10 Best 16 Gauge Finish Nailer 2023 [Reviews & Buying Guide]

Are you searching for a 16 gauge finish nailer for your woodworking project, and you are unsure of which one to choose? If so, then this article is for you. Keep reading!

The wide range of 16 gauge finish nailers in the market can leave you overwhelmed and uncertain of the best one to choose for your project.

However, we have come to your rescue by compiling this in-depth buying guide of the 10 best 16 gauge finish nailer in 2023.

After we are done reviewing these 10 amazing 16 gauge finish nailers, we will educate you on some key factors to consider before choosing a finish nailer. So, without wasting any time, have a read!

Our 10 Best 16 Gauge Finish Nailer Picks:

Here are the in-depth reviews on the top air powered and battery powered 16 gauge finish nailers available in the market-

1. Makita AF601 16 Gauge Finish Nailer

The Makita AF601 16 gauge finish nailer is at the top of the list when 16 gauge nailers are mentioned.

It is a pneumatic nailer, functioning with an efficient and powerful motor that drives nails straight into hardwood, concrete, or any nailable surface. Its lightweight magnesium construction (3.8lb ) and compact size of 5.2” x 15” x 16.4” makes it easy to use both by professionals and DIYers.

You can keep it close to you for quick access with its reversible belt hook.

This nail gun has a rear-loading magazine that accepts 1” to 2½” standard 16 gauge straight nails. The magazine can hold up to 100 nails in one fill. Furthermore, it features a nail lock-out mechanism that protects itself and your workpiece surface from dry-fires.

You can adjust this nailer nailing depth for more accurate flush and countersink nailing without using any tool. Thanks to the housing bumpers, your work surface won’t get damaged by the tool.

If jamming occurs, the Makita AF601 16 gauge finish nailer has a tool-less quick-release cam-lock to easily clear any extra nails from its nose. A removable no-mar tip attaches to this nailer’s nose to prevent it from leaving behind marks on your workpiece.

It also has an air exhaust port that can be set in any direction to release exhaust air without affecting the user.

The Makita AF601 16 gauge finish nailer has an ergonomic handle with a rubber grip for comfortable and secure handling, reducing user fatigue. It has two-mode of nail firing (contact & sequential) to keep you in charge of your nailing process.

This heavy duty nailer comes with safety goggles and a plastic molded carrying case for easy transportation. And Makita has a 3-year limited warranty on it. Be informed that the minimum recommended air delivery for this outstanding tool is 2.7 SCFM @ 90PSI.

Pros

• Magnesium body makes it lightweight
• 3-year limited warranty
• It has two-modes of nail firing
• It has a comfortable grip
• Tool free depth adjustments
• It comes with a carrying case
• Perfect tool with no dry firing

Cons

• Nails get stuck frequently
  

2. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX: Best Cordless 16 Gauge Finish Nailer

The PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX finish nailer is battery-powered. You won’t be needing a compressor, hose, or expensive gas cartridges to operate it. It functions with a motor designed for consistent nail firing into baseboards, crown moldings, cabinet assembly, etc.

This powerful finish nailer has a sequential firing mode. The rear-loading magazine that comes with it accommodates 16 gauge straight nails from 1” to 2½” lengths and has a capacity of 100 nails. However, nails tend to jam a lot.

This nail gun's depth setting and jam clearance are tool-less processes to boost working productivity and reduce downtime. Furthermore, it features multi-functional LED lights that provide visibility of the workspace and also on the workpiece.

Thanks to its removable no-mar pad, it won’t leave any nailing mark on your workpiece. However, you can remove the pad for more flush nailing.

The PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX finish nailer is lightweight, weighing only 6.5lb. Its ergonomic handle provides a firm grip at all times.

It comes with a 20V PCC680L battery and a PCC691L charger, which is all you need to use it. Plus, PORTER-CABLE has a three-year warranty on it.

Pros

• Cordless and doesn’t need a compressor, hose, or gas to function
• It comes with LED light
• Ergonomic grip
• 3-year warranty
• It comes with a battery and charger
• Lightweight battery powered finish nailer

Cons

• Nail jams a lot
  

3. DEWALT 16 Gauge Finish Nailer Review (D51257K)

Every tool user knows the quality and functionality attached to the DEWALT brand, and this DEWALT pneumatic finish nailer (D51257K) doesn’t disappoint.

