In carpentry work, the worker has to maintain a lot of precision. This woodworking includes shaping, sizing, and fitting the wooden material. To maintain the accuracy in this work various tools are present in the market to assist the DIY artist in you. One such tool is the nail gun. It has successfully replaced the conventional hammer and nail.
A nail gun or a nailer gun is a small power tool. This handheld tool is used to hammer nails into the wood to join two parts. They save time and result in a better finishing of the worked surface. The nail gun is available in two different types: pin nailer and brad nailer gun. Both serve the same application of driving nails into the wooden surface.
So how do they differ from each other? To understand the difference, we will have to first understand each type of nail gun. This article will help you understand everything related to nail gun types.
Outline
ToggleOverview of Pin Nailer
The pin nailer works on the same principle as a normal nail gun. It is powered by batteries or with pneumatic systems. The pin nailer drives the nail under the wooden surface. Using the depth adjustment on a pin nailer, control over the nail depth is achieved.
The pin nailer has a nail rack into which nails are stored. The number of nails stored per inch of the rack is called the gauge of nails. The pin nailer usually uses 23-gauge nails. These nails are headless and hence blend with the wooden surface as if it is not even there.
Now that we have an idea about what a pin nailer is, let us discuss the pros and cons of a pin nailer.
Pros:
- The pin nailer does not create any damage to the wooden surface
- The nail used is headless and blends with the surface without being noticeable
- The nailer offers easy penetration to the wooden surface
- The nail holes created by a pin nailer are small and can be easily covered
Cons:
- The pin nailers are not suitable for hard surfaces
- The pins have a lower strength in holding the material
- Since it uses headless nails, the process of pulling the nail out becomes hectic
Where Can We Use A Pin Nailer?
As discussed earlier, the nails used in the pin nailer have a low holding strength. The nails are small in size and are hardly visible to the eyes. Hence the pin nailer can be used where smaller wooden pieces need to be joined. The small size of the nail creates no creeping of the wood and helps in maintaining the strength of the wooden piece.
The pin nails are commonly used with wood glues to increase the strength of the joints. The pin nailer does not leave any noticeable holes after nailing the surface. This helps in preserving the aesthetics of the surface and requires less retouching.
How To Use A Pin Nailer
Pin nailer is a type of nail gun. It involves firing the nails onto the wooden surface to mimic the hammering effect of a hammer. Hence certain steps are needed to be followed while using a pin nailer:
- Do Proper Safety Checks: This step involves wearing proper glasses, aprons, and earplugs. If a pneumatic system is used, checking the system pressure becomes mandatory too.
- Secure the Surface to be Nailed: Proper mounting of the surface keeps it locked in position while using a pin nailer.
- Position and Fire: By keeping the center of the gun in line with the hole center, the nail will be accurately placed. After positioning the gun, press the gun triggers to shoot the nail into the surface.
- Inspect: Check for the proper placement of the nail. Also, check for any debris or any irregularities near the pinned surface.
Popular Pin Nailers
The market is flooded with pin nailers to choose from but we have mentioned our favorites below.
- Bostitch HP118K Pin Nailer
- Makita AF353 Pin Nailer
Overview of Brad Nailer
The working of a brad nailer is not so different from a pin nailer. They can also be powered with removable batteries or via a pneumatic circuit. What makes them different from the pin nails is the type of nails they use.
The brad nailers use small nails with a finishing. These nails are a little bigger than the 23-inch gauge nails. Their size is usually 16-gauge or 18-gauge. Their size makes them ideal for various applications that need a finished nail.
Having explained about brad nailers, we can move on to the pros and cons of these nailers.
Pros:
- Brad nailers are lightweight and hence can be used anywhere
- No clamping is needed while using the brad nailers
- Since the nails are of bigger gauges, it helps in adding strength to the nailed joint
- Nails hammered by brad nailer can be easily removed due to their flat head design
Cons:
- It is not suitable for delicate surfaces as its bigger nails may develop cracks
- The brad nailers leave a noticeable hole on the surface
- It cannot be used on thick wooden pieces
Where Can We Use A Brad Nailer?
