Porter Cable offers a variety of brad nails that are compatible with their nailers. The most popular option is their PN350 18-Gauge Brad Nailer, which is designed to work with 18-gauge brad nails between 5/8″ and 2″.
This nailer is designed to work with all standard 18-gauge brad nails, meaning any brad nail that meets the size and material specifications should work. Additionally, Porter Cable also offers their PN650 series of 16-gauge brad nails, which are also compatible with the PN350.
These nails are available in sizes ranging from ¾” to 2″. Finally, Porter Cable also offers its PN3500S series of 20-gauge brad nails, which are compatible with the PN350 and PN650 nailers. These 20-gauge brad nails come in sizes from 5/8″ to 1½”.
No matter the size brad nail you are looking for, Porter Cable has a compatible option.
What nails work in a Porter Cable Finish Nailer?
The Porter Cable Finish Nailer uses 18-gauge, 1-inch to 2-1/2-inch length nails. The nails feature a small diameter that is ideal for trim and finish carpentry. The head of the nail has an electro-galvanized finish and contains a thin shank which is designed to reduce splitting of the wood surfaces as they are being nailed.
The nail is specifically designed to work with the Porter Cable Finish Nailer, and it is recommended that you only use these specific nails with this particular tool to ensure consistently secure fastening performance and to prevent damage to the tool.
Are nails for nail guns universal?
No, nails used in nail guns are not universal. This is because different nail guns require different types and sizes of nails. Further, even within the same type of nail gun, different nail guns may require different sizes of the same type of nails.
For example, a nail gun made by one manufacturer may require a 3.5 inch nail but a different model of the same type of nail gun made by the same manufacturer may require a 3.8 inch nail. In addition, different types of nail guns are designed to accept different specific types of nails, including round-headed nails, clipped head nails, and nails with different sized heads.
In order to determine which type and size of nail you need, you should consult the documentation that came with your particular model of nail gun.
Are all brad nails the same?
No, not all brad nails are the same. While all brad nails have a thin profile and a small diameter, the length, style and material can vary depending on the application. Brad nails are typically made of steel or aluminum, and come in various shapes and sizes.
Longer brad nails are typically used for heavier wood, while shorter brad nails can secure lightweight materials like moldings, trim, and thin shelves. Galvanized brad nails are even more durable and resistant to rust, making them great for outdoor projects.
Depending on the type of project, you may need different types of brad nails to get the job done right.
What are 18 gauge brad nails used for?
18 gauge brad nails are a type of small nails used for lightweight carpentry and construction projects. Generally, 18 gauge brad nails have thin shanks and thin heads and are used to join pieces of wood, plastic, and some lighter gauge metals.
For example, they can be used to attach crown molding, trim, and paneling to walls and doors, as well as for upholstery. They are also used for small items such as picture frames, model airplanes, and crafts.
Depending on the application, 18 gauge brad nails are used with either a manual nail gun or an electric nail gun, both of which drive the nails into the material. Because they have a thin head, they can be used on thinner materials such as light gauge metals, whereas thicker gauge nails might result in a hole larger than the hole created by an 18 gauge brad nail.
Can you use any nails in a nail gun?
No, you cannot use any nails in a nail gun. Different nail guns require different types of nails, and the type of nail that is suited to a particular gun will typically be labeled clearly on the gun.
For instance, some nail guns are designed to be used with minimum staples, while others require larger staples. Additionally, there are nail guns designed to work with brad nails, finishing nails, insulated staples, and many other types of nails.
You should always use the exact type of nails intended for your nail gun for safety reasons; using nails that are too long or too short may cause the gun to jam, resulting in a hazardous situation.
What kind of nails do you use for a nail gun?
The type of nails used for a nail gun depend on the application and type of nail gun. Generally, round-headed nails are used for a brad nailer and chisel-point nails for a framing nailer. Brad nailers fire 18-gauge nails, from 5/8 inch up to 2-1/8 inches long, and are often used for lighter-duty fastening such as decorative trim and cabinet face frames.
Meanwhile, framing nailers use thicker, 15- or 16-gauge nails and are used for heavier-duty fastening. The length of the nail can range from 2-inch up to 4-inches, depending on the application and the size of the nailer you have.
In addition, some nail guns may require that you use specific nails with their tool and while they may not always be the same size or length, they will be the same gauge. It is important to double checking the compatibility of the nail gun and nail type to ensure the best results with your project.
