KYA 304 stainless steel 18 gauge brad nails are straight collated finish nails for trim, molding, cabinetry, furniture and other applications where a small fastener profile and increased corrosion resistance are required.
The current specification uses AISI 304 stainless steel with an approximately 2.00 mm head width, 1.25 mm wire width and 1.00 mm thickness. Available lengths cover approximately 13 mm to 57 mm / 1/2" to 2-1/4".
Compared with ordinary uncoated or basic electro-galvanized brads, stainless steel is particularly useful where the fastener may be exposed to moisture, preservative-treated lumber or tannin-rich wood such as cedar and redwood.
AISI 304 stainless steel: provides strong corrosion resistance for suitable indoor, humid, treated-wood and exterior applications.
18 gauge profile: approximately 1.25 × 1.00 mm cross section for smaller fastening marks than heavier finish nails.
2.00 mm head width: compact brad head for trim and finish work.
Chisel point: designed for controlled penetration into suitable wood and trim materials.
Straight strip collation: supplied for compatible 18GA straight-magazine brad nailers.
13–57 mm length range: multiple sizes for trim, cabinetry, molding, furniture and specialty woodworking.
5,000 pcs per box: current standard box quantity published for the stainless product.
316 stainless option: available for applications requiring greater resistance to chloride-rich or more corrosive environments, subject to specification.
Request Stainless Brad Nail Pricing
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fastener Type | Straight Collated Brad Nail |
| Gauge | 18 Gauge |
| Material | AISI 304 Stainless Steel |
| Head Width | Approximately 2.00 mm |
| Wire Width | Approximately 1.25 mm |
| Wire Thickness | Approximately 1.00 mm |
| Length Range | 13–57 mm / 1/2"–2-1/4" |
| Point | Chisel Point |
| Collation | Straight Strip |
| Nails per Stick | 100 pcs |
| Nails per Box | 5,000 pcs |
| Alternative Material | 316 stainless steel available according to application and order specification |
KYA's 18GA F-series uses the same nominal 1.25 × 1.00 mm brad profile across multiple lengths. The stainless product family is specified from 13 mm through 57 mm. Confirm the required stainless size and current packing configuration when ordering.
| Item | Length | Gauge | Wire Profile | Pcs / Stick | Pcs / Box |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F13 | 13 mm / 1/2" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
| F15 | 15 mm / 5/8" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
| F16 | 16 mm / 5/8" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
| F19 | 19 mm / 3/4" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
| F20 | 20 mm / 13/16" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
| F22 | 22 mm / 7/8" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
| F25 | 25 mm / 1" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
| F28 | 28 mm / 1-1/8" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
| F30 | 30 mm / 1-3/16" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
| F32 | 32 mm / 1-1/4" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
| F35 | 35 mm / 1-3/8" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
| F38 | 38 mm / 1-1/2" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
| F40 | 40 mm / 1-9/16" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
| F44 | 44 mm / 1-3/4" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
| F45 | 45 mm / 1-3/4" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
| F50 | 50 mm / 2" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
| F57 | 57 mm / 2-1/4" | 18GA | 1.25 × 1.00 mm | 100 | 5,000 |
The current stainless-steel product page publishes the following detailed carton data for selected lengths. Packing and gross weight can vary by nail length, so confirm the current configuration for the exact size being ordered.
| Item | Length | Pcs / Stick | Pcs / Box | Boxes / Carton | Cartons / Pallet | G.W. / Carton |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F13 | 13 mm / 1/2" | 100 | 5,000 | 30 | 50 | 17.65 kg |
| F15 | 15 mm / 5/8" | 100 | 5,000 | 30 | 50 | 20.05 kg |
| F50 | 50 mm / 2" | 100 | 5,000 | 10 | 50 | 21.8 kg |
| F57 | 57 mm / 2-1/4" | 100 | 5,000 | 10 | 50 | 26.7 kg |
AISI 304 stainless steel combines corrosion resistance with the small profile required for finish carpentry. It is a practical choice where ordinary carbon-steel brads may be exposed to moisture or may react with treated or tannin-rich wood.
