Brad nails are the nails that hold your quarter rounds together, but finding the correct size for your needs can be confusing. After doing some research, we have compiled the information for you so you can choose the perfect size brad nails for your project.
Generally, 18-gauge brad nails are the right size for most quarter rounds. That's about 0.0475-inch thickness. In addition, the brad nail length you select should be long enough to stick through the quarter round and to fasten it securely to the wall.
Now that you know the most recommended brad nail size for a quarter round, you must be wondering what makes an 18-gauge brad nail ideal to use for such molding. Keep reading as we elaborate more on the recommended length of brad nails for a quarter round.
Why An 18-Gauge Brad Nail For A Quarter Round?
Brad nails typically have long-tapered shanks with small rounded ends on one side, and are very common in building construction and are used to fasten a variety of materials together. Members of a DIY community recommend the standard-sized 0.0475-inch diameter brad nails for quarter rounds.
An 18-gauge brad nail is ideal for a quarter round because it has the correct diameter to fit with no issues and can easily be fastened into place using a brad nail gun. It also won't crack or split the quarter round when driven, which can happen with bigger brad nails.
Brad nails are a critical part of your projects because they will keep your wood pieces in place as you work on them. Choosing the incorrect nail size for the job can be a costly mistake.
What Is The Difference Between A 16-Gauge Brad Nail And An 18-Gauge?
A gauge is a measurement of the thickness of steel wires. A 16-gauge brad nail is 0.064-inch while an 18-gauge is 0.0475-inch thick. This means that a 16-gauge is thicker than an 18-gauge.
Simply put, the lower the gauge number, the thicker the steel wire used.
Since a 16-gauge brad nail is thicker, you can expect it to be more durable and resistant to bending than an 18-gauge brad nail. Nonetheless, it is not recommended for a quarter round because the diameter is big enough to cause the quarter round to crack and split.
What Length Brad Nails For Quarter Round?
When selecting a brad nail length for your quarter round, you'll want the nail to be long enough to provide a decent allowance to fasten itself tightly to the baseboard. This is important because it will keep the quarter round from wiggling after you have attached it.
Most quarter rounds are 0.75 inches in thickness. For best results, you want to select a brad nail that is at least 1.25 inches in length.
A good rule of thumb when determining the right length for any nail is to make sure it is long enough to provide support and stability. Ideally, a brad nail should be thrice as long as the thickness of the quarter round.
Click here to see these Porter Cable brad nails on Amazon.
What Is A Quarter Round?
A quarter round is basically a decorative strip of wood that is used to frame the base of walls in order to create a neat border. It is a decorative frame in carpentry that hides gaps in wall corners and seams between the base of the baseboard and the floor.
The size of the quarter round varies from job to job and requires you to think through what your overall design will be like.
How Do You Fix A Brad Nail That Is Sticking Out?
If you're using a brad nail gun, you can use it to remove a brad nail. Every brad nail gun sold commercially has a nail jam release mechanism feature that conveniently solves this problem. You can also go old school by using pliers to remove an unwanted nail.
What's The Best Way To Fasten An 18-Gauge Brad Nail?
Typically, brad nails are designed to be driven into the wood by a hammer. The trick to getting a good strike without cracking and splitting the quarter round is to drive the hammer at the right angle and direction.
Alternatively, you can also use a brad nail gun instead of a hammer if you don't want to deal with the complexities of the physics behind it. Gone are the days of using hammers to drive brad nails into wood. You can now use a brad nail gun, especially as a brad nail gun is a handy, motorized tool that fires brad nails into wood surfaces.
Brad nail guns are very convenient when installing quarter-round molding because they allow you to attach the quarter rounds without having to pound them into place.
Top 5 Best Brad Nail Guns
1. Neu Master Pneumatic Brad Nailer
The best way to ensure a perfect finish every time is with a quality brad nailer. The Neu Master Pneumatic brad nailer, with its quality brads and accessories, comes with everything you need to get the job done right.
With a 100-nail capacity, it will hold more nails in reserve for when you need them. Plus the tool-free jam release mechanism means quick and easy removal of any nail that is sticking out or placed incorrectly, saving you valuable time and energy.
Click here to see this Neu Master Pneumatic Brad Nailer on Amazon
2. Porter Cable Cordless Brad Nailer
If you're tired of lugging a heavy nail gun around, the Porter Cable cordless brad nailer has a lightweight and compact design that makes it easy to carry around.
This cordless, battery-powered brad nailer delivers a consistent, powerful burst of energy in every shot, while the light and portable design allows you to quickly and easily position and shoot your nails.
Click here to see this Porter Cable cordless brad nailer on Amazon.
3. Wen Pneumatic Brad Nailer
The Wen pneumatic brad nailer offers the perfect combination of versatility and precision. With a standard nail capacity of 106, this pneumatic brad nailer is capable of delivering strong, fast, and accurate results for a wide range of applications.
The quick-release feature allows for ease of use and the nose latch can clear jammed nails in seconds.
Click here to see this Wen pneumatic brad nailer on Amazon.
4. Arrow Electric Brad Nailer
This electric nailer's compact design and comfortable handle will allow you to easily finish any project, whether it is carpentry or electrical, with just one easy tool. The adjustable power setting ensures you have the perfect amount of power for any job.
Further, the ergonomic and comfortable design allows you to work comfortably and safely. The sturdy construction makes this the perfect tool to use on any project.
Click here to see this Arrow electric brad nailer on Amazon.
5. Dewalt Brad Nailer
The Dewalt brad nailer is a professional quality tool that will fit the needs of most handymen. It includes a carrying case and a belt hook, so you can take it anywhere.
The tool is ideal for those who are looking for a fast nailer for DIY projects around the house. It is very useful in both commercial and residential construction.
It also comes with a nail jam release mechanism. This mechanism allows the removal of jammed nails in a snap.
Click here to see this Dewalt brad nailer on Amazon.
How Do You Use Brad Nails In A Brad Nail Gun?
Each brad nailer is unique and may have different configurations that call for a different set of instructions. If you are a first-time user, you might need to read the manual that comes with your nail gun to learn how to use it.
However, the concept is fairly simple: just look for the slot where you can load the brad nails and make sure the inside is free from any obstruction.
In Closing
Since we have covered everything you need to know about securing your quarter round, you should now have a good idea about the right size of brad nails to use after reading this article.
We look forward to reading your comments in the comment section below. We always love to hear from our readers!
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