The brad nailer uses stronger nails. This makes it suitable for joining two pieces with added strength. It also finds its use in fitting decorative trims, windows, and boards. Brad nailers are most commonly used on softwood materials since they easily penetrate the surface without cracking it. They do not need wood glue to add strength to the joined pieces. It instead offers a better holding strength than pin nailers.
How To Use A Brad Nailer
Using a brad nailer is not different from a pin nailer. The following steps will guide you through the necessary steps to use a brad nailer.
- Safety Checkups: Using proper safety glasses, aprons, and earplugs help in minimizing any hazardous situation.
- Tool Adjustments: If the brad nailer is pneumatic power, proper pressure must be set to achieve good penetration. The pressure must be kept below the allowable value.
- Positioning: Even with a slighter deviation, the nail will bend. Hence proper positioning of the brad nailers and the surface is important. Setting the proper depth is also done to reach the required depth.
- Fire and Inspection: The nail can be shot by pressing the trigger of the brad nailer. After successful penetration, proper inspection is done to check for any damage or irregularities.
Popular Brad Nailers
Many brands have developed brad nailers by keeping consumer demand in mind. We have selected a few options for you.
- Ryobi P320 Brad Nailer
- Metabo Hitachi NT50AE2
Comparison Chart For Pin and Brad Nailers
Parameter | Pin Nailer | Brad Nailer |
Nailhead type | The pin nailer uses headless nails | The brad nailer uses nails that have flat heads |
Gauge range | The nails used are of the 23-gauge size | The nails used are of the 18-gauge size |
Strength | The holding strength offered is lower. It can be improved by using glue. | It offers a very good holding strength |
Finishing work | The pin nailers create smaller, non-noticeable holes. Hence surface finishing or coating is not needed. | The brad nailers leave a noticeable hole near the penetration area. Hence the hole needs to be filled. |
Versatility | Pin nailers can only be used for delicate applications and hence their use is limited. | Brad nailers can be used for delicate as well as other types of projects. |
Applications | It is used for thin and soft materials | It can be used for soft as well as hard materials |
Comparing Pin Nailer vs. Brad Nailer
Nail Size & Gauge
The main difference between a pin nailer and a brad nailer is in the size and gauge of the nails they use. A pin nailer shoots 23-gauge headless pins, which are extremely fine and almost invisible once driven into wood. These pins are delicate and provide an unobtrusive finish. This is perfect for precision work (small trims or fine woodworking projects) where aesthetics matter.
On the other hand, a brad nailer uses slightly thicker 18-gauge nails. These nails are still quite thin, but they come with a small head that adds more holding strength than pin nails. While brad nails do leave a visible hole, it is still much smaller compared to other types of nails, such as finishing nails. Hence, brad nailers are a better choice for securing light materials (trim or molding) without requiring heavy-duty nails.
Holding Power
When it comes to holding power, pin nailers and brad nailers are completely different. A pin nailer provides minimal holding strength due to the small size and lack of a head on the pins. These nails are primarily used for delicate work or to temporarily hold pieces together while glue dries.
Brad nailers provide significantly more holding power. The 18-gauge brad nails have a small head, which helps them grip the wood more effectively than pin nails. This makes brad nailers suitable for projects where a permanent hold is needed, such as securing small baseboards, attaching furniture parts, or installing crown molding. The extra holding strength means you can use a brad nailer for light construction tasks without worrying about the pieces coming loose over time.
Surface Finish & Aesthetic Impact
Due to their tiny size 23-gauge pins, pin nailers leave virtually no visible marks. Since these nails don’t have a head, they sink into the wood cleanly with an almost invisible hole. For delicate woodworking or projects where appearance matters (jewelry boxes or decorative trim), pin nails are ideal because they don’t require any further touch-ups like filling or sanding.
