The Best Nailer for Crown Molding You Should Consider

You might be thinking, what’s the big deal about nailing through crown molding, right? Only a Brad nail gun with specific capacity should do it just fine. Yes, that’s technically true. But practically, when you use a Brad nailer for this job, you will face some problems. First of all, if it is bulky and heavy, then your hands will be stressed out and can cause pain from using it overhead for long.

Secondly, if the nailer is not easy to maneuver, it will show on the performance. Either the nails will not be thrown entirely into the crown molding, or it will leave a mark on the surface and so on. Besides, it will be impossible to use the nail in tight spaces or small-sized crown moldings.

All these problems can be prevented if you consider choosing the right nailer for that job specifically. Thanks to the brad nailers’ versatility, you can use the same nail gun you used for crown molding to fix doors, or window frames, chair railing, baseboard, and sometimes floor and subfloor as well. So, there is no harm in bringing a brad nailer that will help fix crown molding because it will help do many more projects shortly.

What is Exactly Crown Molding?

Crown molding is usually confused with molding, which is both far distinct from one another. Molding may be a general term for any sort of trimming within the house or an area, while crown molding may be a specific term for molding a ceiling, particularly the place where the walls and ceilings intersect. The intersection is usually left mundane in most of the homes.

But if you comply with the places with elegant architecture, then you’ll notice crown molding in each of them. Crown molding is one of the main reasons for beautifying an area or an area. It trims the form of the intersection.

Crown moldings aren’t limited to the intersection of wall and ceiling, but these also are established on the corners of doorways or windows to offer a “royal” touch to the house.

Earlier, these were established only to fill the gaps between the intersections, but it became a neighborhood of decoration with advancing age. The moldings are typically made from woodcut intricately within the size of 1-1/2 to 7-1/2 inches. The wooden frames are then put in with the assistance of a nailer.

Further, the crown moldings are of certain types, for example:

• Distinguished dentils.
• Classic casting.
• Bead and curve.
• Leafy Look.
• Double bed.
• Ornamental ovolo.
• Stairsteps.
• Graceful garlands.
• Deco facets.
• Rope border then on.

What Type of Nail Gun Should You Use for Crown Molding?

Specification

Usually, a finish nailer that uses 16 to 18 gauge nails can do the job. The length of the nails should be 2 inches so that it properly attaches the crown molding to the surface beneath. There are other factors that you should consider before actually buying the nailer. 

Weight

The nail gun should be lightweight. Construction and carpentry are already stressful tasks. We can’t change that, but nailing should not be. So, choose a nail gun that is light and small. It will be easier to hold, fire, and reach the hard-to-reach areas.

Versatility

Of course you are planning to use a nailer only for crown molding. So, look for nail guns or staplers and accept a variety of nail sizes. This way, you can use it for different purposes as well. All you will need to do is change the nails and fix the depth adjustment of the gun.

Cordless/Electric/Pneumatic

Nail guns are three types in terms of power consumption. It can be air-powered, battery-operated, or electric. Keep in mind the goods and bads about these types. It will help you to find which one suits your needs best.

Ease of Use

One or two features can make a difference while operating a power tool. LED light to illuminate the work surface, adjustable exhaust, belt hook, charge indicator, reload indicator are the features that make using a finish nailer easier for professionals and beginners. Always pay attention to the additional features of the tools you are planning to buy. Because we don’t change, replace or buy our power tools often.

Editor’s Note

The features of all the Brad nail guns and finishing nail guns we have reviewed here are similar. What makes them different from one another is the price, durability, power, and ergonomics. So, we tried our best to reflect on those topics while discussing these tools’ suitability for installing crown moldings.

No matter which one you choose to buy, consider the warranty and refund/replacement procedures before buying it. Because even the renowned brands can sell a defective product and you can fall victim. The replacement/repair/refund policies will help you overcome this misfortune without any major loss.

