Pin Nailer Reviews – Your Guide to Find the Top Ones
Do you need a pin nailer? These power tools are similar to brad nailers but also have specific benefits and applications. After doing finishing work on woodwork projects like cabinets it’s important to fill the nail holes. The tool works by shooting headless nails into 23-gauge pins. In most cases the workpiece won’t have any holes left in it.
These nailers provide many benefits. There’s no nail holes, the wood won’t split, and it’s a good option for trim pieces that split easily. However, it can be difficult to pick the right unit for your needs. There’s many issues like the brand, capacity, speed, trigger, accessories, etc.
This can make it quite tough to pick the best pin nailers. Keep in mind that the “best” model is the right one for your particular needs. There’s also the issue of picking the best overall unit based on factors like features and benefits.
We understand your situation. That’s why we’ve found and reviewed some of the top pin nail guns on the market. This makes it easier to pick the best unit. That’s because we’ve done the tough work already. This provides you with all the information you need to make the right choice while saving you valuable resources.
Your search for the right pinner ends here. We can save you lots of time and effort since you can get all the information required at one place. You can then select the model that’s right for your applications, which is important.
When selecting any power tool like a nailer it’s impossible to find a perfect model. That said, we can help to select the best overall unit. This makes sure you have the right tool for the right job. That will help your finishing work more complete and professional. Are you ready to start searching for the top pin nail gun?
NP35A 1-3/8" 23-Gauge Pin Nailer by Hitachi
This Hitachi nailer has a big capacity so there’s less down-time and fewer reloads. There’s also a reload indicator so you’ll know when you must reload the magazine and can prevent dry firing. The unit automatically adjusts to various fastener lengths for different projects. The rear exhaust keeps all debris/oil from your work surface. Another key safety figure is a big housing shield so your work surface will be protected from damage. The dual trigger provides safe/accurate firing of fasteners. This unit also includes depth adjustment so you’ll get flush drives for different surfaces. When there’s a jam you can clear it easily due to the removable nose plate.
P650L 23-Gauge 2-Inch Headless Pinner by Grex
This pin nailer from Grex fires fasteners up to 2 inches long into surfaces like hardwoods. The unit’s powerful motor can drive fasteners through hard materials. This nail gun isn’t just powerful but also precise. The narrow nose can reach sharp corners and tight areas so you can do precise trim work. The magazine design prevents the need to make adjustments for fasteners with different lengths. The nailer also includes a lock-out mechanism so you can avoid dry-firing and experience better safety.
IN100 0.5-inch to 1-Inch 23-Gauge Pin Nailer by Porter-Cable
Here’s one of the best pin nailers from Porter-Cable. The unit uses micro pin nails ranging from 0.5 inches to 1-inches long. It also adjusts automatically for various fastener lengths. This provides easy loading. The magazine is bottom-loaded and holds a maximum of 170 pin nails. There’s a reload indicator for low nails. This pin nail gun also includes a dual trigger feature and rubber grip on the power tool’s handle.
P635 23 Gauge 1-3/8-Inch Length Headless Pinner by Grex
The Grex nailer includes a powerful motor that helps fasteners drive through materials like hardwoods. It shoots fasteners up to nearly 1.5-inches easily including hardwoods. You won’t have to adjust the power tool for various lengths of fasteners due to the unit’s patented design. The Grex tool also includes a narrow nose that can reach corners and tight areas for improved trim work. There’s also a double trigger safety that prevents the tool from firing when not in use.
P118K 23-Gauge 0.5-Inch to 1-3/16-Inch Pin Nailer by Bostitch
This Bostitch nailer features a durable and lightweight aluminum housing. It fires 0.5 inch to about 1.25-inch pin nailers that are 23-gauge. You can get a clear sight due to the low-profile tapering nose-piece. The power switch provides high/low settings for depth control and better lifespan. This power nailer includes the nailer, nail selection, 0.25-inch air fitting, belt hook, carrying case, and oil.
