15ga or 16ga nailer for T&G ceiling install

[HDClown]

I'm going to be installing approximately 600sq ft of 1x6 beaded T&G on a ceiling and don't feel that my existing 18ga brad nailer is a good choice, so time to buy a new tool.  I don't have any particular need outside of this job for the nailer, but I'm sure that once I have it, I'll find uses for it.

Details of this particular job, the joists are 16" OC #2 SYP (so they hold fasteners well) and I will tongue nail.  Biggest concern is splitting tongues, but that seems to be more tied to making sure I don't overdrive than anything else.

So, the question is, 15ga or 16ga.  Most recommendations I've read online are for 16ga but when people talk about 15ga vs 16ga in general, I see a lot of people say you only need one or the other, and if they had to pick, they'd go 15ga for a little extra holding power. 

I was planning to go Hitachi, either the NT65MA4 2.5" 15ga Angled or the NT65M2S 2.5" 16ga.  Either one is $130.  I can get these Lowes and I know Hitachi makes good guns in general.  But more importantly, Lowes always has good stuck of the nails in various lengths.  However, if someone wants to talk me out of them into something else, I'm all ears, although I don't need cordless/gas.

 

[GregBradley]

They are really quite different.

15Ga angled DA is a nail and 16Ga straight is a brad.

I know they call 16Ga a nail but it is exactly the same as 18Ga but larger. Same square shaft and Tee shaped head that is no wider than the shaft. 15Ga angled DA nails are round-ish shaft and oval head that holds much better.

I can't tell you which is better for your T&G but it seems like the 15Ga might destroy the tongue.

 

[bigjonh]

I shoot 15g nails into 1x t&g all the time. Get the placement and angle right and you won't split the tongue.

 

[Brent Taylor]

I have  been using the 15 ga  Nailers for wood soffit and ceilings. If you're near the water you may want to look at stainless steel.  I use bostitch guns. Use a cut off to set the board after you install it,  that will make a tighterror, better look.

 

[HDClown]

[member=37891]Brent Taylor[/member]

Are you using the regular Bostitch or the Smart Point?  The Smart Point looks appealing for more visibility on nail placement but not sure if it's worth spending another $40 for it, or for the LED.

Reviews on Amazon between Hitachi, Senco 42XP and both the Bostitch (regular and Smart Point) are pretty much all equivalent.  Most everyone loves them, with a few sprinkles of problems and recommendations for one of the other brands.

 

[rizzoa13]

My bostitch has a button to press that shoots air out so I can clean my work area off before i lay flooring or a board. The next time you wipe crap out of your way and get a splinter or hit your hand on a staple you missed tell me how useful that button would be! Freaking love that nail gun.

 

[HDClown]

Hitachi has the air blower feature too.  The Hitachi is not oil less, although from what I've read, people have shot 10k+ nails without needing to oil, although not oiling simply because it's functioning OK can lead to premature failure of the tool.

 

[jeep jake]

I have the bostich with the smart point 15ga nailer. It's really nice and very accurate but I don't think the long term durability is there. If I had to do it over again I would probably go with a senco

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

Which ever size you decide,  I would choose the angled nails.  It will make installation a lot easier.  I have used both 15ga and 16 ga for running t&g on the ceil.  I haven't had any issues with the 15 ga destroying the wood.  Its easier to hide the head of the 16ga nails. 

 

[Tyler Ernsberger]

I have the bostich with the smart point 15ga nailer. It's really nice and very accurate but I don't think the long term durability is there. If I had to do it over again I would probably go with a senco

I have the Senco and its a great nailer.  Senco makes two different 15ga.  The finish pro 42xp is the one to get.  They make a cheaper version thats not very good quality.

 

[Brent Taylor]

I have one 15 year old one and just picked up the one with the air blast feature,  I have been using these type of guns since the early 80's, I don't have a need for the LED,  I do most of my work in the day light and if I need light, I in have them.

 

[Cheese]

I have a Bostich N60 that shoots 15 ga nails and was purchased 19 years ago that needs to be lubed, nice gun. However I don't think you need to use 15 gauge for your application. I use the 15 gauge for floor installs. A 15 gauge nailer can and will split oak tongue and then you have to go back and finesse the broken tongue with a chisel, not fun. I'd downsize...

 

[duburban]

I'm using an older 15g Hitachi on a tight mitered porch ceiling now. Its fine, and I can't imagine a gun that wouldn't be great. Tongue and groove Pine bead board is the material. Why not use the biggest nail possible?