Choosing the right nail for shoe molding is important. A nail that is too large can split the molding or leave an oversized hole. A nail that is too short may not hold securely. Here is what you need to know about nail selection for shoe molding installation.
| Nail Type | Gauge | Length | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18-gauge brad | 18 ga. | 1" to 1-1/4" | Pneumatic brad nailer (most common) |
| 23-gauge pin | 23 ga. | 3/4" to 1" | Pin nailer (leaves smallest hole) |
| 4d finish nail | ~15 ga. | 1-1/2" | Hand nailing with hammer |
| 3d finish nail | ~15 ga. | 1-1/4" | Hand nailing, thinner baseboard |
An 18-gauge brad nailer with 1-inch or 1-1/4-inch brads is the tool most commonly used for shoe molding. The 18-gauge brad is thin enough to avoid splitting the molding and leaves a small hole that is easy to fill. If the shoe molding is going through the baseboard and into the wall plate or stud, use 1-1/4-inch brads. If the baseboard is thin, 1-inch brads may be sufficient.
A 23-gauge pin nailer shoots headless pins that leave virtually invisible holes. This is great for shoe molding that will be stained, where you want the smallest possible nail holes. However, pin nails have less holding power than brads, so they work best in combination with construction adhesive.
If you are installing without a nail gun, use 3d or 4d finish nails. These are small enough for shoe molding but large enough to drive with a hammer. Pre-drill pilot holes in hardwood species like oak to prevent splitting.