9 BRAD NAIL MISTAKES (and how to avoid them!)

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Check Out the ULTIMATE CARPENTRY CHECKLIST!! *Get your free interactive ebook here* : www.thehonestcarpenter.com/the-ultimate-carpentry-checklist This *150-item Visual Glossary* covers every important topic in carpentry. Check off the tools you have, the concepts you understand. And if you don't know a topic, just click on it for an explanation. Every carpenter and DIYer needs this free guide!

[@wc5359]

Dude, this video is perfect. I usually hate when someone loves to hear themselves talk too much at the beginning and doesn't get to the point. You got straight to the point and moved on to the next thing. I never write anything in the comment section but I needed to applaud you and give you encouraging credit. I wish you were my KZbin guy to explain everything in life.

[@TIMAFEY2]

Finally, a decent video explaining in detail about brad nailers cause we ain't all experts. Thank you very much sir.

[@michaels3003]

Maybe you don't understand what the word decent means... This is an excellent video.

[@glenpaul3606]

I should have watched this before yesterday. I was Brad nailing some miter joints because I didn't have any other way to hold them together. I had my hand holding the joints as I shot in the Brad nails. One of those 2" nails must have been directed by the wood grain out the side and it managed to go through my thumb...in the top of my thumb and out the side. OUCH ! Lesson number 5 learned the hard way.

[@josey414772]

First time using my brad nailer. I watched 10 videos amd didn't get questions answered. This answered everything and gave me extra to take note of. Awesome!!thanks

[@webera]

I am beginner and this was really helpful. I feel anyone starting to use a nailer should watch this video. :)

[@allanhughes7859]

110% vid Well done sensible comments and very sensible advice For anyone just starting out using these tools this is probably the only vid you need to see !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@maggiev4456]

Sooo helpful! I recently (finally) bought a small compressor to use on DIY projects at home including installing baseboards, moulding, light woodworking, etc. What a lifesaver - wish I had bought one years ago. This video was really informative and useful as I begin the various projects. Lots of good-to-know stuff especially with regard to nail length and compressor pressure. I was using too much pressure on one project causing the nails to just shoot all the way through the material failing to hold it in place. Shoud have watched your video first!

[@carguybd]

I am truly grateful for your clear and straightforward instructional videos. I have learned a lot watching dozens of them. They’re my go-tos because I know that they are condensed and efficient training methods. Well done!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you, Brian! 🙂

[@joew.1274]

@@TheHonestCarpenter I got a new battery Dewalt 18 gauge because I thought the old one had a problem but I noticed the new one still stops shooting out around the last 8 nails??

[@adub43ify]

For a novice and weekend warrior like myself. This was as simple and informative as I needed it. Nice job and thanks

[@AlanKeck-r5z]

Excellent info. Great delivery ... quick, concise with great visuals. THIS is how I want all KZbin videos to be.

[@kenball8526]

Super tutorial dude! Painters tape on the end is brilliant!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you Ken! Saved me a lot of wood filling over the years 🙂

[@joseluisruiz3789]

Wow this the best video on KZbin that has the best explanation in Detail on how to use a Brad Nail gun. Thank you. I'm about to buy my first 18 gauge Brad nailer and wanted to learn how to properly use it. This was a BIG help.

[@winkfinkerstien1957]

Thanks! I finally bought a brad nailer and this really helps to keep me safe in my workshop. An old retiree like me needs info like this! An old dog CAN learn new tricks. LOL. 😎👍🏻

[@kevinsingh5242]

Absolutely Loved the NO NONSENSE APPROACH. STRAIGHT TO THE POINTS

[@flyfishingpiper4976]

Really good tips for a newbie on a brad nailer thank you!!!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

@Heavyrain 420 You're welcome! Thanks for watching :)

[@helloharris4]

To avoid possible nail blowout, be sure to shoot the nails perpendicular to the underlying stock. Look at time 00:43. Turn the nail gun vertical, less chance the nail could come out of the finished piece. At time 2:41, that's a much better way to shoot a nail. As nails are going into the underlying stock, they tend to bend to the left or right. The Spring out example at 2:52 is a great case in point (no pun intended), and a better reason to turn that gun 90 degrees in order to avoid spring out. Same thing at 3:16. Turn that gun 90 degrees. Great informational video.

[@harmonymerideth1455]

I’m insanely grateful 🤩 I found your video. Learning to use my new Ryobi Brad nailer before putting together my first real wood project!! GREAT tips that I hadn’t seen from others~> yet seem extremely important‼️ More experienced woodworkers may take them for “common knowledge”however this greenhorn really needed to hear them!!🤓Thank You!!

