Brad Nailer vs. Finish Nailer

The craftsman blog Full Details

What’s the different between a brad nailer vs finish nailer? So glad you asked! Let’s get into it because there are actually bigger differences between these two awesome tools that a lot of people don’t know

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A brad nailer is a tool that shoots small wire nails called brads.

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Brad nailers are great for natural wood trim because they leave such a small nail hole that filling is often unnecessary.

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Casual use where you’re not building large items or installing big moldings because their holding power is not terribly significant. Brad nails are typically available in sizes ranging from 1/2” to 2 1/2” long.

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Strengths – Small nail holes to fill – Economical tool and brad costs – Minimizes splitting wood

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Larger category than brad nailers Multiple sizes and designs

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The most common sizes are 16 ga. followed by 15 ga., and you buy them in both straight and angled versions.

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Finish nailers excel at installing baseboards, crown molding, wainscoting, casing and other trim. The larger 15 ga. versions are actually strong enough to install door jambs and not just the trim.

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Strengths – Extra versatile nailer – Exceptional holding power – Angled versions can fit in hard to reach areas

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Bottom Line:

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More Home Improvement tips:

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Brad Nailer vs. Finish Nailer

What’s the different between a brad nailer vs finish nailer? So glad you asked! Let’s get into it because there are actually bigger differences between these two awesome tools that a lot of people don’t know

A brad nailer is a tool that shoots small wire nails called brads.

Brads are thin gauge metal nails best used for installing small pieces of wood trim where minimal nail filling is desired.

What is a Brad Nailer?

What are Brads?

Brad nailers are great for natural wood trim because they leave such a small nail hole that filling is often unnecessary.

Brad nailers are 18 ga. and can be found in both pneumatic (air powered) and battery models.

More About Brad Nailers:

Casual use where you’re not building large items or installing big moldings because their holding power is not terribly significant. Brad nails are typically available in sizes ranging from 1/2” to 2 1/2” long.

When to Use Brad Nailers:

Strengths – Small nail holes to fill – Economical tool and brad costs – Minimizes splitting wood

Weaknesses – Nails bend easily – Weaker holding strength – Not good for hardwoods

Brad Nailers:

Larger category than brad nailers Multiple sizes and designs

Gets its name because it is most commonly used for finish carpentry.

What is a Finish Nailer?

The most common sizes are 16 ga. followed by 15 ga., and you buy them in both straight and angled versions.

The lower the gauge number the thicker the nail, which gives it additional holding power.

What is a Finish Nailer?

Finish nailers excel at installing baseboards, crown molding, wainscoting, casing and other trim. The larger 15 ga. versions are actually strong enough to install door jambs and not just the trim.

When to Use Finish Nailers:

Strengths – Extra versatile nailer – Exceptional holding power – Angled versions can fit in hard to reach areas

Weaknesses – Higher tool and nail costs – Larger holes to fill – Can split small moldings

Finish Nailers:

Bottom Line:

As a regular user of all of these, I think that for most people having two nailers covers you so you can accomplish almost any task. See my recommendations HERE for what the average DIYer will need!

More Home Improvement tips:

How to: fix dents in wood

5 worst wood stain mistakes

how to pick the right exterior stain

How to: Stain outdoor furniture

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