What are straight galvanised brad nails used for?
Straight galvanised nails are for everyday second-fix work where you need a neat fix across interior joinery and finishing jobs, including fitting skirting boards, architraves, mouldings, and timber trims.
Their concealed T-head design keeps the fixing discreet once driven in, making 16 gauge brad nails a practical choice for visible finishing work. They also feature a reduced split design and are ergonomically designed for working in tight spaces.
Use shorter nails for thinner trims and mouldings, and longer options for deeper fixing in skirting and architrave.
Browse our full range of brad nails, our wider selection of collated nails, or take a look at our collated drywall screws for plasterboard work.
16G straight brad nails: specifications
- Gauge: 16G, approximately 1.6mm
- Head: Concealed T-head design
- Collation: Straight strip
- Available lengths: 19mm, 25mm, 32mm, 38mm, 45mm, 50mm, and 64mm
- Pack quantity: 2,000 nails
- Finish: Electro-galvanised
- Service Class: 1
- Application: Dry, indoor conditions
What nailers are 16g brad nails compatible with?
Our 16g straight brad nails are suitable for most 16G straight brad nailers, including compatible models from Tacwise, Milwaukee, and DeWalt.
Before ordering, always check that your nailer is designed to take straight-collated 16G nails and supports the nail length you intend to use. Check the nailer’s gauge, angle, and maximum length.
Galvanised or stainless?
These electro-galvanised brad nails have Service Class 1 plating and are intended for dry indoor applications, such as second-fix jobs like skirting, architrave, mouldings, and trims.
If you’re working outdoors, in damp conditions, or in exposed environments, our stainless steel brad nails are Service Class 3, so they’re your best option.
FAQs
What is the difference between 16g and 18g brad nails?
The gauge refers to the thickness of the nail, with 16G nails being thicker than 18G nails.
18-gauge nails are thinner and leave a smaller fixing hole, which is why they’re used more for thin mouldings, beading, and smaller decorative trims.
In contrast, 16-gauge second-fix nails are thicker and sturdier, so they’re used for second-fix jobs that need a firmer fix, such as skirting boards, architrave, door linings, and larger timber trims.
What length of 16g brad nail do I need for skirting boards?
It depends on how thick the skirting boards are and what material they’re being fixed to.
The nail needs to be long enough to pass through the skirting and extend far enough into the timber or substrate behind it to create a secure fixing. So a shorter nail may be suitable, while thicker boards or deeper fixings may require a longer option.
Can I use galvanised brad nails outside?
These electro-galvanised nails are rated to Service Class 1, meaning they’re designed for dry indoor conditions such as internal joinery, skirting boards, architrave, and timber trims.
If you want fixings that can handle outdoor conditions, you’ll need higher corrosion resistance, such as Service Class 3 A2 stainless steel nails.