It functions with a powerful motor that works with or without oil, making it versatile for carrying out many woodworking projects. 

Its rear-loading magazine uses 1” to 2.5” 16 gauge straight collated nails and can contain 100 nails at a time.

This pneumatic nail gun offers a lot of tool-less adjustments. You can change its nailing depth, extract nails from its nose when they jam, adjust its belt hook, and the direction of its 360° air exhaust, all without any tool.

Further, it has a no-mar pad to prevent leaving behind nailing marks on your workpiece. Thanks to its compact design (11.8” L x 10.7” H x 3.5” W) and lightweight (3.9lb), you can use it in many tight places.

The DEWALT pneumatic finishing nailer (D51257K) has a pre-installed sequential trigger and a trigger lock-off that prevents accidental firing. Its operating pressure is between 70 PSI to 120 PSI.

Its ergonomic handle provides a convenient grip, reducing hand fatigue.

When you buy this pneumatic tool, it comes packaged in a heavy-duty carrying-case alongside 1000 2” finish nails, two Allen wrenches, safety glasses, and air fitting.

Since it’s a DEWALT product, there is a 90-day money-back guarantee, one-year free service (Excluding O-rings, bumpers, and driver blades), and a three-year limited warranty on it.

Pros

• 90-day money-back guarantee, one-year free service, and a three-year limited warranty
• Tool less depth adjustments
• Compact and lightweight, can access tight spaces
• Its motor work with or without oil
• It comes with safety glasses and a carrying case
• Adjustable exhaust
• Heavy duty finish nailer

Cons

• None
  

4. Ryobi P325 One+ 18V Cordless 16 Gauge Finish Nailer

The RYOBI® 18V ONE+™ cordless 16 gauge finish nailer is built with Ryobi innovative AirStrike™ technology that works with a battery without requiring a compressor, hose, and expensive gas cartridges.

With this nailer, you’ll finish woodworking projects faster. It uses a P108 4Ah high capacity LITHIUM+™ battery that fires up to 800 nails in one full charge. Be informed that the battery is sold separately.

But, if you own any other Ryobi products that use a battery, that battery will work with it.

This nailer magazine accepts ¾” to 2½” 16 gauge finish nails and can hold up to 100 nails at once. It has a drive switch for selecting between two firing modes: single sequential and rapid contact actuation modes.

The single sequential mode allows for more accurate nails placement, while the rapid contact actuation mode is for fast firing. Thanks to its two non-marring pads, it won’t leave nailing marks or scratches on your workpiece.

The RYOBI® 18V ONE+™ cordless 16 gauge finishing nailer adjustment of the nailing depth is a tool-less process. It has a dry-fire lock-out feature that prevents it from firing when nails get finished.

Plus, it has a low nail indicator to alert you when it’s low on nails and needs reloading. Handling it is super comfortable thanks to its GripZone® overmold handle that offers maximum user comfort.

Furthermore, this nail gun features a LED light that activates when you grab the handle for illuminating your workspace. It also has a belt hook that can be mounted left or right, according to user preference.

If jamming should occur, it features a quick jam release for easy clearance. Ryobi has a 3-year limited warranty on it.

Pros

• It has an LED light
• Cordless, rapid fire mechanism
• Tool-less adjustments
• Two modes of nail firing
• 3-year limited warranty
• Low nail indicator
• Adjustable belt hook

Cons

• It doesn’t come with a battery
  

5. WEN 61764 16 Gauge Pneumatic Straight Finish Nailer

The WEN 61764 16 gauge pneumatic straight finish nailer is a very affordable 16 gauge nailer that offers excellent value for money. It has a multi-fire trigger that lets you choose between single firing mode and sequential firing modes.

This nailer magazine accepts 16 gauge brad nails anywhere from ¾” to 2½” and can hold 100 nails at a time. All you have to do is attach an air compressor to its ¼” 18 NPT air inlet, and you can start working with it. Note that you are to use 3.8 CFM of air when operating at 90 PSI.

With its compact size (13” x 11.75” x 3.75”), you can use it in tight spaces. It features a depth adjustment wheel that allows you to control its nailing depth.

