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The world of carpentry and crafts is quite vast. There are so many tools and devices that can be used to achieve different and similar jobs. Therefore, when having a particular role in mind, you have to know that it can’t be done with several devices, so you have to, always, keep in mind the typical pattern of your work to choose something that will benefit you in the long run.
Brad nailers and crown staplers are quite similar, and there are specific jobs that can be achieved equally by both. However, the first is a nail gun, meaning that it shoots out small nails, 18 gauge to be specific. While the other is a crown stapler that shoots out stables.
We will discuss them in detail so that you will know what kind of device will be most beneficial to you.
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Table of Contents
Short Answer:
If your workshop revolves mostly around furniture that will need fabrics fitted to it, then a Crown Stapler should undoubtedly be your choice.
However, if your main objective is to hold wood to wood and you need a little bit less upholding power, then a Brad Nailer should do you just fine.
Crown Stapler Overview
A crown stapler is basically a gun that shoots out stables. It’s easily held and can be used around angles as it covers a greater distance. Though it does possess higher upholding power, this power comes at a cost, a somewhat visible one.
This price is the fact that those stables can be quite large, and if they are not covered by fabric or putty, they can be spotted easily as an eyesore. One more thing to keep in mind was thinking about crown staplers is the fact that they have two types a narrow crown stapler in a wide crown stapler.
As you head towards the end of your project where you need to do some decorative work using delicate pieces of wood, that’s when you might start switching from a wide crown stapler to a narrower crown stapler as to not split the wood.
Pros
- Easily Held
- Higher power
- Greater distance
- Used on fabrics
Cons
- Big hole left behind
- Not so versatile
- Hard to take out when needed
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Brad Nailer Overview
A brad nailer shoots out 18 gauge nails that are very hard to take out later on. Although it does possess some upholding power, it is not exceptionally great.
Consequently, brad nailers are best suited for post-structural work. Those final touches that have nothing to do with the foundation of your pieces such as crown moldings, rail fixation, and baseboard work. Although these parts of a project are not, it’s the essence, but they are indeed vital for its completion.
Pros
- Greater holding power
- More versatile
- Small holes
- Smooth work
Cons
- May split delicate wood pieces
- Nail holes still visible
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Crown Nailer vs. Brad Nailer – Full Comparison
| Crown Stapler | Brad Nailer | |
|---|---|---|
| Types | Narrow and Wide | Just one |
| Versatility | Not much | Can do several jobs |
| Power | Pneumatic and Electric | Pneumatic and Electric |
| Lifespan | Permanent | Permanent |
| Putty-need | Yes | Yes |
| Price | 80-100$ | 80-100$ |
Now, as we have discussed the general criteria upon which you should look when searching for the answer to the dilemma of brad nailer vs. crown stapler, we’re going to talk specifics. We will take you on a tour of our favorite devices, what they can offer you, and why we have specifically chosen them.
Best Brad Nailer: DeWalt Brad Nailer Kit
As a world-known brand, DeWalt is always searching for the comfort of its users, and this intention plus the effort to make it truly shine when more tool-free devices are dropped into the market.
This Brad nailer kit is no exception. It is designed to make you, the user, as comfortable as possible when dealing with it. It’s lightweight, has an excellent grip, and is absolutely tool-free. All of this retails for $84.
Pros
- Magnesium lightweight body
- Tool-free jam release
- Rubber grip for stability
- Rear exhaust system (quite practical)
- Low maintenance
- Tool-free depth adjustment
- Sequential trigger
- Adjustable belt hook
Cons
- Some users have reported that it has stopped working after a few months
- While others have reported that he does not fire nails consistently
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Best Crown Nailer: Metabo HPT N3804AB3 Pneumatic Overview
Presented under the new name of Metabo, Hitachi still surprises us with such great products that are actually within budget. This device gives you the feel of an expensive crown stapler while still not hitting your pocket hard.
It’s lightweight, electric, and enjoys all the privileges of a high-end device. All of this comes at a price tag of $93, which is not that much when purchasing a power tool.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Tool-free jam release
- 360° adjustable exhaust opening
- High magazine capacity at 100 stables
- No-mar tip
- Upward angled air fitting
- Both sequential and bump firing modes
- Non-slip over-mold grip
- Very well-balanced
- Five-year warranty
Cons
- None reported
Final Thoughts
You see, as mentioned before, these two devices can be used for a lot of the same needs. However, each one of them is designed to serve a particular job at 100%. If you are talking about upholstery, furniture, and some angled spaces that need coverage, then go for the crown stapler.
On the other hand, if you need a little bit less upholding power with tiny narrow nails that will not split wood, then go with the brad nailer.
Either way, you’re going to have to use putty to cover your tracks.