What’s the difference between 16 gauge and 18 gauge nails?
The difference between 16 gauge and 18 gauge nails is their size and strength. 16 gauge nails are thicker and stronger than 18 gauge nails, and thus are better suited for heavy duty projects, such as framing walls or building furniture.
16 gauge nails also have a greater holding power since their wider diameter makes them harder to pull out of the wood. On the other hand, 18 gauge nails are thinner and more suited for smaller projects, such as trim and molding, where a smaller nail is desired to minimize the amount of space that the nail takes up in the wood.
Because they have a smaller diameter, 18 gauge nails have a weaker holding power than 16 gauge nails. Additionally, because they are thinner, 18 gauge nails are easier to bend or break if they are applied with an excessive amount of force.
What size nail gun do I need for 2×4?
The size of the nail gun you need for a 2×4 will depend largely on the type of nail you intend to use. Generally, drive pins need a lightweight electric drill or staple gun that uses small pins, while a heavier hammer or framing gun will be needed for larger nails.
For a 2×4, most would recommend that you use a 16-gauge or 18-gage nail gun with a longer 2-3 inch nail. This will ensure that your nails securely penetrate the wood, creating a strong bond and reducing the risk of splitting or warping when using larger nails.
Regardless of which nail gun size you choose, always make sure to use one with sufficient power and an adjustable depth setting to ensure that your nails are properly driven into the wood.
What is the size nail for trim?
The size of the nail for trim will depend on the material from which it is made. For wood trim, typically you would use a finishing nail that is 2 to 2 ½ inches long with a nail gauge of 8 or 9. This size of nails is strong enough to drive securely into the wood, yet not so long that it will split the trim.
For metal trim, an 8d common nail (2 ½ long) is the standard size for the majority of projects. However, the type and gauge of nail will also depend on the thickness of the material and the type of job being done.
Always consult with a professional to ensure you are using the right size nail for the project.
How do I choose a brad nailer?
Choosing the right brad nailer for your project can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some things to consider when selecting the right brad nailer for your needs.
1. Size and Design: Brad nailers come in a variety of sizes and designs. Pay attention to the size and design specifications to ensure the brad nailer you have chosen is compatible with your project.
2. Power Source: Most brad nailers are either corded or cordless, so you will also need to determine which power source is most suitable for you. Corded brad nailers are generally more powerful but lack the portability of cordless models.
3. Safety Features: Since brad nailers are powered tools, safety is essential. Look for safety features such as pinch-style triggers, built-in safety locks, and low-vibration grips.
4. Accessories: Look for a brad nailer that includes all the necessary accessories, such as a belt hook, an adjustable nail depth, and a rafter hook.
5. Warranty: Make sure the brad nailer you choose is backed by a good warranty that offers covered repairs or replacements if an issue arises.
Finally, remember to read product reviews to get a better idea of how others have fared with different brad nailers on the market. This information can help you make an informed purchase.
What size brad nails should you use for baseboard?
When it comes to selecting the right type and size of brad nail for baseboard installation, it’s important to consider the size, type and position of the trim board. To ensure secure and proper installation of the trim, 2-1/2 inch 18-gauge brad nails are typically the best choice.
The 18-gauge size is ideal to penetrate the trim easily and securely without splitting the wood. For large baseboards, 3” lengthy brads can also be a good choice, as they penetrate deeper into the wall studs and fasten securely, while also preventing splitting.
When installing vertical trim boards that are wider than 4-1/4” or thicker than 1-1/4”, it is best to use a larger 16- or 15-gauge nail, as this thicker gauge will penetrate the trim boards more easily and securely.
Additionally, it is important to be careful when inserting longer brads, as nails with oversized length will result in fastening the trim too securely to the wall, making it difficult to remove or replace.
No matter the size and type of trim board you’re installing, it important to use the right brad nail to ensure secure installation, and also to avoid damaging your trim or wall studs.
How long should finish nails be for trim?
Finish nails, also called brads, should typically be 3/4 to 1 inch long if they are going to be used for trim. They should not be longer than 1 inch. These nails are used to provide a secure and invisible means of fastening trim pieces to wall studs or other pieces of wood.
For example, when installing door or window trim, a finish nail is usually used to hold the frame in place. It is important not to use nails that are too long because they will create a noticeable bulge in the trim, detracting from the appearance.
It is also important to use the right type of nail and the right size of nail to ensure that your trim pieces are securely fastened when you are finished.