Not all nailers serve the same purpose and using the wrong one for your project can cause more damage than progress. If you’ve ever split delicate trim or blown a hole through your paneling, your tool might be too powerful for the job.
So how do you know which nailer you actually need?
Brad Nailers vs. Finish Nailers
Let’s break it down:
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Brad Nailers (18-gauge)
Perfect for delicate trim, narrow moldings, paneling, and light-duty furniture. Brad nails are thinner and leave smaller holes, making them ideal for projects where appearance and finesse matter. -
Finish Nailers (15–16-gauge)
Better suited for thicker trim, baseboards, door casings, and more structural work. Finish nails are larger and stronger, but they can split small materials or leave noticeable marks.
How to Tell If You’re Using the Wrong One
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Your material is splitting? Switch to a brad nailer.
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Nails are poking out the back? You probably need a shorter or thinner fastener.
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You’re patching holes more than you’re building? Yeah… time to scale it down.
The Freeman Advantage
At Freeman, we offer both brad and finish nailers so you always have the right tool for the job. Our brad nailers are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and built to handle fine finish work with precision, no blowouts, no frustration.
