Choosing between a brad nailer and a finish nailer can be confusing. I’ll break down the similarities, differences and discuss the best uses for each.
Brad Nailer vs Finish Nailer
What’s the difference between a brad nailer and a finish nailer? The two tools look similar, but they differ in strength and the size of nails they can 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.
Table of Contents
- Why Use a Brad Nailer or Finish Nailer?
- Brad Nailer vs Finish Nailer
- What is Brad Nailer?
- What is a Brad Nailer Used For?
- What is a Finish Nailer?
- What is a Finish Nailer Used For?
- Pneumatic vs Cordless
- How Long Should Nails Be for Brad and Finish Nailers?
- Brad Nailer vs Finish Nailer Comparison Chart
- Should I Buy a Brad Nailer or a Finish Nailer?
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Why Use a Brad Nailer or Finish Nailer?
Using a nailer is quicker and easier than using a hammer. Plus, using a hammer can move workpieces out of alignment.
It’s happened to all of us. We get the workpiece exactly where we want and start tapping the nail with a hammer. The vibration from hitting the nail moves the workpieces out of alignment. It’s so frustrating!
The advantage of using a nailer is that it drives the nail without any vibration. That means workpieces stay exactly where we want them.
Plus, using a nailer is quicker and easier than nailing by hand.
Back to Table of ContentsBrad Nailer vs Finish Nailer
In several DIY tutorials, I mentioned that I used a brad nailer. Since publishing those tutorials, I’ve received a handful of messages from DIYers with questions about brad nailers vs finish nailers. Questions like “What is the difference between a brad nailer and a finish nailer?” and “Why didn’t you use a finish nailer instead?”
I totally understand. These tools look similar and perform similar functions, but there are some significant differences between them.
What They Have in Common
What brad nailers and finish nailers have in common is they are not typically used for building projects. Instead, they are used to put the finishing touches on woodworking projects and home improvement projects.
The Big Difference
The main difference between a brad nailer and a finish nailer is the size of the nail they use. Brad nailers use 18-gauge nails. Finish nailers use 16-gauge finish nails or 15-gauge nails.
What is Gauge?
The gauge of a nail refers to the thickness of the nail. It seems backwards, but the thinner the nail, the higher the gauge. For example, an 18-gauge nail is thinner than a 15-gauge nail.
But it makes sense when you think about it this way: gauge measures how many nails fit within an inch. So for 18-gauge nails, you can fit 18 per inch. But with large 15-gauge nails, you can only fit 15 per inch.
The thinner the nail, the higher the gauge. The thicker the nail, the lower the gauge.
This also means an 18-gauge nail leaves a smaller hole than a 15-gauge or 16-gauge nail.
Back to Table of ContentsWhat is a Brad Nailer?
A brad nailer uses 18-gauge brad nails. Brad nails are also called brads. Brads look different from traditional nails. They are more like thin pieces of 18-gauge wire. The length of brad nails usually ranges from ⅝” to 2-½” long.
Related: Pin Nailer vs Brad Nailer: Differences & Which to Use
These thin, wire-like nails have a small diameter. Nails with a smaller diameter leave a small hole which is easier to hide than a traditional nail hole. Often you don’t need to fill the holes left by brad nails. That said, for some projects, like painted projects, I think it looks better to fill the nail holes with wood filler or putty.
Related: Does Stainable Wood Filler Work? (Here’s the Answer)
There are pros and cons to brad nails. Because of their small size, brads are less likely to crack a small piece of wood. But their small size has less holding power than a larger nail.
What is a Brad Nailer Used For?
Brad nails don’t have the strength to hold large moldings or large boards in place. The wire-like nails can have difficulty going through hardwoods, MDF, and thick pieces of plywood. Plus, brads don’t have enough holding power to join these materials properly.
But an 18-gauge brad nailer is the perfect choice to use when a large nail may crack the workpiece. They are a great way to attach thin trim pieces and narrow molding because they are less likely to split the wood.
Brad nailers are great for:
- Attaching lightweight trim on cabinets and DIY furniture projects
- Installing decorative molding
- Installing quarter round, shoe molding, and door stop molding
- Assembling small projects (picture frames, jewelry boxes, birdhouses, etc.)
- Tacking workpieces together while the glue dries
Best Brad Nailers
Top Pick
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WEN 18-Gauge Brad Nailer
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Runner Up
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BOSTITCH 18-Gauge Brad Nailer
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Runner Up
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DeWALT 18-Gauge Brad Nailer
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What is a Finish Nailer?