Let's Compare Best Pin Nailer Reviews
Detailed Comparison List
Product Name | Product Weight | Product Dimension | Price | Total Review |
---|---|---|---|---|
NP35A 1-3/8" 23-Gauge Pin Nailer by Hitachi | 57 pounds | 11 x 12 x 3 inches | ||
P650L 23-Gauge 2-Inch Headless Pinner by Grex | 2.68 pounds | 7.8 x 1.8 x 8.8 inches | ||
PIN100 0.5-Inch to 1-Inch 23-Gauge Pin Nailer by Porter-Cable | 4.25 pound | 10.4 x 2.9 x 12.9 inches | ||
P635 23 Gauge 1-3/8-Inch Length Headless Pinner by Grex | 2.21 pounds | 11.2 x 12.9 x 3 inches | ||
HP118K 23-Gauge 0.5-Inch to 1-3/16-Inch Pin Nailer by Bostitch | 4.57 pounds | 11 x 12 x 3 inches |
NP35A 1-3/8" 23-Gauge Pin Nailer by Hitachi
Short review
Hitachi is a Japanese conglomerate headquartered in Tokyo. It’s under the umbrella company Hitachi Group and was founded more than 100 years ago in 1910. Fortune and Forbes have ranked the company as one of the biggest international companies in the world.
The company’s first product was a 5-horsepower motor. It was originally designed for copper mining. As time passed Hitachi became Japan’s leader in electric power infrastructure and electric motor. It moved its headquarters a century ago in 1918. Hitachi’s name was created by combining Japanese characters that mean “sun” and “rise.”
This Hitachi NP35A is a pinner that’s a good option for pro woodworkers, craftspeople, and homeowners that require a small fastener that’s almost invisible. The nailer can be used for several applications like trim work, cabinetry details, molding, glazed bead, paneling, tacking items as glue sets, and making picture frames.
In fact, you could use this pin nail gun for various finish applications in which you want to avoid using putty to fill nail holes and not need to split pieces of material that are delicate. In those situations this is a good option for you.
The air nailer includes various features. That includes depth adjustment so you can adjust the pins’ depth for different types of materials. They can range from different kinds of soft woods to exotic hardwoods.
This unit includes a hex wrench that’s stored on the magazine’s side. All you have to do is remove the tool, remove the 2 screws in the nailer’s front, and adjust the plate up/down to change the pin depth. This will help to provide professional results.
There are a few issues to keep in mind. Using the no-mar tip could alter the pin depth. Another issue is the PSI pressure ought to be adjusted to match up with the density of the material you’re using. This allows you to drive pins to the precise depth you want.
This pin nail gun includes 2 no-mar tips. One is stored on the tool at the handle’s base in order to provide more convenience. Meanwhile, the company stores the other unit on the nail gun during the nail gun’s production.
The pair of no-mar tips help to safeguard wood material that’s delicate like soft woods. That includes damage like marring, denting, and scratching when using the nail gun.
There’s also a big housing shield made of plastic that wraps around the nailer’s body. This helps to safeguard the tool from the nailer hitting your work piece by accident, which could cause an unwanted mark on the piece.
The unit is bundled with various items besides the nail itself. They include a molded plastic case, no-mar tips, bar wrench, and safety glasses. This provides you with everything you need to start using the nailer.
You can also choose among Hitachi’s various accessories. These are designed via the company’s game-changing R&D that has made it one of the world’s leaders in the power tool industry. The company is constantly using innovation/engineering to add brand new features to its product lines’ classic quality.
The Hitachi NP35A is backed by the company’s 5-year warranty. It’s important to read the terms & conditions of the warranty so you’ll know exactly what the warranty does and doesn’t include.
The nailer also includes a rear exhaust portal that keeps extra dirt, debris, or oil from being emitted from the nail gun. This helps to prevent the user and work surface from being hit with the substances while operating the unit. Why is this critical? It helps to prevent the jobs from being messy and the work surface from being damaged.
This nailer drives headless pins that are 23-gauge. It’s critical since they’re difficult to see after they’re driven under the material’s surface. The NP35A uses various lengths of pins to help you complete a wide variety of different projects.
The magazine also stores a maximum of 100 pins. This reduces the amount of down-time you’ll need when operating the power tool and also reduces the number of reloads.
The Hitachi nailer also includes a reload indicator that’s located on the magazine. It turns orange to inform the user of a low quantity of nails. This convenient feature helps to prevent dry firing, which can damage the unit.
