Makita Second Fix Finishing Nail Guns
Makita second fix finishing nail guns are for clean, fast fixings on trims, skirting, architrave and cabinets when you need a tidy finish.
When you're on second fix and the snag list's breathing down your neck, you can't be messing about with pins that bend or fixings that split the timber. A Makita 2nd fix nail gun gets skirting, architrave, beading and panel work tacked off quick, with consistent depth so you're not filling craters all day. Pick the right gauge and nail length for the trim, and you'll fly through rooms without rework.
What Are Makita Second Fix Finishing Nail Guns Used For?
- Fixing skirting and architrave tight to the wall without peppering the face with big holes that take ages to fill and sand.
- Tacking beading, quadrant and small trims in place while glue grabs, so you can keep moving instead of standing there holding it.
- Hanging internal doors and fitting linings where a neat fixing is needed before you plug, caulk and finish.
- Building and installing cabinets, boxing and panel work where consistent depth control stops proud nails and saves your paint finish.
- Snagging and punch-list work at the end of a job when you need quick, repeatable fixings without dragging a compressor through a finished house.
Choosing the Right Makita Second Fix Finishing Nail Gun
Sort the right nailer by matching the gauge and power source to the finish you're expected to leave behind.
1. Nail gauge and hole size
If you're doing delicate beading and small trims, go finer so the holes disappear with minimal filling. If you're fixing thicker skirting and architrave all week, step up a gauge that gives a stronger hold and fewer call-backs for loose trim.
2. Nail length for the timber you're fixing
If the trim is thin, don't overdo the nail length or you'll be blowing out the back edge and spending your afternoon making good. For chunky skirting into studs or solid grounds, you need enough length to bite properly, not just sit in plaster and hope.
3. 18V cordless vs gas nailers
If you're already on Makita 18V and you want consistent shots without buying fuel cells, the cordless route keeps it simple on site. If you're doing high-volume second fix and want a lighter tool with fast cycling, a Makita gas nail gun can make sense, but you've got to stay on top of gas and nails so you don't run out mid-room.
Makita Second Fix Nail Gun FAQs
Makita 2nd fix nail gun or Makita second fix nail gun, is there any difference?
No, it's the same thing in day to day site talk. It means a finishing nailer used for second fix work like skirting, architrave, trims and cabinet fitting where the hole needs to be small and easy to make good.
Makita nail gun 2nd fix, will it hold skirting properly or is it just for beading?
It will hold skirting properly if you choose the right gauge and nail length for the timber and what you're fixing into. Fine gauge is great for beading and light trims, but for heavy skirting you want a nailer and nails that give a solid bite into studs or grounds.
What is the best 2nd fix nail gun?
The best one is the one that matches your daily work. If you are on Makita batteries already, a Makita 18V 2nd fix nail gun keeps it simple and avoids gas. If you are doing high volume trim all day and want a lighter tool, a Makita gas nail gun can be a good fit as long as you stay stocked on fuel and nails.
What is the second fix nail gun used for?
Second fix nail guns are used for visible finishing work, skirting, architrave, beading, panelling, and cabinet trims. The whole point is speed with a neat fixing, so you are not spending the rest of the day punching nails and filling big holes.
What size nails does a 2nd fix nail gun use?
It depends on the model and the gauge, but second fix nailers use shorter, finer finishing nails than first fix framing nailers. Always match the nail gauge and collation to the gun, then pick a length that gives proper bite without blowing out the back of the trim.
Makita 2nd fix nail gun 18V, is it worth going cordless over gas?
If you are already on Makita 18V, cordless is usually the easiest to live with because you are not buying fuel cells and you can keep batteries rotating. Gas is still handy for fast cycling and lighter weight on some models, but you need to manage fuel and keep it clean, especially if it lives in a cold van.
What is better, an 18 gauge or a 16 nailer?
18 gauge is the cleaner finish for delicate trims and beading because the holes are smaller. 16 gauge is the better shout for heavier skirting and architrave where you want more holding power, but you will do a bit more filling on the face.
Who Uses Makita 2nd Fix Nail Guns on Site?
- Chippies and joiners doing second fix because it speeds up skirting, architrave and trim without leaving a mess to make good.
- Kitchen and bedroom fitters who need fast, tidy fixing on panels, scribes and finishing trims without cracking melamine or splitting softwood.
- Maintenance teams and shopfitters who want a grab-and-go nailer for quick repairs and refits where a compressor is a non-starter.
The Basics: Understanding Second Fix Finishing Nail Guns
Second fix nailers are all about a clean finish and repeatable depth, so you can fill once, sand once, and move on. Here's what matters in real use.
1. Second fix versus first fix
Second fix is for visible trim and finishing work, so you're using smaller gauge nails that hold well but leave a smaller hole to make good. First fix is heavier framing where the fixing strength matters more than the finish.
2. Gauge choice changes the finish
A finer gauge gives you a cleaner face on beading and delicate mouldings, but it is not the one for thick skirting that gets kicked all day. A thicker gauge gives better hold on heavier trim, but you will do a touch more filling and sanding.
3. Depth setting is what keeps the job tidy
A proper depth adjust lets you sink nails just below the surface without tearing up the timber, which is what saves time on filler and stops shiny nail heads showing through paint.
Second Fix Nailer Accessories That Save Time on the Finish
Keep the nailer shooting clean and the finish work tidy with the right consumables and spares.
1. Collated finishing nails in the right gauge and length
Buy the nails that match the gun and the trim thickness, because the wrong collation or length is how you end up with constant jams or nails punching through the back of skirting.
2. Spare nose tips and no-mar pads
A fresh no-mar tip stops the gun marking pre-finished trims and painted MDF, which saves you having to fill dents that should never have been there.
3. Fuel cells for Makita gas nail guns
If you're running gas, keep spare fuel on the van so you do not get caught halfway through a hallway with a dead nailer and a client watching.
4. Extra Makita 18V batteries and a fast charger
If you're on a Makita 18V second fix nail gun, a spare battery is what stops downtime when you are bouncing room to room and the charger is two floors away.
Shop Makita Second Fix Nail Guns at ITS
Whether you need a Makita 2nd fix nail gun for fine trim or a stronger finishing nailer for skirting and architrave, we stock the range and the consumables to match. It's all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery so you can get back on the finish without losing a day.
