Quick Summary: Nail guns use specific fastener types, predominantly nails, categorized by size, collation (how they’re held together), and head style. Choosing the right nail is crucial for tool function and project success. Common types include brad nails, finish nails, framing nails, and roofing nails, each designed for different materials and applications.
Hey there, DIYers and aspiring woodworkers! Jack Shaffer here from Nailerguy. Ever stared at a box of nails and wondered, “Do these actually fit my nail gun?” It’s a super common question, especially when you’re just starting out with a new tool or tackling a different kind of project. Using the wrong nails can jam your gun, damage your workpiece, or just lead to a frustrating experience. But don’t worry, we’re going to clear all this up! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of nail gun fasteners. We’ll break down exactly what types of nails fit nail guns, making sure you pick the perfect fastener every time. Ready to nail your next project? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Understanding Nail Gun Fasteners: Beyond Just “Nails”
When we talk about nails for nail guns, it’s not just about the length and thickness. There are a few key characteristics that determine compatibility. Think of it like a puzzle; each piece has to be the right shape and size to fit perfectly. The main things to consider are the nail’s size, its collation (how the nails are held together in a strip), and the style of its head.
Nail Size: Length and Gauge
The first, and often most obvious, thing to consider is the nail’s size. This breaks down into two main components:
- Length: This is the measurement from the very tip of the nail to just under the head. Nail gun nails come in a huge range of lengths, from as small as 1/2 inch to over 3 inches. The length you need depends on the thickness of the materials you’re joining and how much holding power you require. For example, attaching thin trim might only need 1-inch nails, while building a deck frame will definitely require longer, sturdier nails, often 3 inches or more.
- Gauge: This refers to the thickness or diameter of the nail shank. A lower gauge number means a thicker nail. For instance, a 14-gauge nail is thicker than a 16-gauge nail. Thicker nails provide more strength and holding power, which is essential for structural applications like framing. Thinner nails (higher gauge) are less likely to split delicate woods and are perfect for trim or molding where a less visible fastener is desired.
Collation: How the Nails Are Held Together
Nails are rarely used one by one with a nail gun. They come loaded in strips or coils, held together by a specific type of adhesive, wire, or plastic. This is called “collation,” and it’s critical for proper feeding into your nail gun. The angle and material of the collation are designed to match specific nail gun models.
- Paper Collated: These nails are glued together at an angle, typically 20 to 30 degrees, forming a strip. The paper is designed to break away as the nail is fired. They are very common in framing nailers and some construction applications. The angle allows for easier access in tight spots.
- Plastic Collated: Similar to paper collated, but the nails are held together with plastic. These are often used in 15-gauge and 16-gauge finish and brad nailers. The plastic collation is generally more durable and less prone to breaking in wet conditions than paper. There are two common styles: angled plastic (often 20-25 degrees) and straight plastic (usually used by specific tools).
- Wire Collated: Nails are welded together on wires. You’ll often find these in framing nailers or for specific construction purposes.
- Coiled: These nails are wound in a coil, usually attached by wire or plastic. They are commonly used in roofing nailers and some siding nailers. The coil design allows the tool to hold a large number of fasteners, which is great for high-volume work like shingling a roof.
Head Style: The Finishing Touch
The head of the nail plays a role in both holding power and the final appearance of your project. Nail guns are designed to drive nails with specific head styles flush with the surface, or even slightly countersunk, depending on the application.
- Nail Head (or Flat Head): This is a common head style found on framing nails and some construction nails. It provides a broad surface area for maximum holding power, especially in structural applications.
- Finishing Head (or Slim Head): These are smaller, often slightly domed or oval heads. They are designed to be driven with minimal damage to the surface, easily countersunk for filling with putty or wood filler, making them ideal for trim, molding, and cabinetry.
- Brad Head: Very similar to a finishing head, but often even smaller and more delicate. Designed for the finest trim work and crafts where a nearly invisible fastener is needed.
- T-Head: These nails have a distinctly T-shaped head when viewed from the side. They are common in framing and construction where maximum strength is needed and appearance is less critical.
- Round Head: Also common in framing, this is a full, circular head providing maximum bearing surface for holding power.