Things We Liked
- Lightweight
- Value
- Precise
- Compact
- Well-balanced
Things We Didn't Like
- Setting pins at surface
- Quality
- Nailing hardwoods
P650L 23-Gauge 2-Inch Headless Pinner by Grex
Short review
Grex Power Tools was founded over two decades ago in 1995. The company is quickly expanded to provide innovative products to customers including professional fastening systems. Since the company’s founding it has grown quickly and now distributes its products internationally. That includes North America and Europe.
The goal of the company is to provide high-end products that are designed well and engineered professionally. It also tries to provide clients with the best customer service possible. Grex focuses on core values like communication. It also prioritizes things like delivery, service, and pricing to optimize the distribution of Hex tools.
This Grex tool is part of the company’s product line of headless pinners that includes the feature of 2 fastening. Grex’s P650L gives you the ability to drive longer fasteners via the same features offered on other headlines pinners from the power tool company.
In fact, you can use this air nailer for a wide range of applications. They include trim/finish work, dowel/joint pinning, decorative/molding trim, as well picture fame assembly, external softwood trim, lightweight paneling, glazing strips, Rattan furniture, window beading, craft work, and display/sign work.
The P650L features a powerful motor that lets you drive fasteners into various materials including hardwoods. The design ends the need to adjust the nailing gun for various fastener lengths. You can drive fasteners up to 2 inches. This unit includes a design that’s slim and lightweight so you can maneuver the power tool easily.
A key feature that provides more precision is the alignment guide with 4 points. This allows the user to locate positions precisely in order to drive pins.
The tool includes other convenient features. The hand grip is made of rubber so you can grip the tool comfortably yet firmly. In addition, the exhaust sounds are reduced via the silencer added to the rear exhaust mechanism.
When you need to clear fastener jams you can remove the nose cover to get easy access to the jams. The nose-piece also includes a narrow design so you can reach tight areas and corners when doing detail work.
A key safety feature is the unit’s lock-out feature. What’s it about? This helps to keep the tool from dry-firing, which can damage the unit. In the case you want to drive the last pins in the magazine you can use the over-ride button that switches off the lock-out mechanism.
You can also look at the indicator window for the fastener. This shows when you need to reload the nail gun’s magazine. Then you can use the drop-in loading feature to provide fast and easy reloading of fasteners.
Another safety feature of the nailer is the safety lock for the trigger. This helps to prevent the tool from accidentally firing when you’re not pressing the trigger. That’s certainly a situation you’ll want to avoid in order to boost the unit’s safety. The nail gun protects your work surface due to the no-mar tip made of rubber.
The unit also includes a belt hook. This makes it easier to carry the tool when you need to move it at job sites, or transport it to and from your vehicle to the job site.
Things We Liked
- Quality
- Versatility
- Value
- Long fasteners
- Ease of use
Things We Didn't Like
- Performance
- Jams
- Durability
PIN100 0.5-Inch to 1-Inch 23-Gauge Pin Nailer by Porter-Cable
Short review
Porter-Cable is a company that produces various power tools including some of the best pin nailers. The US company manufactures other products including circular saws, band saws, and belt sanders. Porter-Cable is under the parent company Stanley Black & Decker. It was founded over a century ago in the US state of New York.
The founders included GG Porter, RE Porter, and EE Cable. They launched the company in a garage. It focused on power tools starting in 1914 and began with a product line of lathes machines for shaping metal, wood, etc.). However, Porter-Cable is now headquartered in the US state of Tennessee.
The PIN100 is a 23-gauge nail gun that’s very similar to models produced by Senco. It drives micro pin nails that range from 0.5 inches to 1-inch long.
This nailer adjusts automatically for various lengths of fasteners. This makes it easier to load and results in fewer issues related to pins being out of specification. When you have to load the unit you can use the bottom-load magazine that stores a maximum of 170 pin nails. There’s also an indicator for nail reloading so you’ll know when you have to add nails to the magazine.
This unit also includes various safety features. They include the dual trigger mechanism that prevents the unit from firing fasteners when you’re not operating the power tool. A related feature is the comfort grip located on the nailer’s handle. It’s made of rubber to provide comfort and non-slip features.
