5 Best Pin Nailers of 2023

Nailers are known to be the ultimate bonding devices. Once you have nailed two surfaces, be assured that you have a long-lasting bond. While some people still use glue guns for attaching surfaces, there is always a chance that it will come apart if they face too much pressure. But nails will save you from […]

Jun 16, 2023 - 11:17

Nailers are known to be the ultimate bonding devices. Once you have nailed two surfaces, be assured that you have a long-lasting bond.

While some people still use glue guns for attaching surfaces, there is always a chance that it will come apart if they face too much pressure. But nails will save you from that hassle!

Now, the trick is to use a nailer, which will do the job correctly. And that’s where the problem arises! You may have already decided to buy one, but more often than not, there is a lot of confusion with multiple choices in the market. We have been there and we promise not to let this be a hindrance for you.

With the price, quality, and usability in mind, we have listed the top 5 pin nailers with an unbiased and comprehensive review of each. And it is followed by a detailed buyer’s guide to help you a bit more.

Let’s get into the details without further delay.

Best Pin Nailers

Carpenter brad using nail gun to Crown Moulding on kitchen cabinets framing trim, with the warning label that all power tools have on them shown illustrating safety concept

Here is the list of the 5 best pin nailers that you can use to take on a range of tasks around the home or workshop.

1. Senco Fastening Systems 8F0001N 1-3/8″ Headless Pinner – Best for Precision Work

Next up is an excellent product that will help you achieve the utmost precision and a tiny hole that is almost invisible to the eye. Such finesse is sure to impress you. The Senco Fastening Systems Headless Pinner is a treat to have with a combination of some of the best features.

Senco Fastening Systems 8F0001N 1-3/8" Headless Pinner

This product is easy to use
This product is highly durable

Why Did We Like It?

This unit is a powerhouse that enables you to pierce through very hard surfaces with ease. It has an excellent capacity to place nails correctly without any damage.

Also, we were in awe of the power that it showed as well as the magazine adjustment. It is one of the most brilliant features of this product. Featuring automated adjustment, this fits various types of fasteners, ensuring the perfect placement of pins.

Further, the last nail lockout system will keep the aforementioned working for a long. It prevents dry firing, which is detrimental to the nailer. This means that it does not allow the last nail from being fired until you have reloaded it with new nails.

Lastly, we will mention the tip, which was extremely beneficial in reaching narrow and almost inaccessible places. It made it easier for us to work with tight areas and can be very helpful while working with trims.

What Could’ve Been Better?

One issue we found with this product is the release mechanism. There is a tendency for it to jam far too often, leading us to spend time opening the nail chamber and releasing the jammed nail. Though it does not cause any damage, it can be a hindrance, especially if it occurs in between tasks.

Pros

Can be used to reach narrow spaces
Last nail lockout facility to prevent dry firing
Automatic adjustment to fit various fasteners
Can drive through hard surfaces with ease

Cons

Tendency to jam

2. BOSTITCH HP118K 23-Gauge 1/2-Inch to 1-3/16-Inch Pin Nailer – Best for Smooth Experience

If you are looking to work with longer nails, the BOSTITCH HP118K 23-Gauge Pin Nailer is the best product to choose from. It combines reliability and functionality to give you a very smooth experience. We know how tiresome nailing can be, but with this in hand, the job becomes much easier.

BOSTITCH Pin Nailer 23 Gauge, 1/2-Inch to 1-3/16-Inch...

1/2 Inch to 1 3/16 Inch 23 Gauge Pin Nailer, Low Profile...
Adjustable High/Lower Power Switch for Depth Control and...

Why Did We Like It?

We will begin with the magazine capacity of the device. It can hold up to 200 nails at one time! This is a great benefit, especially for professionals who are working long hours at one go. You will not need to reload occasionally, providing you with a smooth and trouble-free experience.

We were also pleased with the durable body of the nailer. When working at construction sites, it is exposed to constant wear and tear. We have dropped it many times, but the body has not been affected at all. It is made of aluminum and is pretty strong.

Coming to usage, this gadget has one brilliant capacity. It can be used to work with delicate and sleek surfaces. What happens with thin surfaces generally is that they are prone to cracking even with the slightest pressure. But this one works with utter precision and will not lead to cracking of the surface.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The only issue we found here is the frequent jamming of this nailer. Now jamming is a problem that most face, but this one was prone to frequent jamming leading to disruption of work. Other than this, it worked without any flaws.

Pros

Ergonomic design for smooth and safe usage
Can be used with thin and delicate surfaces
Depth can be adjusted accordingly
Rear exhaust keeps dirt and debris away from the face

Cons

Problem with frequent jamming

3. PORTER-CABLE PIN138 23-Gauge 1-3/8-Inch Pin Nailer – Best for Durability & Compactness

Have a wide range of tasks that need a nailing gun? The PORTER-CABLE PIN138 23-Gauge Pin Nailer is here to your rescue. It offers a wide range of exceptional features and will please you with its impeccable work capacity. What more! It is known to be very durable and will last you for ages.