It also has a low nail indicator that warns you when nails are about to finish. Its quick-release nose makes extracting jam nails easy. There’s a no-mar pad tip to ensure it leaves no marks on your workpiece.

WEN equipped it with a rubber-grip handle that provides a firm and secured grip at all times. And they backed it with a two-year warranty. It comes in a plastic molded carrying case containing lubricating oil.

Pros

• Cheap and offers excellent value for money
• Compact size finish and brad nailer
• Two-year warranty
• It comes with a carry case and a lubricating oil

Cons

• None
  

6. Paslode 902400 Cordless Finish Nailer

The Paslode 902400 cordless finish nailer offers precise nailing in compact places due to its design. It has a compact size (11.25” H x 12” L x 3.5” W ) and a weight of 4.5lb (battery included).

Therefore, you can use it comfortably on ladders, on your knees, and overhead. A 7.4V Li-ion battery powers it, so you won’t go through the hassle of a compressor, hose, and gas cartridge.

The battery drives approximately 12,000 nails on a single charge, making it as powerful as a corded finish nailer. However, be informed that its angled magazine accepts only 16 gauge 1¼” to 2½” 20º angled collation nails. And it can contain 100 nails at a time.

Furthermore, its nail lock-out feature prevents it from dry-fires, which may damage your workpiece. It has a no-mar contact tip that helps keep off nailing marks and scratches from work surfaces.

Thanks to its ergonomic handle that provides a firm and secure grip, you won’t experience hand fatigue when using it. You can easily adjust the nailing depth of this nail gun at any time, without needing any tool.

It also has a swivel belt hook that adjusts left or right for hand-free uses and to keep it close to you for easy access.

The Paslode 902400 cordless finish nailer is an ideal tool for precise nail placement and installing molding or baseboard in corners. However, it jams a lot and misfires sometimes.

So, you have to be careful with it. It comes packaged in a heavy-duty casing containing a rechargeable 7.4V Li-ion battery, owner’s manual, safety glasses, Li-ion battery charger, and a 5/32” hex wrench. Paslode offers a full year warranty on this nail gun.

Pros

• It comes with a battery and charger
• Compact and lightweight tool
• Easy nail placement with its ergonomic handle that reduces hand fatigue
• One full year warranty
• Tool-less nail depth adjustment
• Powerful battery
• It has a carrying case

Cons

• It jams
  

7. CRAFTSMAN (CMCN616C1) V20 Cordless Finish Nailer Kit

Another powerful cordless nailer worthy of your consideration is this CRAFTSMAN (CMCN616C1) V20 cordless finishing nailer.

It features a powerful motor that offers consistent firing power in all seasons. The motor is powered by a 20V MAX* lithium-ion battery that fires up to 375 nails per charge.

Its bottom-loading magazine accepts 1” to 2½” adhesive collated 16 gauge finish nails and has a capacity of 100 nails.

This nailer features a single tool-less depth setting for quick nailing depth adjustment.

It also has a tool-less jam and stall setting for easy clearance of nails should jamming occur. Its molded soft-grip handle provides added comfort and a secure grip.

Thanks to its compact size (11.5” H x 13.5” L x 4.5” W), you can use it in tight corners. The weight of this nailer is 5.8lb, which is a bit heavy.

However, it has an optimal center of gravity that distributes the weight evenly so you won’t experience any discomfort in your hand no matter how long you use it.

The CRAFTSMAN (CMCN616C1) V20 cordless finish nailer has a sequential fire/actuation mode with a contact trigger. There’s a no-mar pad to prevent scratches and marks on your workpiece. And a belt hook for storing it close to you for easy access.

When you buy, it comes with one CMCB2011 V20 20V MAX* Lithium-Ion battery, one V20 20V MAX* Lithium-Ion charger, 100 2” finish nails, and 100 2½” finish nails.

Pros

• It comes with nails
• Compact design and durable construction
• Powerful motor fires in all season
• It comes with a charger and battery
• Selective actuation switch

Cons

• It’s a bit heavy
  

8. BOSTITCH Finish Nailer Kit

The BOSTITCH (BTFP71917) finish nailer is a pneumatic nailer that operates with air from 70 to 120 psi. It works without oil, firing 1¼” to 2½” 16 gauge finish nails. Its bottom-loading magazine is easy to load and can contain 100 nails at a time.

