9 Best Nailer For Baseboards And Trim (Reviews & Buyer Guide)

Very few woodworking tools are as dynamic as a nailer. They are used in nearly every project, but the problem is that there are too many options.

Even when finding the best nailer for baseboards, there are hundreds of options to rifle through.

Thankfully, I have scoured the web and have found not just the best nail gun, but I have provided a buyer’s guide to help you narrow your options.

Our Top Picks

Best Nailer for Baseboards

1. PORTER-CABLE Cordless Brad Nailer Kit – Best Cordless Nailer
2. NuMax SFN64 Pneumatic Finish Nailer – Best Finish Nailer for Baseboard
3. Metabo HPT Finish Nailer Kit – Best Angled Finisher
4. WEN 61721 Pneumatic Brad Nailer – Best Budget Brad Nailer
5. KIMO 20V 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer – Best Nail Gun & Stapler
6. BOSTITCH Finish Nailer N62FNK2 – Best Nail Gun Overall
7. Makita AF601 Finish Nailer – Best Straight Finish Nail Gun for Baseboards
8. Neu Master NTC0040 Nailer – Best Electric Brad Nailer for Baseboards
9. Ryobi 320 Airstrike – Best 18V Brad Nailer

The Best Nail Gun for Trim and Baseboard Reviews (Updated List)

Wondering what nail gun to use for baseboards, worry no more. My research has created a comprehensive list of the nine best nailers for baseboards on the current market.

1. Best Cordless Nailer – PORTER-CABLE Cordless Brad Nailer Kit

As a woodworker, I’m sure you’re familiar with Porter-Cable, a well-known manufacturer for their quality products. But you might not know that they make absolutely fantastic nailers.

I recently got my hands on their cordless Brad Nailer, and right off the bat, I was impressed by its sharp color contrasts and sleek design. Like any cordless nailer, it runs on a 20-volt lithium-ion battery, which provides ample power for the job.

What sets this nailer apart is its ability to hold 18 gauge (GA) nails up to 2 inches long, and with the 4.0 AH battery, it can fire 1,300 of these on a single charge.

One of the things that Porter-Cable prides itself on is the lightweight design of this nailer, making it easy to handle and manoeuvre.

Of course, compared to a pneumatic alternative, it’s still a bit heavier, but the convenience of not needing to lug around a compressor outweighs the extra weight.

Porter-Cable has also added some handy features to make this nailer user-friendly, such as a built-in flashlight that comes in handy in dimly lit areas. It also has a depth adjustment wheel and an LED indicator for the battery, so you always know how much power you have left.

One of the best features of this nailer, especially for baseboards, is its speed. It’s slightly faster than some air compressors, and it’s a lot quieter too. Clearing a jam is a breeze, although I doubt you’ll encounter this issue often.

The only downsides I’ve noticed are that the warranty is limited to 3 years, which could be longer, and it doesn’t come with a carrying case, which would have been a nice addition for portability.

Overall, I’m impressed with this Porter-Cable cordless Brad Nailer. It’s a reliable and efficient tool perfect for my woodworking projects, and I would highly recommend it to anyone needing a high-quality nailer.

What I Liked Most

Lighter than most cordless nailers
It has a handy torchlight
Easy to operate
It has a fast trigger

What Could Be Improved

It doesn’t come with a case
Only has a 3-year warranty

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2. Best Finish Nailer for Baseboard – NuMax SFN64 Pneumatic Finish Nailer

If you’re in the market for a straightforward and affordable finish nailer that does the job without any hassle, look no further. The NuMax pneumatic finish nailer is a winner in my book.

With its ability to shoot 16-gauge nails of up to 2 ½ inches in length, this nailer is perfect for baseboards, trim, panels, and light roofing work. Its basic design features an aluminium body that is lightweight and durable, although it may not win any style awards.

One of the few fancy features it has is a tool-free depth adjustment dial, which makes it easy to set the desired nail depth. It also comes with a no-mar tip, which is handy for protecting finished baseboards from damage.

Additionally, the quick jam release feature ensures you won’t struggle with removing misfired nails and making a mess.

However, one downside is that the driving power of this nailer may not be sufficient for thick hardwoods. Depending on the type of frame you’re working on, you may need to turn up the compressor power to the maximum psi of 110 to ensure proper nail penetration.

It’s worth mentioning that this nailer is not intended for professional use on a wide range of projects. It’s best suited for DIY enthusiasts or small crafts where a reliable and affordable finish nailer is needed.

