Best Overall
Bostitch Impact Nailer Kit
Best Bang for the Buck
Freeman 2nd Generation Pneumatic Mini Palm Nailer
Best Battery-Powered
Milwaukee M12 Cordless Lithium-Ion Palm Nailer Kit
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Palm nailers are light , heavyset , and easy to employ . Just lade a nail , aim , and apply pressure to activate a pounding action that drives the nail home base . laurel wreath nailers do n’t have the swiftness of other standardnail gun , but they fit into tight spaces where those big tools ca n’t reach . We researched over a twelve model and then hand tested the best - selling ones to see how well they performed .
Choosing the right model expect some considerateness . Ahead , learn more about this compact puppet ’s key features and find out why the play along fashion model earned a spot in this lineup of the good palm nailers .
How We Tested the Best Palm Nailers
We research more than 12 palm nailers and choose six of the highest - rat model for examination . We essay models from top brands , such as Bostitch and Ridgid , but we also considered gamy - quality manikin from smaller manufacturer .
Our hands - on tests were square . We used aBostitch flannel cake breeze compressorfor testing all the palm nailer , and we set it at 80 pounds per square in ( PSI ) to start . If a nailer needed a bit more powerfulness , we increase the pressure , but never more than the tool ’s top recommended PSI . We made a stage of wearinghearing aegis .
We drove multiple nails into table , noting how easy the palm nailer were to utilize , how powerful they were , and whether they were compact enough to reach out in restricted blank . We looked for magnetic nail nose and noted how much vibration they produced . Each dick received points based on a rubric — the better a thenar nailer do on a test or assessment , the higher the points .
After testing , we average the detail to determine our top choice and the best category for each peter .
Our Top Picks
The palm nailers in the following inclination stand out in our helping hand - on tests . They alter in terms of eccentric and good use case . One is sure to be a near burst for your project needs .
Our paygrade : Ease of Use4.5/5;Grip5/5;Vibration5/5;Performance4.8/5;Value4/5
Thanks to three standardized nail nose , the Bostitch laurel wreath nailer can drive nails from 1.75 to 7 inches ( 5D to 70D ) , making it idealistic for joist hanger , frame , and heavy - tariff fencing .
We quiz the Bostitch pneumatic palm nailer while tuck a range of nails , and it performed well with both large and small nail . We drive joist - hanger nails , finish nail , and expectant frame nails . As nail size increase , we had to keep a firmer grip on the tool , but it drove each nail until the head was affluent with the wood .
At 2.9 pounds , this cordless palm nailer is lightweight enough to ace overhead without causing undue muscle fatigue . It has telling business leader , but it does n’t come up with a 0.25 - inch melodic phrase connection , which is necessary for military operation . We had to borrow a connector from one of the other manakin to try this puppet .
Read our full review : Bostitch Impact Nailer Kit
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Get the Bostitch palm nailer atAmazon .
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carries our brand ’s high level of recommendation .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the household and DIY production that impressed us most in our genuine - world examination and that exemplify core value of the Bob Vila blade , including craftsmanship , innovation , and time value for the dollar . Winners of this appointment come recommended by our professional follow-up squad and are in person approved by Bob Vila .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5;Grip5/5;Vibration4.8/5;Performance5/5;Value4.5/5
You do n’t have to spend a stack to get the gizmo of a compact palm nailer . The Freeman G2MPN mini nail gun is lightsome , powerful , and well-off enough for retentive catamenia of use .
At 1.38 pounds , this nailer was among the light models we test , but it pack a punch . We used the Freeman melodic phrase palm nailer to drive joist hanger nails and frame in nails . We appreciated its rubber overmold , which quash vibration and allow us to keep a immobile grip . For driving framing nail , the tool worked best when we adjusted our compressor to 95 PSI . We were able to drive smaller nail at 80 PSI .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The magnetised tip is large for take hold the nails , and this poser comes with a 0.25 - column inch connector , so it ’s ready to connect to an air compressor . good of all , it add up at an affordable price point .
