Best Nail Gun For Crown Molding โ€“ Review & Buying Guide

Best Nail Gun For Crown Molding

Crown molding installation is a precise construction operation that necessitates the use of specialized tools.

There are some projects that you cannot begin with a traditional hammer but have to use a nail gun.

However, finding the best nail gun for crown molding might become difficult if you are not well-versed in such matters.

Don’t worry; we’ve compiled a list of the finest products for crown molding to help you narrow down your options. We’ll also go over some key features to look for when shopping for this useful tool.

So, let’s get started on finding your perfect match right away!

Last update on 2024-03-18 at 16:36 UTC-8 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Things to Consider Before Buying a Nail Gun For Crown Molding

Nail Type & Size

There are many nails on the market, which causes havoc among the nail gun producers. As a result, every nail kind has its gun.

If you’re doing crown molding, you’ll need a 15 or 16-gauge nail gun. You can utilize an 18-gauge nail gun in your tasks, but the result will be less effective.

Various Nail Types And Sizes

Nail Gun Weight

You would have to hold that nailer for a few hours without taking any break. So a lighter nailer will reduce arm fatigue, enabling you to perform better.

On the other hand, heavier nail guns compensate for the disadvantage by providing an even edge with flawless nail insertion.

So, when crown molding is used in higher areas such as the ceiling or on top of cabinets, a lighter variety should be used.

If you must mold on the floor or have a large project, you can utilize heavier guns to acquire greater force.

Tool-Free Jam Release

Nail guns can jam for a variety of reasons. It’s possible that the user mistakenly loaded the incorrect-sized nails into the magazine, the pressure was not correct, or the user accidentally squeezed the trigger twice.

For whatever reason they occur, jams can interrupt your workflow of crown molding.

Go for nailers that have a jam release and do not require the use of a tool. These nailers have textured knobs or knurled, allowing the operator to disassemble the mechanism by hand, quickly clear the jam, and screw it back together.

They won’t have to rummage for pliers or wrenches, allowing you to remove a jam from a ladder’s top or scaffold and continue your crown molding process.

Cordless or Pneumatic System

Cordless

Cordless nail gun has been powered by batteries. It has certain benefits over pneumatic guns in terms of ease of usage and portability, but they are less powerful and less consistent.

Cordless Nail Gun

The advantage of cordless nail guns is they have fewer moving parts to be less susceptible to jams or mechanical failures.

Also, you will have to purchase the charger and battery separately, which means an additional cost.

Cordless models are recommended for small-scale works, especially in places where electric power is difficult to access, such as ceilings.

Pneumatic

Pneumatic nailers, which use air power, are the most common alternative. Pneumatic tools are more powerful, accurate, light, and consistent in general.

Please remember that using a pneumatic air cannon necessitates the use of a separate air compressor.

For maximum performance, skilled builders advocate using this type with major projects.

Pneumatic Nail Gun

Magazine Type

Coil Magazine

The coil magazine is the original type, and it consists of a coil of nail strips placed in the gun.

This magazine type gives you greater flexibility and less recuperation time, but it also allows you to put more nails in the gun without having to reload as frequently.

Coil magazines are increasingly common among roofing nailers. You won’t have to replenish the nails on a frequent basis if you have such a magazine.

If you need to finish a large project quickly, you might want to choose a brad nailer with a coil magazine.

Nail guns using coil magazines seem to be more expensive than others. Please do some research before purchasing them.

Nail Stack

The nail stack magazine type has less usefulness and maneuverability than the type above. That is due to the placement of the nail stack, which tends to protrude from the nail gun, increasing reload time.

The great news is these nail guns may contain multiple magazines of nail stack and are less expensive. If you are a first-time user, this type will serve you well and also save you some bucks.

Depth Control

A nail gun that enables you to regulate the depth of the nail is a fantastic option on your checklist. Depth control is a feature that lets you quickly adjust the force with nails blasted into the wood.

When constructing crown molding, all you must do is set the proper depth for the nails to sink deeper into the concrete.

Top 5 Best Nail Gun For Crown Molding Review

Porter-cable 20v Max Cordless Brad Nailer – Best For Convenience

This Porter-Cable straight finish nailer kit is battery-driven, removing the need for gas cartridges, a hose, or a compressor, and you can use it in any place due to its cordless construction.

>>> See The Latest Pricing for Porter-Cable 20V <<<

It also offers many tool-free settings for improved user productivity and safety, and the motor has already been developed to deliver consistent firing power regardless of the climate and material utilized.

This nailerโ€™s outstanding convenience doesnโ€™t stop there. Its magazine capacity of 100 nails with multi-functional dual LED lights is designed to efficiently boost sightlines for higher nailing accuracy and convenience for users to work in dark spots.

However, there is a little recoil, not enough to stress your shoulder, arm, or hand, but enough to create some tiny dings in the material you’re working with.

PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX* Cordless Brad Nailer, 18GA, Tool Only (PCC790B)
  • 100% battery power of the cordless brand nailer eliminates need for compressor, hose or costly gas cartridges
  • Motor design of 18 gauge brad nailer provides consistent firing power into various materials and climate conditions
  • Multiple Tool-Free settings of the battery brad nailer provide ease of use

Last update on 2024-03-18 at 16:36 UTC-8 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

  • Battery-driven, no need compressor or gas cartridges
  • A multitude of tool-free settings for improved user productivity and safety
  • The particularly motor developed to deliver consistent firing power
  • Large magazine with LED light for superior convenience and accuracy

Cons

  • Slightly recoil

KIMO 20V 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer – Best For Dual Firing Mode

The KIMO 20V battery-powered brad nailer has two firing modes: contact and sequential. You may quickly interchange between these contact and sequential-activation firing modes by using its dual-mode toggle switch.

>>> See The Latest Pricing for KIMO 20V <<<

As a result, you could fire a single brand with each trigger push or a succession by pressing the contact element at a rate of 80 nails each minute.

The dual firing mode also includes a tool-free depth adjustment dial, which allows you to modify the flush and exact countersinking of nails by gently rotating the dial.

But this feature is also its drawback as there is no indication on its depth adjustment dial to help users comprehend the depth when utilizing it.

Even though it is small in size (โ€Ž14.68 x 11.14 x 3.98 inches) and enables unparalleled access into tight locations, it weighs around 6 lbs (without battery), which is pretty heavy.

Sale
KIMO 18 Gauge Nail Gun Battery Powered w/ 2 X 2.0 Battery & Charger, 2 in 1 Cordless Brad Nailer/Electric Stapler, Adjustable Depth, 1000pcs Nails, 18GA Staples, Home Improvement & Woodworking
  • ๐Ÿ“Œใ€๐Ÿ ๐ฑ ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐ŸŽ๐ŸŽ๐ฆ๐€๐ก ๐๐š๐ญ๐ญ๐ž๐ซ๐ข๐ž๐ฌใ€‘With two batteries, you can alternate their use, when one battery is being used, allowing another battery to be charged, so the user need not worry about running out of power. Moreover, with two batteries, not only the run time will extend by 100%, but also the lifespan of the battery can extend by 150% because by using two batteries interchangeably, each battery can have reduced wear and tear.
  • ๐Ÿ“Œใ€๐•๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐ฅ๐ž ๐Ÿ-๐ˆ๐-๐Ÿ ๐‚๐จ๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐š๐ข๐ฅ ๐†๐ฎ๐ง/๐„๐ฅ๐ž๐œ๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐œ ๐’๐ญ๐š๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ž๐ซใ€‘KIMO 2-in-1 electric nail gun/stapler drives a range of 18 gauge brad nails from 3/4"~2", and 1/4" crown staple from 3/4"~1-5/8". A great idea for woodworking, upholstery installation, flooring, roofing, door, and window installation, mending fence slats, molding, trim work, and so on. Moreover, the brad nailer is also perfect for DIY projects, such as building pet houses.
  • ๐Ÿ“Œใ€๐‘๐š๐ฉ๐ข๐ ๐…๐ข๐ซ๐ž ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐‚๐จ๐ซ๐๐ฅ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐๐š๐ข๐ฅ ๐†๐ฎ๐ง ๐ƒ๐ž๐ฌ๐ข๐ ๐งใ€‘KIMO cordless brad nail has no cords, no limits. The nail gun battery-powered can be used in places with no available outlet. Besides, a fully cordless design eliminates the need for air compressors, horses, or costly gas cartridges. Moreover, The motor design of the18 gauge nail gun provides consistent firing power into various materials and climate conditions.

Last update on 2024-03-18 at 16:36 UTC-8 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

  • Has two firing modes: contact and sequential
  • Rate of 80 nails each minute
  • Has a tool-free depth adjustment dial
  • Compact in size

Cons

  • No indication on its depth adjustment dial
  • Quite heavy

Bostitch BTFP1850K Brad Nailer ย – Best For Design

Bostitch met the industry standard for driving force with a 70-120 psi range while keeping this nailer relatively lightweight at under 3 pounds flat in such a compact dimensions of 12.25 x 10.32 x 3.19 inches.

This cordless brad nailer has a narrow nose design that helps you put nails precisely and quickly without using a separate contact trip.

>>> See The Latest Pricing for Bostitch BTFP1850K <<<

This design eliminates the need to press against your worktop to activate the nailer and enables you to position nails even in tight locations.

Cordless nail guns are considered to be less powerful, but it is not the case for this kit.

You may be confident that this gadget can handle various construction projects since it is powered by a cordless brushless motor and an innovative engine, driving 18-gauge nails, ranging from 5/8 to 2-1/8 inches long.

Bostitch does a good job of quality design and control, but it still has some errors when positioning the nails.

It is possible that as the assembly time of this machine is quite fast, it leaves a gap in checking the nail position accurately.

BOSTITCH Brad Nailer, 18 Gauge, Pneumatic, 2-Inch (BTFP1850K)
  • Tool-free adjustable exhaust cap conveniently directs exhaust away from the user
  • Adjustable depth guide sets nails to desired depths quickly and conveniently
  • No-mar tip helps to protect work surface

Last update on 2024-03-18 at 16:36 UTC-8 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

  • Lightweight with a compact design
  • Has a narrow nose
  • Can handle a variety of construction projects

Cons

  • Nail jamming

Dewalt DWFP12231 Finish Nailer Kit – Best For Precise Finish

The Precision Point Tech by DeWALT is a unique feature of this finish nailer.

