Pneumatic Tool

What is the different between Brad nailer and finish nailer?

Pneumatic tools

Q:
I need to install some trim and want to buy a tool for the job. I just want to ask what is the difference between the brad nail and the finish nail?

A:
Brad nails are formed from a fine 18 gauge wire, while finish nails are made from heavier 16 or 15 gauge wire.

Finish nails are the correct choice for fastening larger crown and baseboard trim, brad nails are used to install smaller trim to help prevent splitting and to promote a cleaner looking job with less touch-up work after the nailing is done.

The initial tool purchased by most customers is some kind of brad nailer to attach finish moldings. Heavier finish nails often split smaller moldings, so brads are preferred for the small trim pieces, or also for the lighter-weight moldings. Most folks who have used a hammer to drive small brads know how frustrating it can be when nails bend, and you can often ding the molding easily with the hammer. The brad nailer makes these small trim jobs a breeze with high-quality results.

The brad nail also has a smaller head, which may not need to be concealed with carpenter's putty. When a nail is not puttied over, it's called a "shiner". Sometime a shiner is so small, it's difficult to be noticed. Brad nails leave such a small shiner, the putty touch-up may not be necessary. Of course, it all depends on the application, or how easy it will be for people to see the surfaces that you have nailed.

The driven finish nail is almost always puttied over to conceal the shiner because it leaves a more visible hole in the wood surface. Again, for larger and heavier moldings the finish nail is the correct fastener to use. The finish nail offers more support and withdrawl resistance than the brads making them a better choice for the bigger trim installation.

Most finish carpenters have both a brad nailer for small moldings, and a finish nailer for larger base or crown moldings.

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