Palm Nailer Reviews – Your Guide to Locate the Best One
Do you need a small and portable nail gun? There’s many options including the air-powered palm nailer. These units require an air compressor and hose, which make them somewhat inconvenient. However as the name suggests these nailing guns fit in the palm of your hand so they’re lighter and more compact than other types of nail guns.
The world’s first nail guns hit the market in the early 1950s. After World War II, United States servicemen used war-time technology to improve the quality of their daily lives. Suburbs were being constructed throughout the country and home-builders needed a tool more productive than the old-school hammer. Pneumatic staplers were invented first and were followed by power nailers.
There’s many issues to take up when picking a hand-held nail gun. They include the nailer’s model brand, weight, size, speed, and features. Even after deciding on a palm nailing gun the number of options can seem unlimited. That in turn can make it hard as nails to pick the right unit for your preferences and applications.
We completely understand your particular situation. Searching for a power tool can require a lot of time and effort, which are resources nobody seems to have enough of in today’s world. Don’t worry! We’ve reviewed some of the top portable nailers. This includes a wide range of factors including their features, pros, and cons. This makes it easier to select the right unit for your particular needs.
We want to help you find the right palm nail gun for your individual or company needs. That’s why we’ve provided a single place where you can get all the information you need to find the best unit whether you’ll be using the nail gun at work or home. We’ll even crown the best overall model. This is based on an objective evaluation of the different models. That will help to equip you with the right tools for the right job.
PN100K Impact Nailer Kit by Bostitch
This palm nailer features a durable and ergonomic design. The PN100K weighs about 3 pounds so it’s easy to operate and haul around to job sites. The unit includes a nose made with hardened steel. It’s a good option for driving bulk nails in compact areas or nailing off joint hangars and metal connectors. The kit includes a nailer, standard/finish/bore nail nose, hex and nose wrench, leather glove, extra O-rings, and lubricant. This Bostitch nailer also includes a limited warranty that’s good for 7 years.
PN650 Palm Nailer Kit by Porter-Cable
This handheld nailer from Porter-Cable is easy to use. It can drive nails ranging from 1.25 inches to 6.5 inches. It’s bundled with 4 nose tips. There’s a standard tip for basic nails ranging up to 70d. The nail gun also includes a magnetic tip for common nails from 3d to 16d. Another nose tip is a no-mar finish tip for finish nails with a maximum range of 3d. The PN650 also includes a steel hammer kit for auto body work, dowels, and moldings.
BOSTITCH PN50 Mini Impact Nailer
This portable nailer is ultra-lightweight at 1 pound. It features a 360-degree air fitting that swivels for top accessibility. There’s also a rubber grip that’s built to reduce vibration and insulate. This power nailer can drive the most common types of nails in the bulk framing, finish, and timber category. Another key feature is a front exhaust that directs hot air away from the operator’s palm for increased functionality.
PMPN Mini-Palm Nailer by Freeman
The Freeman unit found in palm nailer comparisons has a light design that’s under 2 pounds for extra portability. It also has a body that’s ergonomically engineered for easier functionality. This power nailer can fire nails that are a maximum of 3.5 inches long and ranging from 6d up to 16d. it’s also bundled with wrenches and oil for easier and cheaper maintenance.
PC0781 Pneumatic Palm Nailer by Senco
The PC0781 by Senco is a pneumatic hand-held nailer with a light weight of 2.5 pounds. You can fire bulk nails ranging from 5d up to 70d. A Magnetic guide provides faster/easier driving. The unit also includes features that boost the air nailer’s ergonomics. There’s a leather grip that lowers fatigue in the hand. In addition, there’s also a rubber palm pad that provides a soft and comfy grip.
