Is It Safe To Use A Brad Nailer In This Application?

AceOfSpades

I am about to build some shelving with simply 2x4's and MDF.

Is it safe to use a 2" brad nailer to fasten the 2x4's together or should I use screws?

My concern is that with the brad nailer, the shelving might not be as strong.

What do you think?

wink

i'd go with screws. i don't believe you have a chance that a half inch of trim nail will hold 2x4's together.

MALCO.New.York

Let us begin here.

Intuition is the greater part of knowledge and yours says "brads just will not do."



What do you think?

A brad nailer for ANYTHING structural is not even an option. 1/4 inch penetration of a brad will not hold ca-ca.

This is not a question that needed to be asked.

But then again "the only stupid question........"


:-)


MARK

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firemike

I go with the screws. Do it right the first time, you won't have to do it again!

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genecarp

no brads

stp57

I think Ace of Spades is messing with us. I do like to use 2 1/2" finish nails from my cordless to hold things together till I screw it or till the glue sets.
Steve

john5mt

Whats the shear strength of a 2" brad?

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FramingFanatic

Only problem with screws is that they have a relatively weak shear strength in comparison to nails. If you are not using the shelf to house sumo wrestlers than you should be fine with the screws.

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tyler

certainly screws are the stronger choice also allowing for disassembly and i would predrill and countersink all screws.

Snobird

It would depend on what you are using the brads for. If you want to shoot the mdf down to a 2x4 ledger you should be fine. You surely wouldn't want a framing nail or screw hear sticking out of the face of a shelf. Now if you are using the brad nail to create a shell with the 2x4 you would just be silly thinking that would hold.

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TempestV

It all depends on the screw- drywall screws snap like nothing, but hardened steel screws are another story.

72chevy4x4

I've done this a number of times-its a cheap alternative and relatively quick. Lowes sells laminated particle board (white melamine I think) in various widths including a convenient 16" width. Use outdoor 3" scrwes for screwing the 2" side of the 2x4 to the studs. I've ripped a 2x4 and used one 2x2 on the wall and one as the front lip of the shelf-for that use some glue and brads (crown staple would be better).

AtlanticWBConst

Use wood screws (not drywall screws) and glue.

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trav007

Brads will be more than adequit if you remember one simple word....DADO.

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Tom R

Right, - - or he could even cut segmented (inside) MDF sides to mimic the same effect.

Tom R

Brad nails are for 'attaching', - - not supporting.