Brad nailers, while still relatively non-intrusive, do leave small holes because of the nail heads. Although the holes are small compared to other types of nails, they may still need to be filled if you need a smooth, polished finish.
Applications (Types of Projects)
Pin nailers and brad nailers have different applications based on their nail size and strength. Pin nailers are the go-to tool for tasks that involve small, delicate pieces (attaching thin veneers, fragile moldings, or assembling jewelry boxes and picture frames). The tiny pins hold pieces in place without exerting too much pressure and also minimizes the risk of splitting or damaging the wood.
These tools also excel in tasks that require temporary holding, such as when gluing joints, as the small pins can serve as “clamps” without adding unnecessary bulk or damage.
Brad nailers have a much broader range of applications due to their higher holding strength. They can handle a variety of woodworking tasks (installing baseboards, window trim, and cabinetry). Light carpentry work and furniture assembly is another common use for brad nailers.
They can attach small furniture parts without compromising the material’s appearance or integrity. Projects that need secure fastening but still require minimal surface damage, such as finishing carpentry, are a good fit for a brad nailer.
Material Compatibility
Pin nailers work well with softwoods and fragile materials. The fine 23-gauge pins slide easily into these softer materials without causing splitting or noticeable damage. Pin nailers are suitable for working with delicate materials like veneers, lightweight trim, and other similar woodworking projects.
Brad nailers can handle a wider variety of materials, including both hardwoods and softwoods, as well as medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and plywood. The 18-gauge brads have enough strength to secure harder materials without causing excessive damage.
Safety & Ease of Use
Pin nailers are often safer to use with fragile materials since the tiny pins exert less force on the wood. This reduces the risk of splitting delicate pieces. The small size of the pins also allows for more precision.
Brad nailers, while still relatively easy to handle, require more attention when used with very thin materials. The slightly larger 18-gauge nails can split delicate pieces if not positioned correctly or if too much force is applied. The key to safe and effective use is selecting the appropriate nail size and adjusting the nailer’s settings for each specific material.
Pneumatic vs. Electric
Most pin nailers rely on pneumatic power i.e., they require an air compressor to operate. While pneumatic tools tend to offer more consistent performance and power, they also require a compressor setup. This can limit portability and add to the overall cost.
Brad nailers, by contrast, are available in both pneumatic and electric (cordless or battery-powered) models. This is flexible for users those who need portability for on-site work or prefer a less cumbersome setup. Cordless brad nailers eliminate the need for a compressor. However, pneumatic models are popular for professional use due.
Pin Nailer vs. Brad Nailer – FAQs
Ans: A pin nailer is often used for delicate or intricate woodworking projects, such as attaching small moldings, trim pieces, or veneers. It is suitable for situations where a discreet and minimalistic fastening solution is required.
Ans: A brad nailer is commonly used for slightly larger woodworking projects. It is suitable for attaching larger trim pieces, crown molding, and other decorative elements. Brad nailers provide more holding power compared to pin nailers.
Ans: While they have some overlap in applications, pin nailers and brad nailers are not entirely interchangeable. Pin nailers are best for extremely delicate work, while brad nailers provide more holding strength. The choice depends on the specific needs of the project.
Ans: Pin nailers are limited by the size of the fasteners they use. Due to their smaller size, they may not provide enough holding power for larger or heavier pieces of wood. It’s crucial to consider the project requirements and choose the appropriate tool accordingly.
Ans: In general, pin nailers and brad nailers can be used with the same type of air compressor. However, it’s essential to check the specific requirements of the nailer and ensure that the compressor can provide the necessary pressure and volume of air.
Conclusion
The pin nailer and brads nailer offers the helping hand for any DIY or woodworking project. Both are subtypes of nail guns and work on the same principle. Some factors make them different from each other. These factors help in choosing the right type as per the application. Our guide has explained both types of nailers along with their important details. It will help you understand the nail guns more deeply and will assist you in your next purchase.