Finish Nails: A Guide With Everything You Need to Know
Anyone in the construction industry understands how crucial it is to have access to high-quality finish nails.
The purpose of finishing nails is to give your work a polished, professional appearance. And even though there are numerous types of nails, they all improve finishing applications such as molding and cabinetry.
This article will cover all you need to know about finish nails, from their composition to their application. After reading this tutorial, you can confidently choose the best finish nails for your next job.
What Are Finish Nails Used For?
Finish nails are a type of fastener created to accomplish various purposes. They are available in thin and thick forms, making them highly adaptable to multiple materials.
These tools are constructed of thicker 15-gauge or 16-gauge wires, allowing them to support a heavier payload.
When hammered into position, the tiny head of finishing nails fades with the surface. Hence, you will have a discrete connection that adds strength and stability, making them the preferred option for finish carpentry
For projects that require beauty and durability, finish nails are ideal, for instance:
- Crown molding
- Window casing
- Door casings
- Trim work
- Baseboards
- Woodwork
- Doorway trims.
What Are the Types of Nails?
Regarding the types of nails for building projects, innumerable options are available for various purposes. However, the most frequent kinds are the ones listed below.
Finishing Nails
These types of nails have a smooth, small head with a sharp point, allowing them to be driven into the material without splitting it.
The majority of the different types of finish nails are most commonly used for trim work, attaching moldings, and decorative pieces.
Brad Nails
Brads are similar to finish nails since they are both designed to leave a smooth finish. But their main difference is that brad nails range from 18-gauge to 20-gauge and are typically found in staple guns.
They feature smaller shafts and are designed to be lighter than finishing nails, making them ideal for attaching delicate wood pieces without hurting them.
Roofing Nails
Roofing nails are designed with bigger heads to secure asphalt shingles to a roof deck. They are composed of galvanized steel with a diamond-shaped head and range in gauge from 7 to 16.
Pin Nails
Pin nails are significantly thinner than finish nails, with gauges ranging from 23 to 25. They are frequently used for decorative and lightweight trim work. They are also ideal for precision joinery due to their small profile, which, when properly placed, renders them nearly invisible.
Brad Nails Vs. Finish Nails
Due to their similarities, there has been a contentious dispute for many years regarding brad and finish nails. Consider the following application tips for each nail type to simplify its use.
The Type of Material You Work With
The most crucial consideration is the thickness of the cloth you will be utilizing. Our advice? Use brad nails with thin or sensitive materials such as fiberboard or plywood.
But if you're building reasonably thick baseboards or cabinets, you'll need to use finish nails.
It Depends on the Project’s Visual Appeal
Because they leave less of a hole than other fasteners, brad nails are ideal for achieving a sleek appearance.
On the other hand, if you don't mind covering the nail holes with wood putty, finish nails are the way to go.
Pin Nails Vs. Finish Nails
There are parallels between pin nails and finish nails; however, they are often employed for distinct purposes.
Even if there are other factors to consider, the major distinction between the pin and finish nails is the wire gauge from which they are formed.
Finish nails are thicker than pin nails and fabricated with steel, aluminum, or brass. Therefore, they are better suited for heavier types of woodworking, such as attaching trim and molding.
Their size and shape make them a superior option for areas that demand strength and longevity.
Pin nails, which resemble finish nails but are considerably smaller, are suitable for delicate activities such as hanging portraits or installing small trim pieces that require a more subtle appearance.
Due to their size and shape, they are a superior option for craft projects where aesthetics are of the biggest significance.
Finish Nail Sizes
Understanding finish nail sizes is essential for ensuring that your construction job is completed appropriately and securely.
Finish nails are sold in penny sizes, which refer to their length. The most common finish nail sizes range from 1-penny to 8-penny nails, the largest being 4 inches long and made of 12-gauge wire.
In other words: the larger the number on the penny, the larger the nail.
When evaluating finish nail sizes, it is crucial to consider the thickness of the wood to which the nails will be affixed, as this will define the optimal finish nail type and size.
For instance, if you are joining two 1x2s together, a finish nail of 2 inches or less is usually sufficient.
A larger finish nail—generally at least 3 inches or longer—would be necessary when connecting something thicker than a 2-inch board, such as a 2x4.
What Size Finish Nails Do I Use For Trim?
To nail baseboard trim,we recommend 2" (6d) to 2.5" finishing nails (8d).
