Difference between the Framing, Finish and Brad nailers?

Question

Whats the difference between the Framing, Finish and Brad nailers and what would each be best used for?

Answer 1

Assuming all are run off a compressor, the difference would be in the PSI needed to drive the various nails, and the nails themselves. The other obvious differences are in the words used to define the tools, IE: Framing, Finish, Brad.

  One could assume that transposing them would not be the proper way to use them in the defined installations.

Steven Wolf

Just my two "sense"

Answer 2

I have the porter cable finishing nailer with the 135 psi pancake compressor and I love it. I've never had any issues with the nailer or the compressor (but then again, I'm pretty anal about maintenance). I'd say this is a good deal for home use.

Answer 3

Doc, as usual, nailed it.  Framing and finish nailers are kind of obvious in the intent of use.  Brad nailers use a smaller nail than finish nailers, only use my brad nailer for nailing wood glazing bead on windows where precision placement and small nails are needed.

Answer 4

since he's asking, i'll assume the obvious isn't obvious.

framing nailer = big nailer taking sometimes up to 3.5 inch nails meant to be used to nail 2x4's and bigger together when you are "framing" a house.  wonderful tool if you do that sort of stuff,  i hardly ever use a hammer anymore.

finish nailer = shorter thinner nails that have a really small head so that they aren't as visible.  usually a 16 guage nail , maybe 2 inches long or shorter. used for putting up trim.  not as strong a hold as a framing nailer since the nails are thinner, but then it's just trim, so no one's going to be swinging off it.  Again, nice tool, only way to put up trim these days, hammers suck.

brad nailer = smallest nailer, very small nails,  maybe 1 - 1.25 inches max 20 guage, thereabouts.  good for really light duty stuff like window beads, picture frames, craft items.  i have one, but never use it.  weak hold, really only strong enough to hold the wood in place.

with that kit, you probably won't use the stapler much, but the finish nailer is nice.  not a bad little kit.