Review and Buying guide of the Best Pin Nailer in 2021
A pin nailer or pinner, as it is called, is a power tool that is used for discreet and delicate nailing. It is very similar to a brad nailer only that it does not have as much holding power and it uses much smaller 23-gauge headless pin nails to fasten materials. Pinners are often used where adhesives usually are used, to hold or join two pieces together temporarily until the glue dries.
A pin nailer is more accurate than other types of nail guns, and usually, it performs exceptionally well in detailed woodworking applications. This includes window beading, framing, decorative trim, and installing moldings. Pin nails can be as short as 3/8" and as long as 2" in length. They are usually headless or have a very small head which means that they are almost invisible once the surface is treated or painted.
PIN nailer is a handy tool for woodworking professionals and DIY hobbyists alike, whether you are into exotic furniture, cabinetry or any other home remodeling project. Our pin nailer review evaluates different models with different capabilities to help you choose the best pin nailer for your woodworking projects. These nailers are affordable and best quality than ever, which will save you a lot of time and hassle.
Comparison Table for Top Pin Nailers
Pin Nailer | Magazine Capacity | Operating Pressure | Our Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
100 pins | 65-100 PSI | 4.8 | ||
200 pins | 70-120 PSI | 4.6 | ||
130 pins | 60-100 PSI | 4.7 | ||
100 pins | 60-110 PSI | 4.3 | ||
100 pins | 60-100 PSI | 4.5 |
A high-quality, accurate pinner will bring a world convenience and functionality to your everyday woodworking projects. It will allow you to work quickly, but also have more precision in the finished product. Also, it combines power and versatility for the best finish possible. We’ve gathered top ranking pin nailers on the market to ensure that you’re well informed when choosing one for your next finishing project.
1. Hitachi NP35A Pin Nailer
The Hitachi NP35A pin nailer fires 23-gauge headless pins which leave near-invisible holes. The large-capacity magazine reduces downtime for reloads and added convenience. Besides, the magazine adjusts automatically to different fasteners length for use in a variety of applications including craftwork, paneling, and picture framing. Also, this nailer comes with two no-mar tips to protect delicate workpieces when the nailer is in use.
Features and Benefits of Hitachi NP35A Pin Nailer
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
Hitachi NP35A is the utmost winner. It has a large holding capacity, provides less downtime, it does not jam, and pin loading is effortless. Also, it has a wide range of fasteners, making it a solid performer for contractors and homeowners alike.
2. BOSTITCH HP118K
Ideal for professional use, BOSTITCH HP118K delivers the accuracy you need to work quickly on trim, detailed finishing, and woodworking applications. Its compact body is comfortable to handle, especially when working on intricate projects like crafting custom cabinetry. In addition, it works with a range of pin nails providing an effective fastening to glue set that are generally impossible to clamp.
Features and Benefits of BOSTITCH HP118K
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
BOSTITCH HP118K is a low-profile pinner that is designed to provide effective fastening for woodworking applications. It allows you to fit fasteners exactly where you want them, and it offers you a full range of intrinsic features that ensures a smooth and safe operation.
3. PORTER-CABLE PIN138
When you are working on cabinets and furniture, PORTER-CABLE PIN138 makes your work more manageable, and the good thing is that it comes with pin nails to get you started. The PIN138 is used to fasten materials that would otherwise split when using larger guns while delivering impressive durability with its aluminum body. Also, the maintenance-free motor design keeps it from staining the work area, providing a hassle-free tool operation.
Features and Benefits of PORTER-CABLE PIN138
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
Besides durability, PORTER-CABLE PIN138 has a lot to offer for both construction and repair applications. It provides quick and easy loading thanks to the magazine design that auto-adjusts to different fastener lengths for user convenience.
4. Grex P635 23 Gauge
The innovative Grex P635 gives you the power and flexibility you need for detailed woodworking, finishing and fastening delicate wood pieces without splitting. The tool can accommodate different fasteners sizes to make the process of pining easy. Featuring an industrial-grade motor, this pinner is powerful enough to penetrate hardwoods like oaks making it one of the best pin nailer on the market today.
Features and Benefits of Grex P635 23 Gauge
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
The P65 is the ideal pinner if you perform detailed trim work frequently. The compact design gives you the flexibility and control needed to produce an attractive product. It is also perfect for accessing tight spots, and it allows you to work with very minimal interruptions.
