The brad nail is a nailer that is specialized and designed for detailed or small wood applications like cabinetry, moldings, trims and so on. The brad nailer is designed so that it can fire brads, usually coming from a popular brand nails manufacturer. Brads are useful thin-gauged nails that are perfect for lightweight wood trims.
Brad Nails Versus Finish Nails
Most people confuse finish and brad nailers but there are differences you want to know. Visually speaking, the brad nailer is smaller. Also, when it comes to performance, the brad nailer does not require the power that the finish nailer needs. This is because brads do not have the stronger head of the finishing nail.
A brad is really good for mounting the lightweight wood trims as they are thin gauged. They do not have that head so you do not need to utilize wood putty in order to cover nail holes. It is highly beneficial for the fine-detailed projects because when you use wood putty, it is darker than the color of natural wood after finish or stain is added.
Brads are also beneficial in the detailed woodworking projects. They reduce trim damage risk, which is very important for the thinner pieces. When you try to nail the thin trim to, for instance, a baseboard, there is a really good possibility the piece will be spit as a finishing nail has a thicker gauge.
Due to wood structure, a brad is very capable to create highly secured trim attachments when connecting to larger wood pieces. A large nail head is not necessary if you use brads.
Brad Nail Sizes
Brand nail size used depends on nailer capacity and what project you work on. You normally use 21- and 18-gauge brad nailers. The 18-gauge option is really common as it offers strong wood project bond. In most situations, you will use the 18-gauge nailer.
Brad nailers are often compatible with different nail lengths, usually ranging from the small 5/8 inches to the larger 2 inches. As you select the brad nail, nail length has to be 3 times nailing material thickness. You thus make sure that nails are long enough. They are also going to secure the boards you nail.
Electric Brad Nailers
The brad nailer is definitely a very useful tool for any home improvement or renovation project that involves wood but the pneumatic model might not be exactly what you need. The electric brad nailer stands out as a very useful option you should take into account. You can buy them in battery-operated cordless or corded models. They eliminate the need to use a hose or an air compressor. Also, such a model is so simple to just buy and start using.
Final Thoughts
As always, it is really important that you choose the right tools for the job you want to do. Brad nails are wonderful but there are situations in which they are not appropriate. Always be sure that you make a correct choice. If you have doubts, just ask a professional.
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