Pin nailers are one of the must-have tools for any DIY’er or professional carpenters. They are most preferred choice when it comes to fixing delicate materials or when the nail work has to be discreet.
They are compact in size which makes them easy to use, store and carry around. If pin nailer is your choice, then consider the below factors to make the right choice.
- Pin Size: One of the easiest ways to differentiate between different pin nailers is to look at their supported pin size. This includes pin size support ranges like ½ inch to 1 inch or ⅜ inch to 1 ⅜ inch where a higher range results in a more flexible pin nailer.
- Gauge Rating: You can also check the gauge rating of a given pin nailer as it tells you the thickness of the supported pin size. Most of the pin nailers out there come with a gauge rating of 23 gauge or something around that.
- Size and Weight: As a pin nailer gets used for smaller applications like art and craft, it is more or less a handheld power tool. Thus, its size and weight are both quite important since any pin nailer that has a small size, and less weight is a more practical option.
For more information on how to choose a pin nailer, we recommend checking out the “Buying Guide”. To help you further, we have also shortlisted the best pin nailers available.
Top Pin Nailer in 2024 List
| Pin Nailers | Pin Size | Gauge Rating | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOSTITCH HP118K Pin Nailer | ½ inch to 1 3/16 inch pins | 23 gauge pins | 7 years | Check On Amazon |
| Metabo HPT Pin Nailer Kit | ⅝ inch to 1 ⅜ inch pins | 23 gauge pins | 5 years | Check On Amazon |
| NuMax SP123 Pin Nailer | ½ inch to 1-inch pins | 23 gauge pins | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
| Arrow Fastener Pin Nailer | ½ inch to 1-inch pins | 23 gauge pins | 3 years | Check On Amazon |
| PORTER-CABLE Pin Nailer | ⅝ inch to 1 ⅜ inch pins | 23 gauge pins | 3 years | Check On Amazon |
| Makita AF353 23 Pin Nailer | ⅝ inch to 1 ⅜ inch pins | 23 gauge pins | 3 years | Check On Amazon |
| Grex P635 23 Pinner | ⅜ inch to 1 ⅜ inch pins | 23 gauge pins | 1 year | Check On Amazon |
| Freeman PP123 Pneumatic Pinner | ½ inch to 1-inch pins | 23 gauge pins | 7 years | Check On Amazon |
Best Pin Nailer Review
1. BOSTITCH HP118K Pin Nailer
Bostitch is quite a popular brand of power tools that is mainly known for making durable and reliable options. This is also true for its pin nailer offering mentioned here in this article.
The Bostitch HP118K pin nailer is present in the 1st position in this article as it offers a great build quality to the user. In fact, it is the most reliable and durable option present in this article as it even offers a 7-year long warranty that is much higher than other options out there. It uses aluminum for its construction that offers a great balance between strength and weight due to which this pin nailer is quite lightweight and compact in size.
As for its performance numbers, it offers the support for 23 gauge pins that can have a length ranging from ½ inch to 1 3/16 inch as per your need. Since this is a pneumatic power tool, it needs to be connected to an air compressor using its ¼ inch air fitting. Another great thing about this pin nailer is that it comes with a wide range of handy accessories for a high value for money.
Best Features:
- ½ inch to 1 3/16 inch pin length support
- 23 gauge rating pin support
- 7-year long warranty
- ¼ inch air inlet port
- Includes various accessories
- Lightweight and durable aluminum construction
- Adjustable high and low power switch for flexibility
Pros:
- Highly reliable
- Great performance
- Lightweight aluminum design
Cons:
- Not portable
- Average value for money
2. Metabo HPT Pin Nailer Kit
For those of you who are familiar with power tools, Metabo HPT must be a well-known name in the power tools industry. And Metabo Hitachi Power Tools even makes a pin nailer for handicraft purposes.
Metabo HPT’s NP35A pin nailer is present in the 2nd position in this article as it is a great powerful potion available out there. As per its name, it is a complete kit that comes with everything that you need for pin nailing. This includes things like a carrying case, oil bottle, and safety glasses included with this pin nailer. A great thing about this pin nailer is that it offers a great build quality along with a 5-year long warranty that is better than most other options.
