I switched from a standard 18 gauge nailer to a 16 gauge for a big oak job in Portland and the difference was huge.

I mean, I was doing this 1200 square foot solid oak install and the 18 gauge just wasn't holding the planks down tight enough, they were moving a little. Switched to a 16 gauge half way through and the extra holding power was night and day, no more movement at all. Anyone else run into this with wider hardwood planks, or is there a better method?

2 comments

2 Comments

felix9817d agoMost Upvoted

Yeah, I had that exact same thing happen on a hickory job last fall. The 18 gauge nails were just too thin, they'd let the boards shift a bit over time. Switched to a 16 gauge angled finish nailer and it locked everything down solid. For anything over 4 inches wide, I don't even pull out the 18 gauge anymore.

the_mark17d ago

Felix98 saying he doesn't even pull out the 18 gauge for wide planks anymore really hit home. I used to think an 18 gauge was fine for everything to keep the holes small. But after a few callbacks for squeaky floors, I had to admit the thinner nails just don't have the grip. That extra thickness in a 16 gauge makes all the difference for holding power on hardwoods. It changed my whole approach.