If you are new to the world to home improvement but trying to get your foot in the door maybe you have made a few recent trips to your local home improvement store. Visiting the paint aisle is overwhelming enough. As soon as you turn the corner to the aisle containing nails, screws, washers, and other hardware you might be tempted to walk out the door.
The number of choices in terms of nails alone is overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Choosing between round wire, masonry, finish, turbo zip, and brad nails is challenging. When in doubt, the brad nail is always a great option. Here are 5 reasons to use the best brad nails lining home improvement shelves for your next home improvement project.
Brad nails can be used for a variety of projects
Brad nails and nailers are typically used to attaching lightweight trim to a surface. They are perfect for projects that require fine detail but can be used by homeowners and handymen (and women) at any experience level. Brad nails are thinner than the average nail and have essentially no head at the top. Brads are used most often to attach small, delicate pieces of trim and crown molding.
They don’t require the use of putty
Since there is almost no head (just a very small one) at the top of the nail you won’t need to spend much time on using wood filler to cover the nail hole. In some cases you won’t have to fill the hole at all depending on the materials you are using. This is the main perk of using brad nails for trim attaching with lightweight materials.
It won’t split wood like a finish nailer
Some homeowners are unsure of whether to use a brad nailer or finish nailer for their project. The main thing to remember is that brad nails are better for lightweight materials and finish nails are for something more sturdy. If you use a finish nailer on a project that should have used a brad nail gun you are likely to experience wood splitting.
With brad nails it is extremely unlikely to split the wood no matter how powerful your nail gun is. However, every type of wood has different splitting properties so you should read up on the material and tool recommendations before you begin.
There are a few brad nail sizes and strengths to choose from
The most common brad nail type is the 18-gauge nails that come in lengths up to 2 inches. These sizes typically range from ?” to 2” so you have plenty of options in nail length.
There are extremely budget friendly
Once you look at the pricetag of a container of brad nails you’ll understand why they are so popular among budget weary homeowners. Brads are some of the most cost friendly nails on the market, costing as little as $13 for a box of 5,000 nails. This box should last you for years; you never have to worry about nail costs setting you back financially.