Brad nailers and finish nailers get confused due to their similar looks, but they have key differences in price, purpose, and size. A nail gun can greatly increase your efficiency on the job, but ...

The brad nailer runs 5/8" to 1 1/4" brads. I use both sizes, it really depends on what I'm doing, but mostly I use the 1 1/4". I haven't used the finish nailer yet.

A better approach is to cut a narrow slot in a piece of cardboard that's just smaller than the nail shank. Use this to hold the brad and keep your fat fingers a safe distance away—no offense. 2.

It is the heftiest of the nail family. In order of decreasing size of the cross-section of the nail shaft, you’ll find the box, casing, finish, and brad nails.