case, keep this one from BOSTITCH in your consideration list.
So, what makes it smart? Well, the integration of smart point technology is actually what makes it smart. This technology will make it easier to place the nails properly. And due to the small nose, compressing the contact tip will not be a requirement.
The tool can work with a plethora of different-sized nails as well. Starting from 5/8 inches to 2-1/8 inches, you will be able to work with all of them. Also, as it has an oil-free operational mechanism, there will be no need to worry about oil stains.
You will also find a depth control mechanism. That will increase the overall precision and make it easier to countersink the nails accurately. Also, the trigger system two modes. One is contact operation, and the other is sequential.
It even integrates a belt hook on the rear. And there is an exhaust that will keep the workspace clean.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
It integrates a smart technology that will make it easier to place the nails. Also, there is an accurate depth adjustment mechanism.
5. NEU MASTER NTC0040
Versatility is one of the things that most of these nailers will not be able to offer. However, this one from NEU MASTER is different in that regard. And we will describe how in this review.
First, it features a 2 in 1 design. That design makes it capable of acting like a brad nailer and a staple gun at the same time. So, you can perform both of the tasks on the baseboard without needing any extra tools.
The unit also utilizes a non-marring tip on the front. This tip will ensure that the finish on the baseboard is flawless. There will be no need to worry about leaving scratches while working with it.
Operating the tool is a hassle-free thing as well. It has an ergonomic handle, which has a soft grip. This handle will lower the chances of hand fatigue occurring when working with it for a long time.
You will also be able to adjust the power of the fires. There is a knob especially for adjusting the power. And it is easy to adjust too.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
This versatile machine has a lot to offer. It has a non-marring tip, and there is an adjustable power knob. Also, it is easy to operate.
6. NuMax SFN64
Want to work on the baseboards with something that is light in weight? Well, you will not have to look any further then because NuMax is offering the right thing for you here.
As we have mentioned, the unit is pretty lightweight. This lightweight nature will make it easier to handle it around. Also, it has an ergonomic handle. There is a rubber coating on the handle, which will enhance the overall comfort.
Even though it is light in weight, it is highly durable. The body is of high-quality aluminum. And it will surely be able to perform heavy-duty nailing and finishing tasks without showing any problems.
It even boasts a non-marring tip on the nose. That will ensure that the finish on the baseboard is perfect. Also, it will lower the chances of dents and dings occurring. Clearing out the jams will not be an issue either because it has a quick jam releasing mechanism.
The tool also has a depth adjustment mechanism. And the good thing about that is that it is tool-free.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The fact that it is light in weight and reasonably durable makes it worth the purchase. Also, the inclusion of the ergonomic handle is a cherry on the top.
7. KIMO 20V
Being able to finish the finishing and nailing tasks in a short amount of time sounds like something impossible, right? Well, that dream can come true if you opt for this nailer.
Unlike some of the other nailers, this one has an adjustable trigger mechanism. That mechanism will allow you to switch from single or rapid fire. And with the rapid firing mode, you can finish off the tasks in a rapid manner.
Additionally, it does not have any cords, nor will it require any hose. It is entirely cordless, which means you will gain the maximum amount of mobility while working with the baseboards.
The unit also has a proper motor that can handle 18 gauge nails without any issues. And it is capable of offering a consistent firing power. So, all of the nails should go in flush.
It is also relatively light in weight. This trait will make it easier to balance the tool in different scenarios. Also, the compact nature will make the task of storing it easier.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The variable trigger system is the main selling point of this one. Also, it is lightweight and has a compact overall form factor.
8. NEU MASTER N6013
Even though most of the top-rated models are going to offer a good amount of firing power, one thing that they will not have is a safety mechanism. And that is where this specific model from Neu Master stands out.
To start with, it has a safety switch. This switch will do a great job of preventing accidental fires. Also, it will lower down the chances of dry firing and misfires occurring. So, you would be able to safely operate it to work with the baseboards.
The unit also has an adjustable knob for power. Depending on the thickness of the baseboard, you can switch to different power levels. Also, the magazine has an easy releasing system. For that reason, it will be easier to reload when the mag is out of nails.
This is reasonably versatile as well. It can work with 18 gauge brads that are from ½ inches to 5/8 inches in length. Additionally, you can make it work with the T50 or the TRA700 series stables that are from 5/16 inches to 5/8 inches.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
It comes with a safety mechanism that will lower the chances of misfires and accidental fires occurring. Also, there is a quick-releasing magazine.
9. CRAFTSMAN CMCN618C1
Looking for a nailer that is capable of driving adhesive collated nails? Well, CRAFTSMAN might have got the thing you were looking for all this time!
First of all, it is cordless. In other words, it will not require any cords, hose, compressor, or any other lines. This cordless nature will make the task of moving the unit around and working on the hard-to-reach places easy. You can carry it easily as well.
The tool is also capable of working with both regular 18 gauge nails and adhesive collated ones. Also, there is a tool-free jam releasing mechanism, which will make it easier to deal with the occasional jams. The stall settings are also tool-free.
Moreover, it has an adjustable depth-changing mechanism. It is tool-free as well. So, setting the tool up for working with baseboards will not take that much amount of time. Also, the unit is light in weight and easy to operate.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product
If you were looking for a nailer that has the ability to work with adhesive collated nails, you should purchase this product.
10. Ryobi P320
Do not want to go through the hassle of recharging the battery frequently while trying to finish a heavy-duty nailing task? Well, in that case, you should take a look at what Ryobi is offering here.
You might have already guessed; this tool is cordless. It relies on a battery. The battery it utilizes has a good overall capacity. With a full charge, it holds the ability to drive up to 1700 nails.
