What's the difference between a Brad Nailer and a Finishing Nailer?

Question

I am learning how to work with wood and different projects call for these nailers and I'm not sure what the real difference is. I even saw a kit at Costcos with both and a Floor Nailer (I know what that one is for).

I need to do some moldings and I think I need a Frame nailer for that.

Any help is appreciated. If you can, include some practical usages for each type of nailer.

Thanks

Answer 1

while i thought some of the other answers were good or o.k., they might be just a little vague. i think that how you would use each of these tools would go further in answering your question. to start with, the brad nailer; i would use this to build a picture frame, or other small nailing project, requireing nails 1" or less. with the finish nailer; if i were putting up window and door trim, chair rails, or floor trim, this would be the gun that you would use for that. a framing gun; if you are going to build walls, apply plywood, or exterior trim in certain applications, this would be the use for it. now as far as what type of tool to buy; if your use is for a hobby, then the less expensive combination kits should be fine for that. the same with the finish nailer, for just use on your own home project. just make sure that the nails for the guns are readily available for when you need more. you won't want to have to run around or have to order them when you need them. now if you are planning to make your living with these tools; i would suggest that you check out a home improvement store, or tool supply house, for a better quality tool. then buy the best the best that you can afford so that you'll be able to depend on it. this would be espessialy true with a framing gun. if this is the case for you, i would reccomend hitachi air tools, i use those for the tools that i need to depend on in my line of work. my finish nailer is a mid grade quality tool, and the brad nailer is basicly just for around my own house. as far as the compressor goes; once again buy the best that you can afford since it will be running all of your air tools and be used all of the time. here again, i bought a hitachi. i would advise you to avoid the dewalt compressor though, they seem to be having a lot of trouble lately, since they were bought out by black and decker. well i guess this turned into a pretty long answer, but i hope that it helps you out and good luck.

Answer 2

Brad Nailer Vs Finish Nailer

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
What's the difference between a Brad Nailer and a Finishing Nailer?
I am learning how to work with wood and different projects call for these nailers and I'm not sure what the real difference is. I even saw a kit at Costcos with both and a Floor Nailer (I know what that one is for).

I need to do some moldings and I think I need a Frame nailer for...

Answer 4

a brad nailer shoots brads( small nails ranging from 3/4"-1 1/4")
Most finish nailers shoot finish nails up to 2 1/2"
Depending on the molding you are working with(thickness) will determine which gun you should use.
DO NOT use a framing gun to apply molding, you will destroy the molding
There are many practical usage for both type of guns,anything from building some shelving to putting up some new molding in your house. Also useful for many craft projects.
Lowes recently had a combo pack that included a brad gun, finish gun and a small crown stapler with compressor and air hose for under $300, a great starter kit.
Go down to your local Lowes or Home Depot( not familiar with Costco) and speak with someone who works in the tool dept., they can clear up alot of the mystery for you and you can look at the guns and the difference will be obvious to you .

Answer 5

With no offense at all to answer number 1, Staples are staples, brads are small versions of nails, some with heads, and some not. A staple is a formed piece of hardware to accomplish the same task, but two pronged.

To directly answer your Q,,, There is no real difference other than the names, Especially true in different Brand Names.

For "Finishing" all you need do is buy a box of the brads that have no real "head", hence allowing that they can be tapped in or shot in below the surface of the project, unlike a staple they will leave less evident damage.

Steven Wolf

BTW there are "Guns" that accept sleeves of both

Answer 6

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Assuming all are run off a compressor, the difference would be in the PSI needed to drive the various nails, and the nails themselves. The other obvious differences are in the words used to define the tools, IE: Framing, Finish, Brad. One could assume that transposing them would not be the proper way to use them in the defined installations. Steven Wolf Just my two "sense"

Answer 7

Brad Nail

Answer 8

Brads are in essence "staples".
Finish nails are slender nails a s so not split the wood or show!
Both come in various sizes and fit most nailers! Brads can be used for your moulding project!

Answer 9

Brad Nailer was a famous male porn star from the early 1970's, and often donned a hard-hat, tool belt and and smile when working with his co-stars.

Answer 10

For molding use finishing nailer.