Whether you’re a professional carpenter or a DIY enthusiast, the right nail can make all the difference. If you’re looking for a fastener that provides both strength and precision, pin nails and brad nails may be just what you need. But which one is better? Let's compare these two types of nails to find out!
Pin Nails
Pin nails are small-diameter, thin-gauge headless nails. They are very commonly used in light interior trim work, such as furniture making and cabinetry work. The small diameter of the pin nail helps reduce splitting in tight grain woods. They are also excellent for attaching smaller mouldings and trim pieces because they have minimal surface penetration and leave almost no visible marks when used with a brad gun.
Brad Nails
Brad nails are larger than pin nails but still remain relatively thin-gauge. They have a rounded head which gives them an attractive finish when used on projects that require visible nailing. These larger nails provide more holding power than their smaller counterparts — making them useful for heavier applications such as baseboard installation or cabinet assembly.
How to use pin nails
Pin nails, also known as brads, are small, slim nails that can be used to join two pieces of wood-based materials together. They are popular in several construction and DIY projects due to their slender size and lack of head on the nail.
To use pin nails, first choose a nail gauge that is appropriate for your project. For example, you might use a 23 gauge pin nail if joining two thin pieces of wood together that won’t require much strength. On the other hand, you could use an 18-gauge pin nail if joining heavier panels of wood or something with higher shear force requirements like masonry boards and decking.
When using pin nails, begin by pre-drilling a pilot hole for each fastener no larger than the body length of each bolt or screw being used in order to prevent splitting the material upon nailing it down.
You will then want to insert the correct size and type of screwdriver bit into your drill bit chuck before inserting the desired size fastener into its pilot hole location so you can drive it home securely without damaging either part being joined together.
Be sure not to overtighten when driving these pins as they’re made from softer metals than traditional screws/bolts which can easily strip out over time due to excessive torque applied during insertion if care isn't taken!
Once all your pins have been driven securely in place using this method, you should then apply a few drops of glue or construction adhesive around their heads at each joint location
- this will strengthen those joints over time so there's less chance for movement or slippage between them when exposed to continual vibrational forces (such as when walking across floorboards).
Finally after allowing any adhesives used enough time according dust data manufacturers suggest you're now ready to enjoy whatever project just completed :)
How to use brad nails
Brad nails are one of the most popular and versatile types of fasteners. They are commonly used for trim work, framing projects, furniture making, and other small-scale carpentry applications.
Brad nails have a lot of advantages over other kinds of fasteners – they’re thin enough to be hidden when covering them with putty or paint, they don’t loosen as easily as screws do thanks to their smaller diameter, and because they require only a light tap to set them into place (using a hammer or nail gun).
Using brad nails is relatively simple. Start by choosing the right size nail for your project; common sizes range from 3/4 inch up to 2 1/2 inches in length. Depending on the material you’re attaching, you may also need shorter or longer lengths.
For best results always use new nails – if your project calls for shimming between two pieces of wood you should replace any brad nails that have been reused multiple times as such reuse can cause weakening near the head where thin metal has been exposed many times over due to repeated setting impacts from hammers or nail guns.
Once you have chosen an appropriate size for your application then it's time prepping the material(s) being attached (e.g., sanding down rough edges with sandpaper).
Then lightly tap each brad nail directly in line with whatever surface is being attached - this line should at least mimic that created by connecting two vertical lines drawn along both sides of what will become once nailed together (this helps ensure maximum strength when nailing in wooden frames etc.).
As soon as each brad is tapped into place cover up any noticeable gaps between surfaces using wood filler putty then allow sufficient amount time for it dry out before painting/staining etc..
Finally make sure all necessary safety measures are taken while handling tools - eye protection always mandatory!
Once complete check all connections made via tapping process ensuring absolutely no loose fittings around area which otherwise create potential hazards especially during supports involving heavier weight materials being held aloft such as shelves etc.. With practice comes precision so keep practicing safety first until getting just right!
HOW WE CHOOSE
Are you trying to decide between pin nails and brad nails for your next project? Trying to figure out which one is best for the job can be a challenge.
Our team of experts has done all the research so that you can easily make an informed decision. We've read thousands of reviews on Amazon and other websites to find the best pin nails and brad nails available today.
No more guesswork or wasted money! With our reviews, you'll know exactly what type of nail is right for your project, giving you peace of mind knowing that your work will look great and last long-term. Check out our reviews now and get the perfect pin or brad nail for your next project!
Metabo HPT Pin Nailer Kit, 23 Gauge, Pin Nails
Why We Love It:
Metabo HPT's NP35A micro pin nailer kit is the perfect tool for small moldings and trim, glazing bead, cabinets, craft work, and picture frame assembly.