Another important safety feature is the rear exhaust design. This helps to prevent oil condensation from interfering with your work space. That’s certainly a situation you’ll want to avoid in order to get the best results.
The product includes the PIN100 nailer, 2,000 pin nails with a 0.75 length, carrying case, oil, and operating manual. These are all the items you’ll need to get started operating this Porter-Cable nail gun.
Things We Liked
- Compact
- Reliability
- Lightweight
- Durability
- Easy to operate
Things We Didn't Like
- Jams
- Setting in hardwoods
- Durability
P635 23 Gauge 1-3/8-Inch Length Headless Pinner by Grex
Short review
Here’s another pin nailing gun from Grex. GREX power tools was founded in 1995 and offers various products lines including innovative fastening systems. The company continues to expand and now distributes its products world-wide. That includes the countries US, Mexico, and Canada, as well as Europe.
This power tool is a good option for woodworking and finish work so you can use it for a wide range of different pinning jobs. The manufacturer recommends this model for various applications like:
· Decorative trimming
· Display/sign creation
· Dowel/joint pinning
· Finishing
· Lightweight paneling
· Molding
· Picture frames/mirrors
· Rattan furniture
· Window bending
It’s a good option for trim work. The unit’s compact design provides control/flexibility for creating eye-catching finished products.
The product’s plusses start with a motor with industrial strength. This makes it easier to penetrate beech, oak, and other hardwoods. Unlike bigger fasteners the P635 allows you to fasten wood pieces that are small, thin, and delicate yet not cause splitting. This nail gun has enough power to fire pins into hardwoods.
This pinner is just 2.2 pounds so you can use it comfortably even when you’re using the unit for long-term or overhead jobs needing pinning. Other features like a short length and narrow nose-piece allow you to get to tight spaces using the tool. Meanwhile, the magazine is cut-away so you can operate the tool in tight corners.
The P635 is also very durable. It includes aluminum housing, driver/nosepiece made of hardened steel, and aluminum magazine. This tool is built to last a long time.
A related feature is the nose cover can be removed so you can clear jobs easily. The easy access is even easier since the hex key is stored conveniently in the back of the pinner’s magazine.
If you want to avoid a finish piece having holes/splits that can be seen this is a good option. It fires smaller nails than a brad or finish nailer. This results in the unit barely leaving a trace. However, even though it’s an ultra-thin headless fastener it operates with 23-gauge pins that provide lots of holding power when they’re driven properly.
Another plus is you won’t have to use sanding or puttying since the pins don’t leave any major visible marks. So you can enjoy better results as well as time savings.
The no-mar tip is removable and is a good option for fastening materials that are pre-finished. This provides professionals and DIYers with clean and high-end results.
The P635 works for pins as long as about 1.5 inches long, which provides a sturdy hold. In fact, you can use 9 different sizes of fasteners with this Grex nail gun. As a result it’s very practical to make this power tool your go-to nail gun.
Here’s another plus. The magazine auto-adjusts for various sizes of fasteners. The pins are quickly pushed to the required position. The magazine features a strip of about 100 pins. This allows you to keep working with limited interruption when operating the power tool.
This prevents the need to make manual adjustments for different pin lengths. It was required for old-school pinners. The result is a power tool that’s easy to load and use for fast, easy, and convenient loading/reloading.
Safety should also be an important issue when selecting a new pinner. The P635 features double-trigger safety. This helps to prevent the unit from firing accidentally when it’s not in use. How can you fire a pin? Just pull back this nailer's safety trigger then squeeze the pinning trigger. It’s that easy.
Another safety feature is a fastener indicator. This informs you when reloading is required so you can avoid dry firing. The manufacturer provides extra convenience since the magazine storage area holds the wrench and the unit includes a magazine with angled cut-off.
Convenience is also an important factor. This unit includes an exhaust system with a silencer that’s built-in. this helps to keep the power tool’s exhaust away from the operator and lowers the noise to a low level. Another convenient feature is the belt hook that allows you to easily carry the nail gun wherever you want to go.
The P635 is bundled with the pinner, hex keys, carrying case, tool lubricant, and owner’s manual. You’ll have everything you need to get started.
