Can You Use a Brad Nailer for Trim?

Can you use a brad nailer for trim?

Yes, absolutely.  You can use a brad nailer for trim work.

However, you need to understand that you can only use a brad nailer to attach delicate trims.

Why is that?

You see, a brad nailer uses small 18-gauge brad nails that allow you to attach delicate trims without accidentally splitting the trim.

If you’re dealing with some heavy/thick trim, it’s not advisable to use a brad nailer.

 Sure, you could use a brad nailer.

However, due to the small/thin size of the nails and the fact that brad nailers do not possess enough power to penetrate through thick trims, you risk not keeping the trim secure.

A Finish Nailer in this case is recommended.

What Brad Nailer Should I Use for Trim Work?

If you head over to Amazon right now, you’ll be spoiled for a choice as there are so many brad nailers to choose from.

I will make it easy for you by recommending the PORTER-CABLE PCC790LA 20V MAX Lithium 18GA Brad Nailer Kit.

The Porter Cable Brad Nailer is currently one of the best brad nailers for trim work and other delicate projects.

Why Do I Recommend this Brad Nailer?

•   This brad nailer is Battery-Powered. This means you won’t need to use an air compressor, expensive gas cartridges, and even a hose in order to power it.

•   The Porter Cable brad nailer is portable. Since you don’t need to hook it into a power outlet, you can take it just anywhere

•   The brad nailer offers better runtime. It uses a 1.5 Ah 20 Volt Max Lithium ion battery with last incredibly long-this will allow you to work continuously on your projects without requiring to do frequent recharges

•   The kit includes a charger as well as an integrated belt hook

•   The nailer comes with a depth adjustment wheel that allows you to easily countersink the nails consistently

•   The brad nailer also includes a tool- free release lever and jam release that make your work extremely easy while increasing your productivity

•   It’s magazine accommodates up to 100 18-gauge brad nails

•   Although this brad nailer looks strong and sturdy, it’s actually lightweight at 5.9lbs. Your hand won’t tire easy

•   With its multiple tool-free settings, this nailer increases your safety while doing trim work while increasing your productivity

•   Besides being lightweight, the Porter Cable brad nailer’s optimal center of gravity position provides you with great comfort in any position, thus reducing the chances of fatigue

•   The brad nailer also comes with dual LED lights that help light up your workspace. This is to ensure precision and accuracy while attaching the nails into the trim, especially while working in dark spaces

•   It includes a trigger lock for safety

•   The nailer also features a sequential firing mode

•   The manufacturer also offers a few styles of this model. There is a more expensive model that includes an extra 20V battery. There is also one that includes a battery as well as a Bluetooth speaker. And finally, there is a model that is only sold bare without a battery. You’ll need to buy a Lithium ion battery separately

•   The nailer is quite strong and sturdy- It has been made with premium quality materials for long-lasting use

•   The nailer is backed by a 3-Year limited warranty- Porter Cable will repair any defects as a result of faulty workmanship or materials completely free of charge

What You May Not Like About the Porter Cable PCC790LA 20V MAX Lithium 18GA Brad Nailer

Everything about this brad nailer is perfect, well except for the fact that it’s a little bit more expensive compared to most models in the market.

However, regardless of the high pricing, this is one of the best-selling brad nailers on Amazon, and customers who have purchased it have a lot of good things to say about it.

Click Here to Read the Customer Reviews

How Much Does the Porter Cable PCC790LA Brad Nailer Cost?

Like I stated earlier, this nailer is quite expensive compared to most of the models in the market.

However, given the fact that it’s currently one of the best-selling brad nail guns with numerous positive customer reviews, it surely does offer great value for money.

Click Here to See the Current Price for the Porter Cable Brad Nailer

What Nail Gun to Use for Trim?

Like we stated earlier, both a brad or finish nailer can be used for trim work.

However, a brad nailer can only be used on thin and lightweight wood trim. On the other hand, a finish nailer is ideal for thicker wood trim.

A brad nailer and finish nailer may seem almost similar, but they are completely different and are used for different specific purposes.

Your choice will therefore depend on the thickness of the wood trim.

If you’re looking to attach thicker and heavier wood trim, I would recommend the NuMax SFN64 Pneumatic 16-Gauge 2-1/2″ Straight Finish Nailer.

Finish nailers like the NuMax finish nailer are typically more affordable compared to brad nailers.

What are the Main Advantages of Using a Brad Nailer for Trim Work?

•   A brad nailer is ideal for thin and delicate wood trim that you’re worried about splitting while attaching the nails

•   A brad nailer leaves small, less noticeable head holes. This is important as larger holes can damage delicate and thin trims

•   Brad nails are ideal for small projects that require small, thin nails. You can use it to make picture frames, jewellery boxes, attaching decorative trims, and other wood projects

•   Brad nails can be used to hold things in place temporarily when using glue. As soon as the glue dries up, you can remove the nails and the holes won’t even be visible

Can You Use a Brad Nailer for Trim?- Bottom Line

 Well, as we have discussed, a brad nailer is actually the most recommended power nailer for trim work.

However, keep in mind that you can only use it for delicate trim work. You will most likely be disappointed if you use it on thicker trims or on thick hardwoods.

Likewise, using a finishing nailer on delicate trim will only cause more harm than good.

So in answer to the question “can you use a brad nailer for trim”, you can, but only make sure to use it on thin or delicate trim for best results.