When it comes to installing crown molding, using the best nail gun for crown molding will certainly determine the end results.
Although some people often prefer going the old fashioned way by using a hammer, most often end up redoing the entire job as a hammer ends up damaging the crown molding.
A good nailer helps you install crown molding correctly and in a smooth, efficient manner.
It helps you get the job done right.
For this reason, choosing the best nailer for crown molding is crucial.
I know this too well because as a DIYer myself, I know how important it is to choose the right tool for the job.
If youโre looking to purchase your first nail gun for crown molding, the task can be a little bit overwhelming especially if you have no idea what to look for.
Donโt worry.
In this article, I am going to do a comprehensive review of the top 9 best nail guns that are designed to make installing crown molding quick and efficient.
In addition to the reviews, I have also written a comprehensive buyerโs guide to help you choose the most suitable nail gun for your crown molding needs.
Letโs dive right in! Shall we?
In a rush? Here is a comparison table listing down the 7 best nail guns for crown molding:
Table of Contents
- 1 Best Nailer for Crown Molding (Our Top 7 Picks and Buyerโs Guide)
- 1.1 1. Best Nail Gun for Crown Molding Overall-PORTER-CABLE PCC790B 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer
- 1.2 2. KIMO 20V 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer/Stapler Kit
- 1.3 3. BOSTITCH Brad Nailer, 18 Gauge, Pneumatic, 2-Inch (BTFP1850K)
- 1.4 4. DEWALT Brad Nailer Kit, 18GA, 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch (DWFP12231)
- 1.5 5. Metabo HPT NT50AE2 Brad Nailer with Air Hose
Best Nailer for Crown Molding (Our Top 7 Picks and Buyerโs Guide)
The 9 best nail guns for crown molding are as follows;
1. Best Nail Gun for Crown Molding Overall-PORTER-CABLE PCC790B 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer
The Porter-Cable PCC790B 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer 18ga is currently one of the best nailers that are suitable for installing crown molding and other fine woodworking projects.
It’s also currently one of the best-selling cordless brad nailers on Amazon.
This 20V MAX 18GA cordless brad nailer is battery-powered which eliminates the need for a compressor, hose, or costly gas cartridges.
The fact that it’s cordless makes it a portable unit that is not only easy to use, but also hassle-free to move from one place to another.
One of its most incredible features is its Special Motor Design that provides consistent firing power into a wide variety of materials and various climatic conditions.
The Porter-Cable 20V 18GA nailer also features multiple tool free settings that help increase your safety while boosting your productivity.
Looking for an ergonomic nail gun? The Porter-Cable nail gun is just what you need.
The unitโs optimal center of gravity provides you with exceptional comfort in multiple positions which helps reduce fatigue and discomfort especially when using it for extended periods of time.
More comfort during handling is guaranteed by its lightweight design.
Other incredible features worth mentioning include;
- Features multi-functional dual LED lights that help light up your workspace- the light comes in very handy when nailing tight spaces and even prevents you from firing the brad nails in the wrong direction. Additionally, the multi-functional dual LED light lets you known when the battery is low on power or whether a nail has jammed
- Features Sequential Firing Mode and Trigger Lock
- Magazine Capacity of 100
- Fastener Length Capacity of 5/8-Inch to 2-Inches
- Includes a 20V Max Battery and Charger
- Comes with a Hang Hook for convenient and hassle-free storage
- Backed by a 3-Year Manufacturerโs Limited Warranty for your peace of mind
The Cons
- I have noticed several complaints about the nail gun stopping working for no reason after some time
- I have also noticed a common complained about the nails jamming
- Another complaint I have noticed is the battery not holding power for a long time
2. KIMO 20V 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer/Stapler Kit
Our second best nail gun for crown molding is the KIMO 20V 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer/Stapler Kit.
Since itโs battery-powered, this nail gun does not require any hose, noisy compressor, or gas cartridges. The 20V battery is all you need to get your molding job done.
