Best Second Fix Nail Gun for Skirting & Architrave: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Site Carpenter
Achieving a neat finish on skirting boards and architraves is the hallmark of quality joinery. In older properties, where walls are rarely straight and plaster can be unpredictable, trying to manually hammer panel pins without bending them or marking the timber is a frustration many DIYers face.
A 'second fix' nail gun is the solution. Unlike the heavy-duty framing nailers used for structural work, these tools fire thinner pins (usually 16 or 18 gauge) that leave a tiny hole, easily filled and painted over. They allow you to hold a piece of unruly timber in position with one hand whilst fixing it instantly with the other—essential when dealing with bowed walls in York's historic housing stock.
In this review, I'll compare three distinct options: a budget pneumatic tool for workshop use, a premium gas-driven beast for heavy daily use, and a battery-only problem solver that removes the recurring cost of gas cells.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Firing Rate (nails per second)"
"Manufacturers boast about bump-firing 4 nails a second for speed."
In second fix joinery, speed is rarely the priority; precision is. You want to execute one perfectly placed shot that hits the stud or plug, not spray pins like a machine gun.
The Spec: "Gas vs Battery Performance"
"Gas nailers provide more consistent power than battery-only versions."
Gas does provide a sharp 'crack' and drives well, but gas cells hate the cold. On a freezing York morning in an unheated house, gas cans often fail to fire until warmed up, whereas battery tools work consistently.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
TACWISE 1716 DGN50V Air Brad Nail Gun with 1000 Nails, Uses Type 180 (18G) Nails
Tacwise
This is a pneumatic air tool, meaning it requires a compressor to run. However, for sheer value and reliability, air tools are hard to beat. If you already have a compressor, or are setting up a small workshop, this Tacwise unit is lightweight, rarely jams, and fires 18G brads that are perfect for discreet fixing.
The Good
- Extremely lightweight compared to battery tools
- Very affordable entry price
- Air power is consistent and essentially maintenance-free
The Bad
- Requires a noisy air compressor and hose
- The air hose can catch on furniture or doorways whilst working
- Not portable for quick repair jobs
Installer Tip:
Because this tool is so light, it's excellent for pinning intricate beading or cornice moulds overhead where a heavy battery gun would tire your arm out. Just be mindful of where you trail the air hose.
Priced at £43.21 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonMakita GF600SE 7.2V Li-Ion Second Fix Gas Nailer Complete with 2 x 7.2V Batteries
Makita
The Makita GF600SE is a serious tool for the trade. It uses a combination of a small battery for the spark and a gas canister for the drive force. This 'hybrid' approach delivers significant power, allowing it to drive thicker 16-gauge nails which offer far better holding power than 18-gauge, making it ideal for fixing warped skirting boards to difficult walls.
The Good
- Shoots 16g nails which hold much tighter than 18g
- Gas power provides a crisp, instant firing action
- Excellent build quality expected from Makita
The Bad
- Ongoing cost of purchasing gas cells
- Gas can be temperamental in very cold temperatures
- Requires regular cleaning/servicing to prevent carbon build-up
Installer Tip:
Since this fires 16g nails, the heads are slightly larger. Ensure you have a good colour-matched wax filler or two-part wood filler ready to hide the holes properly before painting.
Priced at £424.00 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonDEWALT 18V XR Brushless 18 Gauge Second Fix Nailer, Tool Only
DEWALT
For many joiners, handling gas canisters is a nuisance. This DeWalt 18V unit solves that problem entirely by using a mechanical flywheel system driven solely by the battery. It eliminates the cost of gas, works reliably in the cold, and fits into the existing XR battery system. It's strictly 18 gauge, making it perfect for architraves and pre-finished joinery.
The Good
- No gas cells required (saves money and hassle)
- Works consistently in low temperatures
- Brushless motor for long runtime
The Bad
- Slightly heavier than gas equivalents due to the mechanism
- Can have a very slight 'ramp up' delay compared to gas
- Sold as 'body only' (batteries not included)
Installer Tip:
Use the thumb wheel depth adjuster to test on a scrap piece of timber first. You want the pin head to sit just 1-2mm below the surface—enough to take filler, but not so deep it splits the grain.
Priced at £330.90 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 16g and 18g second fix nailers?
Do I need a compressor for a nail gun?
Can I use second fix nails for structural work properly?
Why does my specialist joiner use a nail gun instead of screws?
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