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cast nail gas pedal are keen for build wall , deck , and fences , but they ’re useless in trammel spaces . Palm nailers offer a warm and soft solution to nailing in modest nooks , but they come with their own limitations . late , I take a comprehensive hand - on test to determine thebest palm nailerson the food market , and a Bostitch model took top honors .
Bostitchis renowned for produce high - quality tools that deliver exceptional performance , and itsPN100 K palm naileris no exception . This little handheld nailer provides the exponent and tractableness to drive nails in cramped quarters . Is it perfect ? No , but it ’s a game changer when you ’re working in constrict slur . Ahead , find out what I like about the Bostitch PN100 K , and see what I think Bostitch could change to make it even better .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Bostitch PN100K Palm Nailer: At a Glance
Rating:4.5/5
SPECS
PROS
CONS
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What is the Bostitch PN100K palm nailer?
TheBostitch PN100 K palm naileris a near ended kit that includes a lightweight nailer ( weighing just 2.9 Ezra Loomis Pound ) , three interchangeable nail noses to fit various sizing nail , a leather quilt sheath , a bottle of lubricate crude , and some spare atomic number 8 - rings . Plus , it comes with a surd case for storing the putz . Unfortunately , it does not come with the necessary ¼-inch air meet , so I borrowed one from another palm nailer I tested , theRidgid mini medal nailer . These air fitting are relatively cosmopolitan , but if you do n’t have an spear carrier among your pneumatic tool accessories , you ’ll need to corrupt a ¼-inch NPT air fitting to use this palm nailer .
The handheld construction nail gun has an ergonomic shape that fit nicely in my deal and does n’t cause hand or wrist fatigue , even with repeated examination . Like most palm tree nailer , the PN100 K is an impingement driver tool , meaning it use a rapid , percussive action — much like repeatedly striking a nail with a hammer , only faster .
The leather comfort cocktail dress was a bit of a joke . Maybe mine was a trematode worm , but it was too small to fit around the body of the medallion nailer . I even tried take the leather pissed so it would debase , but it was still too modest . On the upside , I do n’t think it would have offer much benefit anyway , and I in all likelihood would not have used it .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The nail noses are magnetic , which makes it wanton to position and control the nail during enjoyment . But you may still expend other nail . In testing , I used steel and aluminum nails and just control the aluminum ones in blank space with my other hand before driving them .
Power and Performance
When it occur to any pneumatic tool — including the PN100K — the type of compressor used play a vital function in its public presentation . The palm nailer engage at 80 to 125 pounds per straight column inch ( PSI ) , and I connected it to aBostitch pancake air compressorfor examination . I adjusted the compressor to 80 PSI , and that was all I call for to operate it . As a general dominion , you ’ll probably desire a portable tune compressor with a 2- to 4 - gallon armoured combat vehicle electrical capacity if you ’re driving a circle of nails with the palm nailer .
I tested the nailer using several different types and sizes of nail . It drive all of them into softwood and hardwood without any job . It ’s well suitable to drive both heavy frame nails and small finish nail ; you just necessitate to use the like nail nose . Bostitch has done well in reduce the vibration of this medal nailer , too . It did n’t leave my mitt sore as some types of nailers tended to do .
Instead of a squeeze gun trigger , theBostitch PN100Kuses insistence to activate the hammering activeness . All I had to do was insert a nail in the nose and position it where I wanted it to go . When I was ready to take the nail , I push the laurel wreath nailer forward , and the air pressure triggered the rapid impacts and drive the nail . The caper is to keep to push until the nail nozzle is flush against the board . When it is , the nail head will also be affluent with the control board .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Compatibility
Bostich say itspalm naileris compatible with nail as small as 5D ( 12 - gauge and 1.75 inches long ) and as large as 70D nails . I did n’t have any 70D nail , which are huge ( 7 inches long and 0.207 in in diam ) , but I did essay the cock with finish nails of various length , joist - hanger nail , and 16D frame nail that were 3.5 inches long . I do n’t see any reason why the medallion nailer could n’t drive prominent nail — it ’s hefty enough .
As bring up , the PN100 K take a ¼-inch breeze meet , which is standard but not included in the outfit . Using a swivel correspond is a good idea with this nailer because it gives the exploiter more flexibility for lay the tool in tight quarters . The palm nailer also easily drove nails into both hardwood and deal during testing .
Should you buy the Bostitch palm nailer?
presently selling for $ 96 on Amazon , the Bostitch PN100 K palm nailer is at the upper edge of the price kitchen stove for similar good example , but it number with three interchangeable nail noses , lubricating oil , a leather sheath ( which may or may not fit ) and spare O - doughnut . It ’s knock-down and compatible with a range of nail size . It wo n’t replace a largernail gas , but it was n’t plan for that role .
If you oft work in taut space where aframing nail gunis impossible to use , thisBostitch palm tree nailermight be good for you . It offers ample top executive for DIY and professional construction projects . In plus , its reduce vibration and ergonomic grip make it promiscuous to use without build up hand and articulatio radiocarpea fatigue .
If you already have an classification of pneumatic pecker and agood portable air compressor , investing in the Bostitch PN100 K makes sense . However , it might not make sense if you have to purchase the compressor , hose , and air meet . If that ’s the case , it might be good to consider a battery palm nailer , such as theMilwaukee cordless medal nailer , which also nock well in our larger tests .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Where to Buy the Bostitch Palm Nailer
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and author who specializes in the construction , remodeling , and actual estate industries . She and her hubby own a general catching ship’s company , and Taylor is see in both residential and commercial building practical app . She tests a wide stove of power tools as well as other home improvement , household , and lawn - and - garden production .
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Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
