It is 18 gauge and doesn't split the baseboard it sinks nails well and has an adjustable nail depth screw you can change how far it sinks nails. No hoses no compressor no half full compressor tank and low pressure with nails not all the way in. I do laminate floors and baseboard for a living. Great tool it's better than using 16 Gauge I had the older model IM 250 f16 sold it and got this. Much nicer tool.