What Gauge Nails Mean

Nail gauge sizes indicate the thickness of the nail. Thinner nails have higher gauge numbers. The small diameter of brad nails makes them easy to mask in wood trim or paneling. In addition to being thinner than standard nails, they also feature a smaller head.

Which is bigger 18 or 16 gauge Brad nails?

The 16-gauge finish nail has a 0.0625-inch-thick shank and is typically supplied in 1 to 3½-inch lengths. Because it is thicker, it holds better than 18-gauge brads. … Some common uses for 16-gauge nails include construction or installation of: Crown and base moldings.

Which is better 15 or 16 gauge finish nailer?

The main advantage of a 16-gauge gun is that it’s smaller and lighter. If you’re shopping for a finish nailer, I’d recommend the larger 15-gauge gun, simply because the fatter nails provide more holding power. … You’ll pay about the same for a name-brand 16-gauge nailer as you would for a 15-gauge gun.