In the market for a nailer? That’s a good choice. Investing in a nailer is an excellent way to open yourself up to a wide variety of do it yourself projects.

But which nailer to get? Not only are there loads of different brands, there are also several different types of units to choose from.

To help you make your buying decision simple, today we will discuss the differences between brad, finish, and pin nailers. We will also help to identify which unit is right for you. Read on!

Pin Nailer

Pin Nailer
The pin nailer will make a good friend for wood workers that like to take on delicate projects.

This nailer shoots tiny pins into a workpiece. These pins are not visible to the naked eye. For that reason, this tool is often used for smaller, more particular jobs, such as securing a molding to your workpiece.

Unfortunately, these pins don’t have much of an ability to hold things together on their own. You are going to need to utilize the service of some wood glue to get the most out of this nailer. However, if you need to use nails seamlessly on a delicate workpiece, this is the tool for you.

Finish Nailer

Finish Nailer
Finish nailers are aptly named for their ability to help you finish a project up. They use nails that are a little bit more heavy duty. Because of their nature, they aren’t really removable. However, the good news is that they are made to blend with your wooden workpiece.

This tool is usually on the pricey side, but if you are serious about your work, the money is well worth it.

Brad Nailer

Brad Nailer
The big appeal of the brad nailer is that it has lots of securing power, without leaving a big mark. The eighteen gauge nails of the brad nailer are low profile, and still strong enough to get the job done right.

They are very versatile but they do come with some built in cons. For one thing, you are going to be able to able to see the holes this nailer leaves behind.

They also have the capacity to split wood, which is an obvious problem for woodworkers that demand perfection. Still, most find that the utility of the brad nailer makes it an invaluable asset.

So, Which to Get?

So, Which to Get
So, which one is going to be right for you? It ultimately depends on what you need out of a nailer. You will need specific types of nailers for specific jobs like fencing, flooring or roofing. The pin nailer is going to be great for people doing delicate molding work.

The brad/finishing nailer are going to be a bit of a toss-up. Both have similar securing capabilities, but they also have qualities that render them as distinct.

Need something that won’t leave obvious holes in the wood? You may think about going with a finishing nailer.

On the other hand, if you want strong, low-profile nails, the brad will be more than sufficient. Your choice in tool can make or break a job, so think carefully before you buy!