Whats the difference between a brad nail and a finish nail?

The primary difference between a brad nailer vs finish nailer is that the brad nail gun shoots 18-gauge nails whereas 16-gauge or 15-gauge nails are used in the finish nailer. The small 18-gauge brad nail helps you to attach delicate trims without splitting the trim.

Beside this, what is the difference between a brad nail 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.

Beside above, what are finishing nails used for? Finishing nails are small nails with very small heads. They are usually used for "final touches" such as molding or trim. They usually are sunken into the surface and leave a small hole that can be filled in with putty and painted over for a smooth finish and invisible nail and nail hole.

Additionally, can a finish nailer use brad nails?

When To Use A Brad Nailer vs Finish Nailer 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.

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.

25 Related Question Answers Found

Do you need a nail gun for trim?

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. It might seem like a few steps, but it really isn't much work once you have the molding cut.

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 size nail gun do I need?

Nail Gun Nail Sizes

So before you go out and purchase a box of plastic-collated nails, you need to take what style of nail gun you'll be using into consideration. Framing nailers use thicker, angle nails ranging between 1 ½” to 3 ½”, though for most framing applications a minimum nail length of 3” is recommended.

Can you use brad nails for crown molding?

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.

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 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.

What do you use finish nails for?

Benefits of Finish Nails

For larger trim, such as baseboards or crown molding, a finish nail is more suitable. A finish nail offers increased support and withdrawal resistance versus the brad nail, making it the better choice when installing larger trim and woodwork.

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.

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.

How long should finish nails be?

Finishing nails typically range from 16 to 10-gauges and are much more robust than brad nails. Finishing nails also come in a wider variety of lengths than most brad nails do; some can be upwards of 3” in length.

What are tiny nails called?

Brad nails (or brads) are used in light finish woodworking? and are essentially very small finishing nails. Because of the small shank diameter and the small head, these nails greatly reduce the possibility of splitting when used in hardwood.

What does 6d mean in nails?

Answer: A 6d nail is 2 inches long. Note: The "d" means "penny." For example, a 10d nail is a 10-penny nail.

What are brads used for?

Brads are two-pronged paper fasteners, usually with a decorative top. They can be used in card-making and scrapbooking, and are decorative and functional. Brads can add moving elements to your paper crafts when two pieces are fastened together.

Can you use a hammer for finishing nails?

Driving finish nails requires deft hammer blows. Remember, you can't have the hammer touch the wood. Stop & Set. When the top of the nail head is about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch away from the surface of the finished wood, stop hitting it with the hammer.

What nails to use for framing?

Galvanized and Vinyl Sinkers

When toenailing, which means to drive nails at an angle to secure a butt joint, 8d nails are best. Interior framing nails have a vinyl coating to make them easier to drive. They are known as vinyl sinkers. When doing exterior framing, framers use galvanized nails, which are rust resistant.

Can I use finishing nails in a brad nailer?

No. Finish nails are made from heavier 15 or 16 gauge wire compared to the 18 gauge of brad nails. This means finish nails will be too thick to shoot through a brad nailer. You should always check the gauge of the gun and order the nails for it.

What are panel nails?

Panel board nails, sometimes referred to as panel pins or paneling nails, are thin, 16.5 gauge nails used to attach panel board to the wood furring or studs underneath.