Best 16-Gauge Pneumatic Straight Finish Nailer 2024
NAILGUNGUIDE BEST OF
Pneumatic powered 16-Gauge Finish nailers mainly come in Straight design with few Angled variants. A good number of straight finish nailer option is available right now for you. However, it will be hard to find pneumatic 16-gauge angled finish nailer as few power tool brands make them. Here you will find best pneumatic 16-gauge straight and angled finish nailer that are handpicked based on our selection criteria set to identity design, performance and value proposition offered by different nailer and brand.
Finding a right 16GA pneumatic finish nailer can be a daunting task if you are not sure what to look for. If you compare a few 16-gauge finish nailers, you will find all of them have identical design and performance features except the price. Differentiating a pneumatic finish nailer on price might not be a good idea. We compared all available 16GA finish nailer and picked following nailers for their performance, design, and value. In case you need more information on Finish Nailer, our finish nailer buying guide will provide you with all the information needed to choose the best finish nailer.
Not sure which finish nailer you looking for?
Read our finish nailer buying guide, learn how to pick the right finish nailer for you.
Summary of Best 16GA Pneumatic Finish Nailer of 2024
BOSTITCH FN1664K 16-Gauge Straight Finish Nailer
Best For
Oil-free engine with Trigger lockout
mode is an excellent choice for fastening crown molding, door jams, cabinetry, staircases, and all woodworking applications
Power Source Corded-Pneumatic; 70 – 120 PSI
Max Fastener 100 16-gauge straight finish nails from 1-1/4 in. to
2-1/2 in.
Weight 3.9 lbs.
Makita AF601 16GA Straight Finish Nailer
Best Value 16-Gauge Straight
Finish Nailer
Ideal for trim work, baseboard & crown
molding installation, flooring & other
woodworking applications
Power Source Corded-Pneumatic; 70 – 120 PSI
Max Fastener 100 16-gauge straight finish nails from 1 in. to 2-1/2 in.
Weight 3.8 lbs.
PORTER-CABLE FN250C 16-Gauge Straight Finish Nailer
Best For
Maintenance-free motor with internal
piston catch ensures consistent max
power on every shot.
Ideal for finish applications including trim installation
Power Source
Corded-Pneumatic; 70 – 120 PSI
(4.9 to 8.3 bar, 5 to 8.5 kg/cm2)
Max Fastener 100 16-gauge FN style finish nails from 1-inch to 2-1/2-inch length
Weight 3.85 lbs.
Hitachi NT65M2S 16-Gauge Finish Nailer
with Integrated Air Duster
Best For
Non-slip elastomer grip trigger and
ergonomically designed simple flip
actuation switch.
This tool is ideal for installing molding,
chair rail, cabinetry, and other fine finish applications.
Power Source Corded-Pneumatic; 70 – 120 PSI (4.9 to 8.3 bar, 5 to 8.5
kg/cm2)
Max Fastener 100 16-gauge straight finish nails from 1 in. to 2-1/2 in.
Weight 3.7 lbs.
Paslode 515500 16-Gauge Pneumatic Finish Nailer
NailgunGuide Rating
Best For
Best in class, compact design allows
maneuverability to access tight spaces, oil-free design for a long term,
maintenance-free operation best for all
kind of trim nailing
Power Source Corded-Pneumatic; 80 – 120 PSI (5.5 to 8.3 bars)
Max Fastener 100 16-gauge straight finish nails from 1 in. to 2-1/2 in.
Weight 3.9 lbs.
BOSTITCH BTFP71917 16-Gauge Finish Nailer with Smart Point
NailgunGuide Rating
Best For
Precision nail placement due to a smaller nose and Dial-A-Depth Control
for precise countersinking.
Powerful nailer is ideal for thick trim
and all kind of finish woodworking
Power Source Corded-Pneumatic; 80 – 120 PSI requires 2.0 cubic feet
per minute or C.F.M.
Max Fastener 100 16-gauge straight finish nails from 1-1/4-inch to 2-1/2-inch length
Weight 3.9 lbs.
