Carpentry and Woodworking - Brad vs. Finish

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dtilley
10-13-03, 10:52 AM
We are replacing much of the trim in our house and I am looking at air nailers to use for this project (and future projects). I have found a compressor kit that comes with an 18 ga. Brad (5/8\"-1 1/4\") and 16 ga. finish nailer (3/4\" - 2 1/2\"). I understand that the brad nails are smaller, less likely to split wood, and have a smaller head, and that the finish nails are stronger but larger. I have two questions in regards to these tools and this project:

1) Would it be better to use the Brad or the Finish nailer for the trim work (doors and floors), or would either be fine?

2) How long should the nails be? If the brad nailer\'s max length is 1 1/4\", and the drywall is 3/4\", will those nails have enough bite into the studs?

Thanks!

brickeyee
10-13-03, 11:19 AM
Brads are not long enough to hold trim. Use the finish nailer.
dtilley
10-13-03, 11:36 AM
Should I be too concerned about the Finish nailer splitting the trim?

chfite
10-13-03, 11:49 AM
Trim is applied with #6 and #8 nails. The finish nailer won't split the wood because the nails are blunted and are driven fast.
dtilley
10-13-03, 12:12 PM
One last question, should I be concerned about oil getting on carpet walls/etc from the air nailer?
chfite
10-13-03, 07:24 PM
You oil only two drops per day. You won't ever see any of it.