Stainless steel does not mean that corrosion is impossible under every environmental condition. Material selection should account for moisture, chloride exposure, chemical treatment in the wood and the service environment.
Cedar and redwood contain natural extractives and tannins that can react with unsuitable metal fasteners and contribute to dark staining around the fastener location.
304 stainless steel is commonly selected for general cedar trim and similar applications because of its corrosion resistance and reduced risk of iron-related staining. The brad size and required holding capacity should still match the trim design and substrate.
Preservative-treated lumber can be more corrosive to metal fasteners than untreated wood. Stainless steel fasteners are commonly specified where greater corrosion resistance is required with ACQ and other copper-based wood preservatives.
The suitability of an 18GA brad also depends on the fastening function. These small finish nails are intended for appropriate trim and finish applications and should not be substituted for structural fasteners where the assembly requires a larger nail, screw or connector.
| Material | Typical Selection | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 304 Stainless Steel | General exterior trim, humid interiors, cedar, redwood and many treated-wood applications. | Good general corrosion resistance; environment and wood treatment still need to be considered. |
| 316 Stainless Steel | Coastal, salt-air, marine-adjacent or other chloride-rich environments where additional corrosion resistance is required. | Higher resistance to chloride-induced pitting than 304; confirm availability for the required brad size. |
304 stainless brads are suitable for many exterior trim and high-humidity applications where an 18GA finish nail provides the required fastening performance.
For locations with direct salt spray, persistent chloride exposure or demanding marine conditions, consider 316 stainless steel and confirm the project or material manufacturer's fastening requirements.
Exterior trim where an 18GA brad is appropriate
Cedar and redwood trim
Pressure-treated lumber trim components
Window and door casing
Crown molding and decorative molding
Cabinet and furniture trim
Bathroom and kitchen trim
Greenhouse and garden furniture components
PVC and composite trim where the trim manufacturer permits brad fastening
Boat interior and protected marine trim where the required material specification permits 304 stainless steel
An 18GA designation alone does not guarantee that every length will fit every 18-gauge brad nailer. Confirm the nailer's accepted gauge, straight-strip profile, head geometry and minimum and maximum fastener length.
| Example Tool Platform | Published Fastener Range | KYA Length Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DCN680 | 18GA, approximately 5/8"–2-1/8" | Many F15–F50 lengths fall within the published length range; F13 and F57 are outside it. |
| DEWALT DWFP12233 | 18GA, approximately 5/8"–2-1/8" | Many F15–F50 lengths fall within the published length range; confirm strip profile before use. |
| Metabo HPT NT1850DF / NT1850DFT | 18GA, approximately 5/8"–2" | F15 through F50 can fall within the published length range; F13 and F57 do not. |
| SENCO F-18XP | 18GA AX / AY style, approximately 5/8"–2-1/8" | Confirm that the KYA strip and head profile match the required AX / AY style before use. |
| BOSTITCH 18GA Brad Nailer | Model-specific | Check the exact BOSTITCH tool model and specified 18GA fastener range before selecting length. |
The complete KYA stainless range extends from 13 mm / 1/2" to 57 mm / 2-1/4". Many mainstream professional 18GA nailers start at approximately 5/8", so the 13 mm size can be shorter than the tool's minimum specification.
Likewise, many common 18GA brad nailers have a maximum capacity of 2" or 2-1/8". The 57 mm / 2-1/4" F57 therefore requires a nailer specifically rated for that length.
Select nail length according to the trim thickness, substrate, required penetration and the nail manufacturer's or material manufacturer's fastening instructions.
