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Tag Archives: finish nails
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The Difference Between Brad Nails vs Finish Nails
Read MoreQuestion: "What's the difference between brad nails and finish nails? Which should I use for my job?"
Answer: Whether to use brads or finish nails depends on your woodworking task and the amount of holding power you need. Let's look at the differences between the two kinds of nails.
Benefits of Brad Nails
Brad nails are formed from a fine, 18-gauge wire, so they are smaller in diameter than finish nails and typically have less holding strength. They're better suited for tasks like light decorative trim and molding, panel installation and crafts. Their size also helps prevent surface splitting, which can occur if the fastener is too large for the material it's being driven into.
One of the benefits to an 18-gauge brad is its size. Thanks to a smaller head and diameter, brad nails are easier to conceal in small pieces of wood trim. With a smaller head size, it's possible that the insertion point may not even need to be concealed with wood putty. In other words, 18-gauge brad nails provide a cleaner look than a finish nail without extra touch-up involved.
Benefits of Finish Nails
Finish nails are made from heavier 15- or 16-gauge wire, which means they can handle a greater payload. For larger trim, such as baseboards or crown molding, a finish nail is more suitable. A finish nail offers increased support and withdrawal resistance versus the brad nail, making it the better choice when installing larger trim and woodwork.
Because it leaves a more visible hole in the surface, a fully driven finish nail almost always requires followup attention—which includes being puttied over to conceal the "shiner" (the exposed insertion point of a nail). In all,
According to Senco, "The initial tool purchased by most consumers is typically some kind of brad nailer for attaching finish molding. Most who have used a hammer to drive small brads know the frustration when these nails bend - not to mention the possibility for damage if using too much force. The brad nailer makes these small trim jobs a breeze, with high-quality results."
The fact is, most carpenters use a combination of finish and brad tools. If you're just getting started, it's probably best to compare your application against the tools you are considering. From there, consider the tool that will suit your overall needs best.
Shop Nail Gun Depot:
Brad Nails
18-Gauge Straight Brad NailsFinish Nails
16-Gauge Straight Finish Nails
15-Gauge Angled Finish Nails (DA Type)
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Why You Should Consider Buying Fasteners In Bulk
Read MoreWhen is the right time to start buying your fasteners in bulk? The truth is, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on the size of your operation - and your forecast for future work. For the amateur woodworker churning out a project or two every month, you probably don't need a skid of nails, when a box or two will suffice. For a contractor with several projects on the calendar - a completely different story. Let's take a deeper look, inside The Nail Gun Network.
Buying in bulk has its advantages... and disadvantages. Take the following into account before ordering in bulk:- How often do I need to reorder fasteners?
- Do I typically use the same type of fastener on multiple projects?
- How can I lower my costs by ordering in volume?
After asking yourself these questions, consider your options. Most individuals who decide against buying fasteners in bulk determine that they either won't need to use a high volume of fasteners, don't want to spend extra money up front, or simply don't have the space to store a surplus while supply is being depleted. If you find that you're going through more than a box or two of fasteners per week, use the same type of fastener repeatedly (paper tape framing nails, coil nails, etc...), and want to cut your costs drastically - then buying your fasteners in bulk might be the right option for you.
Nail Gun Depot, for instance, is making it easier than ever to order your fasteners in bulk - and to kick things off, we're throwing in a free tool and free freight delivery on select SureFit skid quantity purchases - in addition to volume discounts (see offer for full details). Don't see the fastener you need? That's not a problem either, we have the capability to create special skid orders, custom to your liking. We can mix and match the fasteners you get on your skid, throw in tool deals, and even offer freight-paid delivery - so you get the nails or staples you need, delivered to your door, for one flat rate. Deals are available on full-skid and partial-skid purchases. To get started, all you have to do is contact a customer care specialist at Nail Gun Depot.~The Nail Gun Depot Team -
Nail Components (Pt 2)
Read MoreWelcome to the second part of our series on nail components. Last week, we talked about nail types, shank types and point types. If you missed part-one, you can check it out here. In the second half, we are going to look at finish types and the importance of angle.
While the shape of the nail is pivotal to its use, you also want to pay careful attention to the finish. The finish of a nail can determine whether or not it can be used outside, the type of surface it works with and its durability.
Nail Finishes
Bright - This finish is used for your basic hardware nail. There is no coating, it is just plain steel. This finish offers no corrosion resistance, meaning it can not be used on any exterior applications where it will be exposed to precipitation.
Electro-Galvanized - Similar to the bright finish, electro-galvanized nails are coated with zinc via an electrical charge. These provide slightly more corrosion resistance than the bright finish, BUT should still not be used for exterior projects that are exposed to weather.
Hot-Dipped Galvanized - These nails are dipped in liquid zinc to provide good corrosion resistance. The resulting finish is composed of a clumpy, zinc exterior. These nails can be used for exterior applications.