[@MikeWMiami]

Great video! I use 18 g nailer from time to time and by watching your video, I learned a lot.

[@capti443]

Good discussion! The potential for blow-out by the brad following growth rings can also greatly be reduced by orienting the wedge of the brad by keeping the nail gun perpendicular to the stock whenever possible. If the length of brad belt / nailgun is parallel to the axis of the growth rings, they are much more likely to follow them.

[@bredlo]

Dynamite video. Straightforward, covered all the mistakes I was concerned about, and didn’t waste anyone’s time. Thanks!

[@thatgirl6671]

OMG! Top #6 is really a good one, thanks! I never thought to check for any loose nails.

[@pyrofful]

Thanks the tip about checking to be sure one nail wasn't left over from old job was helpful as well as the sharp angle. Good video!

[@adaml7502]

If you're shooting a stubborn trim board to a wall with no wood behind the sheetrock to grab. Close the gap by shooting two adjacent nails at opposite angles for a stronger hold

[@mattpearce5294]

If you are shooting anything to sheetrock with no timber behind it you shouldn't be shooting

[@thinkdunson]

@@mattpearce5294 sometimes you have no choice. some jobs do not allow time or materials for adding something behind the sheetrock. so alternating angle nailing is the only way to ensure a tight fit for trim.

[@haydenpatstone2849]

Yeah, like this \/ if it were going into drywall

[@ThaGreatestAlexander]

yea and add some glob of adhesive, silicone or construction adhesive etc

[@winkfinkerstien1957]

Nice tip!

[@STANDRDUSER]

My uncle bought me an 18 gauge Metabo HPT for my birthday for small project use, and I’m just trying to pick up the tricks before I get into it. My first project is building sound panels with rockwool. I appreciate the insight.

[@susannebrunberg4174]

Omg, this was the perfect video for me! Just bought a brad nailer, and I am a complete beginner... Thank you so much for this, it was really good to watch what you shouldn't do!!!

[@chaday7]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am hoping to do my first DIY project and will use a nail gun and having this information is so helpful!

[@marlenerafidi7737]

Thanks, Ethan! Really great video. Clear and professional. You’re the first and only KZbinr I’ve ever subscribed to!

[@bigfootseahawk5686]

You nailed it in this very informative video .thanks man.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

@BigFoot Seahawk You're welcome! Thanks so much for the positive feedback 😀

[@apatterson8128]

Never thought about the last nail in the chamber before changing the size. Thank You!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

@A Patterson You're welcome! I've learned that one the hard way more than once 😅

[@chrissammels5444]

Alternatively, after changing length, nail into scrap until the new length emerges.

[@winkfinkerstien1957]

Yes, I have never thought about this either. I'm a newbie. LOL.

[@misterbil4637]

You forgot zee one in zee chamber???

[@Republic_nf]

Thanks brother! Working with Kebony and had a blow out. I didn't have much room for error. You saved me.

[@EmeyMendez]

Safety should of be the first priority for every one. And you have nailed a few steps here. Very good tips. Thank you for your advise

[@denniscrumbley8274]

I have the same Porter Cable battery brad nailer. It is also one of my favorite tools. I use it all the time.

[@timd5127]

Great video. I owned the porter cable hated it... and one note is when i switched to metabo or hitachi brushless 18 and 15 g that is a real game changer. Makes the porter cable look like a toy

[@michaelfessenden1146]

good info, thanks. i've just recently revived my old hobby of woodworking and although i've used air nailers a little, my experience is limited. i just ordered a brad nailer and a pin nailer, so this was a good video for me to watch.

[@capcanucks]

Your videos have been super helpful; thanks! Often times the simple (yet important) things aren’t covered - not the case here!

[@NearbyCactus]

Great video! The one thing I'd add is in relation to spring out. Hopefully I'm remembering this correctly (I always have to stop & think to remember!), but they are much more likely to bend to the side than fore and aft. Knowing this, you can minimise risk by holding the gun perpendicular to the material you are pinning to, so if it does spring out you aren't going to see it. It will still be embedded in the wood.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

@Tim Elley Thanks Tim! You're right--plain sawn wood tends to have a grain that forces the brad through the wider faces of the board. So, truly vertical nailing is your best bet. And sometimes it still bends a brad out. Thanks for watching!

[@genekhart]

The Honest Carpenter. I think you missed Tim’s point. The way the head of the brads are cut makes them move perpendicular to the direction of the gun.