Key Types of Nails Used in Nail Guns
Now that we understand the basic components, let’s look at the most common types of nails you’ll encounter for different nail guns. The type of nail is almost always tied to the type of nail gun it’s designed for.
1. Brad Nails
Brad nails are the smallest and thinnest nails used in nail guns, typically in the 18-gauge range. They have a very small head, making them almost invisible when fired. This makes them perfect for delicate work.
- Gauge: Usually 18-gauge (thinnest).
- Length: Typically 1/2 inch to 2 inches.
- Collation: Most often plastic collated at a straight or very slight angle.
- Head Style: Minimal, very small headless or nearly headless.
- Common Uses: Attaching thin decorative trim, crown molding, shoe molding, baseboards, paneling, crafts, and any project where a small, discreet fastener is needed.
- Nail Gun Type: Brad Nailer (18-gauge).
2. Finish Nails
Finish nails are a step up in size and strength from brad nails. They are commonly found in 15-gauge and 16-gauge. They have a slightly larger head than brad nails, offering more holding power, but still small enough to be easily hidden.
- Gauge: Commonly 15-gauge or 16-gauge.
- Length: Typically 1 inch to 2-1/2 inches.
- Collation: Usually plastic collated, either straight or at a slight angle (e.g., 20-25 degrees for 15-gauge).
- Head Style: Small, but distinct finishing head, designed to be countersunk.
- Common Uses: Installing baseboards, window and door casings, crown molding, chair rails, and general woodworking where a secure but aesthetically pleasing finish is important. They are great for solid wood projects.
- Nail Gun Type: Finish Nailer (15-gauge or 16-gauge).
3. Framing Nails
Framing nails are the workhorses of the nail gun world. They are designed for structural applications where strength and holding power are paramount. These are large, robust nails.
- Gauge: Commonly 8 to 12-gauge.
- Length: Typically 1-1/2 inches to 3-1/2 inches.
- Collation: Almost always collated at an angle, usually 21 to 34 degrees. Paper or wire collation is common. The angle allows the nail gun to get into tight corners for framing.
- Head Style: D-head (often called a clipped head or offset head), round head, or T-head. D-heads are common because they allow more nails to be packed into a strip due to the reduced head size. Round heads offer the most surface area for holding power.
- Common Uses: Building wall studs, floor joists, roof rafters, subflooring, and general rough carpentry. These are the nails that hold the bones of a house together.
- Nail Gun Type: Framing Nailer (often angled, 30-34 degrees, or straight, 21-22 degrees).
Important Note on D-Heads: While D-headed nails allow for more fasteners in a strip and can fit in tighter spaces, some building codes may restrict their use in structural framing. Always check local building codes. Organizations like the International Code Council (ICC) publish standards that guide safe construction practices.
4. Roofing Nails
As the name suggests, these nails are specifically designed for attaching shingles and other roofing materials. They are typically wider and have a large, flat head to prevent the nail from tearing through the roofing felt or shingle.
- Gauge: Usually around 11 or 12-gauge shanks.
- Length: Commonly 1 inch to 1-3/4 inches.
- Collation: Almost always coiled, often with plastic or vinyl coatings on the heads to prevent leaks and corrosion.
- Head Style: Large, flat galvanized head (often 1 inch in diameter).
- Common Uses: Attaching asphalt shingles, but also used for some siding applications and attaching house wrap.
- Nail Gun Type: Roofing Nailer.
5. Siding Nails
Siding nails are designed for attaching various types of siding materials, such as wood clapboard, fiber cement, or vinyl. They have a moderately sized head and are usually made of corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or galvanized steel.
- Gauge: Commonly 15-gauge or 16-gauge.
- Length: Typically 1-1/2 inches to 2-1/2 inches.
- Collation: Can be plastic or vinyl collated, often at a slight angle or straight.
- Head Style: Slim head, similar to finish nails but often with a galvanized or other protective coating.
- Common Uses: Fastening wood, fiber cement, vinyl, and engineered wood siding.
- Nail Gun Type: Siding Nailer (often specifically designed for siding nails, which can have a slightly different collation angle or head size than general finish nailers).
6. Pin Nails
Pin nails are even smaller and thinner than brad nails, often in the 23-gauge range. They are virtually headless, meaning they leave behind a tiny hole that is practically invisible and requires no filling.