It’s not surprising this power tool has won various awards. That includes “Best New Tools” In Popular Woodworking (December 2005) as well as “Best Bet” in Woodworker’s Journal (April 2007).The tool has also received many positive online reviews from happy customers.
Things We Liked
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Durable
- Efficient
- No kickback
Things We Didn't Like
- Quality
- Durability
- Jams
HP118K 23-Gauge 0.5-Inch to 1-3/16-Inch Pin Nailer by Bostitch
Short review
This pinner is from Stanley Bostitch, which is also known as Bostitch. The company specializes in the design/manufacture of various tools including nailers. Bostitch was founded in Massachusetts by Thomas Briggs in 1896. Its name is a combination of “Boston” and “stitch.” Since then the company has moved its headquarters to the New England state of Rhode Island. The company’s first product was a machine that used a coil of wire in order to stitch books.
The Bostitch HP118K is a headless pin nailer that uses 23-gauge and 0.5 to almost 1.25-inch nails. It provides accuracy and comfort needed for various types of projects like trim, finish, and woodworking. It provides the power offered by a pneumatic nailer with the game-changing fastening tech from Bostitch.
This unit provides powerful/flexible fastening for clean and precise work. It’s a good option when working with slim/delicate materials that could get split with an 18-gauge brad/nail unit. This unit uses pin nails that are 23-guage so you can avoid damaging work surfaces.
It’s a good option or wood-working jobs. That’s because it fastens for difficult/impossible glue sets. So you can avoid seeing holes/marks that other driver heads leave. The result is a polished finished product.
This power tool is durable yet lightweight and operates with a range of 70 PSI and 120 PSI. There’s also a 0.25-inch NPT fitting so you can enjoy easy coupling via the compressor and air hose.
Adjustability is another key feature of this unit. You can maintain control with the power control of high/low. It sets the pin depths but doesn’t require you to change the compressor setting. The ability to provide driving power of 60”/lb. helps to make sure all pins are seated securely.
The unit sis also flexible since the 23-gauge pinner can fire nails with a range of ½ inch up to 1-3/16 inches. This allows you to use the tool for a wide range of tasks that require fasteners. In addition, the high 200-pin magazine capacity provides more efficiency since you’ll have to spend less time reloading the unit.
The HP118K has a compact body so it’s easy to maneuver. This is critical when doing precise work like picture frames and custom cabinets. In fact, the pinner only weighs 2.5 pounds due to its aluminum housing that’s lightweight yet durable.
The unit also provides a comfortable ergonomic design. It’s smooth and safe, which includes a nosepiece that’s low-profile. It tapers to the contact point so the user has a very clear line of site that results in exact placement.
There’s also the over-molded grip to make sure you get handling that’s slip-free. It’s also balanced well so it sits comfortably in the user’s hand for long-term use. Another feature related to comfort is the rear exhaust. This moves air away from the operator’s face.
There’s some other features of the Bostitch pinner. The belt hook is reversible so you can enjoy more convenience when you’re using the power tool at work or home. It also includes a 7-year warranty. Its’ a limited warranty but provides long-term protection of your investment, which is a plus.
Things We Liked
- Ergonomic
- Carry case
- Efficient
- Easy to load
- Holds pins well
Things We Didn't Like
- Safety lever position
- Requires oiling
- Blemishes work piece
VALUE SECTION

Top Benefits of Pin Nailers
Here are some of the top benefits of the best pin nailers:
Versatility
It’s important to note that pin nail guns shouldn’t be used to replace finishing nails. However, they can be used for a wide variety of applications like trimming and molding. Some excellent options include small/medium-size molding for furniture, cabinets, and interior millwork.
One main issue here is molding often has a shape that’s irregular. So as the glue dries it can be tough to hold using clamps. A related issue is holding trim via nails can also be a problem. That’s because the nail holes create an unsightly look even after the filling is done. The solution is pinning since you can use a 23-gauge nailer to hold various pieces together while not creating any trace.
In fact, you can also use pinners for large pieces of wood. Sometimes this can be a tough task even when you apply clamping pressure carefully. That’s because the unit can then begin to slide. A pin nail gun can be the perfect solution. The tiny pins help to prevent the wooden parts covered w/ glue from moving side to side. The problem is solved!