Now See Our Top-Rated Nailers for Crown Molding

Professionals and contractors must have separate nailers to do crown molding for the sake of their professionalism. It saves time and hassle in many ways. So, whether you are a homeowner, contractor, or DIY master, then this article is posted just for you. Consider our list of beast nailers for crown molding so that you can do your job without facing unexpected problems.

1. Makita AF506 Brad Nailer for Crown Molding in Tight Spots

• 18 gauge brad nails, from 5/8″ to 2″;
• Weights 2.9 lbs;
• Aluminum body, magazine & cylinder for strength and durability.

Fixing crown molding in tight spaces can be a headache. A smaller nailer works best, in this case, to reach the tight spots easily or to nail a small size of molding on the wall. In both cases, this nailer from Makita is the best choice. It is light and compact but super easy to work with. It is a pneumatic nail gun, so there is abundant power to complete various jobs that require 5/8″ to 2″ nails.

This gun comes in a hard plastic case. Your gun will be in a safe place now when it is shorted or taken to a remote job site.

This rugged nailer is very popular among professionals for its size. Other features are common for almost any nailer in the market. There is nothing much to convince people about the goodness of this tool. It is from Makita, so it has to be the best in its class.

Pros

• Reaches confined space easily;
• Lightweight and compact;
• Durable.

Cons

• Nothing to mention.

2. Freeman Pneumatic Combo Kit with Crown Stapler

• Model: P4FRFNCB;
• You will get an 8-gauge brad nailer, 15-gauge angle finish nailer, 21-degree framing nailer, and an 18-gauge narrow crown stapler in a canvas bag.

This collection of air powered nail guns and staplers for all of your finishing and framing needs. I strongly recommend this combo box for DIY renovation projects and contractors. The price you have to pay for all of these nailers plus the accessories is half the actual price of separate tools. This is a smart choice for anyone who wants to save bucks but wants a huge collection of useful nailers.

However, all the nailers are durable, powerful, and easy to use. These nailing guns rarely jammed or dry fire. Excellent ergonomics made these tools well balanced and easy to maneuver. There is no risk of contamination for dust-sealed mechanisms; hence, this combo set is expected to pass the test of time. These are also backed by a 7 years long warranty.

Pros

• Adjustable depth;
• Dust proof;
• No-mar tip;
• Maintenance free.

Cons

• No cons.

3. NuMax 2″ Pneumatic 18-Gauge Nailer for Affordable Crown Molding

• 18-gauge 2″ brad nailer;
• 3.3 pounds.

Looking for a high-quality nailer for molding? This budget-friendly nailer from NuMax is one of the lightest and best quality nailers among DIY, homeowners, and contractors. Why wouldn’t it be? This nailer is super light and easy to maneuver. Besides, there is a reload indicator upon the shortage of nails to prevent dry firing. The adjustable exhaust swivels 360 degrees so that you can set it away from your face in any direction.

There are reasons to make this machine available at a cheap price. The brand is less popular, so you are getting a high-quality nailer for half the price of name brands. Besides, this one will come in handy for crown molding and shoe molding, baseboard, trim, doors, handrails, and many other projects that require using 2 inches 18 gauge nails. Yes, the nails it accepts are limited to this exact size. For projects that require shorter nails, you may need to keep in collection another nailing option.

Pros

• Quiet operation,  
• Easy to use,
• Reload indicator prevents dry firing.

Cons

• Accepts only 2’’ nails.

4. Neu Master Electric Brad Nailer for DIY Crown Molding and Many More

• Accepts 1/4” nails, 5/8″-1″ crown staple and 18 gauge 5/8” to 1-1/4” brad nail;
• Recommended for softwood DIY projects.

Electric Brad nailer is the cheapest option because it doesn’t need the compressor and accessories or the battery and charger for cordless nailers. Electric nail guns are hard to find because there are not many available models in the market. We have chosen this model because of its versatility that DIY enthusiasts need for most of their projects.

The best thing is, it accepts a wide variety of nails so that you can use it for door or window molding installation, picture framing, small upholstery, wooden handiwork, home improvement, and whatnot. 

