I am in the market for an air nailer to work on a few projects. What is the difference between a finish nailer and a brad nailer? Why would I choose either? Sorry if this is an easy question, but I just want some input before I go buy one.
What are some good moderly priced nailers?
Thanks for any help you can provide Josh snipped-for-privacy@indy.net
There's been a few recent threads on this, and you might want to search back a bit and read the threads for more detail. Basically a brad nailer shoots
18ga. nails up to 2" long. Thin nails with minimal holding power, they're good for light moulding or holding things together until the glue dries. One advantage is a relatively small hole 15ga and 16ga nailers are considered finish nailers. They both shoot nails up to 2.5", and that extra length comes in handy for hanging crown, jambs, casings, and heavier moulding. The 16ga nailers have a horizontal magazine and the 15ga nailers have an angled magazine (with a few exceptions) making it easier to reach into tight spots. The 15ga nail, being a bit sturdier than the 16ga makes it more of an all-around gun. A good combination would be an 18ga 2" brad nailer and a 15ga finish nailer.You can choose from cheap no name Asian imports as sold by Harbor Freight and others. Sometimes they work well, sometimes not. You're usually better off with a mid-range brand such as Porter Cable, DeWalt, Bostich, Hitachi, etc..
And these projects would be?.....
18 ga. - brad nailer 16 ga. - finish nailer, typically straight magazine 15 ga. - finish nailer, typically angled magazine Narrow crown - staplerYou might want to Google this newsgroup for 'finish nailer' and see prior discussions. It would be easier to answer if you could give examples of your projects.
You would typically choose a 16 ga. finish nailer as a good balance between nail size and price (both the nailer and the nails).
I favor the Porter-Cable nailers, though you did not specify what a moderate price would be. The prices range from $14 for an 18 ga. unit at Harbor Freight to $389 for a Maxx 16 ga. unit.
Agreed. I've got a $15 Harbor Freight 18ga brad nailer, and it's usable. I have the Porter Cable 15ga angled finish nailer, and it's a great tool.
This combination leaves wanting for nothing (I have a framing nailer too).
-Mike
Brad nailers get some flack about limited holding power and that is true up to a point. They actually do a pretty good job of holding on when you are working with lighter weight trim and moulding, or holding items in place while glue dries. In fact, brads can be a pain to remove if you make an error - but they will pull throught at the head end or break. If you are getting into heavy duty base mouldings or items where the nails could come under stress, go for the finish nailer. Otherwise go with the brad nailer. Brads are cheaper too.
What ever you decide to get, before you buy, check out ebay. Check the prices that they are going for, and then start bidding on what you want. I have aquired at least half of my tools this way for a lot less than I would have paided retail or mailorder.
I picked up an 18 ga. and a 16 ga. nailers for about $70-$75 each in two auctions from pawn shops including shipping. Both were essentially brand new with all accessories. I see them on there all the time. Just be patient and bid what you want to pay and be prepared to be sniped a couple of times. Eventually you will get what you want.
Josh wrote:
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