A thin, short nail with a small head, used especially in carpentry and woodworking for fastening delicate materials.
Possibly from Old Norse 'broddr' meaning 'spike' or 'point,' though the exact origin is uncertain. The word has been used in English since at least the 17th century to describe these small fastening nails used in fine woodwork and craftsmanship.
Brads are an invisible hero of construction—they hold together picture frames, delicate furniture, and decorative trim without leaving obvious holes or scars. Carpenters often say a brad is to fine woodworking what a period is to writing: essential but meant to be barely noticed.
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