You’re installing decorative molding or building a picture frame, and just as you finish lining everything up… crack. The wood splits, your heart sinks, and you're left sanding down another replacement piece. Sound familiar?
The Problem: Wood Splitting When Nailing Thin or Delicate Materials
Moldings, lattice trim, and other fine woodwork don’t play nice with standard nails or screws. Their small size makes them prone to splitting, especially when fasteners are too thick, placed near the edge, or driven in with too much force. Even if it holds, one wrong move can ruin the clean look of your project.
The Solution: Use a Brad Nailer for Cleaner, Gentler Fastening
The brad nailer was made to handle delicate wood without the drama. Brad nails are thin (typically 18-gauge), which means they slide in smoothly and minimize the risk of cracking or splitting. Plus, they’re just long enough to secure light trim without poking out the other side.
Instead of hammering and hoping for the best, you can attach trim and finish pieces with precision and confidence. No blowouts, no patch jobs.
Quick Tip:
To prevent splitting, always aim your brad nails slightly off-center and avoid placing them too close to the edge of your material. And yes, a little wood glue goes a long way when paired with a few well-placed brads.
Why Choose a Freeman Brad Nailer?
Freeman brad nailers offer lightweight control and consistent firing power, perfect for fragile materials and fine finish work. Whether you're crafting furniture or installing trim, our tools help you build it right, the first time.
Need help with another project?
Visit the Freeman Help Center for more tool tips, how-tos, and repair guides, or check out our lineup of brad nailers and accessories to get started.