The nail gun lets you easily switch between sequential and contact โactuation thanks to the integrated dual-mode toggle switch.
This simply means that it can easily fire a single brad nail with each trigger squeeze or fire a series of brad nails by bumping the contact element at a high speed of up to 80 nails per minute.
In addition to this, the nail gun boasts of an adjustable firing depth with a rotational knob located at the top of the gun.
This allows you to fire nails into a wide range of materials.
An important feature worth noting about the KIMO 20V 18 Gauge Cordless Brad Nailer works both as a nailer and stapler.
You can use it simultaneously for nailing and stapling functions. This means you wonโt need to spend more money to purchase a stapler.
The tool is suitable for 18 GA nails (3/4โ to 2โ) which makes it suitable for fine woodworking projects like fastening decorative molding, shoe molding, kitchen molding, casings, and more. It’s also ideal for sinking 18 GA staplers (3/4โ and 1-5/8โ).
The KIMO nail gun/stapler comes with an incredibly powerful Lithium Ion battery that holds enough power to drive up to 700 brads into wood without any issues.
Other features worth mentioning about the KIMO nail gun include;
- A lightweight design- The tool weighs 6 lbs, so it wonโt weigh you down even when working for extended periods
- LED Lighting- The nail gun comes with two front-positioned LED lights that make it easy for you to work on dark or tight corners
- Adjustable Depth of Drive which ensures precise countersinking of nails
- Compact Size- The KIMO nail gun/stapler boasts of a compact size that allows it to fit easily in tight spaces and also allow you to position it in any direction where it might be impossible to drive a nail with a hammer or fire small nails. The compact size also allows for easy, hassle-free storage
- Also includes a very Fast Charger, 700 pieces of 18GA nails, 300 pieces of 18 GA crown staples, and 1 Allen Wrench for releasing jams
- Releases up to 1400 nails per charge and up to 80 nails per minute- this allows you to complete projects much faster
The Cons
- Few complaints about the nails jamming
- Some people feel itโs a little bit heavier than they expected
3. BOSTITCH Brad Nailer, 18 Gauge, Pneumatic, 2-Inch (BTFP1850K)
The BOSTITCH 18 GA Pneumatic Brad Nailer is yet another popular nailer that works great for all kinds of trim work, crown molding, paneling installation, cabinet finishing, and other fine woodworking projects.
This unit is available in two other models. One is a 2 1/8โ Oil Free Brad Nailer while the other is a 2 1/8โ Oil-Free, Smart Point Brad Nailer.
Now;
This Bostitch Brad Nailer features a 100-fastener magazine capacity that easily holds adhesive strip-collation nails measuring up to 2-inches long.
The unit also features an Adjustable Depth Guide that allows you to quickly and conveniently set the nails to the desired depths.
The tool-free adjustable exhaust cap directs the exhaust away from your face for increased comfort while the no mar tip of the nail gun helps to protect delicate work surfaces.
The nail gun also boasts of a lightweight design which allows you to work for extended periods without tiring.
Although its lightweight, the nailer feels stable and comfortable in your hands and this makes firing nails much less of a hassle.
The nailer comes with a soft carrying case that helps protect it during transportation and storage.
It is backed by a whopping 7-Year Limited Warranty for great peace of mind.
The Cons
- Few complaints about the nails jamming
4. DEWALT Brad Nailer Kit, 18GA, 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch (DWFP12231)
Our 4th best nail gun for crown molding is the DEWALT Brad Nailer Kit 18GA Nail Gun.
This brad nailer drives nail sizes between 5/8โ to 2โ and this makes it ideal for installing decorative molding, shoe molding, kitchen molding, casings, trim work, and other delicate wood projects.
The brad nailer boasts of a tool-free depth-of-adjustment with detents which allows you to set the desired depth for nails.
It also features a tool-free jam release mechanism which allows for easy removal of nails.