This nailer comes with a selectable trigger system that allows you to choose between sequential or contact operation. It features a rear 360° air exhaust that can be adjusted to any angle for dispensing spent air without affecting the user.

If jamming happens, it has a tool-free jam release system for easy retrieval of jammed nails. Its dial-A-depth control allows you to set the nailing depth to your preference and job requirements easily. This nailer has a ¼” air fitting to connect to an air compressor.

It has a no-mar pad to prevent it from damaging your work surface with nailing marks or scratches. With its compact size (11.3” H x 12.5” L x 3.3” W) and lightweight (3.9lb), it is perfect for prolonged use and won’t cause any discomfort to your arm.

The BOSTITCH (BTFP71917) finish nailer has a technology called SMART POINT that features a narrow nose for easy and smooth nail placement without pressing the trigger to fire.

This feature makes it give a professional finish to your project. Additionally, it has a belt hook for closeby storage. This nailer comes with a carrying case and has a 7-year limited warranty.

Pros

• It operates oil-free, so no oil stains on the wall
• Tool-less settings
• 7-year limited warranty
• User-friendly
• Compact and lightweight design
• The smart point technology works well

Cons

• None
  

9. NuMax SFN64 Pneumatic Finish Nailer

The NuMax SFN64 pneumatic finish nailer fires 16 gauge straight finish nails with length ranging from 1” to 2 ½”. It has a no-mar tip to prevent damages on workpieces and to increase nailing precision.

This nailer rugged die-cast aluminum construction ensures it lasts for long, delivering professional results. It is perfect for installing window casing, doors, chair rails, picture frames, to mention a few.

Note that its magazine capacity is 100 nails at a time and requires a compressor that produces 70-90 psi.

With the compact size and lightweight of this durable nailer, you can use it in tight spots and for a extended period without distress. This nailer is affordable, but it tends to jam a lot.

However, it features a quick-release jam system that makes the extraction of jammed nails smooth and straightforward.

Further, its tool-free single-finger nail depth adjustment dial makes adjusting nail depth comfortable while on the job for different applications.

The NuMax SFN64 pneumatic finish nailer has an ergonomic handle that reduces vibration for comfortable and secure handling in many positions.

Thanks to the anti-dust cap, the interior will always remain clean. Its user-friendly 360° adjustable air exhaust allows you to direct used air away from your face.

This nailer is backed by the manufacturer, NuMax, with a year limited warranty and a 30-day limited warranty on its parts.

Pros

• It has a rugged die-cast aluminum construction
• One year limited warranty and a 30-day limited warranty on its parts
• Ergonomic Grip
• It has an integrated air duster that keeps the interior clean always
• Single-finger depth adjustment dial
• Cheap yet durable tool

Cons

• Nail jams a lot
  

10. Valu-Air T64C Finish Nailer

The Valu-Air T64C finish nailer is compatible with ⅞” to 2½” 16 gauge straight finish nails. It is a perfect nailer for woodworking applications like molding, baseboard installation, window casing, etc.

Its magazine has a capacity of 100 nails at once to reduce refill time. Valu-Air constructed it with premium-grade aluminum for it to withstand heavy-duty usage and last long.

It features a 360° adjustable air deflector that lets you direct spent air in any direction you prefer.

Furthermore, it has a tool-free depth control to adjust nailing depth on the go to suit different applications.

And the best part is that it is very affordable. Thanks to its no-mar tip, it won’t leave behind any dent or mark on your workpiece.

This nailer has a tool-free nose latch for easy extraction of nails should jamming occur. Its operating pressure is between 70 PSI to 110 PSI.

The Valu-Air T64C finish nailer weighs 4.14lb and has a compact size of 2.95” x 10.63” x 12.6”. Its ergonomic rubber-grip handle provides comfortable handling with minimal user fatigue.

This nailer comes with a carrying case, oil, and a strip of 2” nails. However, there is no other warranty with this cheap finish nailer.

Pros

• Lightweight and durable tools
• It comes with oil, a strip of 2” nails, and a carrying case
• Ergonomic grip reduces user fatigue
• It has a lot of tool-free adjustment
• Very affordable

Cons

• It doesn’t fire nails consistently

How To Choose the Best 16 Gauge Finish Nailer & Others

We understand that it can be a hassle deciding on the best finish nailer to buy due to the different types available. So we decided to educate you on some key factors to consider before buying one.