You can use 23 gauge nails with this pin nailer along with a pretty decent supported length range of ⅝ inch to 1 ⅜ inch. It even comes with a no-mar tip that can be quite handy while using it. This pin nailer offers a depth adjustment for flush drives in different kinds of surfaces. A unique feature offered by this pin nailer is that its magazine automatically adjusts according to the size of pins you are using inside it.
Best Features:
- ⅝ inch to 1 ⅜ inch pin length support
- 23 gauge rating pin support
- 5-year long warranty
- Automatically adjusting magazine for using with different kinds of pins
- Depth adjustment for flush drives in different surfaces
- Reload indicator for ease of use
- Large fastener capacity for fewer reloads and saving time.
Pros:
- Decent performance
- Sturdy and reliable design
- Various handy features and options
Cons:
- Slightly expensive
- Short supported length range
3. NuMax SP123 Pneumatic Pin Nailer
NuMax is another popular brand of power tools out there whose products have a high user rating. But its pin nailer is much more affordable when compared with other options out there.
This NuMax SP123 pin nailer is present in the 3rd position in this article as it is the cheapest option mentioned here. Nonetheless, it still offers pretty decent performance to the user with its support for 23 gauge pins. These pins can have a length range of ½ inch to 1 inch as per your needs and requirements. Although, since this is a budget option, you only get a 1-year long warranty with it.
Talking about its build quality, it uses lightweight and durable aluminum for its construction. You even get an ergonomic and comfortable grip handle in this pin nailer that allows you to use this pin nailer for a long time without having any arm strain. Another great thing about this pin nailer is that it is quite small and compact, which means that it will not take much space to store inside your tool kit or garage.
Best Features:
- ½ inch to 1-inch pin length support
- 23 gauge rating pin support
- 1-year long warranty
- Ergonomic and comfortable handle grip
- Small and compact
- Lightweight and strong aluminum design
- Highly affordable price tag
Pros:
- Value for money
- Decent performance
- Ergonomic and comfortable design
Cons:
- Average build quality
- Only a 1-year warranty
4. Arrow Fastener Pin Nailer
Arrow Fastener can be another great option if you are looking for a power tools brand that offers budget options to the user. This is also true for its pin nailer option available for an affordable price tag.
The Arrow Fastener PT23G pin nailer can be another great pick if you are on a budget and want a pin nailer. Just per its name, it supports up to 23 gauge pins for use in your workshop or construction needs. These pins can have a length of ½ inch to 1 inch that is quite similar to other budget options. But unlike other budget options out there, this one offers a 3-year long warranty that can be quite handy down the road if you face any issues with this pin nailer.
Despite its lower price tag, you also get handy features with it. This includes things like an easy quick load magazine that can save you a lot of time while reloading pins in it. Its exhaust cover is completely adjustable for blowing air away from the user. Another great thing about this pin nailer is that you get an overmold grip in it that offers comfort while using it.
Best Features:
- ½ inch to 1-inch pin length support
- 23 gauge rating pin support
- 3-year long warranty
- Easy quick load magazine for saving time
- Adjustable exhaust cover for blowing air away from the user
- Overmold grip for extra comfort for prolonged usage
Pros:
- Decent warranty period
- Easy to use
- Comfortable and ergonomic grip
Cons:
- Basic length support range
- Lacks advanced features
5. PORTER-CABLE Pin Nailer
Porter Cable is one of the oldest and a highly popular brand of power tools that mainly makes electric options. However, you can even find some pneumatic power tools from Porter Cable like its pin nailer.
Porter Cable’s PIN138 pin nailer offers a great balance between price and performance. Even though it performs as good as much more expensive options out there, you get a very justified price tag with it. It includes the support for using 23 gauge pins for pin nailing a given surface or object. The pin length support is also quite decent with this pin nailer that is rated at ⅝ inch to 1 ⅜ inch for flexibility.
Another great thing about Porter Cable is that it is a reputable brand of power tools and offers a 3-year long warranty. But to further make this product a better value for money option, you get a total of 2000 pin nails included with it. Its carrying case allows you to carry all of these things with you for portable usage if needed.
