need galvanized finish nails for exterior, right?

[ben]

I just bought a Bostitch 15 gauge finish nailer for some exterior trim work. Bought some Bostitch nails. They say they're 'coated.' I emailed Bostitch and they say the coating is not galvanized but just a glue coating that helps in removal. They said to use stainless nails for exterior.

Unfortunately the stainless nails are 4 times the price.

I presume I need galvanized nails for exterior work, right? I'll be using this with both wood and PVC trim.

I may just return the Bostitch and get something else for which galvanized nails are available.

[dpb]

I'm sure I've bought galvanized nails that fit the Bostitch finish nailer--don't recall that they were necessarily Bostitch, however; I've used several over the years.

But, none of the galvanized I've ever seen for power nailers are very long-lasting as compared to a good regular nail--can't put that much galvanizing on them and have them still feed.

If it's painted, set them and putty and they'll be fine, likely. But, if you want auto-drive and no chance of rust, SS is your choice, price or no...

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[Phisherman]

Bostich is correct, use the stainless. Anything else will darken the trim, possibly streak and who wants that?

[dadiOH]

Keep in mind that there is galvanized and there is GALVANIZED. The first is electro-plated and applies a nice, uniform and very thin coat of zinc which won't last long. The second is hot dipped and applies a thick, non--uniform coating which endures for a long time but which is unlikely to be able to be used with a nailer. Use stainless.