Could someone please explain to me the different purposes for:
Brad Nailers
Finish Nailers
Crown Staplers.
In other words, when would you use each one?
(If I were an English Teacher, I would say something like “compare and contrast”, but I am not, so I won’t. )
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Replies
All the guns are used in trimwork and small finish construction. There are two types of finish nailers, a 15 guage nailer which shoots nails from an angled clip, and a 16 guage which shoots from a straight clip. The angled 15 is a bit heavier than the 16 and is used when you have to install the heaviest of trim work. The 16 guage can handle most everything the 15 does, I have both and for the most part find them interchangable. These guns shoot nails ranging from 11/4" to 21/2" long.
For smaller, lighter work there is the brad gun which is much easier to use. It shoots 18 guage nails ranging from 3/4" to 2" long.
There is an even lighter guage gun made which shoots 23 guage brads. This is usually found in wood shops. I use it only on the finest trim.
The narrow crown stapler performs basically the same things as the 18 guage brad gun except it has greater holding power. It leaves a wide hole however and it's not great if you're trying to be inconspicuous with nail holes. It's usually used where the fastening won't be that much seen and holding power is needed. I bought one of these on a whim, and found that I use it constantly in my trimwork and especially when I'm building cabinets, and drawers.
If you're just starting out, a good all around gun is the 16 guage finish nailgun, then maybe the brad nailer. Those two guns are really all one needs to trim with.
Ditto what you said, except... The angled 15 is a bit heavier than the 16 I bought a Bostich 15 ga magnesium nailer, and I think it's lighter than my PC 16. Quite a difference between the magenesium and regular models of the same guage.Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
I just bought the same gun and am really lovin' it. I just meant it shoots a heavier nail. The new magnesium guns coupled with the light poly hoses makes trimming easier than ever. I remember trimming houses with just my hammer, a nail set and an old heavy cast iron Millers Falls miter box and long backsaw. Things have come a long way.
Being as no one else wants to jump in...
Brad nailer...up to 1 9/16 pins or brads usually a very small head..there are pin nailers that have no head..but you did not ask 'bout that...good for: nailing SMALL trim and false ends on cabinets that are 1/4 " plywood..where glue is sometimes used and the pins are for alignment or not overly structural bond.
Finish nailer..up to 2 1/2 in. finish nails 15 or 16 Ga. (diameter) nails with a "t" type head commonly. Used for nailing Base board, crown moulding, window and door trim..many uses in cabinet work, where ever ya want a nail that will hold some weight but maybe don't want to be swinging a hammer..
Crown stapler Actually a narrow or wide crown..narrow crown has many usess like a brad nailer..I use it for making the built up edges of countertops, stapling down 1/4 plywood under layment..tongua and groove panelling..the two legs of the staples separaterd by about a 1/4 crown..7/32 actually..hold twice as well as a brad and do not pull through as easily..the longest I use are 1 3/8 galvanized
a Wide crown stapler is used for a bit more heavy apps. like ext. wall sheathing and roof sheathing..I do not own one so I wont blabber about a tool I don't have a lot of miles on..
Thanks a bunch! (Grade: A+)
If you are not going to make your living with it there are also combination guns out there with brad and staple (1/4" crown) capability. Harbor freight has some very cheap and the Craftsman line has one. I think either would satisfy the hobbiest or even infrequent semi-pro.
I think bostich also makes one.
Senco makes one too.
Just checked the senco model#. Its the FinishPro 2N1. Drives 5/8"-1.25" brads and 1/2"- 1" staples
I agree with what everyone has said about uses for different nailguns with one exception, the 1/4in stapler is great for all the things trim , 1/4 in ply , lauan etc but i hav used it on carpeting and it works great for that and im not a carpeter/ ruglayer. but can lay carpet and have it look great espically on stairs .the staple is so small and goes deep enough that you dont see it. just for info I have : brad nailer,1/4in stapler, dewalt 2in finish, 2 1/2in finish P.C., framing P C , roofing , and pancake compressor P C , and they have been the best investments , I like air tools .
Dogboy