Best Features:
- ⅝ inch to 1 ⅜ inch pin length support
- 23 gauge rating pin support
- 3-year long warranty
- Comes with various accessories
- Automatically adjusts for different fastener lengths
- Small and compact design
Pros:
- Great build quality
- Small and compact design
- Includes multiple accessories
Cons:
- Slightly expensive
- Average performance
6. Makita AF353 23 Pin Nailer
While Makita primarily makes battery-powered and electric power tools, their pneumatic pin nailer model is on par with various other options available out there from different brands.
This Makita AF353 pin nailer comes with a wide range of supported nail length options. You can use ⅝ inch, 11/16 inch, ¾ inch, 1 inch, 1 3/16 inch, and 1 ⅜ inch nails or pins while using this pin nailer. As for the thickness, all of these nails need to be 23 gauge to work with this pin nailer. Another great thing about this pin nailer is that it has a large magazine that can hold up to 130 pins at once so that you do not have to reload again and again.
Its aluminum body offers very good strength to the user while being quite lightweight. Even with a full magazine, this pin nailer weighs just 2 pounds that is quite lightweight. When combined with its small size, this pin nailer can be a great portable option for a lot of users out there. A handy feature of this pin nailer is its nail lockout mechanism that protects the tool as well as the work surface from any blank fires.
Best Features:
- ⅝ inch to 1 ⅜ inch pin length support
- 23 gauge rating pin support
- 3-year long warranty
- Holds up to 130 nails in its magazine
- Aluminum construction for strength
- Weighs 2 pounds
- Inbuilt air duster for convenient airflow
Pros:
- Large magazine capacity
- Lightweight construction
- Small and compact design
Cons:
- Expensive
- Basic length support range
7. Grex P635 23 Pinner
Grex is a smaller brand of power tools when it comes to pneumatic tools like a pin nailer. That being said, it offers some features that are not found in any other option out there.
The Grex P635 pin nailer offers the largest range of supported nail lengths when compared with other options in this article. You can use almost any kind of pin ranging from ⅜ inch to 1 ⅜ inch with this pin nailer. And as for the gauge rating, it is the same as all other options in this article since it is rated at 23 gauge. It is able to offer these performance numbers to the user because it is a pneumatic tool and uses an air compressor for functioning.
Unfortunately, as Grex is a smaller brand of power tools, it only offers a 1-year long warranty to the user. Thankfully, the build quality is on the decent side, which means that you can use it for a long time. Its patented design allows it to automatically adjust its fastener length. You also get a double trigger in it for extra safety while working with sharp pins.
Best Features:
- ⅜ inch to 1 ⅜ inch pin length support
- 23 gauge rating pin support
- 1-year long warranty
- Average build quality
- Automatically adjusting fastener length
Pros:
- Large supported length range
- Adaptive fastener length
- Double trigger for ease of use
Cons:
- Average build quality
- Only a 1-year warranty
8. Freeman PP123 Pneumatic Pinner
Last but not least, we have Freeman that has been making power tools for a long time. It is known for making high value for money products like its pin nailer mentioned in this article.
This Freeman PP123 pin nailer is another highly affordable option available out there. It offers an excellent build quality along with a 7-year long warranty that is much better than other options. But unlike other pin nailers that offer 5 year or a 7-year long warranty, this one is much more affordable. In other words, you get a high value for money with this pin nailer.
As per its name, it is a micro pinner that supports a pin size of ½ inch to 1 inch. You can use 23 gauge pins or nails with this pin nailer without any issues. Due to this, it is a great option for things like crafts, molding, picture framers, and much more. Its ergonomic handle ensures that you can use it without having any fatigue. You also get a safety trigger with this pin nailer that is always great to have.
Best Features:
- ½ inch to 1-inch pin length support
- 23 gauge rating pin support
- 7-year long warranty
- Inbuilt safety trigger
- Aluminum body for extra strength
- Ergonomic grip handle
Pros:
- Highly reliable and durable
- Value for money
- Decent performance
Cons:
- Limited nail length range
- A bit large
What is the Purpose of a Pin Nailer?
