BEST OVERALL
DeWalt DWFP2350K 23-Gauge Pin Nailer
Best Bang For The Buck
Arrow PT23G Pneumatic Pin Nailer
Upgrade Pick
Milwaukee 2540-21 M12 23-Gauge Pin Nailer Kit
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When finishing nails or brad nail are simply too large for your carpentry project , you in all likelihood demand a good pin nailer to get the job done . Finish nail and brad nail often act like wedge heel through thinner while of woods , causing the piece to dissever or crack . And when it does n’t crack , the force of the finish nailer orbrad nailerleaves behind magnanimous holes that require go away back with Grant Wood putty to fulfill .
But pin nailer , also known as micro - pinners , drive very thin fasteners that are actually just stout conducting wire into wood to secure pieces together . The peg themselves come in stack similar to those inserted intofinish nailer or brad nailers , but they do n’t have a head , meaning a pin nailer can drive one without leave a obtrusive hole . This makes pin nailers ideal for delicate clean-cut , woodworking , and trade .
After testing five pin nailers from some of the toptoolbrands in the business , our pet was theDeWalt DWFP2350Kpin nailer . We loved its higher-ranking flesh quality and power to get longer pin nails flawlessly into denser wood . Ahead , pick up more about our run results and discover which factors are most of import to debate when choosing between the best pin nailer .
Our Top Picks
The followers is a list of some of the unspoiled pin nailers on the market . Each of our top picking is organized by category and come with a thoroughly vetted list of pros and cons to help you set which is the idealistic modeling for your needs .
Best Overall
Our rating : Ergonomics4/5 ; Ease of Use4/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Value4.5/5
While DeWalt ’s bowling pin nailer is the most expensive model we quiz , it ’s deserving splurging on if you want a pin nailer that sinks nail reliably and can handle a extensive range of nail lengths .
During testing , the DeWalt ’s rowlock - driving abilities were telling . It reliably countersunk shorter nails and longer 1⅜-inch nails with ease . Pine , oak tree , poplar — it did n’t matter . Each nail we drove ended up at a nigh - gross depth disregardless of nail length and material case . Plus , the nailer tip produced no divots , even with the tip cover transfer .
And though we did n’t load it with longer fastener , it can handle nails up to 2 inches long . That ’s far longer than any other pin nailer we find , stimulate it able of handling larger tasks , such as bind baseboards .
This nailer ’s impressive peg - driving power comes from birth a long piston chamber than most . The flip side of that is that it has a bulkier head that ’s several inches longer than other pneumatic nailers we examine , making it more unmanageable to meet into taut slur .
The DeWalt pin nailer is well - built with a metal lodging and ergonomic rubberized grip that ’s comfortable to halt . There ’s also a tool - free quarter round depth claims adjuster accessed by secrete the jam mechanism - bring in mechanics on the nose , but I found it nearly impossible to rotate . Luckily , the tool worked so well that I did n’t need to make any profundity allowance during examination .
What our tester says:“During testing , I was impress by the way DeWalt ’s pin nailer systematically sunk even long nails into both hardwoods and softwoods , leaving only very pocket-sized hole behind . ”—Tony Carrick , production Reviews tester and author
Get the DeWalt tholepin nailer atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best Bang for the Buck
Our Ratings : Ergonomics5/5 ; repose of Use4/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Value4/5
Arrow ’s pneumatic nail gun wo n’t compete with some of the pricier ones out there , but it ’s a solid budget - price alternative if you only call for a tholepin nailer for foxiness , picture framing , or impound thin , delicate trimming . Since it ’s limited to fastener measuring between ⅜ inch and 1 inch , you wo n’t be able to utilise it for bigger carpentry jobs , such as installing ¾-inch - thick baseboards , hanging peak modeling , or other jobs that require longer fastener . Still , you ’d be firmly - pressed to find a brassy nailer .
It also happens to be both lighter and shorter than other pneumatic pin nailer we tested , making it open of agree into tight spaces or working with smaller projects , such as a picture frame , with relative simplicity . It ’s made with a lasting casting - metal frame .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
carrying into action with the Arrow nailer was a moment sundry . While it set short ½-inch nails consistently , it had a harder time with 1 - inch nails . It left nailheads on those recollective nail that were either even with or slimly protruding from the wood control surface on pine tree and poplar . On hard oak , the nailheads stand gallant by about ¼ an in . So , while we enjoy its humiliated price , its lack of power limits it to lighter - duty labor .
Get the Arrow pivot nailer atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orWalmart .