NuMax SL31 18 & 16 Gauge 3-in-1 Finish Nailer & Stapler
NailgunGuide Rating
Best For
3-in-1 design combines three different fasteners in one tool, compatible with 18 gauge staples, 18 gauge brad nails & 16 gauge finish nails. Ideal for interior and exterior molding and trim, small crafts, furniture and cabinets, and other installations
Power Source
Corded-Pneumatic; 60 – 110 PSI.
5.87 SCFM with 100 fasteners per minute @90 psi
Max Fastener
100 18ga. brad nails from 3/8 in. to 2 in.
18ga. staples from 1/5 in. to 1-5/8 in.
16ga. finish nails from 3/4 in. to 2 in.
Weight 2.93 lbs.
DEWALT D51257K 16GA Straight Finish Nailer
Premium Pick
16-Gauge Straight Finish Nailer
Oil-free pneumatic nailer can be used in a wide range of finishing jobs quickly and efficiently.
Best for interior and exterior trim, cabinetry and fine woodworking
Power Source Corded-Pneumatic; 70 – 120 PSI
Max Fastener 100 16-gauge straight finish nails from 1 in. to 2-1/2 in.
Weight 3.85 lbs.
NuMax SFN64 16GA Straight Finish Nailer
Best All-Around
16-Gauge Straight
Finish Nailer
Great for all kinds of interior & exterior
finish & trim, furniture, cabinet work, window casing & much more.
Power Source Corded-Pneumatic; 70 – 110 PSI
Max Fastener 100 16-gauge straight finish nails from 1 in. to 2-1/2 in.
Weight 4.5 lbs.
Valu-Air T64C 16-Gauge Straight Finish Nailer
NailgunGuide Rating
Best For
Heat treated aluminum housing with a spacious magazine, best for decorative trim, molding, baseboards, paneling, furniture, cabinet, window casing, chair rail and bedding
Power Source Corded-Pneumatic; 70 – 110 PSI (4.8 to 7.5 bar)
Max Fastener 100 16-gauge straight finish nails from 7/8″ to 2 ½”
Weight 5 lbs.
WEN 61764 16-Gauge Straight Finish Nailer with Carrying Case
NailgunGuide Rating
Best For
Relatively low priced finish nailer with
tool-free depth and jam release, a perfect companion for crown molding,
cabinets, wood furniture, baseboards, trim work, hardwood flooring, paneling
and more.
Power Source Corded-Pneumatic; 70 – 120 PSI (3.8 SCFM @ 90 PSI)
Max Fastener 100 16-gauge straight finish nails from 3/4 to 2-1/2 inches.
Weight 4.8 lbs.
3PLUS HT64SP 16-Gauge Straight Finish Nailer
NailgunGuide Rating
Best For
This tool is designed for the contractor.
Lightweight and rugged aluminum
housing is ideal for interior and exterior
finish and trim furniture, cabinet works.
Power Source Corded-Pneumatic; 70 – 120 PSI (4.9 to 8.3 bar, 5 to 8.5
kg/cm2)
Max Fastener 100 16-gauge straight finish nails from 3/4″ to 2-1/2″ in.
Weight 6.45 lbs.
Essential Guide to 16-Gauge Pneumatic Finish Nailer
I prefer pneumatic finish nailers over cordless due to the fact that professionals still rely on it. It’s no secret pneumatic powered nailer are more powerful and work reliably over a long time. As you can see there are plenty of options to choose as finish nailers are widely used by contractors and DIYer for its multipurpose nature. The products that are listed here can be separated into three categories based on their features and price. Interestingly, even the low priced model has enough performance rating that you don’t have to think about how much should spend on a 16-gauge pneumatic finish nailer. A basic 16GA pneumatic finish nailer will cost you around $40 to $80, at $100 to $130 you can get the best value and if you can spend $150 or more than you can grab one of the premium pneumatic finish nailers currently available at the market. There are few other things you must know or plan before buying a 16-gauge pneumatic finish nailer as the tool will not work without an air compressor, compatible fasteners, connecting hose, plug, lubrication and few types of wrenches. Find out what are the best options available for you.
