Sizes and Types of Fasteners
Gauges
The gauge of a staple or a nail is measured by the diameter of the stem, or leg. Even if the pin is headless, the gauge is relative to the pin itself. So, as the numbers of gauges go up, the thinner they become. For example, a 15-gauge nail is actually slightly thicker than a 16-gauge nail. This also applies to staples.
Brads
A brad is defined as a nail with a rectangular cross section and a flat tip, with a small head. However, the different terms of nails, pins, etc. often change within cultures and can be up for interpretation. Brads can be used for either 1st Fix or 2nd Fix work, depending on the gauge of the nail. Thicker nails (smaller gauge) are used in 1st Fix work, while the thinner nails (larger gauge) are used in 2nd Fix work, also known as Finishing.
Finish
A finish nail is slender with a small, sphere-shaped head, used for finish work. The nail is driven slightly beneath the surface and then covered up for cosmetic purposes. Finishing is also known as 2nd Fix work.
| Gauges | Diameter | Common Uses | Sizes Available |
| 23-gauge | 0.64 mm | Beading, Moulding | 12-28 mm |
| 21-gauge |
0.84 mm | Beading, Moulding | 15-30 mm |
| 18-gauge |
1.25 mm | Moulding, Trim, Furniture, Windows, etc. | 10-50 mm |
| 16-gauge | 1.6 mm | Skirting, Architraves | Straight: 20-64 mm Angled: 32-64 mm |
| 15-gauge | 1.9 mm | Trim, Furniture, Paneling, Cabinets, etc. | Angled: 25-64 mm |
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