Who wants to nail halfway while installing a skirting board? Or end up cracking open the skirting board instead of joining? If these scenarios are your least desired outcome, you should carefully select nail guns.
As you probably know, nail guns of all types and brands aren’t suitable for skirting board works. But how do you choose the best nail gun for a skirting board amid this abundance of choices? And what to look for when buying?
To grab a breath from a long, tedious research process, you can trust us. In return, we offer you the list of the best nailers which perfectly fit your job.
What type of nail gun is perfect for skirting boards?
18 gauge brad nailers seem perfect for skirting board installation. For that reason, 18g nailer stands out in the opinion of professional carpenters and DIYers for skirting board jobs.
18g uses 18 gauge nails, much thinner than 15 gauge and 16 gauge. And with a thinner head, it leaves behind tiny, almost unnoticeable holes in the wood. 18g brad nailer also offers sufficient holding power. It makes the nail gun ideal for molding, skirting board work, window woodwork, furniture work, etc., and finishing jobs.
Its thinner nails perfectly cover thinner woodwork without cracking the wood open. And smaller head size makes less use of wood pudding.
Besides the operational benefits, 18g nailers usually come in a lighter weight. Which makes it easier and more comfortable to use and has agile maneuverability. Brad nailer 18g has pneumatic, electric, and battery versions. Depending on your preference, you could choose any of these 3 types.
What is the process of our review?
We have done all the necessary research work to reduce your work of searching best nailers by yourself. For bringing down the long range of nailers to a handful of 5, we have taken help from various sources.
We went above and beyond to make sure our review and recommendation offer the best choices for your finishing job. In the research, we have highly prioritized the reviews of experts in carpentry. We tried to make sure nothing important is left behind.
We also have covered public opinions, their usage outcomes, feedback, and reviews. We dug deep into the DIYer’s on-hand operational reviews and detailed work performance tests.
We tried to focus on a range of performance parameters, keeping a special eye on the following:
- Power
- Performance
- Versatility of work
- Nail type and size
- Weight
- Maneuverability
- Comfort, and
- Durability
Finally, we have gone through the best and updated options and crossed checked the company website, and extracted further details on the products.
5 best nail guns for skirting board
To save you from the tiring work of accessing all the parameters we have done the job for you. Here is the list of best nail guns for skirting boards with all required technical and usage details.
1. Makita AF506 2″ Brad Nailer, 18 Gauge
Technical details
- Type: Pneumatic
- Weight: 2.9 pounds
- Color: Teal
- Material: Plastic, Metal
- Dimension: 2.76 x 9.84 x 10.08
- Operating Pressure: 70 to 120 PSI
- Nail size: 5/8″ to 2″ (18 ga.)
- Nail Capacity: 100 nails
Makita AF506, 18 Gauge, 2” brad nailer, has its special position for its narrow nose design and wide range of applications. The narrow nose ensures the reach to the far narrower corners with less hassle.
It has a nail capacity of 100 nails in the magazine. And is capable of shooting nails at 70-120 PSI. AF506 usually uses nails ranging from ⅝” to 2”.
The nailer’s narrow nose not only offers trickier nailing jobs but also offers incredible precision in shooting. It shoots just about perfectly in standard pressure, neither undershoot nor overshoot, eliminating additional finishing requirements.
Makita AF506’s magazine holds up to 100 nails of 5/8″ to 2″ length, making refill work less frequent. It is incredibly lightweight, 2.9 pounds, making it easy and comfortable to finish jobs. With the built-in air duster, it makes sure you always have a clear surface.
Overall lightweight, maneuverability and top performance make it one of the best 18g brad nailers available.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight, easy to hold, and work.
- Narrow nose design helps precise shooting.
- Shoots in perfect depth not too deep not too shallow.
- Strong aluminum body, ensuring superior durability..
- Maximum durability.
- Built-in air duster ensures clearer surface.
- Less nail jamming record.
- Modern design.
Cons
- Not handy for people who are looking for cordless options.
- Might require putting on oil.
For whom this product is designed
Those who require perfection in their work could go for Makita AF506 2″ 18g Brad Nailer. It’s an incredible machine that offers maximum precision at work with less maintenance and repair work.
02. NEU MASTER NTC0040 Electric Nail Gun, 18 Gauge
Technical details
- Manufacturer: NEU MASTER
- Type: Electric
- Weight: 5.21 pounds
- Design: Modern
- Power Source: Electricity (AC)
- Color: Green
- Material: Plastic
- Product dimension: 9.3 x 2.5 x 10.3 inches
- Nail size: 5/8″ to 1-¼’ (18 ga.)