Alongside that, as it is cordless, it will not require any hose, compressor, or gas cartridges. This trait will let you stay highly mobile while operating the tool. Also, you can adjust the air pressure according to the baseboard you are handling. There is a dedicated dial for that.
It even has an indicator that will light up when the magazine has a low amount of nails. This will lower the possibility of dry firing and misfiring occurring. Also, there is a built-in LED on the front. That will offer light in low-light environments.
Pros
Cons
Why Should You Purchase This Product?
The thing that makes it stand out the most is the battery it uses. After a full charging session, it can drive up to 1700 nails. Also, there is an adjustable air pressure knob.
16 or 18 Gauge Nailer for Baseboard?
Confusion regarding which nail you should use for the baseboard is a pretty common thing. And as you know by now, the 18 gauge nails are thinner than 16 gauge nails. Yes, the number in terms of gauge goes in the opposite direction. The higher the number, the thinner the nail is going to be.
Nevertheless, when it comes to selecting the right nailer for the baseboard, it usually comes down to two options. One is a 16 gauge nailer, while the other is an 18 gauge nailer. And it should be noted that the 16 gauge one will only shoot 16 gauge nails, while the 18 gauge tool will only shoot 18 gauge nails.
But which one should you choose? Well, the thicker the nail, the greater the shooting power is going to be. So, if the baseboard is reasonably thick in diameter, opt for the 16 gauge nailer. It will be able to hold the boards better than the 18 gauge nailers in this case.
However, if the baseboard is not that thick, opt for the 18 gauge nailer. It will let you get a good finish. And due to it having less shooting power, it will not damage the baseboard.
Things to Check Before Getting One
Now that you know about the top-rated brands and the models they are offering, you must be pretty excited to get your hands on one of them. However, before you make a purchase decision, you need to consider a couple of things. And the things we are referring to here are as follows:
Type
First, you need to consider the type. There are mainly three types of nailers available. One is the corded one, which is going to rely on the power delivered from the power outlet. The second one is cordless. And that is going to depend on the battery power.
Lastly, the third type is pneumatic. That will require a hose, compressor, and other components. It is relatively easy to work with cordless ones because they do not require any cords nor do they require any hose or compressor.
However, if you are looking to work with the baseboards for a long time without worrying about recharging or changing the compressors, opt for the corded ones. Those are going to have a excellent of power as well.
Motor
Apart from the type, consider the motor of the tool. Make sure it offers consistent firing power. There will be some nails that will not be flush on the baseboard without getting a consistent firing power. That means hammering would be necessary, which is an extra hassle.
For that reason, we would highly recommend getting the units that have a capable motor and offers consistent firing power.
Jam Releasing Mechanism
Jams and nailers are kind of like friends. There is literally no nailer that is totally jam-free. Some might have a specific design to lower the number of jams occurring, but they will not be able to eliminate it completely. For that reason, it is important to consider the jam releasing mechanism.
Our recommendation here would be to opt for the ones that have a tool-free jam releasing mechanism. With those, releasing the jams will be a piece of cake.
Depth Adjustments
Lastly, consider the depth adjustment mechanism. It is basically the thing that will allow you to control the power, which will eventually let you control the depth of the nails. Having precise control over this will let you get the nails flush on the surface. And having the flush is quite important to get a flawless finish.
Comparison Table
Product | Type | Nail Type | Compatible Sizes |
WEN 61721 | Pneumatic | 18 gauge | 3/8 inches to 2 inches |
PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA | Cordless | 18 gauge | 5/8 inches to 2 inches |
DEWALT DWFP12231 | Pneumatic | 18 gauge | 5/8 inches to 2 inches |
BOSTITCH BTFP12233 | Pneumatic | 18 gauge | 5/8 inches to 2 inches |
NEU MASTER NTC0040 | Corded | 18 gauge | 3/8 inches to 2 inches |
NuMax SFN64 | Pneumatic | 16 gauge | 2-1/2 inches |
KIMO 20V | Cordless | 18 gauge | ¾ inches to 2 inches |
NEU MASTER N6013 | Corded | 18 gauge | 9/16 inches to 5/8 inches |
CRAFTSMAN CMCN618C1 | Cordless | 18 gauge | 2 inches |
Ryobi P320 | Cordless | 18 gauge | 2 inches |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What kind of nail gun do you use for baseboards?
For most of the tasks related to baseboards, the 16 gauge nailers are going to perform the best. However, if the baseboards are not that thick, you should opt for the 18 gauge nailer.
2. Can you use 23 gauge nails for baseboards?
The 23 gauge nails are too thin. And they simply do not have that much holding power. For that reason, it would be wise not to use 23 gauge nails for baseboards. These would be ideal for small wood projects.
3. Which nailer should I use for trim?
When it comes to working with trims, we would recommend using the 18 gauge nailers. The 18 gauge nails have the right amount of thickness and holding power for this specific type of task.
4. What makes 18 gauge and 16 gauge nailers different?
First, the 16 gauge nails are slightly thicker than the 18 gauge ones. Secondly, the power of 16 gauge nailers is a bit high considering the fact that they have to shoot nails that are a bit thicker.
5. What exactly is the difference between brad nails and finish nails?
Usually, the 18 gauge nails are called bard nails. The 18 gauge nailers will generally shoot nails that are up to 2 inches long. On the other hand, the finish nails are 16 gauge nails that are up to 2-1/2 inches long. And the nailers are generally called finish nailers.
Final Words
As you can see, getting the best nail gun for baseboards is not as hard as it might seem to be in the first place. You need to know about the top-rated models and consider some of the important points before buying. And we hope we did a proper job in offering that information.