If you’re looking for a no-fuss finish nailer that offers good performance without breaking the bank, the NuMax pneumatic nailer is a solid choice. It may not have all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, but it does the job for DIY or small-scale projects.

What I Liked Most

It is lightweight
Fires up to 2 ½ inch nails
It rarely jams
It has a no-mar tip

What Could Be Improved

The firing strength is lower than others
Only a 1-year warranty

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3. Best Angled Finisher – Metabo HPT Finish Nailer Kit

I know the importance of having a reliable and efficient baseboard nailer in my toolkit. I turned to the award-winning Metabo HPT finish nailer, specifically designed for trim work.

One of the standout features of this nailer is its ability to hold 15-GA nails, which is the largest gauge available for finish nailers and arguably the best size for baseboards.

The nails can be 1¼ inch to 2½ inch long and are loaded into an angled cartridge, making it easy to access tight corners without obstructing my line of sight.

The Metabo HPT finish nailer also comes with a convenient toolless depth adjustment dial, allowing me to easily set the desired nail depth for different types of wood and applications.

This nailer excels in functionality and looks sleek and professional with its silver and black design, indicating its intended use for professionals.

The trigger switch between sequential and contact firing is a handy feature that comes in useful depending on the project size I am working on.

Another advantage of the Metabo HPT finish nailer is its impressive psi range, up to 120. This, combined with the 15-GA nails, ensures that the nails drive in without misfiring or failing to penetrate properly, regardless of the type of wood I am working with.

While not the lightest nailer on the market, the Metabo HPT finish nailer is still relatively lightweight and easy to handle, making it suitable for extended periods of use.

It also comes with a carrying case for convenient transportation and a generous 5-year warranty, providing peace of mind and assurance of its durability and performance.

What I Liked Most

Switch between sequential and contact firing
Has a carrying case
Can work on a really thick hardwood
You get a 5-year warranty

What Could Be Improved

Slightly heavier than competitors

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4. Best Budget Brad Nailer – WEN 61721 Pneumatic Brad Nailer

As an avid woodworker, I’ve come to appreciate Wen’s affordable yet reliable products, and their brad nail gun for baseboards is no exception.

One of the standout features of this pneumatic nail gun is its compact size, weighing in at just 2.7 pounds. This makes it one of the smallest nail guns on the market and significantly lighter than battery-powered options.

Despite its small size, it packs a punch and is particularly effective for baseboard installation.

With a nail capacity of 106 18-GA nails in one cartridge, ranging from ⅜ to 2 inches in length, this nail gun is versatile for different woodworking projects.

Additionally, thanks to the thin nails, you can crank up the compressor to 115 psi, allowing you to work on thicker hardwoods without risking wood splitting.

Adjusting the nail depth is a breeze with the toolless dial, and the easy-access nose latch makes it simple to clear any jammed nails. The air exhaust is adjustable in any direction, providing flexibility during use.

While the price is a major selling point, the only drawback is that it comes with a 2-year warranty, which may not be as long as other options on the market. However, for minor trim work and DIY projects, this nail gun is a solid choice that performs well.

It’s worth noting that this nail gun is more suitable for hobbyists or DIY enthusiasts rather than professional builders. However, the Wen brad nail gun is a compelling choice for those looking for an affordable and reliable baseboard and trim work option.

What I Liked Most

It is very lightweight
It has a depth adjustment dial
You can get it with a case and nails
It rarely jams

What Could Be Improved

You only get a 2-year warranty

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5. Best Nail Gun & Stapler – KIMO 20V 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer

I recently tried out the Kimo cordless brad nail gun for baseboards, and I must say, it delivered beyond my expectations.

One of the standout features is its versatility, as it can hold 18-GA nails and staples ranging from ¾” to 2″ in length, making it suitable for baseboards that are less than 1″ thick.

What impressed me the most was the dual mode of operation, allowing me to choose between sequential or contact nailing. The rapid-fire option was surprisingly useful, allowing me to fire up to 90 nails per minute, although I didn’t need to go that fast for my baseboard project.

The front-positioned LED lights also provided better visibility. The error indicator light on the side helped alert me to potential issues such as overheating, low battery, or running out of nails.

The depth-adjustment dial, conveniently positioned at the top, made it easy to adjust the nail depth according to my needs. However, I did notice that the nail gun was slightly heavy, weighing 6 pounds without the 20V lithium-ion battery.

Nevertheless, the absence of a compressor and the inclusion of a belt hook made it manageable to carry around during extended use.