When installing trim, a finish nail of 2-penny to 4-penny is sufficient to ensure the task is complete and secure.
However, if you are installing something heavier, such as a window casing or door jamb, you may need to use a larger size. In such instances, a 4-penny or 5-penny finish nail is a good choice.
What Size Finish Nails Do I Use For Quarter Rounds?
Quarter rounds are an important part of most trim installations and should be securely fastened to ensure durability.
You should use a 1-penny or 2-penny finish nail when installing quarter rounds. This will give the visibility and security required for a successful installation.
What Size Of Finish Nails Do I Need For Baseboards?
Professional contractors know that baseboards are an integral element of the finishing process, as they contribute to a polished and completed look.
The standard length for baseboard nails is between 1.5 and 2 inches (5d to 8D).
Due to their thicker gauge, these nails will offer the needed strength and durability for a successful baseboard installation.
What Size of Finish Nails Should You Use for Crown Molding?
Crown molding is essential to any interior design job, but installing it can be difficult. To ensure the task is completed the first time properly, it is crucial to use the right finish nails.
For crown molding, 6-penny or 8-penny finish nails are sufficient. These nails will give your crown molding the strength and support to keep it in place and look excellent.
Finish Nail Gauge Chart
Now that you are familiar with the many types of finish nails and their employment, you must understand the gauge chart.
The gauge chart is a quick-reference guide that provides the finished nail length in inches. This information can help you choose the right nails for your project.
Remember that the higher the gauge number, the thicker the pin when picking finish nails. Here is a short finish nail gauge chart to assist with your decision:
How To Remove Finish Nails?
Mastering the removal of finished nails is crucial if your daily work involves construction, carpentry, or repair operations.
Learning to remove finished nails without jeopardizing your job will save you time, energy, and frustration over time. Furthermore, utilizing the proper tools and techniques to extract polished nails with the least risk is crucial for completing this task properly.
After locating the defective nail in your project, the first step is to gather the tools that will be most helpful in resolving the issue.
The following list comprises the nail removal instruments that are always useful:
- Work gloves for security.
- A drill in case it is necessary to make a hole in a surface.
- A needle nose plier or clamps.
You may also explore using a drill or rotary tool; by slowly drilling screw holes into the top of the nail head while tugging downwards, you should be able to free it.
Extra tip: For those with a stronger grasp, pry bars and crowbars offer additional leverage and force.
In any building or carpentry project, the procedures for removing nails from a sensitive surface depend on the nail's materials, angles, and depth. However, the following fundamental steps are always helpful for nail removal in an emergency.
1. Use a clamp to pry gently up the head of the nail.
2. After lifting the head of the nail, use needle-nose pliers to grab hold and (gently) pull off the nail's shank.
3. If it seems stuck, gently wiggle the nail back and forth until it comes free.
4. If none of these steps work, you can drill two holes on each side of the nail and then gently pull it out with a needle nose plier.
5. Once the nail is out, use a wood file or sandpaper to smooth over the hole left behind.
Best Finish Nail Gun
After determining the right sorts of finish nails for your project, the following step is to choose a finish nail gun.
Finish nail guns are excellent equipment for rapidly and securely nailing wood. With the aid of these guns, finished nails may be attached quickly and efficiently, saving time and effort.
There are numerous finish nail guns on the market, but some of the best are pneumatic, cordless, straight, and angled.
For example, pneumatic finish nail guns are perfect for large-scale jobs because they can drive nails into hardwood accurately.
On the other hand, cordless finish nail guns are an excellent option for people who need to complete nailing in hard-to-reach areas.
Meanwhile, an angled finish nail gun is ideal for driving finish nails into the underside of boards.
And straight finish nail guns are excellent for driving finished nails swiftly into the wood.
Regardless of the sort of finish nail gun you choose, you must ensure that it is compatible with your finish nail type now that you are aware of the many types, sizes, and functions.
The Bottom Line
With the aid of this guide, you can now determine which finish nails are ideal for your project and which finish nail guns are best suited to complete the task swiftly and effectively.
Remember that the selection of nails and nail guns should be based on the unique requirements of your project.
At Fastener USA, we are committed to delivering all sizes and types of finish nails to help our customers accomplish their projects.
Contact our trained staff now for more information. We look forward to helping you find the best solution for your needs.