[@TrevorDennis100]

Yes. As Eugene is saying, the brads have a chisel point which gives them a chamfer on each side. It's that chamfer that can deflect the brad when it hits harder grain. Turning the nailer 90° to the grain puts the flat sides of the brad towards the grain.

[@jasonbrundage5107]

I just bought the same 20 v Porter Cable brad nailer and I love it a total game changer and I don't have to carry my compressor all over the job site

[@michaelpoyntz774]

Very cool video. I'm about to use Brad nailer first time this morning, I feel your info made me feel much more informed about what NOT to do!

[@giovannidicapo6213]

They're great for pre-framing small framing jobs. You can undo any mistakes before or proceed with final 3" nails or screws.

[@joytotheworld2100]

I'm a novice and just learning woodworking. Bought a decent used battery nailer. Put up new door trim and love the ease of usage. Your advice is great. Gotta go...trim awaits!!

[@TheDawnofVanlife]

I am doing a mobile tiny house build and learning so much from your channel.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

That’s great to hear, Dawn! Good luck with the build, work safe 🙂

[@taheelur1]

Here's another protip for you: Brads won't come flying out the sides of your work piece if you turn the gun sideways. The tips of brads are sort of a wedge shape, so by orienting your gun so the wedge is cutting through the wood fibers instead of spreading them apart, the brad will go straight and never fish hook out the sides. This is also a good trick to use when you're nailing close to the edge of a work piece where it might split. It took me a long time to figure this out, and I've never met anyone else that knows about it.

[@winkfinkerstien1957]

Great tip. Thanks!

[@ericfransen1309]

even when hand nailing finish nails, the finish nails when they are stamped have a cutting edge to them, orient it across the grain and you will minimize splits. You can see the line also across the head of the finish nail.

[@rogerdickinson920]

@taheelur I noticed that at the beginning and at 3:00 plus after that. The tips are chiseled, if he turns the gun 90 degrees, the pins will tend not to blow out the side. This is the sign of a rookie or someone who doesn't know or care. When this happens in window trim it makes it difficult to repair, How do you pull the pins out as most 'finishers' load only with 2" for everything. You can't grab the head to pull it out and the edge of the liner is blown out. Putting a putty knife on the face of the liner and small vice grips or? and pull it thru. Fill with wood filler and sand..Generally Dap which leaves a depression. What a pain

[@BradleyBuiltWoodcraft]

Goddamn I was watching him explain blow out and how to avoid it while doing the number one thing that causes it to happen

[@rogerdickinson920]

@@BradleyBuiltWoodcraft the problems blowouts cause right beside a window. Liner blown out and if 2 or 3 brads don’t do the job 10 will. What a mess trying not to crush trim pulling out a 2” brad when a 1 1/8” would be adequate.🇨🇦

[@jontnoneya3404]

Really helpful for those of us who've never used these before. Thanks for another great vid. Your vids are really helping me learn. Thanks man!!

[@theresedignard4267]

Thanks, I needed that knowledge. Never knew a straggler could be left behind when you change sizes either. Thanks for sharing.

[@alwhiting7986]

I just bought my first brad nailer so I really appreciate all the tips. Thanks for the video.

[@Pallidus_Rider]

I like the use of subtitles and voiceover - this makes for a more polished video. Too many times have I seen video with wind noise, etc.

[@terrywilliams9924]

Agreed ! Much easier to listen to. Thanks "Honest Carpenter"

[@christen1075]

What a well made video. Answered a lot of questions I wouldn't even think of asking. Good job.

[@nancysue3804]

Awesome video! Am picking up the Porter- Cable through your link! I also appreciate how your commenting audience is communicating without hate (I know you can't control that), but just an observation! I'm a member of some FB quilt groups, and they are ruthless!

[@ronh9384]

Always point the gun in a safe direction when hooking up an air hose and test a gun and it’s safety features after a repair. Several years ago I had a 18 gauge brad nailer repaired by a local tool repair center. When I got it back I put nails in the gun, hooked an air hose set to the correct pressure and a nail fired and bounced off the concrete floor. Luckily I had safety glasses on and no one else was around. I took it outside and with the nail gun pointed towards the grass the same thing happened two more times. I did a function/safety test and everything else worked fine. They had repaired the original problem but created another. I took the gun back and they corrected the problem free of charge. The gun has functioned fine ever since. Ron

[@slvice14]

This is really good information for someone like me who is a complete beginner. Thanks for posting this It's giving me a lot to consider

[@mikedriscoll5324]

Great tip on the tape. I didn't have a plastic adapter. It worked well.

[@floyd4311]

I am a wood working novice and found this video very helpful. Thank you for the great work!