5. Freeman PP123 Pneumatic
Freeman PP123 is one of the most budget-friendly pinners with an ergonomically engineered body that results in an extremely lightweight and balanced tool. The comfort grip enables you to use the machine over a long period by reducing fatigue and increasing control. Also, the pinner is designed with an anodized aluminum magazine which ensures durability and precise pin placement.
Features and Benefits of Freeman PP123 Pneumatic
Pros
Cons
Verdict:
The Freeman PP123 is exceptionally easy to use and is the ideal tool for you if you work heavily on assembling objects. The pins seem like they are invisible to the naked eye and they don't disappoint on the capability of some really delicate work.
What to Look for When Buying a Pin Nailer
So, what makes a good a good pinner? If your pinner is versatile enough to handle all possible tasks and it can work with a variety of pin sizes, then we can call it a good pinner. You'll need to think about the applications that you will be engaged in and how frequently to enable you choose a model that is tailored to your needs. Here are a few essential things that you need to take into account when choosing the best pin nailer for your projects;
i. Fastener length
The length of the pin that a nailer can shoot is one of the most important considerations that you need to keep in mind when looking for the best pinner. If you don't have a specific size in mind, it is always a good idea to purchase a tool that accommodates multiple sizes.
Several models accept pin nails from ½" to at least 1" while more advanced models can accommodate from 3/8 inch to 2 inches. Shorter pins are ideal for softer materials, while longer ones will come in handy when working on thicker and harder materials.
ii. The capacity of the Magazine
One thing that you don't want to do now and then is reloading pins. The larger the capacity, the better. Reloading too often can interrupt your workflow, and that's why you need a tool with a high magazine capacity.
The magazine should at least be able to hold 100 micro pins which will enable you to work efficiently without often stopping to reload nails. Also, it will add value if you look for a pinner that has been designed for quick reloading.
You'll also need to consider the possibility that your pin nailer will jam. Jamming is a common problem with most nail guns. This is why it is important to choose one that allows for easy and quick release to enable you to get right back to work.
iii. Depth control
You'll constantly need to adjust the depth of the pin, especially when working with different materials. This will certainly depend on the thickness of the material that you are working on and how deep you want to drive the pin nails. Also, you'll need to adjust the depth when you either switch to shorter or longer pins even if the material remains the same. Some tools need manual adjustment while others adjust automatically to accommodate different fasteners.
iv.The design of the nose
A narrow nose is a great feature in a pin nailer as it allows you to work in tight areas with ease. A narrow nose will also enable you to perform other small projects that are not possible with other nail guns. A pin nailer is designed for use on delicate materials, and as such, it should also incorporate no-mar tips made from rubber to ensure that no damage occurs to the workpieces.
v. Safety
Safety is always important when it comes to pneumatic tools. Most high-quality pin nailers will have a dual-trigger mechanism that requires that you first release the safety trigger before pressing the second one to shoot the pin, thus preventing misfiring. Also, most models will have a rear exhaust port to direct exhaust air and air out. The exhaust needs to be adjustable or pointed away from the user or the work surface.
Pulling a trigger on an empty magazine can damage your workpieces, leaving behind strike marks. The dry-fire lock system will prevent your nail gun from firing when you run out of nails, avoiding any damage to your projects and the tool. On the same note, some models will have a reload indicator to let you know that you are running low on nails, thus preventing a dry-fire.
Why Hitachi NP35A is the overall best
After carefully considering each of the models presented above, the Hitachi NP35A pin nailer was the overall winner. It is a complete package, designed to be compact and lightweight so that you can use it anywhere. The kit includes a hex bar wrench, 1/4inch NPT plug safety glasses and carrying case. And, since it can be used with pins ranging from 5/8 inches to 1 3/8 inches, it is versatile, and it can be used on a variety of applications. Overall, you will get yourself a pin nailer that offers you hundreds of nails to work with while being inexpensive in addition to superior quality.
In conclusion, the best pin nailer does not have to be the unit that costs the most. Instead, it is one that meets your nailing needs while allowing you to breeze through a variety of DIY applications. Evaluate your options and weigh the variations each model has to offer before making that final decision.