PORTER-CABLE Pin Nailer, 23-Gauge, 1-3/8-Inch (PIN138)

The pin nailer uses 23 GA headless and slight head pin nails...
The 23 gauge pin nailer has a long life maintenance free...

Why Did We Like It?

First, we will have to mention that this gadget is the most compact one compared to all the previous types. It measures 9.5 x 2 x 7.5 inches and weighs only 3 pounds. This makes it extremely lightweight and easy to carry.

But do not be fooled by the small size. It comes packed with all the essential features. The dual trigger mechanism is a part of it, and so is depth adjustment. You can easily work with nails of various lengths and control the depth to which they will pierce. It can smoothly go through the hardest of surfaces with ease.

Also, with the rear exhaust, the ease of working with it is incomparable. To add to the user’s convenience, this product comes with a wrench to easily remove the nose piece and take out jammed nails.

What Could’ve Been Better?

This comes with a capacity of 130 nails and thus will need to be reloaded often if you are using it for more extended periods. This will not be a problem for those with limited usage but may be a hindrance for professionals.

Pros

Extremely affordable and versatile
Can adjust depth
Does not scratch surfaces
Rear adjustment feature makes it user-friendly

Cons

Has to be reloaded often

4. Grex P650L 23-Gauge 2-Inch Headless Pinner

Next up is a highly recommended device that will stand out in your toolbox. Suitable to be used with nails of a variety of sizes, the Grex P650L 23-Gauge 2-Inch Headless Pinner is truly an all-rounder. Read about the features to know more.

Grex P650L 23-Gauge 2-Inch Headless Pinner with Lock-Out

Lock-out mechanism that prevents dry-firing of tool
Shoots fasteners up to 2-inch length easily, even in...

Why Did We Like It?

Are you planning to work on hardwood floors? This product will make an excellent companion in the work process. Not only is it lightweight and easy to carry around, but it has the capacity to drive nails up to 2 inches. To make things simpler, it is equipped with auto fasteners, which allow easy length adjustments.

Adding on, to enable safer usage, the device comes with an auto lockout feature, which we already know is hugely beneficial. There is a lockout overdrive button, too, which helps in removing the remaining pins from the inside.

Lastly, to facilitate easy jam removal, all you have to do is take the nose out, and jams can be corrected easily in no time at all. At the affordable price that it came in, the unit satisfied us completely.

What Could’ve Been Better?

We have been using this device for a while, and we feel that the build quality could be improved. It shows signs of wear and tear, and the rate of jamming has increased within a few months. This was slightly disappointing for us.

Pros

Narrow nose allows easy access to corners
Auto fastener length adjustments
No dry firing
Lightweight and portable

Cons

Build quality could be better

5. Metabo HPT Pin Nailer, 23 Gauge

Last up is an excellent product for professional workers. If you are a carpenter looking for the perfect option, the Metabo HPT Pin Nailer will leave you elated. With premium parts and a body made for rough usage, this product won over our hearts.

Metabo HPT Pin Nailer Kit | Pro Preferred Brand of Pneumatic...

INCLUDES: NP50A Pin Nailer, Safety Glasses, No Mar Tip -2,...
TRIGGER: Trigger lock switch protects against unintentional...

Why Did We Like It?

Firstly, like the previous device, this one also comes with the capacity to work with nails up to 2 inches. It is equipped with a depth adjustment mechanism that ensures that the pins are placed accurately at the right depth. You can easily control how far the nail would pierce.

With professional workers, loud noises can get irritating as they are working for long hours. But voila! The company had thought of it too. The product has built-in noise mufflers, which reduce the emitted noise to a great extent.

Also, it comes with additional features like a dry-fire lockout mechanism, increasing the durability of the nailer. The rear exhaust can further be adjusted to ensure your work is not hindered at all. We can truly say that it is worth its salt.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The only issue with this product is that it works with high-quality pins only. If you were planning to buy something cheap or already have a cheaper variant of nails at home, it might not function well with them. We had cheaper nails bending or breaking off when used with this.

Pros

Makes sure pins are placed accurately
Adjustable rear exhaust
Comes with noise mufflers
Made for professionals

Cons

Works with high-quality pins only

Best Pin Nailer Comparison Table

Product	Dimensions	Weight	Nail Gauge	Nail Size	Operating Pressure	Capacity	Warranty
Senco Fastening Systems 8F0001N	‎3.3″ x 12″ x 14.1″	‎3lbs	23	1/2″ to 1 3/8″	70 to 120 PSI	100 Nails	5 years
BOSTITCH HP118K	‎11.5″ x 3″	‎4.2lbs	23	1/2″ to 1 3/16″	70 to 100 PSI	200 Nails	7 years
PORTER-CABLE PIN138	11.5″ x 4″	2.2lbs	23	5/8″ to 1 3/8″	60 to 100 PSI	130 Nails	1 Year
Grex P650L	7.8″ x 1.8″ x 8.8″	2.3lbs	23	1/2″ to 2″	60 to 110 PSI	100 Nails	1 Year
Metabo HPT Pin Nailer	10.25″ x 2.25″ x 9.6″	3.3lbs	23	1/2″ to 2″	64 to 100 PSI	100 Nails	5 Years

Worker at work in the construction of a plasterboard wall.

Buying Guide For The Best Pin Nailer

Now that you know about the various products pay attention to the following points before purchasing one. These will be helpful in finding the right option for you!

Types of nail sizes

This is a significant consideration that needs to be determined before buying a nailer. Some work with ⅝ to 1 ⅜ inch nails while others are compatible with 0.5 to 1 3/16-inch versions. Now it depends on what kind of nails you are looking at.

If you already have nails in the house, buy one which will fit their size. Otherwise, it is best to check the surface first and find out what size will be required to pin them accurately. Then proceed to purchase.

Magazine capacity

Different nailers come with different nail-holding capacities. It is best to choose according to your requirement. If you are not going to use it frequently, the capacity should not bother you too much. A lower capacity of 100 nails will easily suffice and will be inexpensive too.

But if you are a professional, it is best to go with a higher magazine capacity to prevent a constant need to reload from arising.

No-mar tip

This is an additional accessory which you should pay attention to according to us. Most devices come with them in the kit, and these work wonders to protect surfaces.

It is an essential part because the tip is otherwise very sharp, and even hard surfaces like wood can get scratched easily from it. A no-mar tip will protect that from happening. A device that comes with a no-mar tip can be used on any surface without hesitation.

Depth Adjustment

Do you need to work on materials with varying depths? If so, the depth adjustment feature is a boon to have. It will ensure that you can set the depth to which the nail will be embedded to achieve your goal.

Also, if you are planning to use different nail sizes, this will help adjust the depth depending on the length of the nail.

Measure to prevent dry firing

There are some major ways to prevent dry firing. One way is the presence of a reload indicator. Another is a nail lockout mechanism, while the most basic way would be a small window for visibility.

The reload indicator simply will send you signals that the nailer needs to be reloaded. It is not very commonly present and may make it expensive.

On the other hand, the nail lockout mechanism is seen in quite a few devices, and this one provides an easy way to prevent dry firing. It stops the last nail from being fired and only allows it once you have reloaded.

Lastly, a window on the side of the nail chamber makes it easier for you to keep track of nails inside. This will keep you informed about the number of nails left.

Pin Nailers FAQs

Pin nailers are ideal for projects requiring precision and minimal visible fastening. They’re commonly used for trim and molding, cabinetry, picture frame assembly, crown molding, and other detailed woodworking tasks.

Consider features such as a nose safety, anti-dry fire mechanism, and a swiveling air connector (for pneumatic models). These features help prevent accidental nail discharge and minimize the risk of injury.

Pneumatic pin nailers generally require oil for proper functioning. Cordless models don’t require oiling, but it’s still essential to keep the tool clean and well-maintained.

Consult the user manual for specific instructions, but generally, you’ll need to open the tool’s magazine, insert the nails strips in the correct orientation, and close the magazine.

Yes, pin nailers can be used on hardwoods like oak or maple. However, the nail holding power may be compromised. For better holding strength in hardwoods, consider using a brad or finish nailer.

No, pin nailers are designed for driving pin nails, not staples or tacks. They’re not suitable for applications requiring staples or tacks.

Carpentry tools - nailing gun on a workbench

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect pin nailer can be a challenging task as there are various factors to consider, such as precision, smooth operation, durability, and compactness. Having laid out some excellent options, it is essential to understand which ones stand out based on those factors.

From the above 5 best pin nailers, here are the top three expert recommendations:

For those seeking precision work and a fine finish, the Senco Fastening Systems 8F0001N 1-3/8″ Headless Pinner is an ideal option. It offers excellent power, magazine adjustment, and a narrow tip for hard-to-reach spaces.

If smooth operation and working with longer nails are your priorities, the BOSTITCH HP118K 23-Gauge 1/2-Inch to 1-3/16-Inch Pin Nailer is a good option. It boasts a magazine capacity of up to 200 nails, making it suitable for professional projects. Its aluminum body ensures durability, and it can work well with delicate surfaces.

Finally, for those who prioritize durability and compactness, the PORTER-CABLE PIN138 23-Gauge 1-3/8-Inch Pin Nailer is the right choice. Despite its small size, this nailer offers a wide range of features such as depth adjustment, dual-trigger mechanism, and rear exhaust for user comfort.

Armed with this knowledge, you can now confidently choose the best pin nailer that suits your needs and requirements. Happy nailing!

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