Let's Compare Best Palm Nailer Reviews
Detailed Comparison List
Product Name | Product Weight | Product Dimension | Price | Total Review |
---|---|---|---|---|
PN100K Impact Nailer Kit by Bostitch | 5.65 pounds | 11.2 x 3.4 x 12.5 inches | ||
PN650 Palm Nailer Kit by Porter-Cable | 4.45 pounds | 14 x 10.5 x 3.2 inches | ||
BOSTITCH PN50 Mini Impact Nailer | 1 pound | 19.9 x 8.1 x 9.7 inches
| ||
PMPN Mini-Palm Nailer by Freeman | 1.38 pounds | 2.8 x 5 x 4.4 inches | ||
PC0781 Pneumatic Palm Nailer by Senco | 2.5 pounds | 4 x 3.2 x 5.8 inches |
PN100K Impact Nailer Kit by Bostitch
Short review
This palm nailer is manufactured by Stanley Bostitch. The US company is also known as Bostitch. It’s headquartered in the USA state of Rhode Island and was founded in 1896 by Thomas Briggs. The company produces a wide range of tools including staple guns, fasteners, staplers, and nail guns.
The fastening tool manufacturer officially became known as Bostitch 7 decades ago in 1948. Bostitch is a combination of the word “Boston” + “stitch.” It was originally headquartered in Massachusetts but moved to the North-East US in 1957. Since then it was owned by Textron (1966) then Stanley Works (1986).
The PN100K nailer kit features a highly portable hand-held nailer. It includes everything required to do a wide variety of tasks including decks and metal connectors. The main item in the kit is the PN100 air nailer. This unit has the power to fire nails as long as 5 inches. It’s also an excellent option if you have to install nails in a tight space.
The power nailer is also a little under 3 pounds, which makes it easier to pick for tough construction/carpentry jobs. There’s also a magnetic nose with a nail slot that’s recessed in order to hold nails securely in the unit. The nose construction of hardened steel helps to increase the durability of the unit.
This Bostitch air nailer is also designed for better ergonomics. This is a critical feature for operators who are using nail guns for long sessions or big projects.
The unit also includes some extra accoutrements. They include 3 noses for standard finish, bone nailing, etc. It’s also bundled with a hex wrench, nose wrench, leather glove, extra o-rings, and lubricant. These are critical features if you’re looking for more value when picking a compact nailer for your work or home tool box.
Things We Liked
- Faster than hammer
- Small spaces
- Powerful
- Joint hangers
- Drives any bulk nail
Things We Didn't Like
- Requires air compressor
- Loud
- No instructions
PN650 Palm Nailer Kit by Porter-Cable
Short review
Porter-Cable is US company that makes various kinds of power tools. The company produces other products besides nailers like circular saws, hand saws, and belt sanders. The company is under the umbrella company Stanley Black & Decker. Porter-Cable was founded over a century ago in 1906. It was launched in the US state of New York but is now headquartered in the state of Tennessee.
The company is named after its founders GG Porter, RE Porter, and FE Cable. They spent $2,300 on a tool shop and machine they operated from a garage. After launch the company started to focus its business on power tools in 1914. Over a decade later Porter-Cable started to develop niche electricity-powered portable power tools.
This mini compact power nailer is a god option if you’re working in a tight space that doesn’t provide enough space for swinging a hammer like Thor. The unit not only is small but also lightweight so you can get optimum control/balance.
The PN650 includes a multi-blow function that removes any length of connecting nail or framing. This makes it easier to see your workspace and do effective nailing. There’s also a front exhaust that sends away air from the operator’s palm. They can then hold the trigger securely so it doesn’t slip from their hands. This feature is related to the product’s functionality and safety.
A turning male connector reduces the air hose’s twisting, which provides greater ease-of-use. The Porter-Cable nailer is also a good option for accurately driving fasteners. That’s due to the magnetic nose that includes a recessed nail slot. This securely holds the nails to make nail driving as precise as possible.
The PN650 also features a limited warranty that’s valid for one year after purchasing the unit. It’s important to review what the warranty does and doesn’t cover since it’s a limited warranty.
Things We Liked
- Fast/efficient
- Fences
- Drives gutter nails
- Effective
- Value
Things We Didn't Like
- Large
- Shipping
- Reliability
BOSTITCH PN50 Mini Impact Nailer
Short review
Bostitch was founded in 1896 by Thomas Briggs as the Boston Wire Stitch Company. It produced wire-stitching machines to fasten items like hat boxes, calendars, books, and other items. The company’s original machines used staples that were pre-formed. The company later developed collated fasteners after the development of paper and glue-collated staples.