The nailer is really powerful, but the cord length is somewhat limited. You can use a small additional 12 gauge cord if needed; this won’t interrupt the power. Besides, there are many helpful tips and tricks explained in the manual for making the most of this nailing gun. The customer service is award-worthy. See, there is nothing you shouldn’t dislike about this nailer. To ensure success in all of your DIY woodworking projects, choosing this one is a wise decision.

Pros

• Cheap price;
• Versatile; 
• Lightweight;
• Electric;

Cons 

• Appropriate for DIY on softwoods only.

5. Senco FinishPro Angled Finish Nailer with Case

• 15-gauge 1-1/4-inch to 2-1/2-inch pneumatic finish nailer;
• Model: 4G0001N.

If you are a big fan of SENCO power tools, then you will appreciate this pneumatic nailer too. With merely 4 pounds of weight, you will barely feel any stress while working overhead surfaces. Unlike other pneumatic brad nailers, it is a maintenance-free tool. You won’t need to apply oil or lubricant to perform it smoothly.

This nailer used to be more pricey and rugged several years ago. Now, it is made affordable, but there is a considerable defect rate. In a word, this is not for professionals to rely on long term tough jobs. Rather, it is suitable for homeowners for occasional use to fix crowns or shoe molding around the house.

Pros

• Affordable; 
• Lightweight; 
• No lubrication required; 
• Long warranty.

Cons

• Not professional quality.

Read more: Finding the Best Hardwood Flooring Nailers

6. DEWALT Cordless Brad Nailer Kit for Professional Molding, DCN680D1

• Cordless tool kit includes charging unit, battery and bag;
• Drives 18 Gauge brad nails from 5/8″ to 2-1/8″.

Dewalt is the most favorite brand among professionals. How can we skip this mighty cordless nailer from DEWALT? Our list of popular nailers for crown molding would be incomplete without it. However, talking about professionals, this nailer will fail any pneumatic nailer in terms of power. You will enjoy the power and ergonomics in your hand minus dragging around the compressor and coil.

The best thing about this tool is, it is compatible with any batteries from Dewalt 20v max series. If you are the owner of one, then consider yourself lucky because you can always replace the included battery with another one when it drains out.

The battery runs a long time, though, straight 4 hours! So, with a couple of recharged batteries, you can complete the full day’s work of nailing through decorative molding, casing, kitchen crown, or shoe molding at the job site.

Pros

• Compatible with any DEWALT 20V MAX* battery;
• Super-quiet;
• Very powerful.

Cons

• Very big and heavy.

7. PORTER-CABLE Cordless Nailer for DIY Crown Molding

• Battery powered;
• 5/8″ – 2″ fastener, accepts 18 gauge nails; 
• Includes 1.5 Ah 20Volt MAX Lithium ion battery, charger and integrated belt hook.

Crown molding requires thin nails. There is no point in dragging around a bulky compressor to do these small jobs, especially when you are doing it for your home all by yourself. This cordless nailer is Li-ion battery powered. It gives you freedom from dealing with compressors, hose, expensive gas cartridges or machine oils. All it needs is a battery, charger which is included in the package and nails. 

The magazine contains up to 100 nails, but the charge stays pretty long. With one go, you can fire up to 1300 nails. Impressive, isn’t it? That is why this nailer is also a favorite among professionals and contractors who work in remote and odd places. However, the price may seem a bit high compared to other options, but consider the added price of using an air compressor and the hassle it creates. This nailer is a winner in all cases.

Pros

• Portable;
• Well balanced;
• Long battery life;
• Userfriendly features.

Cons

• Expensive.

8. Freeman PFN1564 Pneumatic Finish Nailer for molding

• Uses 34 degrees 15 gauge fasteners from 1-1/4″ to 2-1/2″;
• Includes carry case, adjustment tools, safety goggles, belt hook, and air tool oil;
• Weighs 6 pounds.