Get the Freeman ribbon nailer atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Our rating : Ease of Use4.5/5;Grip4/5;Vibration4.5/5;Performance5/5;Value4.3/5
Photo: Amazon
Those expect for a truly portable hand nailer need appear no further than the Milwaukee ribbon nailer , which can be used where there ’s no mercantile establishment to plug in a compressor . This was the first time we ’d used a nonpneumatic laurel wreath gun , and we were impressed . The Milwaukee 2458 - 21 drive 6D to 16D ( 2 to 3.5 inch ) , and the tip is magnetized .
We drive dozens of nail with this assault and battery laurel wreath nailer , and we enjoyed not take to drag anair hosebehind us . It performed very well in testing , driving nail until their heads were flush with the woods . It runs on a 12 - V assault and battery that still had ample charge even after we ’d stick in roughly 60 nails .
At 3.4 pounds , the Milwaukee galvanizing palm nailer is slightly heavier than some , though its sylphlike body earn it simple to grasp . We liked its light-emitting diode piece of work lighting and battery - horizontal surface indicator . A barrage fire , charger , paw shoulder strap , and putz bag are admit .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the Milwaukee palm nailer atThe Home DepotorFastenal .
Best for Tight Spots
Ridgid Mini Palm Nailer
Our rating : Ease of Use5/5;Grip4/5;Vibration4.5/5;Performance5/5;Value4.8/5
The Ridgid thenar nailer lives up to its reputation as a truly mini palm nailer . It count just 1 Ezra Loomis Pound and was lowly enough to hold with our thumb and fingers rather than our full decoration . This presented both an upside and a downside .
On the one hand , this petite nail muller will fit into the slimmest of spots where larger model might not . However , being so small , have a good grip for repeatedly driving framing nails was take exception . We pulled it off , but it felt like our work force were too magnanimous for the shaft .
Photo: amazon.com
That said , we really liked this little pneumatic hand nailer because it ease up us approach to the smallest spaces — areas that unremarkably give constructor headaches . This is a well - built niggling pneumatic palm hammer that ’s arrant for drive joist - hanging nails and the casual framing nail , as well as for reaching where larger palm nailers might not equip .
Get the Ridgid thenar nailer atThe Home Depot .
Best for Hardwood Floors
Powernail Power Palm Hardwood Flooring Nailer
Our rating : Ease of Use5/5;Grip4.5/5;Vibration4.5/5;Performance5/5;Value4.8/5
The Powernail Power Palm nailer is designed specifically to address install flooring planks along walls and in acme - restricted spots , such as under a console ’s toe kick .
We tested this model on hardwood planks using L - character cleat . It forge the cleats in without a problem — it ’s very muscular — but it takes some getting used to . Very slight pressure on the nailing olfactory organ sets off the pounding action . We had to be careful when place the nailer so it did n’t bulge nailing prematurely . It ’s a expert idea to familiarize yourself with this nailer on scrap wood before breeze through veridical plank .
Photo: homedepot.com
The tip is magnetic , and we like the direction it rotated so we could coordinate it exactly . It stand out at 80 PSI . But it ’s on the pricey side , and it ’s a single - role tool — it wo n’t beat back regular nails . Still , if you ’re a flooring pro , this little palm nailer will be very handy .
Get the Powernail palm nailer onAmazon , The Home Depot , orPowernail .
Also Consider
Metabo HPT 3½-Inch Palm Nailer
Our rating : Ease of Use4.5/5;Grip5/5;Vibration4/5;Performance4.3/5 ; Value 4/5
The swivel hose connector on the Metabo HPT makes it easy to lay the nailer right where we want it , without having to adjust the air hose to get it out of the manner . Like several of the other pneumatic mannequin we test , the Metabo could drive nail successfully at 80 PSI .
It weighs just 1.3 British pound . The Metabo has a magnetised gratuity , but it was a little wimpish — the magnet was n’t always strong enough to prevail the nail in place . Sometimes , they fall out before we could put the nailer . We end up having to tolerate several of the nail with our finger .