Bostitch moved to its current company name in 1930. This happened as the company developed more commercial stapling machines. Bostitch launched the first-ever coil nailer in 1961. This was a game-changer for the pallet-making market. Bostitch also unveiled a roofing coil nailer used in the construction industry.
This PN50 Mini nailer includes a rubber grip that insulates/reduces vibration. It weighs just 1 pound so it’s very easy to operate/transport. The unit also includes 360-degree air fitting that swivels to offer top accessibility.
The Bostitch nail gun includes a front exhaust that keeps air far from the operator’s palm. It can be used to drive various bulk nails including framing, finish, and timber nails. This feature provides more versatility so you won’t have to purchase different nailers for different types of nails. That in turn boosts the unit’s value.
This portable nailer can be used for a wide range of applications. They include metal connectors, joist hangers, and driving various types of nails.
One major benefit of this nailer is you can use it for a wide range of nails including stainless sliding nails. This is one option besides buying a siding gun. However, the main issue with that method is it’s designed specifically for siding jobs, which limits the number of applications you can use it for.
Another key feature of this unit is it works with most air compressors that include a tank. This provides more versatility and here’s why. You can possibly connect the nail gun to an air compressor that you already own, which is a plus.
Things We Liked
- Small spaces
- Ergonomics
- Value
- Easy to use
- Quality
Things We Didn't Like
- Power
- Quality
- Finish nails
PMPN Mini-Palm Nailer by Freeman
Short review
When doing palm nailer comparisons this is another unit to consider. Freeman was founded by Louis G. Freeman who was an installer/serviceman for a previous version of the United Shoe Machinery Company. He launched the Louis G. Freeman Company. Freeman had concepts for brand new machines that his previous company was hesitant to develop.
Freeman’s company was launched over a century ago in 1908 and was first headquartered in the US state of Ohio. Then during the 1920s the company built equipment to precisely trim/perforate shoe uppers. In the 1990s the Freeman company started to build tooling that extended its current product line. Today Freeman is a multi-national company that produces a wide variety of engineering tooling solutions.
The PMPN is clearly a mini palm nail gun. It’s tiny enough to fit in the palm of the user’s hand yet still has enough juice to drive nails a maximum of 3.5 inches long. The Freeman power tool is lightweight at a little under 2 pounds and compact enough to fit in tight spaces. This is a plus when there isn’t enough space for a larger nailer or hammer.
Another key feature of the PMPN is it provides a lot of value. This is critical if you don’t want to make a big investment in power tools yet want to drive nails faster than a standard hammer. In that case this portable power nailer is an excellent option.
Another key feature of the unit is it’s bundled with wrenches and oil. This helps to make maintenance of the portable nailer much easier and cost-effective since it reduces the amount of the investment you’ll have to make. This is a plus if you want to get more value from your power tools. It also allows you to start using the air nailer right out of the box without buying extra parts/accessories.
Things We Liked
- Powerful
- Small areas
- Quality
- Small
- Value
Things We Didn't Like
- Light
- Reliability
- Durability
PC0781 Pneumatic Palm Nailer by Senco
Short review
The history of Senco started in the mid 1930s. That’s when the manufacturer of this palm nailer was founded by Albert Juilfs. He manufactured the Springtramp Eliminator, which ended a vibration problem that often occurred with cars/trucks at the time. This was the first of many game-changing mechanical devices built by the company later known as Senco.
The Springtramp Eliminator Company then joined the fastener business in 1947 when it developed a stapler for a chain of department stores. A few years later Senco designed a pneumatic tacker for GM Fisher body. In 1951 the company shortened its name to the current one Senco. Since 1955 the company has been selling its products world-wide when it began distributing its product lines in various EU countries like France, Germany, and Italy, as well as South Africa.
This little nailer is an excellent value for both professionals and DIYers. The 2.5-pound portable nailer is well-balanced. The unit is a cinch to handle due to factors like the leather grip and palm pad made of rubber.