Overall, I found the Kimo cordless brad nail gun to be a convenient option for baseboard and trim work, offering versatility in fastening options, dual mode of operation, and helpful features for improved functionality.

Despite its slightly heavier weight, it provided the convenience of cordless operation without needing a compressor, making my baseboard installation project much more efficient and hassle-free.

What I Liked Most

It has sequential and contact actuation
It can fire up to 90 nails per minute
It has LED lights
It can stand on its own

What Could Be Improved

It is a tad heavy
It doesn’t come with a carrying case

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6. Best Nail Gun Overall – BOSTITCH Finish Nailer N62FNK2

Several Bostitch nail guns could have made our list, but we settled on the straight Finish Nailer. The product is the best nail gun for crown molding and baseboards.

My favourite feature of this nail gun is the smart point. Unlike other models that require you to depress the trigger before firing a nail, with this one, you only have to make contact with the wood surface and squeeze the trigger.

Not only does this require less effort, but it also prevents damage to the wood, making for a smoother and more precise operation. The angled finish nail gun also has a finer tip, allowing it to fit into tight spaces with ease.

Although this nail gun no longer has an LED light, a minor drawback, it’s not a significant issue when working on baseboards. The nail gun uses 15GA angle finish nails ranging from 1 ¼” to 2 ½” long, providing versatility for different baseboard sizes.

You can also choose between sequential and contact firing modes, allowing for faster nailing speed and efficient workflow.

One of the best features of this nail gun is that it’s oil-free, eliminating the need for daily oiling like many other pneumatic nailers. This saves time and effort in maintenance, making it more convenient.

The rotatable belt hook with an integrated pencil sharpener adds to the convenience factor, and including a carrying case and extra no-mar tips is a nice bonus.

Another added benefit is the 16″ ruler included with the nail gun, which helps precisely place trim nails without needing a separate measuring tool.

Overall, the manufacturer has created an impressive baseboard nail gun with great features at a reasonable price, making it a smart choice for woodworking projects.

What I Liked Most

Pin-point accuracy with a smart point
7-year limited warranty
It has an integrated pencil sharpener
Oil-free operation

What Could Be Improved

No more LED light

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7. Best Straight Finish Nail Gun for Baseboards – Makita AF601 Finish Nailer

I was spoilt for choice with Makita, and their 16 gauge straight finish nailer stole the spotlight for me regarding baseboard installation.

One thing I love about Makita is its branding. Their products are distinct and have a reputation for a quality build, and this nail gun is no exception with its magnesium body that is both lightweight and durable.

At just 3.8 pounds, I hardly felt the weight of this nailer, even after a long day of use. The soft grip and toolless adjustments also made it very convenient to handle.

The Makita AF601 can fire up to 2½” nails, and with the option of either sequential or contact actuation, I could cover a lot of ground quickly, making my job more efficient.

To make my job even easier, this nail gun has a depth adjustment dial and a built-in air duster that kept my work surface free from debris, ensuring a clean finish.

One safety feature that impressed me was the nail lock-out, which prevented dry fires. This added layer of safety gave me peace of mind during extended use.

As expected from a world-class brand, Makita included a no-mar tip, ensuring that the nails were flush without damaging the surface of the baseboard. Despite the reasonable price, I also received safety goggles, oil, and a tool case, which was a great value.

One of the standout features of this nail gun is the 3-year warranty, which is longer than most competitors offer, giving me confidence in the product’s durability.

The only issue I encountered was that the no-mar tip sometimes fell off. Still, the Makita 16 gauge straight finish nailer exceeded my expectations with its performance, convenience, and added safety features.

What I Liked Most

It has two actuation modes
It is lightweight
It has a nail lock-out
It comes with a 3-year warranty

What Could Be Improved

The no-mar tip may fall off

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8. Best Electric Brad Nailer for Baseboards – Neu Master NTC0040 Electric Brad Nailer

As a woodworker, one of the unique nailers I’ve come across is the Neu Master 2-in-1 electric brad nail gun and stapler. Unlike traditional pneumatic or battery-powered nailers, this one is electric, providing a consistent output for my baseboard installations.

One thing to note is that this nailer is not designed for professional use but for DIY projects. The size of the nails it uses also differs from other nailers I’ve used.

It’s a brad nailer that takes 18 gauge nails but with a maximum length of 1¼”. This makes it suitable for thinner baseboards, typically around ½ inch to 1 inch in thickness.