- Cord length: 6.6 feet
- Power Adjustment: Yes
NEU MASTER NTC0040 is one of the top-trended nail guns of recent times. It has got special attention to people for its impressive duty at a reasonable price range. This is probably one of the best options for people looking for an electric nail gun.
It shoots nails from 5/8” up to 1-¼’ in length, making sure smoother finishing work. It has a plastic build body and comes with a 6.6 feet long cord. NTC0040 works about fine in one hand and both hand use.
Although there are criticisms regarding its total weight, its weight balance makes it easier to hold and work. Its overall ergonomics and firm grip offer a much more comfortable work experience. The power adjustment dial enables you to dictate the nail penetration depth accurately.
This works as a nailer and a stapler gun, offering multipurpose use for its customers. It shoots 18g 1-1/4” inch nails and 1/4” crown staples up to 1″. NEU MASTER NTC0040 covers a wide range of applications, including general repairs to skirting board installation, etc.
Pros
- Versatile applications (Nail & staple)
- Firm grip hold and convenient ergonomics.
- Adjustable power dial.
- Value for money.
- Good for single and both-hand use.
- Compressor-less electric gun.
- Works great for small projects.
Cons
- Extension cords reduce the power.
- Criticism on nail driving strength.
- Havier in weight might be complicated in single-hand use.
For whom this product is designed
Carpenters who have a special preference for electric nail guns could go for NEU MASTER NTC0040. It is a 2 in 1 gun offering you maximum output in your invested money.
03. WEN 61721 18-Gauge 3/8-Inch to 2-Inch Pneumatic Brad Nailer
Technical details
- Manufacturer: WEN
- Type: Pneumatic
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
- Design: Small, Modern & lightweight
- Power Source: Pneumatic
- Color: Orange
- Product dimension: 10 x 8.25 x 2.75 inches
- Nail size: 3/8″ to 2” (18 ga.)
- Operating Pressure: 60 to 115 PSI
- Nail Slider: Metal
- Power Adjustment: Yes
- Nail Capacity: 106 nails
Small, lite, and compact.
An easier way to describe WEN 61721 18-Gauge nailer. It’s unbelievably inexpensive, with tons of features embedded in it. This nailer weighs around 2.7 pounds, making it one of the most lightweight nailer guns and super handy to use.
It can shoot a range of nails in 3/8″ to 2″ length at 60-115 PSI pressure. With an easy-to-use depth adjustment wheel, you can decide how much you want to penetrate. Moreover, it has a transparent window to notify you regarding nails left in the magazine.
The nailer has a spacious magazine holding up to 106 nails at a time. Offering you a long delay in refilling and reloading. Its handy size and weight with a rubber grip handle offer much agility at work without putting pressure on the hand.
WEN 61721 18-Gauge nailer suddenly got huge popularity for its consistency in performance, price, and comfortable use.
Pros
- Best value for money option.
- Exceptionally lightweight.
- Handy and comfortable to use.
- Shoots a wide variety of nails.
- Consistent in nail driving depth.
- Low budget champion nailer.
Cons
- There are some claims of occasional nail jamming.
- Long durability issues.
- Have to have an air compressor to use it.
For whom this product is designed
For those who usually work long hours and hate to take breaks midways, WEN 61721 could be your best choice. You can work for hours without straining your hand. And 106 nail magazines will require fewer reload breaks. It is also a budget king nailer and comes at an incredibly lower price.
04. CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Brad Nailer, 18GA (CMCN618C1)
Technical details
- Manufacturer: CRAFTSMAN
- Type: Cordless (battery-powered)
- Weight: 7.64 pounds
- Design: Cordless & Flexible
- Power Source: Battery
- Color: Red
- Product dimension: 13.37 x 4.49 x 11.49 inches
- Nail size: 1″ to 2” (18 ga.)
- Battery Type: Lithium Battery (Removable)
If wiring your nailer with a compressor irritates you, CRAFTSMAN V20 might be your best option. CRAFTSMAN V20 is a cordless brad nailer that completely detaches from all sorts of wiring and cords.
It is one of the best 18g cordless nailers renowned for its exceptional performance without jamming and performance issues. Its lithium battery offers long active hours, which outlast the projects most of the time.
CRAFTSMAN V20 is larger than the average pneumatic nailer gun size and weighs 7.64 pounds. It can shoot 1”-2” nails and has remarkable nail-shooting consistency.
The ergonomic design ensures an optimal center of gravity to offer a much more comfortable experience to the users. It saves the user from the excess cost of gas or electricity and makes it more handy carrying this.
Pros
- Best cordless nailer as per user’s choice.
- Cordless and flexible.
- Easy to carry and use.
- Comfortable grip.