The Dewalt brad nailer also comes with a durable, maintenance-free motor that prevents staining of your work surface.
The rear exhaust helps keep contaminants away from your face for comfort while the removable non-marring tip protects delicate surfaces against damage.
To prevent fatigue and reduce discomfort, this brad nailer from Dewalt also comes with an integrated rubber grip for added comfort.
The nail gun is constructed with magnesium for extra strength, sturdiness, stability, and durability.
It features a sequential style trigger and also comes with an adjustable belt hook that lets you keep the tool close to you for easy reach.
To operate this nailer, you will need a compressor. Itโs not included with the package so youโll need to purchase it separately.
The Cons
- The nail gun jams- seems like this is a common problem with most nail guns
5. Metabo HPT NT50AE2 Brad Nailer with Air Hose
What to Look for in the Best Nailer for Crown Molding? (A Comprehensive Buyerโs Guide)
If you are not yet aware, brad nailers are the most common nailers for handling delicate projects like installing crown molding, attaching thin, delicate trim, crafting, reupholstering furniture, and other projects.
Brad nailers typically use smaller nails which range from 18 gauge to 23 gauge. The nails are so tiny that you can even see them unless youโre seriously looking for them.
You wonโt even need to apply any putty to make them conspicuous and this makes them perfect for such delicate projects.
Driving such thin nails onto crown molding with a hammer can be frustrating as these nails can easily bend due to their ultra-thin nature.
That said, let’s discuss some of the most important things you need to look for when choosing the right nail gun for crown molding.
1.Power Source
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a nailer gun for crown molding is the power source.
Nail guns can either be Pneumatic, Electrical, or Cordless (battery-powered).
Pneumatic nail guns are powered by air compressors and this makes them incredibly powerful.
As long as they are plugged into an air compressor and loaded with nails or brads, the nail guns will continue to shoot seamlessly.
Compared to battery-powered nail guns, pneumatic nailers are often lightweight (weighing between 2-5 pounds) and are therefore easy and comfortable to use.
The only disadvantage with pneumatic nailers is that they significantly limit movement since they always need to be connected to a compressor.
All the same, they are quite a popular choice among professionals and DIYers.
In your search for the best nailer for crown molding, you will most certainly come across a battery-operated nail gun.
A battery-operated nail gun is typically cordless, in that it doesnโt need to be plugged into a power source to operate.
It comes with a rechargeable battery (mostly a Lithium Ion Battery) and this makes it portable and hassle-free to use. You can carry it anywhere with you.
As reliable and convenient a battery-powered nail gun is, it can be quite heavy due to the additional weight of the battery.
The good news is that such nail guns arenโt too heavy to handle. They are made with lightweight yet highly sturdy materials so the weight of the battery wonโt make much of a difference to the average weight.
In fact, most women find them comfortable to use.
But then, battery-powered nail guns have another inconvenience- recharging the battery means stopping operation until it’s full. To avoid this, it’s highly advisable to purchase a few extra batteries so you can swap them seamlessly and complete your projects faster.
And lastly, we also have electric nailers which need to be hooked to an electrical outlet in order to drive nails through materials.
The fact that they are corded means that movement is limited. They are therefore suitable for workshops with electrical outlets of interior jobs where electrical outlets are available in every room.
Unlike battery-powered nail guns, electric nail guns donโt need to be recharged, neither do they require a compressor to work. As long as you have electric power, you’re good to go.
2.Ease of Use
Another very important thing to consider when looking for the best nail gun for crown molding is its ease of use.
Typically, depending on the kind of project you’re handling, you’re likely to handle the nail gun for extended periods of time. This is more so if youโre a professional who has to constantly use the tool on a daily basis.
The nail gun must be easy to use and more importantly, it should feel light yet stable enough on your hands to allow you shoot nails or brad nails seamlessly into materials.
The nail gun should be lightweight yet sturdy enough for durability.