Pin nailers are known for shooting nails without heads which is why they are mostly used in trimming projects for invisible affixing. As the nails are headless and fixed deep into the material, they are not easily visible which makes them best choice for trimming tasks.
Though brad nailers use small 18-gaude brad nails, the nail heads are still visible. So, pin nailers have been the preferred choice when it comes to affixing delicate materials or for projects where nailing work has to be discreet.
Because of the compact nail size, they cannot be main holding force or connection for woodworks. So, they are mostly used for wood projects that use wood glue for holding up the works.
As the nails are small in size without head at top, they act as inner clamp to hold the pieces together until the glue dries up and also continue to support after that.
The only drawback of pin nailers is – they cannot provide adequate support to hold without the help of adhesives or wood glue.
Where Can We Use a Pin Nailer?
Before investing in a pin nailer, you may want to know different projects you can work with it. If so, then here are some of the reasons.
- It is a perfect option for working on wood projects with thin to medium thickness.
- Suitable for thinner and delicate wood projects that include bookends, framework and moldings.
Most of the nail gun owners or carpenters use this tool for projects that include detail trimming works and molding. They shoot the pin nails using a trigger mechanism to stabilizes the nail which ensures the nail hole is almost invisible.
Features to Consider While Purchasing a Pin Nailer
If you are wondering how to purchase the best pin nailer, then the below buying guide is of a great help. It helps you select the right one based on your needs and type of applications. Without further ado, let’s start the guide.
1. Different Types of Pin Nailers
Pin nailers are available in two variations – electric and pneumatic. Each type has its own positives and negatives. So, choosing the right one among them depends on individual preference. To help you make the right choice, we have provided a detail description of each type below.
Pneumatic Pin Nailer:
Their working principle is based on compressed air provided by the air compressor. To say in in simple words, you need an air compressor to provide the pressure for the pin nailer to drive the nail through the material.
The main advantage of air tools is that their runtime depends on the compressor. This means, the pin nailer will work as long as you require.
Compared to their counterpart, they are cheap. However, the maintenance cost over the long run is expensive. These costs are mostly depended on the compressor rather than the tool.
As you have to consider both the air compressor and tool, determining the budget is quite essential. Apart from that, air compressor uses electricity. So, if your worksite doesn’t have power, then you may not be able to work with it.
Positives:
- Affordable
- Compact in size
- Runtime depends on the air compressor
- Suitable only if you have air compressor
Negatives:
- Maintenance costs more
- Less powerful compared to electric version
- Doesn’t work without electricity
Electric Pin Nailer:
This type of pin nailer works on batteries. So, as long as your can recharge the battery, you can work with the tool anywhere you want. Compared to pneumatic, electric pin nailer is more efficient. However, it is not compact.
They are expensive but the maintenance costs over the long run are minimal. The only downside of electric pin nailers is the battery. Though there are several models that use Li-ion batteries, several tools come with NiCad batteries. They have the risk of losing capacity because of memory effect if they are not completely drained before recharging.
Positives:
- Portable
- If charged, you can use it anywhere you want
- Maintenance costs are minimal
Negatives:
- Bulky size
- Expensive upfront.
2. Pin Lengths and Sizes
The next important thing to consider while purchasing a pin nailer is the length of nails they can shoot. Pins used these tools have same width similar to the needle of sewing machine. However, they vary in terms of length.
Some tools accept 5/8 to 1 3/8-inch pin nails while other accept ½ to 1 3/16-inch nails. Shorter pins are suitable for working delicate and softer materials. While longer pins are suitable for working on harder and thicker materials.
Another important aspect to consider is that – not all pin nailers are compatible with all pin lengths. For example, some pin nailers caps around 1 inch so you are restricted to use only pin nails with 1 inch length. You have to select based on the project you are working. If you have to use the tool for working on multiple projects, then we recommend investing in a model that is compatible with most of the pin lengths.
3. Depth Adjustment
If you have to work on different materials, then investing in a model with depth adjustment feature is essential. It enables the user to set the depth at which the nail has to be embedded for joining or completing the task.