[@jonlynn1864]

Simple, to the point, no fluff, great job

[@ucandomaths]

Really useful to know these as I am new to woodworking and have just purchased my first Brad nailer.

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Enjoy it, Stephen. Stay safe!

[@markp1512]

great video , I'm thinking about buying one for projects . I saw someone else's video & he mentioned yours , so I had to watch & learn & subscribe . Thanks for sharing these types of mistakes to avoid .

[@LarryB-inFL]

Hi! I think you missed something in "Mistake #4", by not mentioning brad orientation. As you know, the nail bends much easier left/right (from the gun perspective) than fore/aft. Shoot the nail so if it curves, it stays in the material (eg, on a board edge, shoot with the gun at right angles to the edge.

[@garymurawski1476]

Nice! I am still trying to get comfortable with my first air tool project.

[@topshecaydoreo8391]

I am in the process of purchasing a bradnail gun. Thank you for keeping it simple and straight forward for someone like me who is a novice in this area!

[@MPDsQT1]

Great advice, I will definitely incorporate it into my projects

[@tedwilliford7218]

I have an electric DeWalt stapler that also drives 18ga brads and works like a charm. also have a porter cable driven by compressed air. did a project last week with the porter cable and wish I had seen this video first. I made many mistakes with the worst being using brads that were too long for the wood being used. also, want to mention - do not break a strip and put two separate strips into the mailer. I did this and they got crosswise in the mailer and jammed up. it took me two hours to get the jam out using channel lock pliers. it was like pulling teeth. always use just one strip and check it often to make sure they don't get sideways in the tool.

[@palmsandboars]

This video is so clear and easy to understand. Thanks.

[@joedanero5360]

I'm new to brad nailers. This was great and to the point.

[@flyingfirescape]

so the check your magazine one is super good to know and I've never considered it.... also brad nails tens to flex more side to side in comparison to front to back so to avoid the blow out situation it also helps to shoot with your back board ( in a 90 degree situation) facing sideways in relation to the tip of the gun

[@billyblackie9417]

Great tips. I got an electric nail gun and learning how to use it in different ways. I use glue with the nail gun to hold in place temporarily and find I don't know why I never had one before but the ones I did have were hand held with no power and I had to hammer each nail in fully after and a bit of a pain. What I'm trying to figure out now is matching where the nail comes out of the gun to where exactly I want it to penetrate the wood but hard to line it up correctly great video

[@hfdny37]

Great tips! I've made many of those mistakes over the years. Especially working fast and not keeping hands in safe area. Ouch!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

@JC Moreno Thanks man! I've definitely pinged myself with some brads before. Never fun, best avoided! 😅

[@juliedeane9541]

Just learning woodworking and my s-dad has given me free range of his garage (shop). He has so many tools. Sadly he is bed bound and on hospice so I’m trying to finish a couple projects to show him so he will know his tools are in good hands that know how to use them. We worked on cars together, but he started woodworking more when I was older, working and had my daughter so I couldn’t learn from him. My bio dad just passed. I learned many life lessons from him as well, and soldering. Unfortunately never enough time to learn everything before they leave you. So thank you for this information, it’s already helping me

[@stephanpetranker8994]

Thank you for taking the time to make another great video. Some thoughts....1. How do you decide what gauge brad to use, particularly 18 vs 16? 2. I find that when orienting the gun 90 degrees to the grain minimizes the chance of the nail bending out...

[@matthewblundell1118]

Hey buddy, was thinking it was.a video with tips for the pros ,but it wasn't and I learnt more.than you could believe........about non pro stuff that I think everyone knows about, but they don't.......so it's really a hands on first hand encounter for those who have never held a nail gun......

[@billsmith1305]

I knew there had to be some way to consistently avoid those toe marks (bruising). You touched on that #2. Its a new gun and I think the toe is a bit thin and sharp. I'll pick up a soft tip or use some tape next time I use it. Thanks for a concise and quality video!

[@woodytheman2497]

Excellent video. Short and too the point. Great presentation.

[@keystonedaytrip238]

Excellent stuff 👍🏼 I just bought a DeWalt 20V 18g brad nailer -- these tips will serve me well

[@jeffmiller8950]

Really enjoying your videos! You break it down to simple and easily understandable examples that are very useful. As a DIY person, there is no doubt I learn something from each of them. Thanks for the time and effort you put in doing them!

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Thank you Jeff! I appreciate you watching.

[@reelmrj]

very basic stuff but it's a great video non the less and thank you for the time to put it togther, refreshers never get old.

