Picked a finish nailer over a brad nailer for a kitchen trim job

Had to decide between my 18-gauge brad nailer and a 16-gauge finish nailer for putting up crown molding in a kitchen remodel last month. Went with the finish nailer because the molding was thick oak and I needed the holding power. It grabbed tight on every joint and didn't split the wood like I was worried about. Only downside is the bigger holes to fill, but wood filler took care of that in one pass. Anyone else have a go-to nailer for crown molding that they swear by?

2 comments

2 Comments

diana_black221mo ago

Wait, the finish nailer didn't split that thick oak crown at all?

emery8791mo ago

Oh nah, that oak was definitely predrilled first. No way a finish nailer is driving into thick oak without some pilot holes or you're asking for trouble.