Framing Nailer vs Finish Nailer – What is The Difference?

Last Updated on October 14, 2021

Once upon a time, the hammer was the only tool used for working on nails by household and construction workers. Now, the nail gun has replaced the hammer as it provides a faster and more perfect nailing experience.

But which nail gun is better, framing nailer or the finish nailer?

We are going to try to answer this question today so that you can choose the ideal nail gun for your task.

Before we can deduce which of the following categories to choose from, it is very important to know more about a nail gun.

What Is a Nail Gun?

It’s a device that you can employ for driving nails into something. A nailer uses compressed air and gases such as propane or small explosions to power a piston that forces nails into the material you are working with.

All types of nail guns can be grouped into 7 types in the market. But in this article, we shall be comparing and concluding which one between framing and finishing nailer is the best.

Framing Nailer

Framing nail guns are normally used for rigorous work such as construction work. A framing nail gun usually has two types of nailing heads, the clipped head or the round head.

For any sort of heavy-duty work, the clipped head is the best option. That is especially true when working with high-level framing, carpentry, or anything of such sort.

Finishing Nailer

The name of the tool pretty much describes its function, which is to finish your woodwork. It also provides the perfect finish and, in turn, provides a touch of elegance in your work.

When working with wooden surfaces of a door, cabinet, panels, or any sort of furniture or anything of such sort, then the finishing nail gun is our suggestion for you.

Finishing Nailer Vs Framing Nailer

As you can see, both of them are of the nailing gun family and have almost the same functionality. So, choosing the right gun that you feel more comfortable with can be a tricky business. But once you go through this article, you will have a clear concept on which machine you need to work with.

Types of Nails

As we mentioned before, it is very clear that framing nail guns are for rigorous building or carpentry works. This indicates that the nails used in a framing nail guns are larger and thicker.

A typical nail for a framing nail gun is three and a half inches in length, and its gauge (thickness of the nails) is higher. Whereas, a finishing nail gun requires much smaller nails.

The nails for a framing nail gun are 1-2.5 inches in length, and its gauge is not higher than 16. This gives an edge to the finishing nail gun as it is capable of working with smaller as well as bigger nails that allows you a greater range of working options.

Long-lasting and Robustness

A finishing nailer uses weaker and less durable nails. This is due to it being used for light-works such as DIY, household works, etc.

These types of works do not require nails that have great strength. On the other hand, the heavy-duty nailing factor of a framing nail gun means that it requires more sturdy and tougher nails. When working for larger projects, it is absolutely necessary to ensure that your project has strong supports.

The nails are one of those components that provide this support. And it is necessary for them to be durable and strong. Or else, your project could collapse very easily.

Not only for heavy-duty work, but the framing nail gun can also be used for less intensive projects and still ensure a safe and firm construction.

Amount of Work That Can Be Accomplished

In the beginning, a framing nail gun can be used to work on the framing of the whole project. But a finishing nail gun is required to complete your whole carpentry, and add touch-ups to make your work more lucrative. So at the working-level, both guns are equally important.

Value

The only two places where these two different devices are similar are their cost and upgradations. The cost of each of these machines is pretty much the same, and each company works on making both of these machines more efficient and better at an equivalent rate.

More: How to Use Palm Nailer? Step by Step Guide

Some Safety Tips for You

Ensuring your safety is far more important than choosing the right nail gun. Be well prepared by wearing things like mechanical gloves and work aprons. Ensure that you are wearing a protective goggle and doing your work in your garage or workshop, which is away from the contact of young children or other family members.

And, before you start your work, it is very necessary to go through the instruction manual that will be provided for you during purchase. Being in a safe and work-friendly environment should be given the highest priority.

Which One to Choose

All the comparisons in the previous section should have given you a clear winner. The framing nailer is capable of more functionalities, can withstand higher workload, and is more efficient. All of these factors show why it is a better option.

We hope that the article has been helpful enough to give you a clear view of why the framing nailer is preferable to the finishing nailer. Nevertheless, your comfort is the deciding factor on which nailing gun is going to be your choice.

So, don’t forget to tell us below, which one is your preferred tool. And please share this article with your friends and loved ones. We would highly appreciate that.

Our popular posts on this topic: