Finish Nailer vs. Framing Nailer, What Is The Difference And Which is Better?

When I first started doing my DIY projects at home, I could not differentiate between a finish nailer and a framing nailer.

I didn’t know which one was more important than the other and which to buy first. Both of these nailers look similar, but many people find it hard to differentiate them.

It is crucial that you know their difference to know which to buy for your needs.

The nailers may look the same, but they perform different functions.

So, here is an overview of both nailers, and by the end of this article, you know which nailer you need for your DIY home projects.

The Difference between Finish Nailer and Framing Nailer

Before you begin any DIY projects for your home improvement, check which nailer will suit the job.

If it is your first time purchasing it be careful as you may be confused by their design. Below is a step-by-step guideline on how to differentiate these two nailers.

Step 1; Consider the Impact

Before you pick any nailer, ask yourself what it was created or designed for.

Both nailers were designed for a purpose, and this is what you are supposed to know before proceeding.

Framing nailers were designed to handle the heavy jobs while finishing nailers are only meant for finishing touches, just as the name suggests.

Although both devices are designed to put nails into specific materials, their impact on surfaces is different.

One nailer, the framing nailer, can press nails through thicker materials, you only need to place the nails accurately, and you will have clean work.

On the other hand, if you want fine work, get yourself a finish nailer and ensure not to use it on heavier jobs.

Step 2; Check Their Accuracy

Accuracy is also a factor to consider when it comes to these two nailers. Their accuracy level is not the same.

The framing nailer is less accurate as compared to the finish nailer.

Why is this? This is because framing nailers work to bring large pieces of materials together. Accuracy is not that important.

On the flip side, finish nailers are created to be precise.

Precision is key as it is used for finishing touches.

Without it, your job will not be as fine as you expect. It fastens the small detailed tasks accurately.

Step 3; Look at the Nail They Use

The nail length used for these two machines is another thing to look at.

One thing you should know is that framing nailers use different nail styles, which includes;

• Clipped head
• Round Head
• Offset head

Many constructors prefer the round head nail style, and it is the most common.

But for the sake of your DIY wood project, use nails preferably up to 3 and a half inches when using a framing nailer.

Finish nailers require small nails as they are suitable for detailed jobs.

Unlike the framing nailer, they use one head style of the nail.

All finish nailers use one kind of nail, but the length of the nails may vary.
The finish nailer can be used with nails up to 2 and a half inches long.

This means that you need to be very specific when selecting nails for your nailer device. If you do not know how you can always ask for assistance from experts.

Step 4; Functions of Each Nailer

The fourth step of identifying their difference is to look at the kinds of jobs each nailer can perform.

This will help you have a better overview of both nailers. Framing nailers are best for heavy tasks.

Some of which may include;
• Heavy-duty carpentry
• Fencing
• Plasterwork

If you have any heavy DIY project at home that needs fixing, always use a framing nailer for better results.

On the other hand, finish nailers are best for;
• Making small furniture
• Fixing decorative trims
• Baseboards
• Paneling, etc.

Step 5; Work Level

It is not necessarily that you only have one machine for your project. You can have both devices as you may need them.

I prefer to have both the framing and finish nailer at home as I enjoy doing heavy and light DIY projects.

Now, their other difference comes at the operational level.

The framing nailer is used at the beginning of the job to frame your project. Then finish nailer is used after you have completed your task.

What About the Cost?

Framing nailers and finish nailers have almost the same price. The model or the brand you get will determine its worth.

But generally speaking, there is no much of a difference in the cost of both machines.

Now that you know the difference between both machines, I know you will be comfortable purchasing any that you like.

One thing is that both the framing nailer and finish nailer are essential for your DIY projects, especially if you like doing heavy and detailed home improvements.

Alternatively, you can always select them depending on the type of projects you do mostly.