- Optimal center of gravity for comfortable holding.
- Shoots a wide variety of nails.
- Consistent nail-firing performance.
- Eliminates the need for compressors.
- Less noise.
- Saves gas costs.
Cons
- Might feel heavy for regular pneumatic gun users.
- Expensive compared to pneumatic nailers.
For whom this product is designed
People who feel irritated carrying the compressor and cord attachments should go for CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Brad Nailer. It’s one of the best of its kind, offering exceptional service in finishing and molding jobs.
05. BOSTITCH Brad Nailer, 18GA, Smart Point, Pneumatic (BTFP12233)
Technical details
- Type: Pneumatic
- Weight: 5.16 pounds
- Design: Cordless & Flexible
- Color: Yellow
- Product dimension: 12.2 x 11.7 x 4.5 inches
- Nail size: ⅝” to 2-⅛” (18 ga.)
- Battery Type: Lithium Battery (Removable)
- Operating Pressure: 70 to 120 PSI
- Body Material: Plastic
- Power Adjustment: Yes
- Nail Capacity: 100 nails
BOSTITCH 18g Brad Nailer drives 5/8-inch to 2-1/8-inch nails in length. It is perfect for skirting board, Interior Trim, cabinetry, and other woodwork. It’s a pneumatic nailer with the finest design and the latest technologies.
This is by far the most five stars rated nailer gun in the comparison. Its well-designed ergonomics make it super easy and comfortable to use on the job. It offers complete oil-free operations, eliminating unnecessary maintenance.
It has a tool-free jam and nail removal mechanism, making it very convenient to use. It has a dial-a-depth mechanism for precise nail shooting, ensuring the finest nail work for your project.
The nailer weighs 5.16 pounds, and uses air power to shoot nails at 70-120 psi. Its magazine capacity of 100 keeps it at the front of the brad nailer competition.
Pros
- Best pneumatic nailer as per user’s review.
- Easier handling and operation.
- Comfortable and firm grip.
- High-end design ergonomics.
- Tool-free jam release mechanism.
- Oil-free service and maintenance.
- The narrow point offers precise nailing jobs.
- Solid build and is comfortable use.
Cons
- Air exhaust shoots dust at the face sometimes.
- Some durability issues were reported.
For whom this product is designed
If you are a professional carpenter or looking for a long commitment and performance, BOSTITCH 18g should be your choice. It is by far one of the best in 360-degree comparison.
Things to consider before Buying the Best nail gun for skirting board
You now have the list of the 5 best nail guns that we have put together after long research. To further assist you, we have put some additional tips for choosing the best product.
Brand value
The first thing to consider is top brands as top brands came all the way up for their previous good performances. So it is more of a deserved preference. BOSTITCH, Makita stands out in the top brand count.
Performance
The nail gun you are choosing must offer a good service if not the best. It shouldn’t jam frequently and should shoot nails precisely at inaccurate depth.
Pneumatic/Electric/cordless
Pneumatic guns are lightest but come with a compressor and a cord attached. On the other side, an electric one comes without a compressor but is cord connected. Cordless guns are battery-powered but weigh much more. It’s your call to select which one.
Convenience and durability:
You will probably hold it long if you work on a skirting board. So it better has to be convenient to carry and comfortable to use. And a nail gun is something you don’t buy every other day. So do consider their built materials and durability beforehand.
FAQ
Some frequently asked questions regarding skirting board installation are answered below. Make sure you benefit yourself from further discussions.
You can do both nail and glue skirting boards. Or you can do any one of these. It works both ways. But if you ask which one is better. Then the answer would be more in favor of nailing the skirting board as it offers firm attachment to the board, unlike adhesive’s attachment.
You first get your selected skirting board. Measure the wall where you would be installing the board. Cut the board properly and ensure the miter joint is in conjunction. Use an 18g brad nailer to nail the board to the wall. Or you can use adhesive and manual nailing to attach the board.
A few arguments exist regarding which nail will be used for nailing skirting boards. Some say 16g is best. Some say 18g. But it is best and wise to use 18g nails for the skirting board. As they offer the finest finishing job and reduce the risk of cracking the board.
Time to wrap up
Choosing the right tools is fundamental for getting a job done well. To some people, it is crucial in the whole work process. This is no different from nailer selection for skirting board installation.
Overwhelming choices make it difficult to choose the best nailer from the competition. To ease you, we have listed the best nail gun for skirting board.
You can choose any nail guns above and say goodbye to all your tensions. But for more personalized recommendations, the answers would differ in different scenarios. Considering overall performance BOSTITCH Brad Nailer, 18GA, Pneumatic (BTFP12233) easily assures first place in the best nail gun competition.