If you already have an air compressor, then choosing the pneumatic nailers is the best option for you. For professional-level performance, this nailing gun from Freeman works like a charm!

You can use hardwood crown moldings and hardwood plywoods as a backer board, and this nailer will shoot through just about any material. The machine is versatile. It accepts a variety of nails so that you can use it to fix baseboard, trim work, doors, window casing, cabinetry, and even furniture components.

The gun is well built and well balanced. The best thing is, it is backed by a long 7 years warranty and responsive customer service. By that period, this nailer will pay off many times its price. However, make sure not to use Stanley nails with this because of those nail jams. Other than that, this nailer hardly has an issue throwing nails in crown molding.

Pros

• Versatile;
• Lightweight;
• Suitable for professionals;
• Durable.

Cons

• Expensive.

9. Numax Sfn64 Straight Finish Nailer

• 360 adjustable exhaust;
• Aluminum cylinder & magazines;
• Finger depth adjustments.

For DIY or professional works, molding, window casing, staircases or furniture, you would like to make certain that the nail gun you’re using is reliable. Now, a reliable nail gun doesn’t get to break your bank. Here is one among the favored and professional nail guns reviewed here in the Nail gun guide.

NuMax SFN64 one of the foremost affordable and highly rated nail guns within the market and possibly the quickest delivery from Amazon. Praised by its users, NuMax SFN64 is excellent for interior, and exterior finishes, furniture, cabinet works, baseboards, shoe, crown molding, window casing, chair rail molding, etc. The tool drive has a 16 gauge finish nailer from 1-2 1/2″.

It’s a straight finish nailer with a lightweight design. It’s a tool-free adjustable exhaust that directs exhaust away to avoid debris and air exhausts. Also, the no-mar tip protects work surfaces, and an adjustable depth guide sets nails to the proper depth of fabric effortlessly.

Numax SFN64 is excellent for private and professional use. It’s easy to use, and every nail gun is manufactured under strict quality guidelines. Every gun is tested before shipping also.

Pros

• Good for beginners;
• Affordable with cool features;
• High capacity magazine with 100 nails.

Cons

• Gun jam very quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Crown Stapler the Best Tool for Installing Crown Molding or Should I Consider a Different Nailer?

When deciding on the best tool for installing crown molding, consider the specific applications that a crown stapler uses. While a crown stapler can work well for attaching lightweight molding, a different nailer may be more suitable for heavier or more intricate pieces of crown molding.

What Size Nails Are Best for Crown Molding?

Crown is commonly nailed up with a 2″ completing nail, finishing gun, and a compressor. Outside corners are normally finished with a brad nailer and 1″ brad nails with a stick. Studs are for the most part 3 to 1/2″, drywall a ½” and the crown forming at least ½”; accordingly 2-inch completing nails are important.

Is a Pin Nailer Similar to a Finish Nailer?

Pin nailers promise this, and while they are not a replacement for finishing nailers, they do have tons to supply. Also called pinners, headless pinners, or micro-pinners, these specialized pneumatic fastening guns deliver substantial benefits that few home workshoppers have experienced yet.

Is Crown Molding Hard to Install?

Compared to wood, foam crown molding isn’t only affordable and simple to put in, but it is also pliable—making it easy to figure out the curvatures of your home.

How Does One Fix Nail Holes Without Painting?

To fill nail holes without paint, you’ll try using spackle or putty. It’ll quickly disappear right into the tiny pinholes caused by nails in drywall! Better of all, it’s easy to use. All you would like to try and do is smooth it off with a damp cloth quarter-hour after application.

Should I Buy a 16 or 18 Gauge Nailer?

A 16-gauge nailer can fire thicker nails compared to an 18-gauge nailer. So, it’s better fitted to jobs requiring higher stability and better holding strength. And, when paired with glue, your work is just about indestructible. These factors make it great for heavy-duty and structural work.

You Might Also Like:

• See our Recommended Top Nailers for Siding