Our Ratings : Ergonomics4/5 ; Ease of Use4.8/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Value4/5
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
Milwaukee ’s cordless power tools typically outperform other tools in their category , and this bowling pin nailer is no exclusion . It ’s lightweight and compendious , and it performed as well as any pin nailer we tested . Since it utilize the steel ’s 12V battery system , users who are already invested in the organisation can take reward of the batteries they already own .
Of the five pin nailers we tested , the Milwaukee was one of only two to fire farsighted 1⅜-inch nail cleanly into two stack pieces of ¾-inch oak , a credit rating to its N - aura spring chemical mechanism . While others give nailhead stand proud above the woodwind instrument surface , the Milwaukee reliably countersink the straits of each nail we fire with no exceptions . It also did a nifty job of drive nails into soft poplar and pine without over - sinking them . take depth adjustment was simple thanks to an loose - to - engage pollex screw , while other peg nailers we tested required us to enter the head , had adjusters that were very unmanageable to move , or required tools . Our only complaint with this pin nailer ’s performance is that it forget slightly larger holes in the wood than we desire .
Battery - operated nail guns are usually significantly larger and heavy than pneumatic nailers because they bear their power source on their back . Milwaukee ’s pin nailer is surprisingly thickset thanks to the small 12V barrage fire it uses .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
While Milwaukee ’s pin nailer come at a premium monetary value , it ’s worth the investment for professional woodman and DIY carpenters who be after on doing a peck of PIN number - nailing .
What our tester says:“Milwaukee ’s pin nailer manage to acquire enough power to get longer nail into impenetrable materials without fail while still somehow stay put lightweight and heavyset . ”—Tony Carrick , mathematical product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Milwaukee fall nailer atThe Home DepotorAce Hardware .
Best Battery
Makita XTP02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Pin Nailer
Our Ratings : Ergonomics4/5 ; simpleness of Use4/5 ; Performance4.3/5 ; Value4/5
While Makita ’s 23 - ga cordless thole nailer cut you loose from the older hose / pancake - style tune compressor , it comes at a cost to nail - driving king . The XTP02Z uses the brand ’s 18V LXT atomic number 3 - ion battery organisation , allowing folks already invested in the mark to take vantage of their already - owned shelling . With a 5.0Ah battery , it can can up to 5,300 pivot vagabond in length from ⅝ in to 1⅜ inches in a unmarried charge . It has a ironical - flame mechanism that prevents the machine from dry - discharge when the magazine is empty , and it also feature a safety no - mar bakshis that the drug user must depress to fire the trigger .
The Makita nailer ’s performance was a mixed bag . While it reliably buried fasteners of up to 1⅜ inches long into softer pine and poplar , longer fastening and harder materials told a dissimilar story .
drive nail into heavy oak was a no - go , will 1 - inch nails protruding just above the wood airfoil and long nail standing proud at more than ¼ column inch above the Sir Henry Wood . The Makita does have a profundity adjuster , but we found that maxing it out did very small to improve its operation with oak .
Most battery - powered nailers are bulky , and the Makita pin nailer is no dissimilar . Due to its large 18V battery , it ’s one of the heavy and large nailer we tested .
Get the Makita pin nailer ( cock only ) atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Photo: Tony Carrick for Bob Vila
Also Tested
Metabo HPT NP35A 23-Gauge Micro Pin Nailer Kit
When it come to must - have tools — especially high - quality pneumatic fastening tools — Metabo HPT ( formerly Hitachi Power Tools ) is almost always at the top , which is why we had such high hopes for this modeling . As soon as we took it out of the box , we liked its compact size of it and light up overall weight of just 2 Ezra Loomis Pound , which made it one of the easier pneumatic pin nailer to use . The Metabo HPT is also solidly built with a well-to-do , rubberize grip and a cast - alloy trapping that feels like it can take a beating . Unfortunately , that ’s where our positive impressions of this pin nailer stop .
The Metabo handle our shorter fastening with ease , consistently driving the heads just below the surface of each test piece of wood . But from 1 inch and beyond , performance deteriorated importantly . It had no problem set 1 - inch fastening into pine , but was inconsistent with our poplar board , leaving a few heads horn in just above the surface . It struggle even more with longer fastener , failing to drive 1⅜-inch nail fully into the pine tree while get out pins standing a ¼ in to ½ inch gallant from the Natalie Wood surface on our oak tree boards . The problem persisted even after making deepness adjustments and removing the tip . up the pressure level to 110 PSI ( pounds per square inch ) aid to mitigate this issue , but then the nail gun left noticeable divots in the wood . Given these shortcomings , we ’d be hard - constrict to recommend this pin nailer .
More Great Options
Along with our test peg nailer , we also recommend the follow nailer based on our research and experience .