It should also be ergonomically designed in order to prevent fatigue, muscle cramping, and discomfort on your hands due to extended use.
Another important feature worth considering is the Trigger Mechanism.
Some nail guns release nails whenever the nail gun is pressed while others require you to press the tool against the surface with the trigger held in order to release the nails.
In this case, be sure to choose a nail gun with a trigger mechanism that is easier and more comfortable to operate.
3.Trigger Types
As I have mentioned about, itโs important to choose a nail gun that has a trigger mechanism that is easier and comfortable to operate.
I am pretty sure you would like to learn more about these trigger mechanisms. Here we goโฆ
Typically, nails are fired when both trigger areas in a nail gun are activated.
One of the trigger areas is the tip of the nail gun while the second one is the trigger that you need to press with your index finger.
In this case, there are two types of triggers;
- Contact Trigger– A contact trigger typically fires the nail as soon as the tip of the nail gun comes into contact with the wood material. The impact is triggered when you hold it down with your index finger. While this type of trigger is fast, it can quickly become dangerous as you might end up shooting the nail in the wrong direction
- Sequential Trigger– A nail gun with a sequential trigger is a much safer and effective option as the nail is only released into the wood as soon as you press the nail gun tip against the material and then press the trigger with your index finger in order to fire the nail. However, this method comes with its risks as more nails can be fired as long as youโre pressing the trigger with your index finger. It’s therefore important that you first learn how to properly operate the tool to avoid this. Also, you can easily adjust the settings of the nail gun in a way that allows it to fire just one nail at a time instead of multiple nails
4.Magazine Styles
A nail gun comes with two main types of magazines;
- Straight
- Coil
A nail gun with a coil magazine tends to hold more nails compared to a straight one.
Coil magazines are typically more popular with roofing nailers. With such a magazine, you wonโt need to refill the nails on a regular basis.
If youโre looking to complete a huge project fast, you might want to consider a brad nailer that has a coil magazine.
4.Jam Clearing Mechanism
Even the best nail gun will at some point jam, which can be frustrating especially if it happens often.
For this reason, be sure to find a nail gun that has a jam clearing mechanism.
It should be easy to assemble and disassemble when clearing the jam.
5.Depth Control
A nail gun that allows you to control how deep the nail goes is an excellent choice.
Depth Control is a feature that allows you to easily set the force at which nails are fired into wood. If you want the nails to penetrate deeper into concrete when installing crown molding, all you have to do is set the desired depth.
6.Dry Firing Lockout
Choose a nail gun with the dry firing lockout feature. Essentially, this feature prevents the nail gun from firing when you run out of nails.
7.Loading Speed
The nail gun you choose must be easy and quick to load so you can save your valuable time. You certainly donโt want a nail gun that takes too much time loading.
8.Angle
Choose a nail gun that can easily rotate to 360 degrees. This will allow you to fire the nails on the mold even in the tightest spaces.
This will not only make your job easy and fast, but it will also give you the most perfect end result.
9.LED Light
Some nail guns come with LED lights to help you see where youโre shooting nails at more clearly.
The light comes in very handy especially when installing crown molding or baseboards in tight spaces.
You can also work in the dark thanks to the integrated LED lighting.
10.Build Quality
Choosing a sturdy and durable nail gun is important especially if you plan to use it on a regular basis.
You need a nail gun that will serve you for the long haul.
Most popular nail guns are made with premium materials like Aluminum and Galvanized Steel.
Most nail guns are made of aluminum not just because itโs a sturdy and durable material, but also because itโs lightweight.
Youโll want to avoid nail guns that are made of plastic because they are more prone to breakage compared to aluminum or steel.
11.Pricing
Of course, you do need to consider the price of the nail gun youโre purchasing.
You want a nail gun that is affordable and of high-quality at the same time.
You want a nail gun that will provide the best value for money.
Some popular models like Dewalt can be quite expensive. However, they are built to last and wonโt disappoint you in the long run.