Stainless Steel - This finish offers resistance to corrosion for the lifetime of the nail. Stainless is able to be used for exterior projects and works particularly well with wood such as cedar and redwood. It is popular in markets that have a significant amount of moisture in the air.
Aluminum - This metal offers less durability than stainless, but also boasts a corrosion-free lifespan. It is typically used for applications such as attaching aluminum trims or gutters.
Copper - Copper, being a more expensive material, is typically only used when fastening to other copper materials. It is used more for appearance than utility.
Blue Oxidized - This finish is the result of de-greasing and heat cleaning, which leaves the nail with a blue coating. This finish is typically used with plaster.
Vinyl Coating - Vinyl coated nails provide enhanced holding strength and are easier to drive. The downside to vinyl coating is that these nails are not useable for outdoor or exterior projects.
Cement Coating - The cement (resin) coating is applied to the nail to improve holding strength and can make the nail easier to drive. It should not be used for applications that will be exposed to weather and precipitation, so exercise caution if using for exterior projects.
Phosphate Coating - The use of a phosphate coating improves holding strength and provides an excellent surface – for use with paint or putty. The phosphate attracts paint and retains it better than most other nail finishes.
Nail Angle
The angle of a nail is based on the variation in degree that the nail sits from the vertical (base). The angle of nail required varies from nail gun to nail gun – but typically sits in a range between 15 and 34 degrees – if the nailer is angled. If a nail gun is angled, the manufacturer should list the degree of angle required in the nail gun’s specs.
From nails to nailers, there are a plethora of choices to select from when choosing the right tools for your project. We hope that this two-part series on nail components will help you in determining which nail works best for your needs.
We always appreciate feedback and comments. Feel free to reach out to us at sales@nailgundepot.com if you have an idea or request for a future blog post.
Good Luck In Selecting Your Next Nail,
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team
P.S. We will be taking a two-week break from blogging during Christmas and the New Year to observe the holidays and enjoy time with friends and family - Our store will remain open during regular business hours. Keep an eye out for our next post on January 7, 2014.
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Nail Components (Pt 1)
Read MoreWe've talked a lot about using nail guns, but what about the nails that go in them? We get questions all of the time asking about the components of a nail. The type? The shank? Point and finish?
The average person only knows about one type of nail; the simple flat head design with a smooth shank and blunt diamond point. This is the most common style for nails used in everyday construction, but what about other nail types? Let's take a look at some of the variations in nail design and function - but first, let's go over some basic terms that define the structure of a nail.
A nail is composed of three parts: head (top), shank (body) and point (tip). Size and length will vary depending on the type of job you are working on - your nail gun will tell you which size nails it will work with. Finally, you have the finish of the nail, which represents the nail's exterior - and can come coated (resin), galvanized (dipped) or untreated.
Now that we know some of the basic terms regarding the structure of a nail, it's time to look at the variations in their structure.
Nail Head Types
Flathead Nail - This is the most common type of head for a nail. Available in different forms such as full (regular), clipped (reduced head size) and off center (head sits to the side of base), this nail's larger head size offers stronger holding capability.
Brad & Finish Nails - These nails are typically used for finishing work, such as attaching trim and molding. Having a smaller head means these nails do not have the holding strength of their flathead counterpart, but they are able to fit in tighter places and are less noticeable to the naked eye, after installation.
Duplex Nail - The duplex nail is intended for temporary use, featuring a double head for easy removal. These nails resemble a push-pin, and are designed to work as a placeholder - before a permanent application has been made.
Nail Shank Types
Smooth Shank Nail - The smooth shank is the most common shank that can be found on nails. The easiest to produce, this type of shank also provides the least amount of holding strength.
Ring Shank Nail - The ring design on a shank provides improved holding strength and can be recognized by the threaded rings that run along the body of the nail. Its appearance resembles a smooth body nail running through a spring.
Screw Shank Nail - A screw design has a body similar to its screw counterpart, but is driven into wood without the traditional screw head. It features a spiral design that covers about 3/4 of the nail's body.
Spiral Shank Nail - Similar to the screw, this shank spirals the entire body of the nail.
Nail Point Types
Blunt Point- This is the most common of nail points. It reduces splitting when being driven, which makes it an asset to anyone using a nailer.
Long Point - This point is mostly used in drywall installation, as it has a long, sharp, needle-like tip that can be driven deep.
Chisel Point - This type of point is mostly used for heavy duty projects, such as pallet-building and industrial assembly. The chisel tip also helps to avoid splitting.
Flat point - This point does not have a sharp or jagged edge. It features a smooth point.
Clinch Point - This point is off center, but is sharp like the chisel. One side of this point is shorter than the other.
Check back next week for the second half of this two-part series on nail components!
Best Of Luck On Your Next Project,
~ The Nail Gun Depot Team
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