A finish nailer and a brad finish nailer look similar but differ in strength and the size of the nails they use.
Which is better for attaching thin, narrow molding? Which is better for installing baseboards and crown molding? Which one should you buy first? Learn the differences between them and how to choose the right one for your DIY projects in this easy-to-understand comparison.
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Which Type Of Nail Gun Or Nailer Do You Need For The Job?
Unlike traditional nails, brads are thin, wire-like fasteners with t-shaped heads. Generally measuring 0.0403 inches in diameter, these 18-gauge nails range between ⅝” to 2-½” inches long, depending on your nailer’s manufacturer. For example, my Porter Cable brad nailer only accepts nails up to 1-¼” long.
The gauge of a nail refers to its thickness. It might seem backwards, but the thinner the nail, the higher the gauge. For example, a 23-gauge pin nail is thinner than an 18-gauge brad nail.
But it makes sense when you think about it this way: gauge measureshow many nails fit within an inch. So for18-gauge nails, you can only fit 18 per inch, but with smaller23-gauge nails, you can fit 23 per inch.
The Difference Between Brad Nailers & Finish Nailers
A nail’sgauge also corresponds to the size of the holeleft in the wood, meaning an 18-gauge nail leaves a smaller hole than a 15-gauge nail.
Many do-it-yourselfers feel the small holes left by brad nails are barely noticeable, and you don’t need to hide them with wood filler or putty. However, for certain jobs, especially painted projects, I believe filling these tiny holes gives the project a more polished look.
Brad nailers are most commonly used for light-duty finish carpentry tasks. Finish carpentry is the last step, where you add the finishing touches to a project.
Ridgid Pneumatic 15 Gauge 2 1/2 In. Angled Finish Nailer With Clean Drive Technology, Tool Bag, And Sample Nails R250aff
Although brad nailers are often referred to as finish nailers, they are different tools. Finish nailers use larger 15-gauge or 16-gauge nails, whereas brad nailers use smaller 18-gauge nails.
Brad nailers are ideal for projects requiring more finesse, such as attaching narrow trim and small moldings, because their wire-like nails are less likely to crack delicate wood pieces.
You can also use a brad nailer for making small woodworking projects like picture frames, and I’ve used mine to assemble birdhouses, lanterns, phone holders, and more.
Ryobi P326 16 Ga Finish Nailer Review
Brad nailsdon’t have the strengthto hold large moldings or large boards in place. Also, they have difficulty going throughhardwoods, MDF, and thick pieces ofplywood.
A finish nailer is a power tool that drives 15-gauge or 16-gauge headless nails into wood. 15 and 16-gauge nails vary in size, ranging from 0.0625 to 0.0800-inches in diameter and 1-inch to 2-½-inches long.
The sizable diameter of finish nails leaves behind large, visible holes, which I recommend hiding with wood filler for a seamless look.
Brad Nailer Vs Finish Nailer
💡TIP:Some finish nails are collated at an angle, and some are straight. Be sure to buy the correct nails for your finish nailer.
Finish nailers are versatile tools ideal for heavier-duty finish carpentry jobs. Their sizable nails have the power to hold large moldings and boards in place, making them perfect for attaching trim pieces like crown molding, baseboards, window casings, and other large moldings.
In addition to their impressive holding power, finish nailers have incredible strength that can penetrate materials like hardwoods, MDF, and thick pieces of plywood. However, the drawback is their large nailsmay crack thin trim piecesand split narrow molding.
Gauge Brad Nail Vs16 Gauge Finish Nailer
Theprimary differencebetween abrad nailerand afinish naileris thesize of the nailthey use. Brad nailers use small, wire-like 18-gauge nails, while finish nailers use larger 15-gauge or 16-gauge nails.
Another difference between finish nailers and brad nailers is the hole size they leave behind. Brad nails leave small, barely visible holes that may require no filler; however, finish nails leave large holes that require wood filler to hide them.
Unlike a brad nailer, which lacks the strength to attach large moldings or boards, a finish nailer has the power to hold these materials and also has the strength to penetrate plywood, hardwood, and MDF.
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Brad nailers are ideal for lightweight finish carpentry tasks such as attaching cabinet trim and installing decorative molding. They also work well for assembling small projects like picture frames, birdhouses, etc.