4. Magazine
It is responsible for holding the pin nails in the nailer. It is better to invest in a model that can hold maximum number of pin nails. It helps in working continuously for longer duration without the need of reloading it frequently. An ideal model comes with capacity of at least 100 micro pins. And check out if the magazine has an indicator that notifies when it is empty.
The next thing to consider while analysing magazine is the ease of loading. Make sure to choose the model that is easy to use and load. Quick loading usually leads to less frustration and reduce time waste.
And the last thing to consider is that – pin nailers usually jam and it is even more common with pneumatic nailers. High quality pin nailers usually jam less compared to others. However, you have to check whether the pin nailer is easy to unjam quickly.
5. Air Pressure or PSI
Pin nailers are powered through air which is why they are called as pnematic. The air is usually powered through an air compressor that comes along with the pin nailer. The power of the air compressor represents the amount of force it provides to pierce the nail into the surface. It is usually determined in terms of PSI (pounds per square inch).
The required PSI range depends on the material type you will be mostly working with. Thinner materials need less PSI and thicker materials need more PSI range. Most of the pin nailers come with PSI settings so you can adjust based on the requirement. Pin nailers that come with this feature makes it easy to work on different projects.
6. Swivelling Tube
Sometimes, it becomes inconvenient to connect the tool to air compressor, especially with air-powered pin nailers as the hose can get tangled or come under your feet. Having a swivel tube ensures extra comfort and lets you move freely on the worksite.
7. Precision
As the pins will not be visible, you have to make sure they hit the right place. Other nailer types usually have a nose that retracts but pin nailers don’t so that you can see exactly where you are going to hit the nailer. This is the main reason why pain nailers are designed to be compact. It also makes sure the depth adjustment is appropriate.
8. Dry Firing
If you trigger an empty gun without any nails, then it can leave strike marks on the surface. Apart from that, it can also damage the hammer inside. One way to prevent dry firing is to have a reload indicator.
The reload indicator provides signals or provides notifications that the nailer has to be refilled. It is mostly available in expensive models. The other option is nail lock mechanism which prevents the nails from being fired and lets it work only when reloaded.
And the final one is the window at the side of nail chamber which makes it easy to check the status of remaining nails and reload according to it.
9. Portability
The next factor to check out is the portability. You may have to move the nailer in and around based on your requirement. So, you have to check out the size. Compact options are always better as they are easy to carry and hold.
Another factor consider in the path of portability is weight. As it is a handheld tool, you will be spending most of your time holding it. So, a lightweight model would be better as it eliminates the exhaustion.
Lightweight pin nailers usually weigh around 2lbs while heavier models weigh around 5 pounds. For keeping the models light in weight, most of them are designed with aluminum and rubberized grip for added grip and comfortability.
10. Trigger
It is better to invest in a pin nailer that has full sequence dual trigger safety or double trigger safety system which means the trigger squeezing will not let the gun fire freely.
For driving a nail, certain pressure points have to be met which unlocks the trigger mechanism. In order to drive the nail, you have to push the safety tip and squeeze the full trigger. Though this makes it a bit slower, the only upside is that you will not misfire or potentially harm others or yourself.
11. Indicator Lights
This is an important factor to consider while purchasing a pin nailer. These indicator lights provide valuable insights about the pin nailer. Some of the common indicators are mentioned below.
- On/Off Light – This light indicates that the nailer is pulled in and powered on. When the light in on, it states that the pin nailer is ready to be used. You have to use OSHA safety for handling the pin nail gun.
- Low Nail Count – This light indicates when there is a low nail count or a smaller number of pins in the nailer. This one is an important as it will turn off when reload is required. This prevents any damage to the pin nailer.
- Battery – If you are using a cordless pin nailer, then having battery light indicator is an advantage as it lets you know when the battery is low. When the pin nailer is charging, it blinks or stays solid to know the status.
12. Safety
Working with power tools comes with potential risks. It can be harmful, especially if you have less experience with them. Even professionals should check out for models that have added safety features like double trigger, full sequence, automatic locking and others. It is better to have maximum number of safety features so that you are on safer side while using it.