Type of Finish Nailer

There are two types of finish nailers, namely straight finish nailer and angled finish nailer. As their names imply, the straight finish nailer fires nails perpendicular to the wood surface, while the angled finish nailer fires nails at any angle.

The major difference between them is that the angled finish nailer can carry out all the straight finish nailer applications, but the straight finish nailer can’t do the angled finish nailer applications.

So, if you want a versatile finish nailer, go for the angled type.

Power-style

The common finish nail guns are the pneumatic types that are powered by air from a compressor. These finish nailers’ nails firing is dependent on the air pressure supplied by the compressor. Most of them require air pressure between 70 PSI to 120 PSI to fire nails consistently.

However, using a pneumatic finish nailer can be stressful because you’ll have to go through the setup process of connecting the hose to the air compressor and then to the nailer before it’s ready for use.

You’ll also have to spend extra money on purchasing air cartridges, which can be very expensive at times.

On the other hand, new and improved finish nailers function with a battery, eliminating the setting up process of an air hose & compressor and saving you from buying expensive air cartridges.

The only downside to the battery-powered finish nailer is that the battery may not last long for prolonged use. However, you can always buy extra batteries just in case.

Magazine loading-style

There are two magazine loading-style of a finish nailer that you can choose from. They are rear-loading style and bottom-loading style. Both types work well, so it all boils down to user preference.

Gauge

The gauge of a nail is the measurement of its thickness. Gauge is very similar to diameter. The difference is that the higher the gauge of a nail, the lesser its thickness and vice versa.

For further understanding, a 16 gauge nail is thicker than a 23 gauge nail. That said, it’s vital you check the gauge a finish nailer supports before buying.

Nail Length

Another important factor to check out is the nail length a finish nailer supports. Nail length varies for different applications, so you must check this factor to know if the finish nailer can shoot the nails’ length required for your woodworking job.

However, almost all finish nailers have a particular range of nail lengths they support. Some support 1” to 2½” or 2” to 3½”.

Tool-less setting

A tool-less setting means you can change/adjust any setting on the finish nailer without needing a tool.

This factor is essential because there may not be enough time to pause and adjust nailing depth, adjust air exhaust direction, or open the nailer’s nose to remove jammed nails with a tool while on the job. 

Most importantly, it saves time and boosts productivity. So, look out for these features before buying a nail finisher.

Weight

As we all know, the heavier a tool, the more burdensome it will be to handle and vice versa. So pay attention to the weight of a finish nailer before you choose.

You wouldn’t want to get a finish nailer that will give your hand excess fatigue whenever you use it.

Handle

The handle of a finish nailer plays a significant role in determining user comfort when using it. You should check the design and ergonomics of a finish nailer handle before buying.

Durability

Durability has to do with the type of material used in the construction of the finish nailer. Industrial-grade aluminum and magnesium are commonly used materials to construct finish nailers because of their lightweight and durable properties.

Carrying case

Finish nailers are delicate tools because any accidental drop can damage them, which will cost a lot to repair. So a carrying case is a must-have to store them safely.

A carrying case will help you store your finish nailer and, at the same time, offer easy transportation from one place to another.

Warranty & Return Policy

If a finish nailer doesn’t have a warranty or a return policy, it isn’t safe to buy. This is because these tools can encounter different manufacturing defects along the line of use.

And if not backed by a warranty or a return policy, you’ll have to spend to repair it or, in the worst-case scenario, get another one.

However, most of the finish nailers on our list come with a 1-year or a 2-year warranty. Then the most reliable ones have a 3-year or a 7-year warranty.

Final Thought

16 gauge finish nailers are versatile, finding use in many different applications such as interior trim, baseboard, crown molding installation, to mention a few.

They are perfect for jobs where a flooring nailer won’t work. You can get these nailers in pneumatic or battery-powered configurations to meet the demand of your woodworking project.

To round up, we have reviewed each finish nailer on our list thoroughly, discussing their features, specs, capacity, and a whole lot more.

We also went further to educate you on some key factors to consider before deciding on the finish nailer that’s best for your project. Having done all these, we hope you’ve found the best one for your needs!

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