Crown Stapler vs. Brad Nailer

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Crown Stapler vs. Brad Nailer

Toolboxes become more crowded with every home improvement project. That’s a good thing, because it means that you are paying attention to using the right kind of tool for each task. Some fastening tools look similar but may work better for different tasks. Consider the question of the crown stapler vs. the brad nailer.

What’s the Difference Between a Crown Stapler and Brad Nailer?

Both tools work like powerful nail guns. Typically powered by compressed air (pneumatic), these also now come in electric versions and some battery-powered versions.

One source of confusion is the word “crown.” It doesn’t refer to crown molding but rather to the fastener. Crown staplers use staples. Staples have two legs, unlike single-prong nails. The crown’s width defines the staple’s size. All staples have “crowns,” but they vary by width, by the gauge or thickness of the wire, and by how long their “legs” are. Staple guns, like crown staplers, can drive fasteners deep into wood to the depth of their two-pronged legs.

A brad nailer, by contrast, uses a small, thin nail with almost no head—it’s more like a pin. These kinds of nails fasten molding and trim to walls. These smaller, thinner, often shorter fasteners are useful for more delicate work. This is helpful for areas where putty to cover fasteners or holes is impractical.

Consider Your Materials

Crown staplers are great for upholstery, allowing for a tight stretch of fabric. They fasten fabric to wood on the bottom of chairs and couches, where the staple goes unseen. Staples drive deep and hold firmly, but they can damage wood and leave visible holes when removed. Crown staples are good for holding two different types of materials together, especially where the site of the staple is out of view.

Brad nailers drive thin, nearly headless nails that are less visible. Therefore, they are great for decorative trim and molding. The nails aren’t very strong and don’t go very deeply into thick wood. They can’t support a lot of weight either. Brad nailers are, therefore, better for finishing in visible areas.

As we’ve seen, crown staplers and brad nailers are specialized tools. The great variety of fastening tools runs a spectrum from common office staplers to bindery staplers, to the kind of hammer or slap stapler roofers might use to attach felting. Staple Headquarters can supply a vast array of staplers, nailers, and fasteners for home, office, crafting, or construction projects.