When it comes to accuracy, brad nailers win hands down. Their small size makes them ideal for delicate tasks, and the small holes they leave behind require little to no filler. Finish nailers are not as precise; however, their larger diameter nails are better suited for attaching large or heavy materials.
Whether you should buy a brad nailer or finish nailer depends on what DIY project you want to tackle. If you’re going to install crown molding, you’ll want to go with a finish nailer. If you’re going to install some narrow trim on a furniture project, you’ll want to go with a brad nailer.
Brad Nailer Vs Finish Nailer (which To Choose & Why)
Brad nailers and finish nailers are usually available as a combo kit. If your budget allows, you may want to consider a combo kit so that you’ll have both nailers.
Later on, I bought my brad nailer at a woodworking auction. It was well maintained and a bargain compared to the price of a new one.
Pneumatic brad nailers and finish nailers use compressed air from an air compressor. This means in addition to the nailer, you’ll also need an air compressor and an air compressor hose.
Brad Nailer Vs. Finish Nailer: You'll Know In 1 Minute
The advantage to using a pneumatic nailer is that you can keep working as long as the compressor is plugged into an outlet.
There are a few disadvantages to pneumatic nailers. Compressors can be noisy. Hoses can get caught on anything from workbenches to doorways and ladders. Plus, pulling the weight of the air hose, especially if you’re working overhead to install crown molding, can be tiring on your arms.
Cordless brad nailers and finish nailers use rechargeable batteries. This means you can keep working as long the battery is charged. You have to stop working when the charge runs out.
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Cordless nailers can go anywhere. There’s no compressor or hose to hold you back. But this convenience comes at a price. Cordless nailers are usually more expensive than pneumatic nailers.
I use pneumatic nailers in my workshop. I don’t use my brad nailer or finish nailer very often. The amount of time that I use them doesn’t justify an upgrade.
If I were planning a big project, like installing a crown molding, I might consider upgrading to a cordless nailer. The weight of lifting the nailer and the hose over your head can make your arms tire out quickly.
Angled Finish Nailer Vs Straight: 5 Main Differences
There are a few key differences between finish nails and brad nails. Brad nails are made from 18-gauge wire, while finish nails are made from 15- or 16-gauge wire, meaning finish nails have a larger diameter than brad nails.
In the photo below, you can see the size difference between a finish nail (closest to the pencil) and the size of a brad nail (farthest from the pencil).
The larger diameter of finishing nails means they have more holding strength than brads. However, a finish nail is more likely to split thin or delicate wood trim, whereas a brad nail’s small size helps to prevent splitting.
Framing Nailer Vs Finish Nailer
In terms of best uses, brad nails are better suited for tasks like light decorative trim and molding, paneling, picture frames, and crafts such as birdhouses. Finish nails are better suited for larger trim, such as baseboards or crown molding.
Additionally, the smaller head of brad nails means it may not require wood filler, whereas a finish nail will leave a larger hole that will need to be filled.
When deciding which type of nail to use for your project, consider the size and weight of the material and whether you want to fill in any holes afterward. Choose brad nails for smaller, lighter projects and finish nails for larger projects.
Opruiming > Finishing Nailer Vs Brad Nail
A brad nailer and finish nailer are typically used to put the finishing touches on projects, not build them. They are two different tools but serve a similar purpose, so in that respect, they are both types of finish nailers.
A brad nailer is smaller and lighter than a finish nailer. It’s also easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Brad nailers shoot 18-gauge nails, which are thinner and have a smaller diameter than finish nails.
Finish nailers are best for heavier duty projects, such as baseboards, door and window frames, trim work, and cabinetry. Finish nailers shoot 15- or 16-gauge nails with a larger diameter than brad nails.
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Finish nails have greater gripping power than brads, making them an excellent choice for long-lasting projects that require strength and durability. Brads are small, wire-like nails with less holding power than finish nails, so they’re better suited for delicate woodworking projects requiring less strength.
Woodworkers, do-it-yourselfers, and carpenters use 18-gauge brad nailers to install lightweight trim, ornamental molding, quarter round, shoe molding, door stop molding, and other small trim pieces.
Brad nails can be used to attach baseboards. However, a finish nailer might be a better option. Brad nails are small and narrow, making a good choice for installing ornamental molding or lightweight trim. Finish nails have a larger diameter and more gripping power
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