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In this article, we will look at the 15 gauge nail diameter and how it makes the nail multi-purpose
One of the most versatile nails that you will come across out there is the 15 gauge nail- From larger trim work and baseboard to installing stair treads to installing pre-hung doors and even building small shelves, you could require this nail.
In this article, we will look at the 15 gauge nail diameter and how it makes the nail so all-around.
We will also look at the different 15 gauge nail lengths, the best projects to use 15 gauge nails, and much more.
Let us dive in.
So what diameter is 15 gauge nail?
When we talk about nail gauge sizes, they are used to indicate the thickness or diameter of a nail.
Now, unlike the penny size of a nail, the gauge size has a somewhat funny numbering convention under which the bigger the gauge number, the thinner the nail is.
Let us put this into perspective:
Let’s say you have a 12 gauge nail- under the aforementioned numbering system, it is thicker than a 15 gauge nail (and not the other way round).
The vice versa is also true.
It follows that the smaller the gauge number, the stronger the nail is.
I will not mention something that you should keep in mind as we proceed with the discussion….
Nails with smaller diameters have one huge advantage over bigger nails: You can use them on material that would easily split if you use thicker nails.
That takes us back to the question of what is the exact 15 gauge nail diameter….
Now, when it comes to 15 gauge nails, they typically have a diameter of 0.072 inches.
As you can see, these nails have a relatively small diameter compared to bigger nails such as framing nails.
That explains why we majorly recommend them for delicate and decorative works (Please note that you may have to fill or paint over the large nail holes they leave behind on decorative pieces).
Of course, they can work for many other projects so do not dare underestimate them- the truth is 15 gauge nails are strong enough for activities that need stronger nails like installing stair treads and nailing large door casings.
Now, because we want you to see everything in black and white, we will look at these and more uses of 15 ga nails in a short while.
Before that, let us speak about the length of these nails(it is not fair to talk about 15 gauge nail diameter and fail to mention how long these nails are)…
15 gauge nails size
In regard to length, 15 gauge nails come in a variety of sizes- these lengths range from 1” to 2 ½”.
You probably remember this: different nail lengths are designed for different projects.
For that reason, when you go for your routine shopping, you might want to purchase all the different lengths available for the 15 gauge nails especially if you have a great deal of different projects lined up.
To point you in the right direction, I will now explain the list of projects that you can use these nails for depending on the size..
What are 15 gauge nails used for?
As I had said before, 15 gauge nails are, in general, multipurpose and work fine even when used for things that require good holding power.
To be clear, I have compiled a list of some of the most common uses of 15 gauge nails below…
Installing stair treads and risers
When you are installing stairs, you will want your stairs to hold weight without any problems – don’t forget that humans can be pretty bulky.
That being the case, you want nails that will build a sturdy structure.
Now, considering that 15 gauge nails have good holding power and a nice length range (1” to 2 ½”), it is as clear as day that they’re right for the job.
Fastening baseboards
I guess you know this: when putting up baseboards, it’s best to use 16 and 18 gauge nails.
However, there are times using 15 gauge nails makes more sense- and that is when you’re installing thicker baseboards due to their thicker nature (think of 1” thick baseboards).
I should add that if money is not tight and you have decided to use hardwood baseboards, then you again need 15 gauge nails.
Reason?
15 gauge nails are strong enough to penetrate and hold such baseboards solidly in place.
Door jambs installation
Because a door is a critical line of security for all of us, nobody will want a door that is not strongly held into place.
Consequently, 15 gauge nails will work fine, in particular, for interior doors.
Quick Tip: For exterior or larger doors, I suggest you steer clear of 15 gauge nails and instead use thicker nails.
Cabinet installation
If you opt to use thicker wood or hardwood lumber for your cabinets, then you will obviously need stronger nails like 15 gauge nails.
As I have repeatedly said, they’re strong enough to penetrate and hold thick lumber securely into place.
Furniture construction
For load-bearing furniture like sofa sets and other chairs, you may still want to use 15 gauge nails as the sofa/chair will withstand the weight of whoever sits there.
Installing and repairing hardwood floors
If you have opted to use hardwood for your floors, you can nail them using 15 gauge nails…
We all know that hardwood lumber can be hard to penetrate(due to the hardness) hence feeble nails won’t cut it… and that’s where 15-ga nails come in.
What nail is bigger 15 gauge or 16 gauge?
Reminder: When it comes to nail gauge naming conventions, the bigger the gauge number, the smaller the nail diameter.
Keeping that in mind, you can guess the answer: a 16 gauge nail is evidently smaller than a 15 gauge nail.
Just so you know, 16 gauge nails usually have a diameter of 0.063 inches (compare that with 0.072 inches, the standard diameter of 15-ga nails..).
15 gauge nails vs framing nails
When we talk about framing nails, we are talking about thick nails and as you’re aware, frames are the skeletal structure of any building.
Needless to say, they should be strongly attached otherwise they cannot hold large loads, which is often the case in residential buildings.
It is worth reminding you that most frames come in 2x dimensions (there are 1 ½x dimension frames but that is only in a few cases).
Can you now see why framing nails are, for the most part, thicker?…They actually come in diameters ranging from 12 gauge (0.113 inches) for smaller structures to 8-gauge nails (0.17 inches).
So, in short, framing nails are up to 2X thicker than 15 gauge nails!
What is a 15 gauge nail diameter? Recap
15 gauge finish nails have a diameter of 0.072 inches making them versatile for a wide range of projects.
That’s because they have reasonable holding power and are also available in a good length range.
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16 gauge nails vs 18 gauge nails compared
15 gauge nails vs 16 gauge nails- Which way should you go?