Brad nails and pin nails are the thin collated nails that air and cordless nailers fire into trim, mouldings, cabinet backs and small assemblies. This collection holds AirCraft brad nails in 16 gauge and 18 gauge, each in a choice of lengths, for the most common nail guns on site and in the workshop.
Choosing brad nails
- Gauge. The gauge is the wire thickness. The AirCraft 18Ga Brad Nails are thin, leave a small hole and suit delicate trim. The Aircraft Brad Nail 16g is thicker and holds better in skirting, door casings and shelf cleats.
- Length. Pick a nail that drives about two-thirds of its length into the piece you are fixing to. Both AirCraft gauges come in several sizes, so choose by the thickness of the moulding.
- Match the nailer. A 16 gauge nailer will not take 18 gauge brads, and the reverse is also true. Check the gauge printed on your nailer before you buy.
- Collation. Straight strips fit most 18 gauge and 16 gauge nailers. Angled nailers need angled strips, so check the listing against your gun.
Brad nails vs pin nails: nail gun nail sizes explained
Nail gun nails are sized by gauge first and length second. Pin nails are 23 gauge, headless and almost invisible, used to hold small mouldings while glue sets. Brad nails at 18 gauge have a small head and more holding power, which makes them the everyday choice for trim. 16 gauge nails are a step up for heavier mouldings. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the nail. If you only own one nailer, 18 gauge covers the widest range of work.
AirCraft brad nails are in stock in bulk at our Claremont, Cape Town shop, with nationwide courier delivery. Our staff use brad nailers daily and can advise on gauge and length. See also compressors and silent compressors.