It drives 23-gauge headless pin nails with an automatic adjustment for 5/8", 3/4", 1", 1-3/16" and 1-3/8" fastener lengths, so you can get exactly the right fit. Plus, it's rated the Pro Preferred Nailer for seven years running and features a no mar tip, depth adjustment, dual trigger, lightweight design, and a five-year warranty.
What You Should Know:
The NP35A micro pin nailer kit comes with safety glasses, two no mar tips, a hex bar wrench, and a carrying case. It's made with high-quality materials and is sure to last for years to come.
Plus, it has been rated the Pro Preferred Nailer for 7 years running by Builder and Developer Magazine. So why wait? Get your own Metabo HPT Pin Nailer Kit today and start building your projects with ease!
Arrow Fastener PT23G Arrow 23G Pin Nailer
Why We Love It:
Arrow Fastener PT23G Arrow 23G Pin Nailer is ideal for a variety of projects, from trim jobs to crafts, hobby work, woodworking, and more. It uses unique headless pin nails that are less noticeable after painting and gives projects a professional finish. Plus, the pneumatic power makes it easy to use and eliminates the need for an extra compressor.
What You Should Know:
The Arrow Fastener PT23G Arrow 23G Pin Nailer is powerful enough to work on a variety of materials, including soft and hard woods, MDF, and more.
It comes with a 1 year limited warranty and is made with high quality materials for long lasting durability. Plus, it offers adjustable depth control so you can customize your results. So why wait? Get the Arrow Fastener PT23G today and start your next project with ease!
Makita XTP02Z 18V LXT
Why We Love It:
If you’re looking for a hassle-free solution for installing casings, decorative trim, molding, and baseboards, the Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Pin Nailer, 23 GA. (model XTP02Z, tool only) is the perfect tool for you.
This powerful cordless tool drives six different pin nail lengths and has a magazine capacity of up to 120 pins. Plus, it features a refined firing mechanism that reduces recoil and the force required on the work surface when driving pin nails.
What You Should Know:
Not only is the Makita XTP02Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless Pin Nailer, 23 Ga, Tool Only powerful and cordless, but it also comes with a “tool-less” depth adjustment for precise flush and countersink finish.
It also includes an anti-dry fire mechanism that is engineered to prevent driving blanks and damage to the work surface. So why wait? Get your hands on the Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Pin Nailer, 23 GA. and make your trim and molding projects a breeze!
Ryobi 18-Volt ONE Lithium-Ion Cordless AirStrike 23-Gauge
Why We Love It:
The Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ 23GA pin nailer is a must-have for any DIYer! This innovative tool drives 1/2 in. to 1-3/8 in. pins and can shoot up to 3800-pin nails per charge with a P108 18-Volt battery.
It also has a dry-fire lockout feature to protect the pin nailer and extend its life. The double-action trigger design allows for convenient, sequential driving and the 2-included non-marring pads keep the work surface free of tool marks.
What You Should Know:
The Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ 23GA pin nailer is the perfect addition to any tool kit. It comes with an edge guide for consistent placement of pins, a belt clip, and 500-1 in. 23-Guage pin nails.
Plus, it's equipped with an LED light feature for optimal vision and GRIPZONE over-mold for added comfort. So why wait? Get your own Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ 23GA pin nailer today!
CRAFTSMAN V20 Pin Nailer Kit, 23 Gauge, Cordless, Battery and Charger Inc
Why We Love It:
The CRAFTSMAN V20 Brushless RP 23GA Pin Nailer Kit is perfect for professional and DIY projects. This 38 inch headless pin nailer has a brushless motor that provides more runtime and better performance.
It supports 23GA pin nails from 5/8" to 1-3/8" and features a tool-free jam release for easy maintenance and reduced downtime. Plus, an LED light illuminates your workspace for clear and accurate alignment. This is the perfect tool for all your pin nailing needs!
What You Should Know:
The CRAFTSMAN V20 Brushless RP 23GA Pin Nailer is the perfect tool for all your pin nailing needs. It's easy to use, reliable, and comes with a battery and charger so you can get started right away.
Plus, its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to handle and transport. So why wait? Get your CRAFTSMAN V20 Brushless RP 23GA Pin Nailer today and get the job done quickly and efficiently!
20V MAX 23GA PIN Nailer KIT
Why We Love It:
If you're looking for a powerful and reliable nailer, then the DEWALT 20V MAX 23GA PIN Nailer KIT is the one for you! This cordless nailer is made with high-quality materials and is incredibly durable. It measures 31.36x12.29x25.12 cm and weighs 3.25 kg, making it the perfect size for any job. Plus, its battery-powered design makes it easy to use without the need for an outlet.