Using a Pneumatic 16-Gauge Finish Nailer
When there are so many variations in finish nailer in terms gauge and power sources, the first logical question you may ask – “how to use a pneumatic 16-gauge finish nailer or what are the applications of pneumatic finish nailer?” Answer to that question can be found in 16 ga finish nails, not in finish nailer itself. 1-inch to 2-1/2-inch 16 ga finish nails are pretty good for mounting trim, baseboards, casing and probably do light woodwork not too much less than a heavy-duty nailer can do. In other words, 16 Ga pneumatic finish nailer is highly suitable for home and DYIer. Carpenters and furniture makers definitely have one of this in addition to other power tools. The main advantage of an air-powered 16-gauge finish nailer is that it’s smaller and lighter. Many experts favor larger 15-gauge finish nailer, simply because the fatter nails provide more holding power. If you’re shopping for a finish nailer for home use, I’d recommend 16-gauge finish nailer for the fact that thinner 16-gauge finish nails create a smaller hole in your woodwork that gives a neat finish and less likely chance of splitting wood surface.
Size & Type of 16-Gauge Finish Nail
16-gauge pneumatic finish nailers are designed to fire glue-collated finishing nails from 1-inch to 2-1/4-inch in length. Most of the nailers have these specifications. However, there are a few 16-gauge finish nailers designed to accept much smaller ¾-inch finishing nails, which definitely enhances the usability of the nailer.
Typically, 16-gauge fasteners are available in 5 different sizes: 1-1/4-inch, 1-1/2-inch, 1-3/4-inch, 2-inch, and 2-1/4-inch in length. You will find nails in lengthwise boxes and mixed-lengthwise boxes that cover all or a few sizes. DIY and home users will find more value in mixed-size boxes.
Other than size, two other factors you need to keep in mind while shopping for 16-gauge finish nails:
- Material: The material used in the nail is an important factor as they are prone to rust. Electro-galvanized nails are corrosion-resistant but not as strong as steel nails.
- Compatibility: Your 16-gauge straight finishing nailer will not drive angled nails and vice versa. While a few brands exclusively design and manufacture nails for their finish nailer, other brands use generic nails. Please check whether the nail you choose will fit in your nailer. For example, Paslode 16-gauge straight finish nails are compatible with Hitachi 16-gauge finish nailers.
Air Compressor for 15 & 16-Gauge Finish Nailer
Already own an air compressor, you just need to confirm it will provide enough power to keep your pneumatic fastening tool up and running. Most of the current 16-gauge finish nailer run at minimum 60 to 70 PSI ( pounds per square inch) air pressure to maximum 110 to 120 PSI. So whatever compressor you choose must provide minimum air pressure required to run which is 60-70 PSI. A portable hand-carry compressor which generally has 1HP to 1.5HP motor will provide more than enough power to keep your 16-GA pneumatic finish nailer fastening at about 30 nails per minute by delivering 2.0 CFM (Cubic feet per minute) of air pressure to the nailer. The same compressor can also be used for the 15-gauge finish, 18-gauge brad, and 23-gauge pinner. Here are a few air compressors for your consideration.
Essential Accessories for 15 & 16-Gauge Pneumatic Finish Nailer
Using a pneumatic nailer can be boring when you realize that only the air compressor is not enough to operate any air-powered nailer, stapler, or other pneumatic tools. You will need a few other essential air compressor accessories that bring the pneumatic tools to life. Buying an air compressor combo kit can avoid this extra cost as all essential accessories are included. In case you bought stand-alone air compressor then get these essential air compressor accessories before you start your woodworking project.
- Air Hose
- Air Hose Fittings
- Air Regulators, Filters & Lubricators
- Oils & Lubricants
- Air Compressor Expansion Tank
You may also check out the air compressor accessories kit that comes with storage case & 15 to 20 pieces of accessories. The best thing is you can use them with all kinds of pneumatic tools.