The manufacturer, Neu Master, also suggests using this nail gun on softwood, as it may have limitations with hardwood. However, they provide a workaround by recommending applying additional pressure with my other arm when firing nails or staples on hardwood to ensure better penetration.

In terms of power supply, this nailer requires a 6.6 feet cord that needs to be plugged directly into a voltage supply of no less than 110v.

Although I can use an extension cord, I’ve noticed that it may reduce power consumption and penetration, so I prefer using it with a direct power source.

One convenient feature of this nailer is that it has a no-mar tip, a depth-adjustment dial, and an adjustable power function, providing versatility for different projects.

However, it’s important to remember that this nailer has limitations and is best suited for smaller baseboard installations on softwood for DIYers.

The Neu Master 2-in-1 electric brad nail gun and stapler have been a unique addition to my tool collection, offering the convenience of electric power and versatility for smaller baseboard installations.

However, I always consider its limitations in terms of nail size, wood type, and power supply when choosing the right nailer for my projects.

What I Liked Most

It comes with 800 brad nails and 200 staples
It has a non-mar rubber nose
It has adjustable power for lighter operations
Works quietly

What Could Be Improved

It requires two hands to operate
It has strict power requirements

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9. Best 18V Brad Nailer – Ryobi 320 Airstrike

As I sifted through the plethora of options in the nailer market, one product that caught my attention was the Ryobi Airstrike. At first glance, the main distinction seemed to be its use of an 18-volt lithium-ion battery instead of the more common 20V.

However, upon closer inspection, I realized there was much more to this nailer than meets the eye.

One standout feature of the Ryobi Airstrike is its impressive battery performance. With the ability to shoot up to 1,700 nails on a single charge, it outperforms many of its competitors in this regard.

Additionally, this nailer can handle 18-gauge brad nails of up to 2 inches in length, offering versatility for different applications.

The Ryobi Airstrike also boasts convenient features such as a toolless depth-adjustment dial and an LED light, which ensure accurate nail placement every time. It also has a low-nail indicator and a quick-release jam, adding to its user-friendly design.

Another notable feature is the option to choose between sequential or contact actuation, providing flexibility in nailing techniques.

However, it’s worth noting that the Ryobi Airstrike is heavier than other nailers on our list, ranking as the second heaviest. Nevertheless, including a belt clip helps with portability, and with time, I became accustomed to the size and weight.

Plus, the nailer comes with a decent 3-year warranty, providing peace of mind regarding durability and reliability.

What I Liked Most

It has an LED light
Dual actuation modes
3-year warranty
Tool-less adjustment dial

What Could Be Improved

It is a bit heavy

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Best Nailer for Baseboards Comparison Table

Education: How to Choose the Best Nailer for Baseboards

Baseboards can be tricky to install and often require a special kind of nailer specifically designed for the task. If you’re looking to purchase the best nailer for trim and baseboards, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Let’s start by looking at what type of nail gun for baseboards should you buy.

What Type of Nail Gun for Baseboards?

Fixing baseboards is a time-consuming job. It is simple yet surprisingly easy to screw up (no pun intended). However, having the right tools makes you work faster and better, and this often comes down to the type of nailer.

Of the three major types of nailers: framing nailer, brad nailer and finish nailer gun, only the latter two are suitable for baseboards. So, which one is better?

Brad Nailer

Nail guns are easily identified by their nail gauge. A Brad Nailer is so named because it is used to drive brad nails. Ironically, what it fires are not nails but compressed wires.

Nevertheless, 18 gauge brad nails do a fantastic job of holding crafts and light woodwork together. However, brad nails can also be used for baseboards, provided they are the right length.

The best length of nails to use is 2 inches. This ensures that it penetrates not only the baseboard but also the frame.

Brads are a popular option for baseboards because they are thin and can easily be plastered over. However, they struggle against tough hardwoods, making them less reliable than finish nailers.

Finish Nailer

As the name implies, these nailers are best for finish work, particularly trim and moulding, including baseboards. Finish nailers typically use 15GA or 16GA nails, although they may also use 14GA.

Besides being thicker, finish nails also tend to be longer, reaching up to 3½” long. However, most finish nailers use 2½” nails.

These larger nails require more pressure to push them through, so finish nailers are usually pneumatic or gas-powered.

While 15GA nails do a better job of holding baseboards together, they have a slightly broader head, making it harder to cover with putty and paint.

However, you still need to paint over any nails you put in, no matter the size, so finish nailers are still the best nail guns.

Read Also: Best brush to paint baseboards.

