NAVIGATE OUR SITE
TOOL CATEGORIES
REFERENCE BOOKS

The Wood Sanding Book
A Guide to Abrasives, Machines, and Methods

The Impractical Cabinetmaker
by James Krenov

Understanding Wood
A Craftsman's Guide to Wood Technology

Wood Finishing
with George Frank
RELATED SITES
~ in association with Amazon.com
Finish Nailers ~ Brad Nailers ~ Combo Kits
|
![]() Ideal for on-site trim work, architectural woodwork, and casework installation, this finish nailer and compressor kit from Porter-Cable is perfect for the finish trim installer.
» Finish any woodworking project with this limited edition kit |
© by Brian Trinen, Amazon.com |
| Usually used for installing interior and exterior trim, as well as in cabinet and furniture shops when a strong fastener is needed. These guns generally shoot either 15- or 16-gauge nails anywhere from 1-1/4 to 2-1/2 inches long. The biggest concern when choosing a finish nailer, however, is the gun's versatility. A gun that shoots a wide range of nail lengths is always best--even if it costs a little more--because you can use the same gun for everything from installing interior doors to assembling cabinets. |
|
» Side low nail reload indicator window» 4-position vertical slide for indexed depth setting » Lightweight aluminum frame, tool weighs just 2.8 lbs. » Tool-free jam clearing and 360-degree exhaust » Magazine holds 110 nails from 5/8" to 2" in length, straight collation |
© by Brian Trinen, Amazon.com |
| Shoot smaller-diameter 18-gauge nails and are often used for finish work, especially in cabinetry and furniture shops. In fact, many woodworkers on a budget choose to go without a larger finish nailer, using a versatile brad gun and doing bigger jobs with 2-inch brad nails. Of course, a brad nail's smaller dimension means it also has less sheer strength, so while brad nails are ideal for attaching decorative trim, use finish nails for installing anything that receives a load--a windowsill, for instance--when the strength of the nail is more likely to be tested. Once again, you're going to want as versatile a brad nailer as possible, but also one in the right range. The guns that shoot the smallest 5/8-inch brads may not shoot the 2-1/4-inch nails. And the guns that shoot the biggest brads may not shoot the smallest. Consider the scale of the work you'll be doing--installing tongue-and-groove paneling versus pinning together small ornate boxes--and look for a gun that can serve as many of your needs as possible. |
|
» Drives 18-gauge brads from 5/8" to 2-1/8"» Lightweight at 2.7 lbs. for easy maneuvering and all-day work » Onboard power adjustment increases the power by 30% » Neverlube design means less maintenance and no oil stains » Comes with carrying case |
|
» FinishPro18 drives 18 gauge brads 5/8" to 2"» One-year warranty on the tool and 90 days on the compressor » Adjustable depth-of-drive, rear exhaust » Soft grip handle and no-mar pad to protect work surface » 1/2 hp 1-gallon electric, oil-free compressor |
|
» Oil free» Lightweight magnesium housing » Ultra quiet rear exhaust » Adjustable depth control » No mar tip |
|
» Uses standard 18 gauge brad nails from 3/4" to 2" long» Adjustable exhaust port and depth-of-drive » Removable non-marring tip to protect delicate work » Quick-release nosepiece for fast clearing of jams » One year warranty/30 day performance certification |
|
» Uses standard 18 gauge brad nails from 5/8" to 1-1/4" long» Adjustable exhaust port and depth-of-drive » Removable non-marring tip to protect delicate work » Quick-release nosepiece for fast clearing of jams » One year warranty/30 day performance certification |
|
» Convenient carry case includes safety glasses and owner's manual» Includes extra no-mar tip and allen wrench » Includes rechargeable battery and battery charger » Can shoot 5/8" to 2" nails, holds 100 » Continuous operation 1000 nails/hour and intermittant operation of 2-3 nails/second |











