What is the difference between an angle and straight finish nailers?

Over the last few decades, revolutionary changes have happened to different woodworking tools. Because of the advancement of these tools, woodworkers can accomplish various tasks more precisely and efficiently.

When you need to drive hundreds of nails regularly, a nail gun is the most time-saving tool that you will find. Earlier, woodworkers were unable to afford nail guns because they were expensive.

In recent times, nail guns are inexpensive, and they come with advanced features. Many different guns are available in the market, and each gun has a unique strength in accomplishing certain types of jobs.

We asked our experienced and skilled carpenters which nail gun is better, angled, or finish nailer straight. Based on the information, we made this piece, angled vs straight finish nailer. Read this write-up intently.

What is Angled Finish Nailer?

This nailer magazine is angled, and its design makes it eligible to fit itself in a tight place and drive the nail to a hard surface, which is why it is called finish nailer angled. This nailer is compatible with using thick nails, and thus it can joint those hard places strongly. 15-gauge is its nail size, which is much larger and more significant compared to other nailers.

Moreover, its magazine has enough space that allows you to use large nails in them. Angled finish nailers are the best tool for making cabinets.

Key feature:

• Lightweight.
• Can shoot pin at the right position.
• User-friendly.
• Easy to operate.
• Compatible in working in a narrow space.

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What is a Straight Finish Nailer?

The position of the magazine in a straight finish nailer is straight. 16-gauge is the nail size of straight nailers, and they are thinner. 

Being thin nails, these types of nails are hardly visible on an exposed surface. To get the best result while doing trimming work, pick a finish nailer straight.

Key Feature:

• Simple design.
• Affordable price tag.
• Used nails are thin.
• Nail size: 16-gauge.

For getting buying decision we reviewed top-rated Pneumatic Finish Nailer.

Comparison Chart – Finish Nailer Angled vs. Straight

Also, read: 23-Gauge Pin Nail Gun for Carpentry

Detail Comparison Table of Angled Finish Nailer vs Straight Finish Nailer:

Features	Finish Nailer Angled	Finish Nailer Straight
Magazine position	Angled against the main body of the nail gun.	Straightly positioned to the main body of the nail gun.
Nail size	16-gauge.	15-gauge.
Nailhead shape	T-shaped.	D-shaped.
Weight	Lightweight.	Bulky.
Working area	Suitable for compact and tight space.	Good pick for shooting nails on exposed surfaces.
Portability	Easily portable.	Portability is not easy, similar to an angled finish nailer.
Price tag	Expensive.	Inexpensive.

Key Differences – Angled vs. Straight Finish Nailer for Beadboard

Nailer Size and Shape

The angled position of the magazine in a finish nailer angled makes it easily fit into compact areas because it slips back towards its user’s hand while holding its grip. As a result, shooting nails in a compact corner becomes easy. For example, this tool comes comfy while mounting crown molding boards.

The variation of the sloping angle is between 21° and 34°. The higher the value is, it creates more sharp angles that fit in tougher spaces, and the tool becomes more compact.

In contrast, the position of the magazine is 90° angle against the main body that gives the nailer a shape of a box. Thus, this nailer can’t be fitted easily in compact areas.

Project Type

In addition to allowing the nailer to fit in compact places, the angel finish nailers can hold larger, high-gauge nails because of the angled magazines and apply sheer force to the wood.

This massive capacity is not an issue because the nozzle doesn’t get blocked by the magazine while positioned at a 90° angle to your wood piece. As a result, this tool is compatible with accomplishing heavy-duty tasks, like making cabinets that require large-sized nails.

In contrast, finish nailer straight are not powerful. Hammering on stripper nails, which are equal or more than 16-gauge, making them best pick for light industrial and construction work. Straight finish nailers are perfect for Installing panels or making a picture frame.

Portability

Fewer materials are used to manufacture finish nailer angled. This way, compared to a finish nailer straight, it is lightweight. Because of its compact design, they are easy to carry and handle.

On the other side of the coin, a finish nailer straight is bulky than an angle finish nailer so that you will face a bit of trouble carrying them from one place to another.

Price

Since finish nailer angled is much more powerful, no doubt that it comes to a much more expensive price tag than a finish nailer straight. Additionally, it uses thick and heavy-duty nails, which are quite challenging to find and costly.

While, if your budget is tight, you should go with a straight nailer. Moreover, for light industrial and construction work, it is best suited.

Read our reviews intently to learn how the Cordless 18 Gauge Brad Nailer can benefit you.

FAQs

All About ANGLED FINISH NAILER VS STRAIGHT FINISH NAILER

What is the advantage of an angled finish nailer?

Advantages of a finish nailer angled are

• Shoot nails in compact places.
• Portable.
• Easy to handle.

What is a straight nailer used for?

A straight nailer is used for

• Making frames.
• Fastening of thin boards.

What are angled finish nails?

Angled finish nails use 16-gauge nails to accomplish a project. The tip of the nail is T-shaped. It is suitable for detailed carpentry or hanging trim.

What is the best finish nailer?

Finish nailers are available with different models. Finish nailers from DEWALT, Makita, Bostitch, Porter-Cable, Numax, etc. are best because of their premium build quality and top-notch performance.

Last Words

Firstly, ask yourself for what type of project you will need a finish nailer. The answer to this question will lead you to pick the right nail for your project and allow you to conclude the debate angled vs. straight finish nailer.

An angle nailer is the best option if you have to handle a project in a tight space and need precise control over the nailer.

And if your project is driving nails into small space and handling a lighter project, without any hesitation, go with a straight finish nailer.

Also, read 18 gauge pneumatic brad nailer from here.