Best Range
Metabo HPT NP50A 23-Gauge Pro Pin Nailer
Versatility abounds with this pin nailer from Metabo HPT . Not only does this pin nailer hold up up to the brand ’s report for delivering high - end fastening tools , but it does so while put up a wide compass of fixing lengths . This role model accepts 23 - gauge pins measuring ½ inch to 2 inches long , allowing it to undertake small crafts or heavy - duty paneling and trimness .
This pin nailer kit comes with a case , no - mar tips , vegetable oil , and safety glasses . The magazine sport aluminum grammatical construction , the handle has a cushioned design , and the 360 - degree rearward exhaust can lead any annoying air rate of flow away from the user . The base has a built - in 360 - degree adjustable belt hooking and a silencer to minimize noise as well . The two admit crown are narrow-minded enough to get into tight places and are also no - mar , meaning the exploiter wo n’t scratch or dent expensive woodwork while fasten . Users can aline the profoundness of the fastener , but that does require a twist .
Get the Metabo HPT NP50A pin nailer atAmazonorLowe ’s .
Photo: Amazon
Best for Pros
Bostitch BTFP2350K 23-Gauge Pin Nailer
Pros who need to get the problem done quickly and efficiently should check out Bostitch ’s 23 - calibre nailer . This cock feature a wide grasp of pin lengths between ⅝ in and 2 inches , and it does n’t necessitate any pecker to clear hole — all you have to do is unlatch the clasp near the nose , sky up the guard , and reset the jam . The toolless profoundness adjustment knob is also under that guard .
This pneumatic nailer features a no - mar gratuity and a two-fold initiation , allowing drug user to arouse safely and accurately without damaging the wood aerofoil . It also has a juiceless - fire lockout with a bypass alert and a two-sided whack hook for excellent portability . Like other models with larger pin tumbler range , the wider magazine can make this pin nailer seem a piece bulky in tighter spots .
Get the Bostitch pin nailer atAmazon , Lowe’s , Walmart , orMenards .
Photo: Amazon
Also Consider
Ryobi P318 18V One+ AirStrike 23-Gauge Pin Nailer
Folks who have already invested in several One+ tools from Ryobi should agree out the P318 AirStrike . This bombardment - function pin nailer uses One+ atomic number 3 - ion batteries to raise pins between ½ and 1⅜ inches , offer a general - determination range of a function from a highly portable oarlock nailer . Plus , it is capable of enkindle up to 60 pins per hour .
This PIN number nailer has plenty of build - in features as well . It has a built - in belted ammunition clip , an light-emitting diode worklight , a dry - fire lockout , and a dual trigger to forestall accident and facilitate successive nail driving . This pin nailer also come with a commodious GripZone overmold design for a comfortable grasp while in use . Keep in mind that this is a dick - only purchase , which can be a good way to preserve money , but only for folk who already own the batteries .
Get the Ryobi pin nailer ( puppet only ) atAmazon .
Photo: The Home Depot
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best Pin Nailers
pick out the top pin nailers take research and hands - on testing . We begin by achieve out to Jonathan Warshaw , founder and proprietor ofSimple Woodworker , who vaunt more than 15 year of experience in carpentry . “ When I pick out a pin nailer for my project , I look for power , battery life sentence , and adjustable depth control , ” he articulate . “ These factors insure versatility and efficiency in various carpentry undertaking . ” As we deliberated over our top recommendations , we considered these key factors .
After selecting our models , we appraise the performance of five of our picks by using each one to fire nails into different types of wood and with unlike - length nail . Specifically , we evoke ⅝-inch and 1⅜-inch nail into test pieces of poplar , pine tree , and oak . We noted how well each nailer bury nails below the woodwind instrument control surface , observed the size of thenail holes , and value whether the nailer leave behind any noticeable divots in the forest .
What to Consider When Choosing a Pin Nailer
For a equipment that fires such a humble fastener , there is a lot to hump about pin nailers . The following includes some of the most authoritative info regarding what to attend for and how to prefer the best pin nailer for your needs .
Pneumatic vs. Battery
There are two case of pin nailers : those powered by compressed aviation and those powered by batteries . They ’re both more than sufficient to drive such small fasteners , but there are professional and cons to each .
Like all pneumatic tools , pneumatic micro - pinner nail guns use tanks of compressed line to fire pins into Mrs. Henry Wood . These shaft attach to an melodic line compressor with a farsighted , elastic hose . A press of the trigger releases a small fit of line to drive a pin into the workpiece . As long as there is an zephyr compressor , an aura nailer will work . However , these putz are only as portable as the compressor powering them .
electric battery - control pin nailers drive the same fasteners but expend the electricity stored within the battery to compress a heavy springtime . After the user pulls the initiation , the give releases , powering the mechanics that drive the peg . These tools are ultra - portable , but when the barrage fire buy the farm , it can leave the labor at a standstill .