Compact/Durable
The very thin diameter of the pins is why they’re so effective in various types of materials including hardwoods. This might be surprising since the pins don’t have heads like standard nails. However, they’re still quite sturdy and durable.
You can increase the durability of the pins by adding some glue to the pinned joints. They serve as a substitute for clamps in several cases. These are some of the main reasons why you should definitely consider using pinners and pins.
Precision
Here’s another top benefit of using pinners. They’re designed to fire pins precisely where you need to add them. In fact, it’s important to note that the nosepiece is different from what you usually find on other types of pneumatic tools for fastening.
Other kinds of nailers have a nose piece that’s retractable so it must be pushed against your work piece prior to the gun firing. Pinners usually don’t. That’s because manufacturers think this setup is too bulky for the gun tip to have full visibility.
Here’s the difference. The majority of pinners have a dual trigger mechanism. This helps to prevent the unit from misfiring accidentally. So you must engage the tool by pressing one trigger. There’s then a second trigger you must depress to fire the fasteners. These types of safety systems are critical in determining how certain pinner models will function.
Options
As when picking other kinds of nailers you can find a wide range of different pinners. They all use a super-thin metal fastener. These 23-gauge pins are available in various sizes up to 2-inches. The pins are very thin and as about as thick as a sewing needle.
There’s also many other issues related to the pinner. They include the brand, price, quality, features, durability, ease-of-use, comfort, etc. These are all important mattes to take up to make sure you’re picking the best unit for your particular needs.
Top Features of Pin Nailers
If you’re searching for the best pin nailers here are some of the most important factors to take up:
Warranty
As when buying other power tools it’s important to consider if a warranty is provided for the pinner. Why is this critical? It will help to protect your investment, which is always important when you make somewhat big purchases.
There’s many issues to take up. For example, is the warranty an unlimited or limited one? In both cases it’s important to know what the warranty covers so you’ll be aware of how much protection you have after your purchase.
You should also read the terms & conditions of the warranty so there’s no fine print that surprises you later if the nail gun needs repairs or replacement parts.
Another matter is how many years the warranty is valid. Some warranties are only good for one year, while others are valid for half a decade or more. The length of warranty is often linked to the price but it’s definitely a good investment if it means you’ll have several years of protection.
Capacity
When picking a pinner you should consider the size of its magazine. There’s some models that include magazines with 200-nail capacities while others include a smaller capacity. Why is this a major issue?
It’s one to keep in mind because it can affect how much down-time you’ll have to spend reloading the unit. That can reduce your productivity, which can have a negative effect on how fast you’re able to complete tasks and projects.
It can also result in fewer reloads, which can save you both time and effort. It’s a major issue when you have big projects so you can avoid needing to keep reloading the magazine frequently because the capacity is under 100 nails, for example.
Jam Clearing
Like other factors different pinner models have various mechanisms for jam-clearing. This is one jam you won’t want to hear when operating a nail gun. What’s most important is that the user can have easy access to the nosepiece whenever pins jam in the unit. This makes it a piece of cake to access the nose-piece and remove the misfired fastener.
Trigger
Here’s another of the most important issues to take up when picking a pinner model. For example, it’s critical for the unit to provide comfort so your hand won’t suffer fatigue when operating the pinner for several hours per day. There’s various factors to take up including the trigger’s size, covering, etc.
Another thing to look for is a dual trigger. This helps to provide accurate/safe fastener placement. It’s a key feature since the unit won’t fire triggers unless both triggers are depressed. This is a critical safety feature to help avoid accidents involving the pinner.
Dry Firing
It might seem like a small issue but it’s definitely one worth considering when picking a pinner. Different models prevent this result in various ways. Some units stop firing when there’s X number of fasteners left in the magazine. Meanwhile, other units include a reload indicator. This helps to alert the user when there’s a low level of fasteners in the magazine.
The main issue is it’s critical to avoid dry firing whenever possible. This is important because it can cause damage to the pinner, which is likely a situation you’ll want to avoid. So when comparing different units make sure to look for a lock-out system that stops dry-firing.
Brand
Companies like Bostitch, Porter-Cable, and Hitachi have been around not only for decades but over a century. They provide good options if you’re looking for the best products you should consider such established companies. That’s because they have tons of experience and knowledge about producing power tools like pinners.
