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Which FirmaHold Nails Fit My Nail Gun?
Introduction
Which FirmaHold nails fit your nail gun? The answer depends on the model you use, the nail type it accepts and its supported nail sizes. From 34° clipped head framing nails to straight and angled brads, choosing the correct specification is essential before ordering.
This FirmaHold nail gun compatibility guide brings together the models listed by Timco, helping you find the right nail range for your tool. It covers first fix framing nailers alongside 16 gauge angled, 16 gauge straight and 18 gauge straight second fix nailers.
We’ll also explain which models require fuel cells and the difference between framing and finishing fuel cells. If you use a battery-powered nailer, you can choose a compatible nails-only pack without buying gas you don’t need.
The tables below are based on Timco’s FirmaHold compatibility guide. Always check your nail gun’s accepted nail length, gauge or diameter, and collation type before ordering, as size ranges vary between models.
1
Choosing the Right FirmaHold Nails
Start with your nail gun’s exact model number. The brand alone is not enough, as the same manufacturer may offer framing nailers, straight brad nailers and angled brad nailers that accept different fixings.
Next, match the nail type, collation and size to your tool. For example, a 16 gauge straight brad and a 16 gauge angled brad are different specifications, even when their lengths and finishes are the same.
Four Things to Check Before Ordering
- Nail type: Check whether your tool takes clipped head framing nails or second fix brad nails.
- Collation: Match the required format: 34° paper-collated framing nails, 20° angled brads or straight brads.
- Nail size: Check the accepted length range and gauge or shank diameter. A compatible nail type does not mean every available size will fit.
- Fuel requirements: Gas-powered nailers need a compatible fuel cell. Battery-powered and air-powered nailers do not require gas.
Once you have matched the nails to your gun, choose the material or coating to suit the job. Tool compatibility and corrosion protection are separate considerations, so check the individual product’s suitability for the timber and installation environment.
Check the length range carefully.
Minimum and maximum nail lengths vary between models. This is particularly important with short brads: finding your nailer in a compatibility table does not confirm that it accepts the shortest nails in that range.
2
First Fix: 34° Clipped Head Nails
FirmaHold 34° paper-collated clipped head nails suit the first fix nailers listed below. Timco’s guide covers nails in the 50–90mm range, although each tool has its own accepted nail lengths and shank diameters.
The range includes nails-only packs and packs supplied with fuel cells. Gas-powered models use a CFC framing nailer fuel cell, while battery-powered and air-powered models use the nails without gas.
FirmaHold First Fix Nail Gun Compatibility
| Brand | Nail Gun Model | Power Source | Fuel Cell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paslode | IM350 / IM350+ | Gas | CFC framing fuel cell |
| Makita | GN900SE | Gas | CFC framing fuel cell |
| HiKOKI / Hitachi | NR90GC2 | Gas | CFC framing fuel cell |
| Senco | GT90CH | Gas | CFC framing fuel cell |
| Rawl | WW90CH | Gas | CFC framing fuel cell |
| Max | GS690CH | Gas | CFC framing fuel cell |
| DeWalt | DCN692 / DCN690 | Battery | Not required |
| Milwaukee | M18 FFN | Battery | Not required |
| HiKOKI | NR1890DC | Battery | Not required |
| Makita | DBN900 (18V) | Battery | Not required |
| Makita | BN001G (40V XGT) | Battery | Not required |
| Ryobi | RFN1834X (ONE+ HP) | Battery | Not required |
| DeWalt | DPN9033SM | Air | Not required |
| Makita | AN943 | Air | Not required |
Not suitable for round head nailers.
FirmaHold clipped head nails are not suitable for round head nailers such as the Paslode IM360Ci, or for 21° plastic-collated and 28° wire-collated nailers.
Source: Timco’s FirmaHold compatibility guide. Check your tool’s accepted nail lengths and shank diameters before selecting a product.
3
Second Fix: 16 Gauge Angled Brad Nails
FirmaHold 16 gauge angled brad nails feature a 20° collation angle and a T head for a discreet, concealed fixing. They suit second fix applications such as skirting boards, architraves and tongue-and-groove panelling, with the nail length selected to suit the job.
Choose from nails-only packs or packs supplied with finishing nailer fuel cells. The models below include both gas-powered and battery-powered nailers, so check your tool’s requirements before choosing a pack.
FirmaHold 16 Gauge Angled Brad Compatibility
| Brand | Nail Gun Model | Power Source | Fuel Cell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paslode | IM65A | Gas | BFC finishing fuel cell |
| DeWalt | DCN660 | Battery | Not required |
| Milwaukee | M18 FN16GA | Battery | Not required |
Angled and straight brads are not interchangeable.
These nails require a nailer that accepts 16 gauge 20° angled brads. They are not suitable for straight brad nailers or 15 gauge angled nailers.
Source: Timco’s FirmaHold compatibility guide. Check your tool’s minimum and maximum nail lengths before selecting a product.
4
Second Fix: 16 Gauge Straight Brad Nails
FirmaHold 16 gauge straight brad nails provide a discreet fixing for second fix joinery, including skirting boards, architraves and tongue-and-groove panelling. They feature straight collation and a T head for a neat, concealed finish.
