Framing Nailer Vs. Finish Nailer: What Are The Major Differences?

Nail guns are excellent tools for producing a quality job in less time. There are two main types of nail guns to consider – framing nailers and finish nailers. What are the differences, and how do you know which is best for a particular job?

The primary difference between a framing nailer and finish nailer is the size of the nails. Framing nailers use larger diameter nails, and finish nailers use smaller diameter nails. The larger the diameter, the stronger the nail. Use a framing nailer for jobs that require solid construction, such as framing. Use a finish nailer for trim and other decorative materials.

Let’s get into some detail about framing nailers and finish nailers, as well as the types of nails that you can use for each tool.

When you look for nails to use for your construction project, you’ll come across a variety of sizing labels, such as inches, gauge, and penny. Further confusing the matter is shank diameter, shank length, and head diameter. When a nail gun is rated as working with specific gauge of nails, this refers to the diameter of the shank. A lower gauge means that the nail has a larger diameter. Nails with larger diameters are stronger.

Framing nailers work with nails that have shank diameters between 0.162” (8 gauge) and 0.113” (11 1/2 gauge). A finish nailer works with nails that have shank diameters between 0.0625” (14 gauge) and 0.083” (16 gauge).

Nails for nail guns are packaged in strips and coils. Manufacturers mount the nails at an angle to maximize the number of nails per strip. The most common strip designs for framing nails are 21-degree and 30-degree. For your 21-degree framing nailer, the plastic strip holds between 60 and 70 nails. For a 30-degree framing nailer, the tool uses two paper strips that each hold 88 nails.

Finish nailers are slightly different, because the mounting on the nails trips is based on the gauge of the nails. Nails are mounted at an angle for 15-gauge finish nailers and straight for 16-gauge finish nailers.

Nail strips are not interchangeable. A 21-degree framing nail gun does not work with 30-degree nail strips, and vice versa. Similarly, 15-gauge nails will not work in a 16-gauge finish nailer, and vice versa.

The best way to choose between a framing nailer and a finish nailer is to consider the type of work for your DIY project. If you are building a large structure, such as an addition or deck, go with a framing nailer. If you have some smaller jobs to do, such as trim work, go with a finish nailer. Choose a finish nailer that holds the right gauge nails for the work.

Once you decide on the type of nailer that is best for the job, decide on the power source. If you have a compressor and need the maximum amount of driving force, a pneumatic model is best. Cordless models are good for light to medium jobs, such as trim work and installing sheathing on your roof. Framing nailers and finish nailers that run on fuel are not the best for home DIY projects because of the fumes, but some people prefer the lighter weight compared to cordless models.

Related Questions

What size compressor for a framing nailer?

Most framing nailers work with 4- to 6-gallon 4.0 CFM compressors. Check the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s website for details about your model.

How do you toenail with a framing nailer?

Position the end of the nail gun against the wood at a 50-degree angle. Hold the nailer in place, and pull the trigger.

What’s the difference between a brad nailer and finish nailer?

A brad nailer uses smaller 18-gauge nails. A finish nailer uses 15-gauge and 16-gauge nails that are slightly larger in diameter than brad nails.

The primary difference between a framing nailer and finish nailer is the size of the nails. Framing nailers hold larger nails that are ideal for larger construction projects, such as framing a home, building a deck, and installing subflooring. Finish nailers use smaller nails that are used for trim, chair rails, cabinets, and other small projects.

Framing nailers are labeled based on the type of nail strips and coils that are used in the tool. A 21-degree framing nailer uses plastic strips of 60 to 70 nails. A 30-degree framing nailer uses two paper strips of 88 nails. Finish nailers are labeled based on the gauge of the nails that refers to the diameter of the shank, such as 15 gauge and 16 gauge. Some nail strips for finish nailers are angled to maximize the number of nails. Nail strips and coils are not interchangeable across different models of nail guns.

You can find framing nailers and finish nailers with three types of power sources. Cordless models are relatively lightweight, and you can move around the worksite with ease. Pneumatic models offer the highest driving force, but you need a compressor. Fuel models are more lightweight than cordless models, but the fuel produces fumes and unpleasant odors.