Thread: Brad Nailer vs Stapler?

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I am looking at purchasing one of these (pneumatic) tools- just don't know which to get.

In what circumstances would you use a brad nailer over a pneumatic stapler?

What brand/type/size do you recommend? I'm not doing any professional carpentry- just mainly halloween projects and odds/ends.

I appreciate your input!

I use a stapler for material that would allow a brad to pass through easily. like fabric. I use a brad nailer for thin wood.

Ahhh... I knew brad nailers are used for things like trim/moulding, etc too. I just didn't know about the stapler. I'm working on a cemetery fence now- and looking to throw a brad through the wood and into the PVC to hold the pvc bars in. Maybe a brad nailer would be best for that- as well as constructing the columns and various other projects.

Pretty sure you can get combo nailers that will take both staples and brad nails. I don't have any experience with that however.

I have a Bostitch brad nailer, 18 ga., and it takes 5/8 inch to 2-1/8 inch brads. Works great for moulding work and small wood detail pieces, and other repairs around the house. I'm using it to put details on my pirate ship. Great tool, under $100 at Home Depot.

I don't have a pneumatic stapler, but I could see how that would be useful for fabric. I still use a normal staple gun for that.

-dgm

I put up 12 x 9 foot canvas panels around my pirate stage this year and my normal stapler would have been a little wimpy for that. But I do use it for lighter weight fabric.

Totally. And you avoid the hand cramps from squeezing off a hundred staples. Can't wait to see your setup this year.

Me too. lol. I'm spending all weekend in crunch mode.

Yes, you can get these in combo or single attachments. I have a Craftsman single cylinder, oil free,5.5 HP, 25 gal. air compressor. I picked up inexpensive attachments for it, like Blacken Decker stapler-$20, cutting wheels, my Nailer is a finishing gun, it came in a kit with additional fittings. I think was on sale for $70 a couple of years ago. It is a must have for the home haunter. Plus it can provide air for props or blow them if they inflate.

So you think the brad nailer is better for my use then? I don't do too much with fabrics- and when I do, I can use the hand stapler.

Originally Posted by Specter

So you think the brad nailer is better for my use then? I don't do too much with fabrics- and when I do, I can use the hand stapler.

Yes.

You can find cheap ones, like Blacken Decker that are great and won't rack you and arm and a leg. Unless you need spare body parts or your haunt? Walmart and Kmart even carry cheap ones. I find great deals at Lowe's and always check out there sale racks. I picked up a 150pc. drill bits, disc, grinders, etc attachments for my drills. For $25 the other day. So if I lose them, break them it's no problem.