18 Gauge Vs. 16 Gauge Nails: What Are the Major Differences?
If you have ever had to run into the hardware store to grab a packet of nails, you quickly found out there are more nail types than you ever knew existed. Many stores have entire isles dedicated to nails and screws of all sizes, shapes, and textures. Two of the more common nail sizes are 16-gauge nails and 18-gauge nails. While the names are similar, you should know the differences between them, and when you should use one type over the other.
16-gauge nails are thicker than 18-gauge nails. They also have a stronger hold and are more durable. 16-gauge nails are also able to penetrate denser materials. The 16-gauge nail is a versatile nail in construction projects. 18-gauge nails, however, are better for detailed and intricate work. They are thinner and less likely to damage materials. They are also great for finishing and detailed work.
Both 16-gauge and 18-gauge nails are very common in home improvement projects. In order to know which type of nail your project calls for, you should know more about the pros and cons of each type. Before you learn the pros and cons, however, you should understand what the “gauge” measurement is, and how it relates to the nail.
What Is The Difference Between 16-Gauge Nails and 18-Gauge Nails?
The difference between 16-gauge nails and 18-gauge nails is their size. Specifically, “gauge” is determined by a nail’s width. Gauge is calculated by the number of nails that fit side-by-side in a one inch space. 16-gauge means 16 nails in one inch. The thicker the nail, the lower the gauge, because the thicker the nail, the fewer you can fit in a one inch space.
This means that 16-gauge nails are thicker than 18-gauge nails. This difference in size means these two nails have very different strengths, and also very different weaknesses.
Pros And Cons Of 16-Gauge Nails
16-gauge nails are quite popular, and are a great choice for many of your home improvement projects. 16-gauge nails are thicker than 18-gauge nails. Their exact thickness is .0625 inches. Before you select this gauge nail, however, you should understand the benefits and drawbacks of this nail size.
Pros Of 16-Gauge Nails
Stronger Hold Than 18-Gauge
16-gauge nails are thicker. This means they are more durable and can hold better than thinner nails (like 18-gauge). They should be able to hold more weight and strength, and also should provide more strength. In other words, they are less likely to snap or bend under pressure.
Great For Denser Wood
Not only do 16-gauge nails hold up stronger, but they can pierce through thicker and denser materials. If you are looking to puncture some notoriously strong wood, you are likely to have more success with a 16-gauge nail than with an 18-gauge nail.
Versatile
16-gauge nails are a very versatile nail. They can be used for everything from staircases to outdoor trim work. They are powerful, but not so thick that they become difficult to work with on standard materials. This makes them a good nail to have in the toolbox as a “just in case” all purpose nail.
Available In Many Lengths
You can purchase 16-gauge nails in a variety of lengths as well, which makes them even more versatile. These nails are typically sold starting at 1 inch all the way up to 3.5 inches.
Cons Of 16-Gauge Nails
Too Thick For tight Spaces
If you are working with tight corners, or a project that involves combining narrow pieces of wood, 16-gauge nails might not be the best choice. While their thickness makes them a strong and durable nail, they are not suited for tight and narrow projects. They require a bit of space and wiggle room.
Poor Choice For Delicate Materials
Since the nails have a wider diameter, they are not the preferred nail for delicate materials. They can clobber through these materials and cause damage. If you are working with delicate wood or molding, it is normally recommended that you use a thinner nail gauge.
Can Cause Splitting
In addition to damaging delicate materials, the wider 16-gauge nail can cause splintering and wood splitting. Make sure the material you are working with calls for a 16-gauge nail. Using a nail that is too thick for the material is an often costly and unnecessary error.
Require More Force
16-gauge nails are stronger, but they also require more strength. In order to get a 16-gauge nail into thick and dense woods you need ample strength. If you have a nail gun, you should have no problem. If you are hammering by hand, make sure you keep in mind this will take a bit of arm strength.
Bigger Holes
This might seem obvious, but it is important to note the 16-gauge nail creates a bigger hole than the 18-gauge nail. Make sure you know and want this before you start hammering the 16-gauge nails in.
Pros And Cons Of 18-Gauge Nails
18-gauge nails are thinner than 16 gauge nails. In fact, these nails are exactly .0475 inches thick. This thinner diameter has several pros, but also a few cons.
Pros Of 18-Gauge Nails
Comes in Smaller Lengths
18-gauge nails are not only thinner than 16-gauge nails, but they also come in shorter lengths. These nails typically come in lengths as low ass .5 inches, up. To 2 inches. This can come in handy for smaller and specific-sized pieces.
Great For Detail Work
The sharp and slender nature of the 18-gauge nail makes it perfect for detail work. 18-gauge nails can be used on anything from detailed edge work to detailed molding work. These nails can reach into tight corners, and you can have more control on their exact placement than you can with thicker nails.
Perfect For Delicate Projects
Since the 18-gauge nail has a smaller diameter, it is a preferred nail for more delicate woods and other materials. The thinner nail makes it less likely to splinter, split or otherwise damage the material you nail it into. This goes for both wood and other materials that are prone to damage.
Provides Intricate Finish
Because these nails are thinner, and create smaller holes, it is possible to have much more intricate and seamless finishes. You can use 18-gauge finishing nails, and it will take an expert eye to clock the nailhead if you hammer it in well.
Cons Of 18-Gauge Nails
Not As Much Holding Power
Since 18-gauge nails are thinner, they are not as strong as thicker ones like 16-gauge nails. This means they can not hold as much weight, and they are more likely to bend or snap under pressure.
Not Effective In Penetrating Denser Materials
While 18-gauge nails are great for detail work, they are less effective when it comes to dense and thick materials. Because these nails are thinner, they are not as capable at penetrating dense materials. If you need to hammer into a solid, thick core, you might need a lower gauge nail.
Thinner And Weaker
The 18-gauge nail is simply a thinner and weaker nail over all. They are effective at detailed work, but this is not a nail for strength and longevity. If strength is not a concern, 18-gauge nails should be fine. If it is, you may need to go with a lower gauge.
When 16-Gauge Nails Are The Better Choice
16-gauge nails are very versatile, and can be used in all sorts of circumstances. These nails are an ideal choice for projects that require a strong holding power. A 16-gauge nail is an overall great building nail. They are also a good choice for those who need to penetrate a dense or thick material. Some of the more common uses for 16-gauge nails are listed below.
- Cabinetry
- Crown moldings
- Flooring
- Baseboards
- Staircase Work
- Interior And Exterior trim
When 18-Gauge Nails Are The Better Choice
18-gauge nails are the perfect nails for more detailed and intricate work. If you have a project that requires thinner finishing nails, you are likely looking for an 18-gauge nail over a 16-gauge nail.
These nails are ideal for more delicate projects as well, as they are less likely to cause damage. 18-gauge nails are also usually less visible, so they are common in projects that require little nail visibility. Some of the more common uses for 18-gauge nails are listed below.
- Decorative Molding Work
- PanelingÂ
- Finishing Work
- Delicate Materials
- Casing Baseboards
- Paneling And Veneer
Final Thoughts On 16-Gauge vs. 18-Gauge Nails
If you are debating between purchasing 16-gauge nails and 18-gauge nails you need to consider what your hammering project entails. 16-gauge nails are thicker nails, which means they are stronger and more durable than 18-gauge nails. 16-gauge nails are also more effective at hammering into dense and thicker materials than 18-gauge nails are.
If, however, you are working on a more detail-oriented project, you may want to select 18-gauge nails. 18-gauge nails are great for detail and finishing work. They are also better when you are working with more delicate materials. They are less likely to damage or split delicate and temperamental wood than 16-gauge nails are.
Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.
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