Picking the Best Nail Gun for Baseboards

As easy as it is to choose a nailer based on whether it’s a brad or finish, there is much more to it. The factors below will help you find the right one.

Type of project

As with all woodworking tools, the most important thing to consider is what you will need them for.

The type of nailer you’ll need for a DIY home renovation project vastly differs from what you’ll need as a professional builder working on a wide range of projects.

On personal projects, you can decide on the baseboard’s thickness and know the type of wood. However, you don’t always have that luxury for clients.

That is why you can afford to use cheaper, less agile tools for DIY, but professionals need the best nail guns.

Power type

There are four main power sources for baseboard nailers: pneumatic (which uses an air compressor), battery, gas, and electric. The power source has an impact on the speed of the nailer and the weight.

Most nail guns are either pneumatic or battery-powered. Pneumatic nailers are light and fire nails quickly, but you must buy an air compressor.

Battery-powered can be as fast, though they are much heavier and bulkier. Gas-powered nail guns fire nails adequately, but gas canisters are expensive to maintain, and the smell can be off-putting.

Electric nailers are not as common as the others. They tend to be heavier than pneumatics, but they don’t fire nails quickly. Choosing the power source is critical and will depend on where and how you plan to use the nailer.

If you work for long hours at a time firing thousands of nails, your best bet is a pneumatic like any of the finish nailers on our list. On the other hand, you should only get an electric nailer for personal use.

Trigger operation

Nail guns offer contact actuation or sequential actuation. For safety purposes, nail guns don’t shoot any pins until they are depressed against a surface.

For sequential actuation, you need to press the tip of the nail gun on the board before you squeeze the trigger. However, contact actuation allows you to squeeze the trigger before so that it fires a nail as soon as you depress it.

This is a much faster way of firing nails. However, contact actuation is best for professionals because it comes with certain risks. If the nail hits a metallic surface mistakenly, it could bounce off and hurt you.

That, by the way, is why you must always wear goggles when using a nailer. Contact actuation could also place nails where you didn’t intend.

It is not a common trigger method for nailing baseboards, but it can be useful when you know what you’re doing.

The Bostitch smart point uses both features efficiently, as you don’t need to press the tip before firing; or make contact with the surface.

On the extreme end, the Neu Master Electric requires you to push the nailer with two hands before it can penetrate wood adequately.

Ease of Use/Nail Gun Features

Most nailers have the same basic components to make the tools easier to use, such as a no-mar tip, a tool-free depth-adjustment dial and a quick jam release.

Some nailers also have LED lights, which is great but unnecessary for baseboard installations. Other things to look for are a belt hook or a standing base.

Flipping a switch between the two actuation types also improves usability. You will find that most of the devices on our list have most of these in common.

Where the Bostitch distinguishes itself is with the smart point previously discussed and a 16″ ruler to help you hit the precise spots.

Price

You can’t ignore the price of a baseboard nail gun, although this has more to do with the power source. Pneumatic brad or finish nailers can cost as little as $30+, while battery-powered ones cost you several hundred dollars, including the battery.

As important as the price is, you shouldn’t, for example, get a pneumatic when you need a cordless nailer. Besides, cheaper products are usually not as durable.

This is a tool you can have for decades, so finding the right product at the right price is well worth it. Professional-grade nailers such as the Porter+Cable, Metabo and Bostitch are worth the extra coin.

However, if you are barely going to use it, you would be better off with the Wen or the Neu Master. Also, remember that you will need an air compressor for pneumatic nailers, which will set you back a couple of hundred dollars.

Warranty

Tools get faulty. Sometimes because of something silly, you did, like drop a nailer from a ladder, and other times they are just defective.

Even the best brands occasionally have duds, which are responsible for many of the negative reviews you find. In this situation, you will be glad you had an extended warranty.

The Bostitch leads the pack with its 7-year limited warranty, while the Metabo offers a 5-year one. Neu Master offers to replace your product instead of fixing it, which is even sweeter than the deal you get from these other companies.

FAQs

The Only Baseboard Nail Gun You’ll Ever Need

You can complete many woodworking tasks without a nail gun, but installing baseboards isn’t one of them. Chances are you might buy different nailers to have in your woodshop.

However, the best nail gun for baseboards and the one we recommend you start with, is the Bostitch Finish Nailer with Smart Point.

It has exceptional features, and it doesn’t break the bank. If you want a brad nail gun, you can’t go wrong with the Porter_Cable.

You’re going to love fixing baseboards with either of these. But when you’re done, you must make the project beautiful with the best paint for baseboard.