Photo: Amazon
Pin Length and Size
Like most fasteners , the pin that micro nailer drive come in vary lengths . They ’re available in pin nail sizes ranging from ⅜ column inch to 2 inches long . Pin nailers will accommodate several of these sizes , negating the need to own several pin nail hitman for different fastener lengths . Some pin nailer may boast adjustable depths that allow the exploiter to cut how profoundly the nailer drives each pin .
The pin lengths may change , but the thickness never does . All common peg nailer fervour 23 - gauge pin . This sparse caliber and deficiency of a nail headway earmark for large magazine capacities — as many as 200 pins in some merchandise .
Safety
Although pin nails are very small , they can be risky . Because these pins miss heads , if the substance abuser defecate a misapprehension , a pin could easily evanesce through the hide , so manufacturer build safety feature into their pin nailer to prevent errant firing .
Some pinnernail gunsmay have safety equipment built into their nose . The nose must be pressed down onto a surface in parliamentary law for the user to pull the trigger . Others might boast bivalent initiation that require the user to trigger off both triggers on an individual basis to fire .
producer build features into these micro pinners for the gadget ’s safety as well . Dry - fire mechanisms , for example , stop the nailer ’s power to fire when it runs out of nail to keep unnecessarily shortening the twist ’s lifespan .
Photo: Amazon
Ergonomics and Weight
Comparing rowlock nailers ’ weights to other nail gun , such as framing nailers or finish nailers , reveals that they ’re sure as shooting amongthe smallest nail guns . However , pneumatic nailers tend to be the light ( often just 2 lbf. or so ) . Battery - lock pin nailer can consider two or three time as much , which may be a factor for some DIYers . Still , for folks who use their pin nailer now and again or in a workshop mise en scene , weighting does n’t want to be the decide factor .
Ergonomics are also key . repetitious use of any instrument can wear the exploiter down , so features such as gumshoe grips , instrument - free depth adjustments , and directive air exhausts can aid make using a pin nailer more enjoyable over the course of a day .
Additional Features
Some extra features might make one micro - pinner more attractive than another . Certain models may make out equipped with peculiar drops screw as “ no - mar , ” in which the nailer utilize special polymer that preclude scratching or denting the work aerofoil . Others may feature very narrow tips , grant the user to poke the backsheesh of the nailer into very tight space for pinpoint nail arrangement .
Also , it may be deserving calculate for a pin nailer that comes with a carrying caseful to protect the tool and make storing it a bit more worry - free . And be sure to check that case for a set of safety glasses , as they can be incredibly of import when working with any power tools , specially pin nailer .
FAQs
Even with all that information , there could be some lingering questions nag you . The following is a collection of the most frequently asked dubiousness about stick nailers , along with their like answers .
perfectly . pivot nailer are far less likely to split wood or damage a work surface . The holes they create take far less sentence to fill , and aligning the tip of the gun is much easier than it is with finish nailer orbrad nailer .
The main determination of a pin nailer is to tack a opus of trim or molding in place while the wood gum dry . The joint does n’t get its strength from the pins , but rather from the glue .
Photo: Walmart
Pin nailers have many program program , such as nab a return onto a window commode , fasten mitered corner , or instal small pieces of Ellen Price Wood trim on panelling . The pin will hold these part together while the mucilage prohibitionist .
First , decide whether a cordless or pneumatic poser is right for you , and choose one with a range that is wide enough to serve your purposes . look at your budget and do away with modelling that do n’t gibe . press the remaining options based on specs , review , and professional examination insights like those we ’ve provided above .
barrage fire - operated pin nailers are excellent as they furnish the same amount of power and truth as pneumatic models but do not require a compressor , hose , or gas cartridge . Some galvanic models can fire up to 2,500 pins on a single battery direction while include useful features like adjustable belt loops / clips and exhaust valve .
Photo: Amazon
Most pneumatic pin nailers operate between 60 and 100 PSI , but ensure to ascertain the producer ’s instructions to determine the proper range .
Most pin nailer are not a good choice for installing skirting board because the nails they fire are n’t long enough . Finish nailers are typically a better pick for baseboard facility .
The main difference between these two types of nailer is in the size of the nails they use . Most finale nailers fervor 15- or 16 - gauge nail , while pin nailers fervidness thinner 23 - gauge headless nails .
Meet the Tester
Tony Carrick is a freelance author specializing in home improvement , landscape gardening , engineering , nursing home certificate , and design for such sites and publication as Popular Mechanics , Pro Tools Review , CNN Underscored , and This Old House Magazine .
Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi .
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