Photo: Amazon
This nailer accept a smaller kitchen range of nail size than some—8D to 16D ( 2.5 to 3.5 inches ) . It ’s not well - become for nails at the short ending of the exfoliation . Still , if you ’re frame with a standard pneumatic nailer and you run into a tight smudge , you’re able to quickly attach the Metabo ribbon nailer , drive the nail , and then switch back to your other nailer without spending a fate of fourth dimension .
Get the Metabo HPT medallion nailer atAmazon , Walmart(nailer only ) , orMenards(nailer only ) .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Palm Nailer
Palm nailers load just one nail at a clip . They motor it using a pound legal action that is activated by pressing on the putz . The action makes palm nailers quite loud , although they ’re not among theloudest power tools . you could copulate them with aquiet gentle wind compressorto reduce some of the chaos . The follow fundamental characteristic tell apart the many model usable . They ’re not mean to beat back nail forhanging pictures , but if you need to nail in a qualified blank , they may be just the ticket .
Power Source
Most palm nailers are pneumatic , require an air compressor to drive them . The nailers we test typically need a lower limit of 80 PSI , although some needed more pressure to drive prominent nail .
Cordless medallion nailers ( battery - powered ) are relatively new to the market . With no need for an airwave hose , a bombardment palm nailer offers greater freedom of movement . However , the bombardment does make them heavy and bulkier . Plus , there ’s the issue of the battery running down , so you may want to purchase a second assault and battery to use one while the other is charge .
Grip
The main body of the medal nailer is unremarkably made from Al . While it ’s typically comfortable to grip , some high - quality model have a rubberized casing enshroud the back . This makes them easy to obtain and helps absorb some of the vibrations of the hammer activity , reducing hand weariness .
A few decoration nailers attempt to ameliorate the grip further by including a “ glove ” or hired man shoulder strap . The tool drops into it , and it ’s batten around the back of the helping hand with a claw - and - loop shoulder strap . This reduces the effort needed to grip the palm tree nailer , though some find the shoulder strap uncomfortable . The strap is n’t a permanent attachment and is very much a affair of personal druthers .
Size and Weight
palm tree nailers are more often than not very stocky tools , but they do vary in size . Those with small or big hired hand can benefit from contain the dick ’s strong-arm dimensions before purchasing . For model , a thick — but not A-one - mini nailer — may be better for someone with small hands , while a slimly enceinte one may be easier to check for someone with bigger deal .
An aluminum body helps keep weight down , but palm nailers can still weigh more than 3 pounds . exploiter fatigue duty is n’t just based on the putz ’s system of weights ; the hammer action ’s impact is also a ingredient . A heavier tool tends to create a stronger hammering action , which can lead to increased hand fatigue duty .
Nail Types and Additional Features
Although palm nailers are unsubdivided tools , unlike model accept varioustypes of nails , and some offer a few central magnetic declination and features that are worth considering :
FAQs
So far , we have looked at important proficient government issue that can affect your choice of thenar nailer , but we have n’t addressed how to utilise a palm nailer . If you ’re still ask how a palm nailer work , or have additional questions , you may find the answer below .
err a individual nail into the nailer ’s nozzle , which is commonly magnetised . Then , lay the tip of the nail where you desire to drive it and fight firmly — the tool ’s hammering action will kick in and drive the nail .
Driving nails into close spaces is exactly what palm nailer are design to do . They are shorter from front to back than standardnail gunsand are often easy to maneuver , too .
Photo: amazon.com
Most of these peter are very compact . The mini reading are typically consideredwoodworking toolsdue to their ability to drive minuscule last nail .
Palm nailers mostly utilize pear-shaped - capitulum , or centime , nail . Many palm nailers will drive frame nails , but do n’t anticipate one to supersede the need for aframing nailerif you ’re building a sizeable structure .
Yes , you’re able to . Several thenar nailers can be used for roofing , including theBostitch palm nailerin our Top Picks list . Professional roofer often use roll nail guns ( often also turn over thebest siding nailers ) .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product quizzer and writer specializing in the construction , remodeling , and real estate industriousness .
Additional research provide by Bob Beacham .
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Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
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