This technology allows for a more defined line of vision even while making it much easier and more accurate to insert nails through a smaller nose.

>>> See The Latest Pricing for Dewalt DWFP12231 <<<

It eliminates the need to compress the unit’s tips when operating the gadget.

Furthermore, the tips of this unit are engineered to avoid marring. As a result, your work surface is not scraped or warped for a more precise and smooth finish.

Another interesting feature to improve your nailing work is the tool-free mechanism included in this machine to release jams.

When nails become entangled, all you need to do is to open the nasal plate at the front part, remove the stray nails, and replace them with another nail in a precise position.

One minor disadvantage is that you’ll need to purchase an air compressor separately to use this nailer.

Sale
DEWALT Brad Nailer, Drives 18GA Finish Nails 5/8 in. to 2 in., Tool-Free Jam Release (DWFP12231)
  • Long life maintenance-free motor to keep from staining the work surface
  • Tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment with detents for proper setting of nail heads
  • Tool-free jam release mechanism for easy nail removal

Last update on 2024-03-18 at 16:36 UTC-8 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

  • Has Precision Point Tech for more definite vision
  • Integrate tool-free mechanism
  • Avoid marring for a smooth finish
  • Durable and long-lasting Maggie material

Cons

  • Need to buy an extra air compressor

Metabo HPT Brad Nailer Kit – Best For Versatility

Because of its flexible design, Metabo proved to be the greatest brad nailer for woodworking. It may be used at any angle, and keeping it flat with the tool-free features is also rather comfortable.

Although being in the middle of the price range, this Metabo nailer still includes the quality standards 70-120 psi for driving force, offering you a wide variety of options for different scales of projects.

>>> See The Latest Pricing for Metabo HPT <<<

When discussing its ergonomics, we wanted to emphasize that it is lightest at only 2.2 lbs, so it seems nice and comfy without tugging on your wrists.

Even at this weight, you have over 900 inch-pounds of power so that you won’t be left in the dark with a difficult project.

Most jobs can be completed with tool-free depth adjustment and various selections of fasteners.

The most significant disadvantage is that It is not quite as durable as others. After several months of light use, this product snapped and split apart while being used for nailing a vinyl brick molding.

Sale
Metabo HPT Brad Nailer Kit | Pro Preferred Brand of Pneumatic Nailers | 18 Gauge | Accepts 5/8 to 2-Inch Brad Nails | Ideal for Trim Work, Furniture Building & Other Finish Applications | NT50AE2
  • BRAD NAILER: Accepts 5/8" up to 2" 18-gauge brad nails
  • FASTENERS: Accepts 5/8 In. to 2 In. 18-gauge fasteners
  • TRIGGER: Selective actuation switch lets the user easily select bump fire or sequential fire modes

Last update on 2024-03-18 at 16:36 UTC-8 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Pros

  • Versatile design and features
  • Adjustable driving depth and many fasteners for various tasks
  • Lightweight
  • High-power level
  • Affordable price

Cons

  • Not durable

FAQs

What Type Of Nail Gun Do You Use For Crown Molding?

The finish nailer is the optimal choice for crown molding among the various options available. It delivers more gripping force than a brad nailer for better molding.

Also, finish nailers support 15-gauge or 16-gauge nails, suitable for most crown molding tasks.

However, we suggest an 18-gauge brad nailer for lightweight and small molding projects, as the finish type might be so strong that it can break the wood.

What Gauge Nailer Is Best For Crown Molding?

The 16-gauge finish nailer seems to be the excellent nail gun for crown molding among the various options available.

These nails are strong enough to hold your molding in place, yet the nail holes seem small enough for them to be hidden.

Extra-large with heavy trims may need the use of a 15-gauge finish nailer. The 18-gauge brad nailer is ideal for tiny and lighter molding.

Might I Utilize 18 Gauge Nails For Crown Molding?

Unless you are putting on an extremely large crown mold, the 18 gauge might be fine.

It is best for base caps, thin trims, and shoe molding, but not for broad baseboards. In short, the thickness of the baseboard or trim determines whether a brad nailer or a finish nailer is used.

Can You Use A Pin Nailer For Crown Molding?

Yes, you can use your pin nailer to crow mold but they are more suitable to repair thin trims, quarter rounds, hold for gluing, and shoe molds.

It won’t split those fine woods or require any wooden putty to conceal its tracks.

Conclusion

We’ve reviewed some best crown molding nail guns above and hope you now have a good notion of what your personal best nail gun for crown molding is.

ย In our opinion, the Porter-cable 20v Max Cordless Brad Nailer might be our best choice. It is fully battery-driven so that we have no need for a compressor or gas cartridges.

It also includes a multitude of tool-free settings for improved user productivity and safety.

With that said, we wish you the best of success in your search for the finest nail gun for crown molding. Thank you for reading. Good luck!