Brad Nailer vs. Finish Nailer: What Is the Difference?

Brad nail guns and finish nail guns serve different purposes. Understanding when to use which tool will help make your next project much easier to plan. In this article, we will show you the ins and outs of a brad nailer versus a finish nailer.   

Brad Nailer vs. Finish Nailer: Key Differences

A finish nailer uses a larger gauge of nails, shooting 16-, 15-, and even 14-gauge nails, which makes it great for dense materials and substantial woodworking projects like furniture making. 

A brad nailer uses nails of a smaller gauge with less noticeable heads. The smaller gauge makes a brad nailer appropriate for more delicate projects involving thin materials. 

The two nail guns look quite different. A brad nailer has a magazine that runs parallel to the handle and tool body, whereas a finish nailer’s magazine runs at an angle to the tool. 

What Is a Brad Nailer?

A brad nailer is a light-duty power tool that shoots out 18-gauge nails, also referred to as “brads”. Brad nailers are usually air-powered, or pneumatic, which means they need to be connected to an air compressor to use them. It is important to note that other models can be powered with a canister of compressed air. 

Brad nailers are a smaller tool that is easy to maneuver. They are usually the best choice for more delicate projects or for a job that risks splitting the wood. Here are some of the most common uses for a brad nailer:

• Trim work

• Attaching decorative molding

• Securing baseboards

• Affixing paneling 

• Small woodworking projects or attaching thin pieces of wood together, such as building a birdhouse

• Fastening light picture frames to wall 

• Temporarily joining an item together

• Attaching casings to furniture

Pros of a Brad Nail Gun

A brad nail gun’s pros make it far more suitable for precision work or projects with more delicate materials. If you plan on adding decorative touches to your woodwork, a brad nailer would be a more effective option.

• Brad nailers are compact and easier to handle than finish nailers.

• They work well for detailed work that requires precision, due to their maneuverability.

• Brad nails are small, so they are less visible in a completed project and do not require patching upon completion of the project.

• Due to their small size, there is no risk of splitting the wood.

• Brad nail guns require less force to use properly.

• A brad nailer can be a substitute for glue to hold small items in place temporarily or join light pieces of wood together.

Cons of Brad Nail Guns

Brad nailers are more effective at specific tasks. For more general woodworking purposes, however, there are some drawbacks of which you should be aware.

• A brad nailer cannot hold heavy items in place.

• Because brad nailers are smaller, they tend to cost less on average than finish nailers from the same manufacturer.

• They do not provide as tight a hold as finishing nails.

• The nails cannot be countersunk because they lack a large nail head.

• Brad nail guns cannot be used for heavy-duty construction jobs.

• Brad nailers sometimes have difficulty driving through non-wood materials like MDF, as well as plywood.

What Is a Finish Nailer?

A finish nailer is a tool used for projects that require more holding power. As its name suggests, a finish nailer is used for attaching finishing materials, like affixing molding to the outside of a window frame or installing crown molding. 

This type of power tool requires a lower-gauge nail (15- or 16-gauge nails), meaning the nail is thicker than 18-gauge brad nails. Keep in mind that, while a finish nailer provides a secure hold through various materials, it is not meant for structural joinery. Here are some common uses for finish nail guns:

• Installing hardwood flooring

• Affixing window and door casing

• Building and installing cabinetry

• Installing baseboards, crown molding, trim, and chair rails

Pros of Finish Nailers

Finish nailers are best for heavier construction jobs, including assembling large items, and for jobs that do not require an overly refined look.

• Larger nails mean that they can drive through thicker materials.

• With a finish nailer, you can customize the depth at which nails are shot, so you do not need to countersink them.

• A finish nail gun can drive through a variety of materials, including MDF and plywoods with fewer layers, such as 3-ply. 

Cons of Finish Nailers

Finish nailers make for a less refined look, so consider the overall appearance you want for your project before selecting this tool for a job.

• Finish nailers are more cumbersome and bulky than brad nailers.

• The larger nails cannot be used for delicate or thin materials.

• Finish nail guns require additional accessories, such as an air compressor, to operate the power tool.

• Larger nail holes may require you to patch nail heads with wood filler.

• This type of nail gun is more expensive than most brad nailers.

• Finish nails are more likely to split wood due to the thickness of the nail.

Brad Nailer vs. Finish Nailer

The differences between a brad nailer and finish nailer are clear, but they both have a place in multiple types of projects. So, how do the two tools stack up against one another? Let’s further break down some of the aspects of these nail guns to understand what sets them apart.

Ease of Use: Brad Nail Gun

Both brad nail guns and finish nail guns can be used by beginners and experts alike, and they both come in cordless options to make the job more convenient. Brad nail guns, however, are lighter and more compact, require less force, and are easier to maneuver. Keep in mind that both types of nail guns require an air compressor, in most cases.

Winner: Brad nail gun

Delicate Woodworking Jobs: Brad Nail Gun

For carpentry projects that require finer and more intricate work, such as attaching decorative trim, brad nail guns are the best option. This type of power tool shoots brads that are thinner and have a smaller nail head than finish nails, so there is no risk of splitting the wood. 

Winner: Brad nail gun

Heavier-Duty Carpentry Projects: Finish Nail Gun

For DIY jobs that require more holding power, finish nail guns are the best choice. The thicker-gauged nails allow for more secure joinery compared to brads and work better for woodworking projects that require a stronger hold, such as installing cabinetry or crown molding.

Winner: Finish nail gun

Versatility: Finish Nail Gun

Finish nail guns can be used to shoot nails through a number of materials besides wood, like MDF or certain plywoods. You can also use this type of nail gun for a variety of home improvement woodworking projects, making it an ideal first nail gun for beginners.

Winner: Finish nail gun

Price: Brad Nail Gun

Brad nailers are usually cheaper than finish nailers. On average, brad nail guns tend to cost up to 20% less than finish nail guns. 

Winner: Brad nail gun