Brad nailers and staples are both widely used by professionals and DIYers for woodworking. They perform almost the same work on the workpiece. But when using them together, users often ask- can brad nailer use staples? In this case, knowing the exact answer is necessary.
Some particular brad nailers can use staples. This includes a tool consisting of a staple gun and brad nailers with two types of magazines. One is handy for using staples, and the other holds nailers. Therefore, a typical brad nailer cannot hold staples. A DIYer must find the combined product.
Using brad nailer fasteners involves many other essential things to be aware of. Pay attention to each section below to remove all confusion.
7 Reasons Why Brad Nailer Uses Staples:
People usually use brad nailers and fasteners separately. But there are several reasons why brad nailer uses fasteners. You can also consider these as benefits. So, now know why workers use a combination.
1.To Work Differently At The Same Time
Some particular types of nailers can hold fasteners. So, users can do different jobs with the same tool. Since this machine has two magazines, the stapler and tacker can be used simultaneously according to the needs. Besides, this is one of the advantages that you will not get in the usual machines.
2.No Separate Tools Are Required
Although people use both to perform vital work on wood, they still look for a gun for staples. When a brad nailer can hold fasteners, there is no need to use a separate tool or gun. Wireless devices have support to use both together to make it convenient for people.
3.To Treat Thin Wood Perfectly
Usually, a Brad nailer uses many thin pins, which are great for fine work on wood. This particular tool does what the essential tool cannot do. With this, workers can easily insert thin pins into the wood. In this case, DIYers don’t have to worry about working with thin and narrow pins.
4.Better Wall Trimming And Molding Construction
Thin pins are very effective in holding down wall trim and moldings. But in most cases, ordinary tools fail to deal with it. So this is considered one of the reasons to use fasteners with a brad nailer. Tackers can only work with thin pins. So there is no better option for screwing thin pins into the wall.
5.To Prevent Wood Floors From Expanding
Wood floors undergo seasonal contraction and expansion that homeowners often worry about. When thin pins or rivets are used in this type of floor, it prevents the floor from expanding. And tackers are most beneficial for using delicate pins.
6.Works Without Any Damage
As the head of Brad’s nailer is very thin, it cannot cause any damage to the workpiece. It can perform the work perfectly in a dark place instantly. Even staplers or thin pins are only beneficial for this.
7.It Does Not Require A high Touch Finish
When DIYers drive the fasteners into the wood with a nailer, it leaves no scar. Usually, A study in the book “Home How-to Handbook: Trim” (1) shows that a stapler leaves some marks that require polishing to hide. But the tacker works with a high-end finish and does not need to be polished separately after finishing the job.
Things You Should Consider While Using Staples In A Brad Nailer:
There are a few things to consider when brad nailer and fasteners work together. These vital things help one avoid potential mistakes and complete the work perfectly.
Close The Extra Magazine:
As a particular tool is recommended for flat pins use with the tacker, you can be sure that the tool will hold two magazines. So, keep the fastener magazine closed while placing the nail in the channel of the same machine. Similarly, when using the staple magazine, one must close another one.
Do Not Use Thick Pin:
Brad works well with thinner pins and is great at doing perfect jobs with even thin pins. But just because users have got enough support to use fasteners with a tacker doesn’t mean they can use any pins with it. Avoid using coarse or thick fasteners, which will damage the tool or not work correctly.
Be Careful When Driving Pin Into Wood:
After inserting the thin fastener pin into the wood, it is often impossible to locate it because it penetrates perfectly. In this case, mark the place. Otherwise, you may not be able to find the stapled place later. Even users can apply the machine in the wrong place where it is unnecessary.
Do Not Use A Basic Tool:
Never choose the essential tools for using fasteners. Because it can’t work with basic lift. The primary tool only has a magazine for placing nails that can never hold the pins. You may find this simple and work with placing staples in the channel of the nail. But this is a misconception.
Not Overloading The Magazine
This is one of the most important things to consider when people are using a staple with a tacker. Do not overload the magazine with fasteners. This will jam the magazine and render the machine immediately useless. Be sure to load a safe amount of fasteners for smooth operation.
