Grip-Rite 2 in. x 16-Gauge Galvanized Straight Finish Nails (1000-Count, GRF162M) Review (2026)
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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- Exterior trim
- Damp rooms
- Casing
A galvanized 16-gauge finish nail that adds corrosion resistance to the finish-nail lineup, made for exterior trim, porch casing, mudrooms, and other damp spots where bright interior nails would rust and stain. It holds far better than an 18-gauge brad, runs in standard straight 16-gauge finish nailers, and gives you a rust-resistant option when the trim is not strictly indoors.
Pros
- Electro-galvanized coating resists rust, making it suitable for exterior trim, porches, mudrooms, and damp areas where bright nails would bleed rust
- 16-gauge holds far better than an 18-gauge brad for casing, baseboard, and moderately heavy trim
- Straight 16-gauge collation fits common finish nailers from Bostitch, DeWalt, Hitachi, Paslode, Porter-Cable, and Senco
Cons
- Larger head than a brad, so holes need filling for a clean finish
- Electro-galvanized resists rust but is less durable outdoors than hot-dip galvanized in harsh, wet exposure
- Straight magazine cannot reach into tight corners the way an angled 15-gauge gun can
Specifications
| Gauge | 16-gauge |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 in |
| Coating | Electro-galvanized |
| Collation | Straight strip |
| Head | Small finish head |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are these finish nails suitable for exterior trim?
- Yes — the electro-galvanized coating resists rust, which makes them workable on exterior trim, porches and mudrooms where bright nails would bleed rust stains through the paint. In harsh, persistently wet exposure hot-dip galvanized is more durable.
- Why 16-gauge instead of 18-gauge brads?
- Holding power. A 16-gauge nail holds far better on casing, baseboard and moderately heavy trim, where an 18-gauge brad is really only tacking. The cost is a larger head that needs filling for a clean finish.
- Will these fit my nailer?
- They are straight 16-gauge strips and fit common finish nailers from Bostitch, DeWalt and similar. A straight magazine cannot reach tight inside corners the way an angled 15-gauge gun can — that is a gun limitation, not a nail one.