Like many of you, I have spent the last 12 months at home, trying to find ways in which to stay busy. One particular way which I think we have all been trying, is getting involved in a spot of DIY. from passion projects to fixing things around the house, there has been a lot going on in my home, and I have learned an awful lot about various materials. Nails in particular have been an area of learning for me, as it turns out that they really aren’t all the same. From a 19 gauge brad nail to a finish nail, there is a lot that we can learn about how these are used and where they work best.
The Gauge of The Nail
Broadly speaking brad nails are 18 gauge, but they can in fact come in a range of sizes and gauges. The gauge is the number which corresponds to the thickness of the thread which is spun to make the nail. It is important to remember that the larger the number, the thinner the nail, and not the other way around. In this case, a 19 gauge nail is one of the thinnest which you can find. Bear in mind that regardless of what gauge you decide to use, they can come in a range of lengths, depending on what the project is that you are working on.
What Brad Nails Are Good For
Brad nails are ideal for craft projects or any other job which only require a minimal amount of strength to hold two pieces together. You may find these used for temporary holding too, because brads are very easily removed once they have been put in. For example if you are using glue to hold two pieces together, then it may be that you add a couple of brad nails to give it the strength that it requires whilst the glue is drying into place.
Should You Use a Gun?
The reason why brad nails are so often used in nail guns is that because they are so thin, they are prone to bending if you don’t get a clean hit on the head with your hammer. A bent nail can really ruin a project and so that is why many will use a gun. With this being said, the only time you cannot get a clean hit with a hammer is if you are in a tight space, and so usually you will be fine without a gun.
When Not To Use a Brad Nail
No matter the gauge of your brad nail, it is important that you do not use one for any kind of project which requires robust and strong hold. For example if you are putting some cabinets up, which are going to be used frequently, then a finish nail is going to be a far better option for you, as it will hold everything in place even under heavy usage.
Any more questions feel free to get in touch below.
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