A finish nailer uses headless finish nails. Finish nailers are available in either 15-gauge or 16-gauge. The length of the finish nails usually ranges from 1” to 2-½” long.
Finish nails have a larger diameter than brad nails. This means they leave a larger hole than a brad nail. These larger holes need to be filled to hide them.
There are pros and cons to using finish nails. Larger finish nails have more holding power than brad nails. But these larger nails may crack thin trim pieces and narrow moldings.
💡 TIP: Some finish nails are collated at an angle and some are straight. Be sure to buy the correct nails for your finish nailer.
What is a Finish Nailer Used For?
A finish nailer is more versatile than a brad nailer. Finish nails have the strength to hold large moldings or large boards in place. They can easily go through hardwoods, MDF, and thick pieces of plywood. But these large nails may crack thin trim pieces and split narrow molding.
Finish nailers are great for:
- Baseboards
- Window and Door Trim
- Chair Rails
- Crown Molding
- Heavy or Wide Boards
- Staircases
Best Finish Nailers
15-Gauge
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Metabo 15-Gauge Finish Nailer
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16-Gauge
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NuMax 16-Gauge Finish Nailer
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Cordless
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DeWALT 18-Gauge Brad Nailer
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Pneumatic vs Cordless
There are more considerations when it comes to choosing a brad nailer or finish nailer.
Pneumatic
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.
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
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.
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.
What I Use
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.
Related: My 12×13 Small Woodshop Layout
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.
Back to Table of ContentsHow Long Should Nails Be for Brad and Finish Nailers?
For many projects, a buddy of mine recommends multiplying the thickness of the material you want to join by 1.5.
So let’s say I wanted to join a piece of ¾” to another piece of ¾” material. I would multiply .75” × 1.5 = 1.125” or 1-⅛”. Nails aren’t available in 1-⅛” length, so I would round up to the next available length, which is 1-¼”.
Of course, you’ll want to make sure the length of the nail that you’re using won’t go through the second workpiece. Adjust the length of the nail if necessary.
But there’s more. Baseboards, chair rails, crown molding, etc., are attached over drywall. The nails need to be driven into the stud. Many of these types of moldings are ¾” thick. Drywall is typically ½” thick. That means the nail needs to travel through 1-¼” of material before it reaches the stud.
So let’s say I wanted to install some baseboards. Baseboards are usually installed with 2-½” nails. 1-¼” is driven through the trim and drywall. The remaining 1-¼” is driven into the stud.
Back to Table of ContentsBrad Nailer vs Finish Nailer Comparison Chart
Brad NailerFinish NailerGauge18-gauge15-gauge or 16-gaugeLength of Nail⅝” to 2-½”1” to 2-½”Hole SizeSmall – usually doesn’t require fillerLarge – requires fillerBaseboardsNoYesCrown MoldingNoYesChair RailNoYesWindow and Door TrimNoYesHeavy or Wide BoardsNoYesQuarter RoundYesNoShoe MoldingYesNoThin MoldingYesNoNarrow MoldingYesNoShould I Buy a Brad Nailer or a Finish Nailer?
Whether you should buy a brad nailer or finish nailer first 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 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.
I bought my nailers separately. First, I bought my finish nailer to install some trim on the exterior of my house.
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.
Related: How to Buy Used Tools
Back to Table of ContentsFrequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between brad nails vs finish nails?
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.
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.
Is a brad nailer a finish nailer?
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.
Which is better a brad nailer or a finish nailer?
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.
What do you use a brad nailer for?
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.
Can I use a brad nailer for baseboards?
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 than brad nails, making them the better option for installing heavier and wider pieces of baseboard.
Can you use a brad nailer on a 2×4?
Brad nails are small and narrow, and they lack the holding power to join 2x4s. A framing nailer uses larger diameter nails with more gripping strength than brad nails, making them the better option for joining 2x4s.
What is a finish nail used for?
Finish nails have a larger diameter than brad nails, and they’re better for jobs that need more strength and holding power. Finish nail are excellent for attaching baseboards, window and door trim, chair rails, crown molding, etc.
Can Brad Nails be Used in a Finish Nailer?
No. Using the incorrect nails will cause the nailer to jam.
Can You Use 16 Gauge Nails in an 18 Gauge Nailer?
No. Again, using the incorrect nails will cause the nailer to jam.
Back to Table of ContentsFinal Thoughts
Brad nailers and finish nailers look similar and do similar things, but a few significant differences set them apart. It’s important to know the differences, so you choose the right one for your project.
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