On the other hand, if you pick a start-up company or off brand you’ll likely have a worse experience. That involves issues like quality control and customer support. In fact, you might even have problems returning the nail gun if it includes a limited warranty or none at all.
Soft/Hard Surfaces
In some cases you’ll just need to add pins to soft materials. Meanwhile, other times you’ll want to add pins to various kinds of hardwoods. Make sure to consider whether a particular unit is effective when using the types of materials you’ll likely be using. This will help to improve the functionality of the unit, which is critical to get the best results.
Exhaust
This is a standard feature you can find on various pinner units. One of the biggest issues is the effectiveness of the unit. Make sure the exhaust is strong enough to help blow away debris, oil, etc. away from the user and work surface.
However, that’s just the start. Just as important is the location of the exhaust. A rear exhaust is a good option for blowing debris/oil away from the operator and work surface. This helps to keep the work area as clear as possible in order to provide the most productive and efficient results.
Pinner/Kit
Do you just need a pinner nail gun? In some situations that’s enough. However, in others you should consider a kit. That’s because they include different items like a nail selection, air fitting, belt hook, and carrying case.
Why are these items important? If they’re already bundled in a kit you can save a lot of money that you’d normally spend purchasing the items separately. Meanwhile, when they’re included in a pinner kit you’ll get more value from the purchase and save money that you can use for other purchases.
Weight/Compactness
The pins of pinners are narrow but that doesn’t mean the unit itself is just as compact. Make sure to consider the overall dimensions of the nailer as well as factors like the size of the nosepiece. This is also important to make sure the unit can be used around corners and tight spaces when doing trim work, for example.
A related issue is the weight of the unit. A lightweight unit will be more practical if you’ll be using the pinner for several hours during one session. That in turn will help with issues like preventing arm/hand fatigue so your fastening sessions will be more efficient.
Fastener Lengths
The lengths of fasteners used by pinners can vary significantly and up to 2-inches. It’s important to consider the length of nails used by a particular pinner model. This is important since it affects the effectiveness of a particular model based on the various jobs you must complete with a pinner.
One key feature to consider is a magazine that automatically adjusts to various lengths of fasteners. This is a good option since it makes the unit more versatile and your work more efficient. You can avoid the laborious tasks of reloading your nail gun with different sizes of 23-gauge pins.
CONCLUSION

We’ve examined some of the top pinners on the market. When you’re doing finishing work these power tools are the perfect way to make your carpentry work look cleaner and seamless. As always there’s many options available to help you pick the right pinner for your individual/company needs.
The good news is all the above-mentioned pin nail guns are outstanding choices. Weighing the features, pros, and cons, can help you sort through them and pick the best model that meets your preferences and necessities.
However, after careful analysis we’ve concluded the best overall choice is (drumroll, please)
the PORTER-CABLE PIN100 1/2-Inch to 1-Inch 23-Gauge Pin Nailer. It all starts with the manufacturer itself, which has more than a century of experience manufacturing power tools. That’s critical because it helps to guarantee you’re getting a top-notch product and service.
There are many reasons why this unit has received tons of positive online reviews. It uses micro nails ranging from 0.5-inch to 1-inch long. This provides more versatility when using the pinner for various tasks and projects.
In fact, another plus of this Porter-Cable model is it also adjusts for different lengths of fasteners. This makes it easier to load the unit since you won’t have to manually load the magazine each time you want to use different fasteners for different tasks.
Speaking of magazine loading, another benefit of the PIN100 is it loads up to 170 pin nails, which is much higher than several other models on the market. This makes your work more efficient and reduces how much time you need for reloading. The unit even includes a reload indicator to inform you when you have to reload nails.
Finally, the Porter-Cable air nailer includes a comfy and safe handle/trigger. The handle includes a rubber grip for extra comfort. In addition, there’s a dual trigger feature that prevents the pinner from accidentally firing fasteners. This is a big safe feature that’s not available on all pinner models.
There’s no doubt the PIN100 pin nailer by Porter-Cable is the best overall choice. It includes tons of features and benefits that give it an edge over the competition. We’d like to pin a first place ribbon on this nailer!
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