Choose Wisely: Learn the Difference Between a Nail Set and Nail Gun.

When it comes to the construction of homes, selecting the right tool for the job is the key for a successful project. The two most used tools for this type of job are a nail set and a nail gun. Although their purpose is the same — in which they are both used to drive nails into the surface of the wood — they have a big difference when it comes to selection as to which one should be used in particular tasks.

Nail sets are best used in making furniture since they guarantee a smooth finish to the nails that are being driven into the surface of the wood. This is essential in making not just any kind of furniture but delicate pieces of furniture as the nail set prevents any kind of cracking on the wood surface. In addition, a nail set can also penetrate stubborn nails that stick out, to ensure a hazard-free environment.

When it comes to the installation of wooden tiles, beams, joists, and shingles, the use of a nail gun is more preferred over a nail set. This is because of the speed in which the nails are driven on the surface of the wood, and the fact that it can accommodate larger sized of nails. That being said, use of a nail gun leaves visible indentations on the surface of the material — which is acceptable since most of them would be covered with boards anyway — and allows beams and joists to remain intact, despite their thickness. For shingle installation, a nail gun can support the thickest kinds of nails and the widest kind of wooden material.

In conclusion, although both the nail set and nail gun serve the same purpose of driving nails onto a particular surface, their use still varies. For making furniture and driving stubborn nails, a nail set is the best option while for installation of wooden tiles, ceiling and wall boards, and shingles, a nail gun is the preferred choice as it saves more time and energy while providing a secure staple on the areas needed to be joined. Nail sets, however, should always be in hand to ensure safety due to their capacity to penetrate those stubborn nails that can be hazardous.