Take note that one issue is you’ll have to feed every nail one at a time. This is an issue to consider in case you’re looking for a nail gun that rapidly drives nails. On the other hand, the process is sped up due to the magnetic nail guide.
The PC0781 is very easy to use. You just have to add a little pressure to switch on the firing mechanism. This helps to provide trouble-free nail-driving. That in turn will make your tasks/projects more efficient, which is certainly a plus.
Another benefit of this nailer is it includes many applications. For example, you can use it for a wide variety of applications like metal straps, joust hangers, and pole barns.
However, this model isn’t just a good option for professional construction/carpentry workers but also DIYers. The reason is you won’t have to deal with dimpling that is a standard process when using a hand nailer. This makes operation of the unit easier, which is a plus.
Things We Liked
- Efficient
- Drives long nails
- Quality
- Durable
- Reliability
Things We Didn't Like
- Budget model
- Quality
- Grip
VALUE SECTION

Top Features of Palm Nailers
There’s many reasons why you should do a palm nailer comparison and here are some of the most important factors to take up in order to get the best options:
Ergonomics
The performance of the compact nailer is important but the general ergonomics is also critical. This will help to keep your hands comfortable when you’re doing jobs that require a lot of time and effort. In those cases the tool’s ergonomics are especially critical.
When possible it’s a good idea to test a particular hand-held nailer at a brick-and-mortar store. This will help to determine whether or not the unit has good ergonomics. It can save a lot of hassles later if you have to return the unit, which can require you to pay high shipping costs if they’re not included in the warranty.
Nail Types
A big issue is to consider the types and lengths of nails a particular model is designed for. This is critical to make sure you get the best results. These specs are usually provided by the manufacturer so it’s definitely worth doing some research. For example, some nail guns are designed for particular applications like joint hangars and metal connectors.
Safety
Here’s another important issue to take up when picking a particular model. Does the nail gun shut off when there’s just a few nails left in the magazine to prevent shooting blanks? This can cause damage to the unit, which is something to avoid.
Another feature to look for is a front exhaust that keeps air far from the operator’s palm. This is another important feature so your hand won’t heat up when you’re operating it. These are just some of the various safety features to look for when picking a compact nailer.
Unit/Kit
When you do a palm nailer comparison you’ll find that some units only include the handheld nailer itself. However, in other situations the nailer is part of a kit that includes items like nose wrench, leather glove, extra o-rings, etc.
Which option is best? You should consider issues like the value you want to get. You’ll end up spending more money initially for a kit. However, the plus of this option is you’ll get everything you need to get started with the portable nailer.
So in the long term you’ll be saving lots of money since you won’t have to buy such items separately. The costs can add up quickly. A good option is to do the math to figure out whether or not you’d get a better value from a single nailing unit or kit.
Weight/Size
Based on their general design handheld nail guns are smaller and lighter than other types of nailers. This is a plus if you need to operate the power tool in small spaces. In that case it’s a plus when you have a more compact machine for driving nails.
That said, the range of weights and sizes of different models of portable nailers can still vary quite a lot. Make sure to do some research so you make a wise choice based on your particular applications.
In some cases you might need to maneuver the power tool in small spaces so a super-compact model is a good option. However, in other cases you’ll need more power for various applications so you’ll have to sacrifice smaller units for that advantage. What’s the key? Consider the types of work you’ll be using the nailer in order to choose wisely.
Grip/Trigger
When selecting a unit make sure to consider various issues related to the unit’s grip/trigger. One of the most important ones is ergonomics. The trigger should be comfy enough to handle the nailing tasks you have. For example, if you need to work for several hours it’s critical for the trigger to provide ergonomics that will keep your hand as comfy as possible when operating it.
Which factors should you consider? There’s many including vibration. While there’s bound to be a certain amount of it you should look for models that reduce it as much as possible. This in turn will help to produce better results. On the other hand, if operating the nailer is like using a jackhammer then it’s not the best choice in terms of ergonomics.
Speed/Reliability
These are important and related issues. The number of nails fired per second is a critical issue since it can affect how fast you can complete your tasks. If you have big projects a particular unit that requires each nail to be loaded can slow down your productivity.