[@psycheinc-theSLC]

An absolutely brilliant video - my goodness you were so clear and concise - refreshing to see on You Tube! I've just bought a Titan TTB517STP but unfortunately the homes in the UK are built with brick and I was hoping to do wall mounting but this product cannot do that, or so it says in the manual. So I need to get a nailer that can penetrate wood and concrete. If you have any advice please let me know. Thanks again! Psyche aka Psyche Thompson Uk 🌹

[@SeanReifschneider]

ProTip: If you shoot out the side, the brads will break just below the surface if you bend them and work them back and forth. I was adding some trim to cabinets and had a brad hit one of the fasteners and come out the face. A cabinetmaker friend happened by and showed me that trick. Works like a charm!

[@Cyber_Rigger]

Also, rotate you gun 90° so "sideways" runs along the board. The flat nails tend to curve left and right more than up and down.

[@cduque7108]

Good video, for beginners and intermediate levels.

[@ssarraf6855]

Thanks honestly!! One suggestion in your mistake #6, when replacing nail magazine, remove the battery to prevent any accidental discharge!! These tools have a capacitor that could have some energy stored in them. Thanks again and keep up the great work.

[@harriettedaisy2233]

10: Make sure you are using the correct gauge. I work in a large box store and I have had so many customer come in with jammed up nailers that have been using the wrong gauge and/or angle brad/nail.

[@briand2614]

I searched for solutions to punch out and your video came up. Trying to fix my DIY mistakes. Thanks. Getting out of my truck right now to go in and by some different length brads. 👍

[@TheHonestCarpenter]

Awesome Brian! I also did a video on fixing punch out pretty easily 🙂

[@poletste1]

Love the video! However for length of nail I've always heard the 60 40 rule. Stating that you want 60% of the nail to be in the medium you are nailing into.

[@ea5533]

Thanks for the tips buddy. I just brought my first Bradnailer ( it's a Ryobi) and I'm super excited to use it. I watched your video first and I'm super glad I did?

[@JimmyFlim]

FYI, I've had the Ryobi brad nailer for almost 3 years now. Tip: if your nailer starts getting "stuck"... just making a winding sound and not firing, you need to turn down the depth dial in the nailer and it'll work again. I spent many hours taking mine apart, oiling parts, etc, only to find that it's something goofy with these things that requires you to dial down a bit after having not used it for a long time. No idea why.

[@lorrenaelliott161]

Sams !!

[@PapaJoeWalsh]

Great video as always. Waiting for my first nailer to arrive tomorrow, so very timely video. Thanks!

[@HeavyK.]

Cool! I've been trying to figure out how to avoid bruising the wood. Thanks for the tips. And I'll definitely get the Porter Cable for the next gun.

[@saturnus3]

Thanks for these tips. I am new with this tool, so this means a lot to me!

[@dollymansuri2936]

Thank you. My brad nails were not going all the way in and there is literally a knob that I could rotate to choose the depth. I feel like an idiot but you saved me a good amount of money.

[@michaelbluejay]

Excellent, as usual. I learn so much from THC.

[@elizabethmorgan2513]

extremely helpful as a beginner.

[@bonniedavis9076]

Excellent video. Absolutely the best I've seen. Great work!

[@rmlevyPhD]

Great pointers for anyone thinking about buying a brad nailer

[@jamesmosely5170]

I just brought my new "18" this was very helpful. Thank you !!!

[@thomasclarke8220]

Excellent video! If, like me , you are new to using an air nailer you will learn some very valuable lessons here.

[@christophervela5447]

Very good detailed info on Brad nails

[@hubertdo4012]

Thanks for this video. Planning on redoing my pantry shelves and this video was very helpful... first time using a brad nailer

[@ModernNeandertal]

I just bought a brad nailer and hope to keep injury free so thanks for the information.

[@timdouglass9831]

Been using brad nailers for a long time but learned a couple of things and was reminded of some. I honestly don't think I've ever had a brad stick in the chamber when I've changed sizes, but I also tend to be using the same size for extended jobs and may not change sizes for weeks or months. I may start paying more attention.

[@osareafallire]

Just got one and I'm about to start using it on a bedside table so this appeared in my recommended at a timely moment. Thx.

[@BGP369]

2:46 Spring Out is lessened if you shoot with the gun perpendicular to the wood exterior surface. The nails are much more likely to bend leftright not topbottom of the nailer because they are not share but rectangle shape.

[@rom5285]

Good presentation. Used brad nailer a lot, but learned some new tips anyway.

[@Canosa612]

Great video and excellent tutorial for brad nailer newbies like me. Thanks.