Compared to hammering nails by hand, using an electric nail gun is easier and safer.
Plus, it offers greater precision.
However, what punch in of nail gun should you use?
Today, there are two major types of nailers, which are straight and angled finish nailers.
These two tools have several differences, especially in functionality.
So, what are the differences between an angled finish nailer and a straight finish nailer?
What is an Angled Finish Nailer?
An angled finish nailer uses an angled magazine.
Keep in mind that this tool requires collated nails with an angle that corresponds to the nail guns magazine.
There are two angled finish nailers, which are FN and DA styles.
Pros:
Able to Reach Corners An angled finish nailer has a magazine that is angled back.
Because of this feature, you’re free to drive the tool into tight spaces.
Lighter An angled finish nailer is a bit smaller compared to straight nailers.
For this reason, the angled version is easier to use because of its lighter weight.
For instance, if youre connecting fragile or thin materials, a 16-gauge nail is preferred.
However, for bigger projects, the 15-gauge nail of an angled finish nailer is better.
Price Compared to a straight finish nailer, an angled finish nailer is more expensive.
Even so, their price difference is not that much.
What is a Straight Finish Nailer?
A straight finish nailer comes with a straight magazine, and it uses a 16-gauge nail.
Its magazine is usually attached to the front of the nail gun.
This feature makes it quite efficient; however, it also takes extra space.
However, if youre working on a bigger project, using small nails will not be enough.
Price A straight finish nailer is more affordable than an angled finish nailer.
Remember, the magazine of this tool is angled.
As such, it can reach tight areas without hindrances.
On the other hand, a straight finish nailer has a straight magazine, which gets in the way.
Also, it has a shorter nose, so it is unable to reach constricted areas.
Nail Size
As mentioned, the nail used by these two nail guns varies.
To be specific, a straight finish nailer utilizes a small nail, which is a 16-gauge nail.
On the other hand, an angled finish nailer uses bigger nails, specifically 15-gauge nails.
In terms of nail size, the nail gun that you will use will depend on your project.
For instance, if youre connecting thick materials, youll need stronger and bigger nails.
As such, an angled finish nailer is preferred for bigger projects.
A straight finish nailer, on the other hand, is best suited for small projects.
To be specific, this tool is preferred if youre connecting thin or fragile materials.
Weight
Compared to a straight finish nailer, an angled finish nailer has lighter weight.
For this reason, the angled finish nailer is easier to use and carry.
A straight finish nailer, on the other hand, is bulkier.
For this reason, it is cumbersome to carry around.
To explain further, this tool has an angled driver that allows it to shoot nails at an angle.
However, it’s crucial that you tilt the tip of the tool.
Unfortunately, the nails can miss their target, which may result in unwanted accidents.
The reason is that the angled finish nailer is more functional than its straight counterpart.
The same goes with the nails.
A 15-gauge nail is more expensive than a 16-gauge nail.
For example, if you better reach tight spaces, then an angled finish nailer is recommended.