- Gauge: Usually 23-gauge (thinnest).
- Length: Typically 1/2 inch to 1 inch.
- Collation: Usually plastic collated.
- Head Style: Essentially headless.
- Common Uses: Attaching very delicate trim, beading, intricate moldings, picture framing, and any application where a completely invisible fastener is desired.
- Nail Gun Type: Pin Nailer (23-gauge).
Choosing the Right Nails: A Quick Reference Table
To help you visualize the differences and make a quick choice, here’s a table summarizing the most common nail types:
| Nail Type | Typical Gauge | Typical Length | Collation Type | Head Style | Primary Use | Nail Gun Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Nails | 23-gauge | 1/2″ – 1″ | Plastic | Headless | Invisible fastening, delicate trim | Pin Nailer |
| Brad Nails | 18-gauge | 1/2″ – 2″ | Plastic (straight/slight angle) | Minimal head | Thin trim, crafts, paneling | Brad Nailer |
| Finish Nails | 15 or 16-gauge | 1″ – 2-1/2″ | Plastic (angled/straight) | Small finishing head | Molding, casing, fine woodworking | Finish Nailer |
| Siding Nails | 15 or 16-gauge | 1-1/2″ – 2-1/2″ | Plastic/Vinyl (angled/straight) | Slim head (often coated) | Siding installation | Siding Nailer |
| Framing Nails | 8-12-gauge | 1-1/2″ – 3-1/2″ | Paper/Wire (angled) | Round, T-head, D-head | Structural framing, subflooring | Framing Nailer |
| Roofing Nails | 11-12-gauge | 1″ – 1-3/4″ | Coiled | Large, flat galvanized head | Roof shingles | Roofing Nailer |
How to Determine What Nails Fit YOUR Nail Gun
Identifying the right nails for your specific nail gun is thankfully straightforward once you know what to look for. The key is to match the nail series and collation to your tool’s specifications.
1. Read Your Nail Gun’s Manual (The Golden Rule!)
Seriously, this is the most important step. Every nail gun manufacturer provides a manual that clearly lists the type, gauge, collation angle, and range of acceptable nail lengths. They’ll specify something like “Uses 16-gauge straight collation finish nails, 1-1/4″ to 2-1/2″.” This is your ultimate guide.
2. Check the Nail Gun Itself
Many nail guns have labels or markings directly on them indicating the type of fasteners they accept. Look around the magazine (where the nails are loaded) or on the body of the tool. You might see “18GA” or “15GA FINISH NAILS.”
3. Understand Nailer Categories
Nail guns are generally categorized by the type of nails they fire:
- Brad Nailers fire 18-gauge brad nails.
- Finish Nailers fire 15-gauge or 16-gauge finish nails.
- Framing Nailers fire larger framing nails, often identifying by collation angle (e.g., 21-degree, 30-degree, 34-degree).
- Roofing Nailers fire coiled roofing nails.
- Pin Nailers fire 23-gauge pin nails.
If you know you have a “16-gauge straight collation finish nailer,” you know exactly what to look for.
4. Inspect the Collation (Angle & Type)
This is where many beginners get tripped up. Nails are held together at an angle, and this angle must match your nailer. Look at the nails you have or the ones specified:
- Straight: The nails are parallel to each other. Common for 18-gauge brad nailers and some 15/16-gauge finish nailers.
- Angled: The nails are set at an angle. Common angles are 20, 21, 25, 30, and 34 degrees. Framing nailers are typically angled. For example, a 21-degree framing nailer needs 21-degree collated nails. A 30-degree or 34-degree framing nailer needs nails with that specific angle.
- Diamond Point vs. Chisel Point: Most common nails have a diamond-shaped point. Some specialized nails might have a chisel point. Your nailer should be able to handle standard diamond points.
Using nails with the wrong collation angle is a common reason for nail jams and misfires. If the nails are too steep or too shallow in their angle, they won’t feed correctly into the tool’s drive mechanism.
5. Match Manufacturer Brands (Generally Safe, But Check Details)
While brands like DeWalt, Senco, Paslode, Bostitch, and Metabo HPT (