The compatible models below include gas-powered and battery-powered nailers. Gas models require a BFC finishing nailer fuel cell, while battery models use the nails without gas. Both nails-only packs and packs with fuel cells are available.
FirmaHold 16 Gauge Straight Brad Compatibility
| Brand | Nail Gun Model | Power Source | Fuel Cell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paslode | IM65 | Gas | BFC finishing fuel cell |
| HiKOKI / Hitachi | NT65GS | Gas | BFC finishing fuel cell |
| Makita | GF600SE | Gas | BFC finishing fuel cell |
| Senco | GFN1664 | Gas | BFC finishing fuel cell |
| DeWalt | DCN662 | Battery | Not required |
| Makita | DBN600 | Battery | Not required |
| Ryobi | R18N16G | Battery | Not required |
Check before choosing shorter brads.
The table identifies compatible nail types, not every supported length. In particular, do not assume that a listed nailer accepts 19mm or 25mm brads. Check its minimum and maximum nail lengths before ordering.
Also check the gauge and collation carefully. These nails are not interchangeable with 16 gauge angled brads or 18 gauge straight brads.
Source: Timco’s FirmaHold compatibility guide. Always check your tool’s specification before selecting a product.
5
Second Fix: 18 Gauge Straight Brad Nails
FirmaHold 18 gauge straight brad nails suit light second fix joinery, including fine trims, beading, mouldings and panelling. These thinner brads feature a T head for a discreet, concealed fixing, with the nail length selected to suit the material and application.
Timco’s guide lists both gas-powered and battery-powered models for this nail type. The Paslode IM50 requires a BFC finishing nailer fuel cell, while the battery-powered models below use the nails without gas.
FirmaHold 18 Gauge Straight Brad Compatibility
| Brand | Nail Gun Model | Power Source | Fuel Cell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paslode | IM50 | Gas | BFC finishing fuel cell |
| DeWalt | DCN680 | Battery | Not required |
| Milwaukee | M18 FN18GS | Battery | Not required |
| Makita | DBN500 | Battery | Not required |
| Ryobi | R18N18G | Battery | Not required |
Check the minimum nail length.
The table identifies compatible nail types, not every supported length. Before choosing short brads, particularly 16mm or 19mm nails, check your nailer’s minimum and maximum nail lengths.
Although both are straight collated, 18 gauge and 16 gauge brads are different sizes and are not interchangeable. Always match the gauge to your nail gun’s specification.
Source: Timco’s FirmaHold compatibility guide. Always check your tool’s specification before selecting a product.
6
Which Fuel Cells Do You Need?
Gas-powered nailers need a compatible fuel cell as well as the correct nails. Timco’s guide identifies two FirmaHold fuel cell types: CFC for the listed first fix framing nailers and BFC for the listed second fix finishing nailers.
| Fuel Cell | Size per Cell | Application |
|---|---|---|
| CFC Framing Fuel Cell | 80ml | Compatible gas-powered first fix framing nailers |
| BFC Finishing Fuel Cell | 30ml | Compatible gas-powered second fix brad nailers |
Choose a nail pack with fuel cells included, or a nails-only pack if you already have suitable gas. However, check the individual listing for the number of fuel cells supplied, as pack contents vary.
Using a battery-powered or air-powered nailer?
You do not need a fuel cell. Choose the correct compatible nails in a nails-only pack, and check your tool’s accepted nail sizes before ordering.
7
FirmaHold Nail Gun Compatibility FAQs
Still checking which FirmaHold nails fit your nail gun? Here are answers to common questions about compatible models, nail sizes and fuel cells.
Can I use FirmaHold nails in a battery-powered nail gun?
Yes, provided your model accepts the nail type, collation and dimensions. Timco’s guide lists compatible battery-powered framing and brad nailers. These tools do not require fuel cells, so you can choose a nails-only pack.
Are FirmaHold clipped head nails compatible with the Paslode IM360Ci?
No. Timco’s guide states that FirmaHold clipped head nails are not suitable for round head nailers such as the Paslode IM360Ci. The IM350 and IM350+ are listed for the 34° clipped head range.
Are straight and angled brad nails interchangeable?
No. Your nailer must accept the correct collation type and gauge. FirmaHold 16 gauge 20° angled brads, 16 gauge straight brads and 18 gauge straight brads are different specifications.
Does a compatible nail gun accept every nail length in the range?
No. Minimum and maximum nail lengths vary between models. Always check your tool’s specification before ordering, particularly when choosing shorter brads. A model’s inclusion in the table does not confirm that it accepts every available length.
Which FirmaHold fuel cell do I need?
Timco’s guide specifies CFC framing fuel cells for the listed gas-powered first fix nailers and BFC finishing fuel cells for the listed gas-powered second fix nailers. Battery-powered and air-powered nailers do not require fuel cells.
What if my nail gun is not listed?
An unlisted model is not automatically incompatible, but this guide does not confirm that it will work with FirmaHold nails. Check your tool’s manual and ask for confirmation before ordering. Have the exact model number and the nail specification ready.