What You Should Know:
The DEWALT 20V MAX 23GA PIN Nailer KIT also comes with 1 Lithium Ion batteries and is made with non-GMO, vegan-friendly materials. Its powerful motor is designed to drive nails into hardwoods and other materials quickly and efficiently.
Plus, it's lab-tested for purity and potency, so you can be sure you're getting the highest quality product. So why wait? Get your own 20V MAX 23GA PIN Nailer KIT today!
DEWALT Brad Nailer Kit
Why We Love It:
We love the DEWALT Brad Nailer Kit, 18GA, 2-Inch (DWFP12231) because it helps you get the job done faster and easier! It comes with a long life maintenance-free motor so you can keep staining the work surface.
It also has a tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment with detents for proper setting of nail heads, a tool-free jam release mechanism for easy nail removal, and a rear exhaust to keep contaminants away from your work. The adjustable belt hook allows you to keep the tool near you while you work.
What You Should Know:
The DEWALT Brad Nailer Kit, 18GA, 2-Inch (DWFP12231) is perfect for fastening decorative molding, casing, kitchen crown, and shoe molding. It drives 18 Gauge brad nails from 5/8" to 2" in length and is sure to help you get your projects done quickly and easily. Plus, it comes with a carrying case and owners manual for easy storage and use. So why wait? Get your DEWALT Brad Nailer Kit today!
BOSTITCH Nail Gun, Brad Nailer, 18GA
Why We Love It:
The BOSTITCH Brad Nailer Kit is perfect for those who are looking for a powerful and sturdy nail gun. This 18-gauge nailer is lightweight and easy to maneuver making it great for tight spaces.
It is also quiet and requires no regular maintenance, making it a perfect choice for busy professionals. Plus, this nailer features a selectable trigger system, low nail lockout, and reversible belt hook with an integrated pencil sharpener for added convenience.
What You Should Know:
The BOSTITCH Brad Nailer Kit is the perfect tool for any professional or DIY enthusiast's toolbox.
With its Oil-free operation, Dial-A-Depth control for precise countersinking and Ultra-quiet rear exhaust with muffler, you can depend on this 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Kit for efficiency and durability.
Plus, it comes with a 1/4-inch fitting and carrying case, making it easy to transport. So why wait? Get your BOSTITCH Brad Nailer Kit today!
Metabo HPT Brad Nailer Kit, Pneumatic, 18 Gauge
Why We Love It:
For all your DIY and professional projects, the Metabo HPT Brad Nailer Kit is the perfect tool. It is designed to accept 5/8" up to 2" 18-gauge finish brad nails, making it ideal for trim work, furniture building and other finish applications that require precision and performance.
With its lightweight and economical design, this brad nailer is sure to make any job easier. Additionally, it features a selective actuation switch that lets you easily select between bump fire or sequential fire modes and a depth of drive dial that allows you to adjust the drive depth for a professional finish.
What You Should Know:
The Metabo HPT Brad Nailer Kit also features a no-mar tip on the nose to protect the work piece from unintended markings, as well as a reload indicator located on the magazine that alerts the user when nail quantities are low, so that blank drives are avoided.
This reliable brad nailer is sure to give you the results you need, and it comes with a 5-year limited warranty for added peace of mind. So why wait? Get your Metabo HPT Brad Nailer Kit today!
WORKPRO 18-Gauge Pneumatic Brad Nailer,
Why We Love It:
Take your DIY projects to the next level with the WORKPRO 18-Gauge Pneumatic Brad Nailer. This powerful and versatile tool is designed to be used on a wide variety of projects, from woodworking to window molding installation and more.
It's built with a durable aluminum body and a comfortable ergonomic handle for ease of use. Plus, it has a tool-free jam release mechanism for easy nail removal and a 360 degree adjustable exhaust port to keep dust and debris away from your project.
What You Should Know:
The WORKPRO 18-Gauge Pneumatic Brad Nailer is compatible with 18-gauge brad nails ranging from 3/8 to 2 inches in length. It also has an adjustable depth guide that sets nails to desired depths quickly and conveniently.
Plus, it has a magazine capacity of 100 pieces and an operating air pressure range of 75-100 PSI. So why wait? Get your own WORKPRO 18-Gauge Pneumatic Brad Nailer today and start taking your DIY projects to the next level!
PORTER-CABLE Nail Gun, Pneumatic, 2-Inch, 18GA
Why We Love It:
The PORTER-CABLE Nail Gun is a professional grade pneumatic tool perfect for a variety of uses.
It features a long life maintenance-free motor to keep from staining the work surface, a tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment with detents for proper setting of nail heads, a tool-free jam release mechanism for easy nail removal, and a rear exhaust to keep contaminates away from work. It drives 18 gauge nails from 5/8-Inch to 2-Inch length.
