Nailer vs Stapler: if you could only buy one.

In general, if you could only afford one at this time, which would you chose/use the most? A Brad Nailer, Finish Nailer or (Crown) Stapler?

Short Answer: The 18-gauge brad nailer is the the most versatile for woodworking projects. It can also be used for baseboards and trim.

Type of Nail Gun

What is a brad nailer? A brad nailer is a nail gun for shooting brad nails, usually for trim or thinner materials in project carpentry.  A brad nailer is normally an 18-gauge (nail gauge refers to nail size), and can shoot 5/8" to 2" long brad nails.  Some examples of good uses are attaching 1/4" material to the back of a bookshelf, bottom of a drawer, attaching a face frame to the front of a project, or trim on a project. The nail holes are easy to hide.

What is a finish nailer? A finish nailer is or finish nail gun that shoots finish nails, normally 16 gauge (nail gauge refers to nail size), normally between 3/4" and 2-1/2" long.  Since the 16 gauge nails are bigger, a finish nailer is great for attaching trim and baseboards to walls, can be used for carcass assembly in case furniture, the nails are long enough to hit studs when attaching molding and crown moldings over drywall.  I also know plenty of fine woodworkers that construct furniture cases using finish nails combined with a face frame. The nail holes are relatively easy to hide.

What is a crown stapler? A crown stapler is very similar to a brad or finish nailer, but shoots staples instead.  While a stapler will have much better holding power, it is also harder to hide the fastener holes.  I do prefer a crown stapler for attach 1/4" plywood to bookshelf backs and drawer bottoms, but you can use a brad nailer too. Staple holes are harder to hide.

What is a framing nail gun? A framing nail gun is used to frame walls, and is very strong, but the nail is so big, it is used for 2x materials or larger as it will split thinner wood.  A framing nail also is very hard to hide the holes.  A framing nailer should not be used for woodworking projects.

For small woodworking projects, which nailer do you recommend? While all are very good tools, if you could only have one, the most versatile is the brad nailer that shoots 18-gauge nails.  The reason is it shoots nail sizes from 5/8" to 2" long, a good range 

What are the most common uses for a nailer in Ana White projects?

• Attaching face frames
• Attaching 1/4" plywood to backs, drawer bottoms, doors etc
• Building picture frames and other wall decor

Cordless or Air Compressor?

Nailers now come in cordless, battery powered versions, or nailers connected to an air compressor.  If you have just a few projects, a cordless brad nailer is versatile and easy to use.  But if you are doing alot of projects, a nailer using an air compressor is lightweight, faster, and more powerful, but you do have to deal with air compressor hoses.  

How to avoid wood splits?

To avoid splits in wood, try to keep the nail holes at least 3/4" from the edges of the wood.  Also, a smaller nail (18 gauge or 23 gauge) is less likely to split wood than a larger nail (15 or 16 gauge nails).

How to fill nail holes?

Wood filler or wood putty can be used to fill nail holes.  For a painted finish, fill the nail holes before sanding.  For a stained finish, the nail holes can be either filled first with a stainable wood filler or putty, or afterwards with a stain matched wood filler or putty.

Should I use a brad nailer or finish nailer for baseboards?  You can use both, but the finish nailer is preferred since it shoots a longer, bigger nail.  

Which is more versatile Brad nailer or finish nailer? The brad nailer, since it shoots nails as small as 5/8", and can be used for 1/4" plywood.  But the finish nailer will shoot a longer, stronger nail.  

What can a brad nailer be used for? A brad nailer can be used for nailing 1/4" thick plywood to the backs of furniture, the bottoms of drawers, nailing face frames to the front of furniture, and other small projects construction.  I do not recommend brad nails for structural joints, or joints that are not reinforced.

What is a good basic nail gun?  The Ryobi Airstrike 18 gauge brad nailer is the nailer I have used for a decade.  It is small, lightweight, affordable and good enough for most home DIY projects. 

Whats the difference between a brad nailer and a finish nailer?  The nail size. Most brad nailers shoot 5/8" to 2" nails, while a finish nailer shoots a larger nail, 3/4" to 2-1/2" long.  The brad nailer is more versatile, but the finish nailer is preferred for baseboard, trim, and moldings.

What is better a brad nailer or finish nailer?  Furniture projects and versatility, brad nailer wins.  Home improvement and home DIY? Finish nailer wins.