13. Additional features
Some of the pin nailers come with additional accessories which help to maintain it properly. For example, wrenches for maintenance. Some of these accessories are mentioned below for maintenance.
- Oil-free motor – As the name implies, with this feature you don’t have to deal with messy oil clean-ups. It eliminates any need for regular maintenance.
- Carrying case – most of the pin nailers come with this option as they make it easy to carry and store. For higher price models, it comes with a hardshell case to keep all the tools and nailer at one place. The hardcase also protects the tool from getting damages in the daily work schedule.
- Narrow Nose – It lets you reach tight areas with ease. This is perfect option if you work on several small projects or if your work involves nailing in tight spaces.
- Dual Trigger – This is actually a safety feature that prevents accidental firing. In order to fire, you have to depress one trigger and a second to fire.
- No mar tip – while using a pinner, glue smeared or worn-out tips are a real problem. So, it is better to have a no-mar tip so that it guides you to locate the best position to drive the pins.
14. Warranty
Similar to any other power tool, pin nailers are also bound to get weak, break due to regular use or some of the accident. So, make sure to find out a model that comes with a good warranty duration so that you can replace or get repaired without any issues. An ideal warranty duration for pin nailer is considered as 3 years warranty.
Advantages of Pin Nailers
Just like any other tool, pin nailers come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks. We have mentioned them below for your reference.
- Because of their thinness, 23-guage nails can be easily driven into the sensitive materials without damaging the material or surface.
- Pin nail gun would complete the task without destroying the workpiece which may happen with 18- to 16- gauge.
- As 23- gauge nails are thin so they don’t leave any holes in the material.
- As the nails have no heads, it ensures hole-less effect and you don’t have to put any putty on the nail holes.
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
Ans: Pin nails usually won’t work for permanently fixing the furniture even with light materials. However, they can do pretty good work for holding two pieces of wood. While the glue can dry out, these pin nails will hold for longer until you finish the work. You can just drive the nails as necessary and remove them quickly without causing any damage.
Ans: If you don’t want to or cannot use a brad nailer, then a pin nailer can be useful. Having this piece of equipment helps to complete the work without any damaging where a prominent tool can cause fractures.
Ans: The difference between these three options depends on the type of nails used. Finish nailers use 15 to 18 gauge nails, brad nailers use 18 gauge nails while pin nailers use 23-guage nails.
Ans: These power tools are used for inserting headless pin nails without causing any damage to the material, holes, marks and wood splitting. They are perfect for accomplishing woodwork like moldings, picture frame, trims, cabinet and others.
Ans: Most of the pin nailers are available with several safety features that include dry firing, blank firing and locks. As long as you keep the pin nailer away from your face, you will not experience any potential accidents. And moreover, they generally come with secure triggers, depth adjustment features, tips and others that prevent any chances of potential risks.
Ans: No, pin nailers don’t come with this option.
Ans: When you are working on delicate materials, then even 18 gauge can cause damage. Apart from that, brads have nail heads which are not available with pin nails. So, you may not be able to replicate the functionalities of a pin nailer.
Conclusion
Just per its name, a pin nailer is used for driving pins in any given surface or object. And even these are quite simple tools; they have different kinds of features that you can find mentioned in this article along with the best pin nailers. We have even offered a detailed buying guide in this article that offers essential factors that can be useful to consider while purchasing such a power tool. But if you are still confused and cannot pick a pin nailer, then simply pick one of the following pin nailers for yourself:
- You can go with the Bostitch HP118K pin nailer if you want a highly reliable yet powerful pin nailer. It is one of the only options out there that come with a 7-year long warranty along with the support for ½ inch to 1 3/16 inch long pins.
- The Freeman PP123 can be a great option if you are looking for a highly affordable pin nailer. Even though it is the cheapest option out there, it still offers a 7-year long warranty. You get the support for ½ inch to 1 inch long pins with this pin nailer.
- Grex’s P635 pin nailer offers the largest nail length support range that is rated at ⅜ inch to 1 ⅜ inch. In other words, it is quite a flexible and versatile option for most users out there. Its build quality is also quite decent when compared with other options.
Make sure to share your thoughts in the comments section. You can also post any questions down there if you have any!