What You Should Know:
This PORTER-CABLE Nail Gun is an essential part of any home improvement project. With its tool-free depth-of-drive adjustment and jam release mechanism, you can easily make sure you get the right depth setting and remove any jammed nails.
Plus, its sequential style trigger with lock off switch ensures you don't accidentally fire off nails. So why wait? Get your own PORTER-CABLE Nail Gun today and make your projects easier and more efficient!
FAQs
Are you trying to decide between pin nails and brad nails? It can be hard to know which type of nail is best for your project, but we've got you covered.
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about pin nails and brad nails so you can make an informed decision. With this information, you'll be able to choose the best type of nail for your project and get the job done right.
1.Should I use brad nail or pin nail?
The type of nail you should use depends on the type of material you are working with. Brad nails are better for softer materials like wood, while pin nails are better for harder materials like plastic or metal. Brad nails have a larger head than pin nails, making them better for applications where the nail head needs to be hidden. Pin nails are better for applications where a small, unobtrusive nail head is desired.
2.What are the best uses for a pin nailer?
The type of nail you should use depends on the type of material you are working with. Brad nails are better for softer materials like wood, while pin nails are better for harder materials like plastic or metal. Brad nails have a larger head than pin nails, making them better for applications where the nail head needs to be hidden. Pin nails are better for applications where a small, unobtrusive nail head is desired.
3.How much weight can a pin nail hold?
The amount of weight a pin nail can hold depends on the size and type of pin nail you are using. Generally speaking, a 1-inch pin nail can hold up to 10 pounds of weight, while a 2-inch pin nail can hold up to 20 pounds of weight. It is important to note that the weight capacity of a pin nail is also dependent on the material it is being used to join, as well as the overall structural integrity of the joint.
4.Can you use pin nails for shoe molding?
No, pin nails are not suitable for use with shoe molding. Pin nails are very thin and delicate, and the small head of the nail can easily be hidden by the shoe molding. For this reason, it is best to use a much heavier duty nail, such as a finishing nail, which has a larger head that can be seen and will provide more support for the shoe molding.
5.Do brad nails need to be filled?
No, brad nails do not need to be filled. Brad nails are designed to be used in situations where a more permanent solution is not necessary and the nail can be easily removed. Brad nails are not designed to be a structural element and therefore do not need to be filled.
6.Are Brad nails hard to remove?
Yes, Brad nails are often difficult to remove. Brad nails are designed to be thin and small, and they are designed to be driven into the wood or other material with minimal damage. Because of their thin and small size, they are difficult to grip with pliers or other tools, making them difficult to remove. The best way to remove Brad nails is to use a nail puller, which is a tool designed specifically for removing nails.
7.Can you hammer a pin nail?
Yes, you can hammer a pin nail with a hammer, but it is not recommended. Pin nails are very thin and delicate, so they are more likely to bend or break if hammered with a hammer. It's best to use a pin nailer, which is designed to precisely drive pin nails into wood without damaging them.
8.How do you drive pin nails?
Pin nails can be driven into wood using a nail gun. When using a nail gun, make sure to adjust the pressure setting to the size of the pin nail you are using. Place the nail gun on the surface of the wood and press down firmly. When the trigger is pulled, the nail gun will drive the pin nail into the wood. Be sure to wear safety glasses when using a nail gun to protect your eyes from flying debris.
9.Can a pin nailer be used for trim?
No, a pin nailer is not suitable for trim work. Pin nailers are designed to shoot very small nails that are used for light duty applications such as attaching thin veneers or small pieces of trim. They are not suitable for heavier trim work such as attaching baseboards or crown molding. For heavier trim work, you will need a brad nailer or a finish nailer.
10.What's the difference between a pin nailer and a finish nailer?
A pin nailer is a small nail gun that shoots very small nails, usually between 18-gauge and 23-gauge. Pin nailers are used for delicate tasks such as attaching trim or molding, where a larger nail would be too large and potentially cause damage.
A finish nailer is a larger nail gun that shoots nails between 16-gauge and 18-gauge. Finish nailers are used for heavier-duty tasks such as attaching baseboard or other trim pieces, as well as for framing. The larger size of the nails prevents them from pulling out easily, making them more suitable for heavier-duty tasks.
Conclusion:
So which type of nail should you use in your project? Pin nails are best suited for lighter work such as furniture making and cabinetry while brad nails excel at heavier jobs like baseboard installation or cabinet assembly.
Both types of nail offer excellent holding power and minimal surface penetration, so it really comes down to personal preference when deciding which one to use!
Whichever type of nail you choose, make sure that it is appropriate for the weight of the material being secured—and always use safety precautions when working with power tools!