3 Disadvantages Of Using Staples In A Brad Nailer:
There are some inconveniences when a brad nailer uses fasteners. But workers can avoid some pitfalls if they know about these. Therefore, it is necessary to have a good idea about the disadvantages.
1.May Cause Injury:
Newbies often choose the wrong machine. You must remember that working on a faulty machine can be dangerous. Failure to select the correct tool can cause staples to jam inside the existing tool and cause serious injury to the worker.
2.Cannot Work Fast:
One of the disadvantages of using fasteners in a tacker is that it does not work quickly. The tacker can’t drive the fasteners as fast as a gun. That’s why DIYers find it quite inconvenient and avoid this method.
3.Cannot Deal With Strong Materials:
Brad nailers demand narrower and thinner staples that are suitable for light-duty work. So it is clear that this machine cannot perform any heavy duty while using fasteners. That is, if you have plans to drive thick pins, you have to cancel it.
Related Questions About Using Staples In Brad Nailer:
Can Dewalt Brad Nailer Use Staples?
The DEWALT brad nailer can deal with several types of staples. It can handle heavier pins like 1/4-inch and 9/16-inch staples with ease. This tool’s main and convenient feature is that it can reload quickly after running out of pins inside.
The bottom of the tool has a steel magazine that can be easily opened and loaded. Besides, its handle is steel, and a user can handle it comfortably. Very few tools can work with thick pins, and DEWALT is one of them.
What Are The Main Obstacles Of Using Staples In Brad Nailer?
Jamming is one of the most tormenting obstacles in this case. It usually occurs when a brad nailer uses staples. Placing more pins in the channel than necessary can jam it and cause temporary blockage. Besides, one cannot work on hard materials without using particular tools.
Moreover, it can be more restrictive if the user wants to use thick pins. This is because manufacturers designed the nailer’s head to extract delicate pins. That is why it often fails to work with thick wood.
Can An 18 Gauge Brad Nailer Use Staples?
Staples work well with 18 gauge brad nails. A combination of these two can be applied, especially in the case of upholstery, trim, window casing, chair rail, paneling, and underlayment. 1/2″ to 1-5/8″ staples are most useful for this. Besides, according to the book “HowExpert Guide to Hardwood Flooring,” (2) for 3/8 inch to 1/2 product, use 1 ¼ to 1 ½ thick fasteners.
An 18 gauge nailer is a better option for most decorative purposes, which requires lots of precision. Of course, staples play a significant role in maintaining integrity. It also completes all processes with an excellent finish.
Is Brad Nailer Holds Better Than Staples?
Generally, the staples hold better than the brad nailers. These can work seamlessly with thick and strong materials, whereas nailers can only work with thin and delicate materials. However, considering the usability, both bring considerable functionality. Although staples can firmly hold the workpiece and drive deep, there is still the potential to damage the wood.
They also create burrs and visible pits in the wood and require subsequent polishing to remove the pits. On the other hand, brads drive thinly and can finish the entire job without any visible pitting.
Final Verdict:
Now, you have a clear answer to the question: can brad nailer use staples? However, considering several factors, staples are supported for use with brad nailers. For the convenience of DIYers, this article covers all the topics step by step.
Hopefully, people can decide to use the right tool by considering all the pros and cons presented. Although nailers and staples perform slightly different purposes, people should remember some vital points when using them together.
References
(1) Peters, R. (2007). Home How-to Handbook: Trim. Sterling Publishing Company, Inc. https://books.google.com.bd/books?id=Fwpkruyk02oC&pg=PA53&dq=crown+brad+nailer&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjG9PCD-6r5AhVx3XMBHbOgAX8Q6AF6BAgJEAI#v=onepage&q=crown%20brad%20nailer&f=false
(2) Hagan, M. (n.d.). HowExpert Guide to Hardwood Flooring. HowExpert. https://books.google.com.bd/books?id=0mfhDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA57&dq=8+Gauge+Brad+Nailer+Use+Staples&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjY38-ptKv5AhVTCLcAHWu5BcMQ6AF6BAgEEAI#v=onepage&q=8%20Gauge%20Brad%20Nailer%20Use%20Staples&f=false
