Parallock

Brad Nails

Brad nails are small, 18 gauge nails with or without heads, used for detailing work such as framing or affixing moldings. As a very small gauge nail, brad nails can be used to affix light weight materials while leaving minimal holes in the material. Though very similar to finishing nails (15-16 gauge), the smaller size of the brad nail leaves fewer blemishes and reduces the need for putty or other fillers to conceal nail marks when doing finishing work.  The size also reduces the propensity for splitting materials, and can be easily removed from more delicate materials, such as dry wall. However the size also results in very low holding power, making it ineffective for attaching heavier materials, or creating joints that need to withstand stress. Brad nails are often used in conjunction with adhesives to strengthen joints.











They are available in varying lenths, from 5/8 inch to 2 1/4 inch. They can be found in a variety of materials to suit different applications, such as galvanized and stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Galvanized brad nails are ideal for outdoor work as they are less likely to corrode, while stainless steel nails are ideal for harder materials such as tile to be nailed without splitting. Aluminum brad nails are more adept at piercing hard materials and are ideal for affixing thin metals or siding, while copper nails are much weaker and are designed for wood work, but are affordable and accessible.

The application of brad nails requires a specific nailer, called a brad nailer. Brad nails can be affixed by hand with a hammer, with an electric nail gun, or most commonly, with a pneumatic nailer that uses compressed air to fire the nail from a strip of nails inserted in the machine.