What are Brad nails good for?

A brad nail gun is a specialized nailer that is designed for small or detailed wood applications such as trim, moldings, cabinetry, and a variety of home hobbies and projects. Brad nailers are designed to fire brads, which are basically a thin-gauged nail that is ideal for binding lightweight wood trim.

Furthermore, what are 18 gauge nails used for?

Brad nailers are used for on wood where splitting might be an issue or where you would want a thinner nail for less of a hole. They have many uses but they are most commonly used for: Trim work.

Also, what type of Brad Nailer do I need? Brad Nailer vs Finish Nailer Comparison

	Brad Nailer
Hole Size	Approximately 0.0475 inches
Capacity	Less holding power
Recommended Nailers	DEWALT Brad Nailer
Uses	Ideal for attaching thin trims without splitting. Excellent for lightweight boards and moldings.

Similarly, it is asked, can a finish nailer use brad nails?

The smaller brad nailer does not have the same holding power as a finish nailer because it technically doesn't use nails. Brad nailers use what are called brads (hence the name). Brads are essentially a thinner gauge of nail used to attach lightweight trim.

What is the difference between a brad and a finish nail?

Brad nails, or brads, are made of 18-gauge steel wire. Nail gauge sizes indicate the thickness of the nail. Thinner nails have higher gauge numbers. Finish nails, or finishing nails, are generally made of 15- or 16-gauge steel wire, making them slightly thicker in diameter than brad nails.

26 Related Question Answers Found

Should I get a 16 or 18 gauge nailer?

“16 gauge is the most versatile type of nail to use. It can penetrate and support thick boards and hold them in position permanently. You should only get a 18-gauge brad nailer, if you're willing to attach trim molding and other delicate trim pieces.” An 18-gauge fastener is smaller than 16-gauge fastener.

What size nail gun do I need?

A typical brad nailer, for example, shoots nails that are 3/8 inch to 1 1/4 inches in length, while a larger framing nailer typically shoots nails from 2 to 3 1/2 inches in length. For woodworking projects, a brad nailer is a good choice.

Can I use a brad nailer for baseboards?

Mouldings can be fastened using brad nails or a power nailer but you should never use nails that are more than 2 inches. 1 ½ inch nails are the perfect size for installing baseboards with a brad power nailer. Pre-drill your nail holes if you are concerned about the baseboard splitting.

Can you use 18 gauge nails for baseboards?

Both are commonly used for installing baseboard, chair rail, door and window casing, crown molding, and door frames. One advantage to 15-gauge nails is that they are collated at an angle, which allows the nose of the nailer to reach into tighter spaces. Brad nailers use smaller 18-gauge nails up to 2 inches long.

What type of nail gun do I need for baseboards?

A finish nailer is a versatile tool, and drives either 15- or 16-gauge nails. They are used for smaller projects than framing nails, such as crown molding, baseboards, cabinets, chair rails, decorative trim, millwork, and hardwood flooring.

What is the difference between 16 gauge and 18 gauge?

Gauge is the standard unit of measure for sheet steel and wire products. The lower the number, the thicker the steel. Therefore, 16 gauge is thicker than 18 gauge steel. The reason we promote using 16 gauge steel for your sinks versus 18 gauge is 16 is more rigid.

How can I cut my nails without a nail gun?

Hold the finishing tool in one hand, and line it up with your nail. With your other hand, hammer the end of the finishing tool to drive your nail into the trim- nick free. Using spackling compound or wood putty, smooth over the nails completely. Caulk along the top and bottom of the molding.

What do you use a 18 gauge brad nailer for?

18-Gauge Brad Nailer Uses

They provide a strong bond between wood objects while reducing the need to apply putty to an unsightly nail hole. Due to the thin size of the nails it drives, brad nail guns are perfect for attaching narrow, thin pieces of wood to larger wood objects.

What do Brad nails look like?

Brad nails are formed from a fine, 18-gauge wire, so they are smaller in diameter than finish nails and typically have less holding strength. Thanks to a smaller head and diameter, brad nails are easier to conceal in small pieces of wood trim.

Can I use 16 gauge nails in an 18 gauge nail gun?

Like 15-gauge nailers, most 16-gauge guns shoot nails up to 2-1/2 in. You'll pay about the same for a name-brand 16-gauge nailer as you would for a 15-gauge gun. 18-gauge brad nailer. If you plan to buy only one trim nailer, this is the size to get.

Do I need a brad nailer?

For detailed woodwork and trim, where you need more holding strength than a micro pin can provide, a brad nailer is typically the top choice among contractors and weekend warriors alike. Brad nails are formed from a fine, 18-gauge wire, which means they are smaller in diameter and typically have less holding strength.

How strong are Brad Nails?

Most brad nails are made from a very thin 18-gauge wire. Finishing nails typically range from 16 to 10-gauges and are much more robust than brad nails.

Will Brad nails hold in drywall?

A brad nail will easily detach or pull away from drywall surfaces which is why a finish nailer is the best option.

How long of Brad nails should I use?

When choosing brad nails, see to it that the length of the nails is at least three times the thickness of the materials that you want to nail through. If you have a ½ inch molding, you should get brad nails that are at least 1 ½ inches in length.

Can I use brad nails for quarter round?

The preferred tool for nailing shoe molding or quarter round is an electric finish or brad nailer. Hold the nailer close to horizontal, but angled slightly downward. Hold the trim tight against the floor and baseboard as you fire the nailer.

Can you use brad nails for framing?

These types of nailers use heavier gauge nails because they have a bigger job to do than brad nailers. A brad nailer would not be appropriate for framing stud walls because it simply does not have enough power and does not use the right size nails to properly fasten stud boards and other larger pieces of wood together.

Can you use pin nails in a brad nailer?

Brad Nailer. Brad nailers are the next step up from pin nailers. They use “brad” nails, which are small as far as nails go, but still larger than pin nails. The 18-gauge nails used by most brad nailers is still small enough that it can't hold a lot of weight.