However, an issue that’s just as critical is the unit’s reliability. Make sure to avoid units with problems like misfiring and double-firing. The problem is it can require you to redo a lot of work if the nailer keeps misfiring. That can cause lots of issues like lower efficiency and missing project deadlines, for example.
Brand
How important is the nail gun’s manufacturer? When picking power tools it’s a good idea to go with name brands like Bostitch, DeWalt, Senco, and Hitachi. These companies have established themselves as market leaders so there’s a better chance you’ll get better products and service.
If you pick an off brand there’s a greater chance it’ll be a big gamble. That’s because such companies tend to offer products with inferior materials, craftsmanship, and support. The money you save isn’t worth dealing with a power tool that’s unreliable or even non-functional.
Nose
When considering a particular unit the durability of the nose is the first issue to take up. For example, look for durable metals like hardened steel. This will help to extend the lifespan of the nosepiece and the power nail gun itself.
You should also consider the various types of noses that are bundled with the unit. They include ones like bore nose, finish nail nose, and standard nose. The more options you have with a particular model the higher the price tag will be. Is it worth it?
The main issue is more nosepieces mean you’ll be more likely to have the best tool for the right job. That will be less likely if a nailer just includes a standard nosepiece, for example.
Warranty
There’s a few key issues to consider here. Some companies offer limited warranties for their power nailers while others offer unlimited/forever/unconditional warranties. The length of the warranty can also vary. Sometimes it’s as low as 1 year and other times it’s good for several years.
One key step to take when doing palm nailer comparisons is to read the warranty details and reread them to make sure you don’t miss any fine print. Here’s why. The terms & conditions of any warranty are critical because they include the legal requirements of the nailer’s buyer and seller. Knowing them can avoid a lot of possible future problems.
Accessories
This usually involves nailer “kits” that include various extra items used for maintenance of the units. However, sometimes you’ll get some freebies like nose/hex wrenches. These parts are critical for maintenance so it’s a plus when they’re bundled with nail gun units.
Applications
When you pick a particular model of portable nailers it’s critical to consider the applications it’s mainly designed for. They include dowels, moldings, auto body work, etc. This will help to get the best results from the unit. On the other hand, if you don’t consider this issue you could end up with a model that isn’t suited for the tasks/projects you have to complete. That’s a bad thing!
CONCLUSION

There’s no question a hand-held nailer is a great option if you’re looking for a unit that provides various features like compactness. In that case it’s an excellent choice over nail guns that are big, bulky, and heavy. They’re not very practical when you have to drill nails in a tight space. In those situations a compact nail gun is a better option.
We’ve carefully evaluated some of the best models on the unit. We’ve weighed the pros, cons, and features of some of the best options for small nail guns. After careful considerations we’ve concluded the best overall choice is the PN100K Impact Nailer Kit by Bostitch.
There’s many reasons why you should consider this mini nailer over the competition. It starts with Bostitch’s tradition of excellence. The company was founded over 120 years ago in 1896 so it has tons of experience designing and manufacturing power tools. This is a major plus since it means you can benefit from the company’s know-how and experience, which is a plus. It’s tough to find a tool company that’s been in the business for over a century.
Let’s get to the nitty-gritty of the PN100K. it can be used for a wide variety of applications that require different types/lengths of nails. This is a plus since it provides more flexibility.
The Bostitch unit also is very durable. That’s due factors like the nose made of hardened steel. This helps to boost the lifespan of the unit, which provides more value to the nailer.
Yet another benefit of this nailer is it’s less than 3 pounds. This helps to reduce arm fatigue and is a great option when you have to use a nailer for several hours. In that case a lightweight nail gun is a good option since it prevents arm/hand exhaustion.
One perk that sets this unit apart from similar compact nailers is it’s a kit that’s bundled with various items. They include standard/finish/bore noses. There’s also a leather glove, extra O-rings, nose/hex wrench, and lubricant. These items provide extra value to the kit and prevent you from spending tons of money buying the items separately.
The icing on the cake is a limited warranty that’s valid for 7 years. This is a plus since it protects your investment for several years after buying the portable nailer.
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