Longer is not automatically better. An excessively long brad may exit the substrate, interfere with concealed services or exceed the nailer's magazine specification, while a nail that is too short may not provide sufficient penetration.
| Fastener | Typical Characteristics | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 18GA Brad Nail | Smaller cross section and head, leaving a smaller visible fastening point. | Light trim, molding, cabinetry and finish work. |
| 16GA Finish Nail | Heavier fastener with greater cross section. | Heavier trim and applications requiring more fastening capacity. |
| 15GA Finish Nail | Larger angled or straight finish fastener depending on platform. | Thicker trim and more demanding finish-carpentry connections. |
| Order Information | What to Provide |
|---|---|
| Required Length | Specify F13–F57 or exact metric / inch length. |
| Material | Specify 304 stainless or required alternative material. |
| Nailer Brand and Model | Provide the exact 18GA brad nailer model. |
| Application | Specify trim, molding, cabinet, furniture, cedar, treated lumber or other application. |
| Environment | Specify interior, humid, exterior, coastal or chloride-rich exposure. |
| Wood Treatment | Identify ACQ or other preservative-treated lumber where relevant. |
| Quantity | Provide box, carton, pallet or annual consumption requirement. |
Discuss Your Brad Nail Application
Yes. The current KYA product specification identifies the featured brad nails as AISI 304 stainless steel.
They are 18 gauge brad nails with an approximately 1.25 mm width and 1.00 mm thickness.
The published head width is approximately 2.00 mm.
The stainless product family is specified from approximately 13 mm to 57 mm / 1/2" to 2-1/4". Confirm the exact size required when requesting a quotation.
The current product specification lists 5,000 nails per box, with 100 nails per collated stick.
304 stainless steel provides strong corrosion resistance, but no stainless-steel fastener should be described as completely immune to corrosion under every chemical, chloride and environmental condition.
Yes, for suitable exterior trim and finish applications where an 18GA brad provides the required fastening performance. More aggressive coastal or chloride-rich environments may require 316 stainless steel.
Yes. Stainless steel is commonly selected for cedar because it offers corrosion resistance and helps reduce iron-related staining. Use the fastener type and length required by the specific cedar trim or assembly.
Yes, in appropriate finish applications. Redwood contains tannins that can produce dark staining in contact with corroding iron, so corrosion-resistant fasteners are preferred.
304 stainless steel is used with many preservative-treated lumber systems, including ACQ. The brad itself should only be used where an 18GA finish fastener is appropriate for the connection.
304 stainless is widely used for general exterior applications. For direct salt-air, marine-adjacent or chloride-rich exposure, 316 stainless is generally preferred because of its higher resistance to chloride-induced pitting.
KYA currently lists 316 stainless steel as an available option on request. Confirm the required length and current production availability when ordering.
No. The tool must accept the straight 18GA brad profile and the selected nail length. Minimum and maximum fastener length differ between nailer models.
No. The published DEWALT DCN680 fastener range ends at approximately 2-1/8 inches, so a 2-1/4-inch F57 brad exceeds the stated maximum length.
Many current Metabo HPT 18GA brad nailers are specified for fasteners up to 2 inches, so the 2-1/4-inch F57 is outside those models' published range. Check the exact tool before use.
No. Many professional 18GA nailers have a published minimum fastener length of approximately 5/8 inch, so F13 requires a tool specifically rated for 1/2-inch brads.
Stainless steel helps reduce staining associated with corrosion and iron reactions in woods such as cedar and redwood. Staining can also have other causes, so the full material and finishing system should be considered.
Their relatively small cross section can reduce splitting compared with heavier fasteners, but splitting cannot be ruled out. Wood species, moisture content, edge distance, nail length and grain direction all affect the result.
18GA brad nails are primarily finish fasteners. They should not replace structural nails, screws or connectors when the assembly requires a structural fastening specification.
Yes. Check strip feeding, head profile, drive depth, finished appearance and holding performance in the actual nailer and workpiece before full-volume use.
Provide the required length, quantity, nailer brand and model, application material, indoor or outdoor environment, required stainless grade and destination market.
Ask About 304 Stainless Brad Nails
KYA supplies 304 stainless steel 18 gauge brad nails from 13 mm to 57 mm for fastener distributors, woodworking suppliers, cabinet and furniture manufacturers, trim contractors and other professional users. Send the required brad length, nailer model, application, stainless grade and quantity to confirm the appropriate configuration.
