The Best Palm Nailers Review | Top 5 Picks

Ever since the advent of nail guns, driving nails accurately has never been a problem. But what the different iterations of the nail gun could not solve is the difficulty that arises while trying to nail fasteners in tight and cramped spaces. Well, that is where palm nailers stepped in.

Now that you know that palm nailersmake it hassle-free to nail in tight spaces, you would want to know about the best palm nailers that are available in the market.

Best Palm Nailer

Well, as you have found us, you will not have to worry about that anymore. We are not only going to make choosing one of them easier for you but also will provide you an ultimate buying guide alongside that.

Our Top 5 Palm Nailer – Comparison

5 Best Palm Nailers Reviews in 2021

Just like all the other tools, the market is full of options in the case of palm nailers. You are sure to get bewildered among them while choosing one.

But we are not going to let that happen to you, and for that reason, we have huddled a list with the ones that we think are worth recommending. Take a look into the list that we made exclusively for you:

1. BOSTITCH PN100K Impact Nailer Kit

BOSTITCH PN100K Impact Nailer Kit

We are going to start off our review section with the best pneumatic palm nailer that is out in the market. Now, why do we think this is the best one out there? For one particular reason, which is the accuracy that it has to offer.

Unlike some of the hand nailers, this one comes with a magnetic nose on the front. The nose is recessed with the nail slots. For that reason, it will be able to hold the nail with high stability. This high stability will eventually result in offeringan exceptional amount of accuracy.

On that note, the nose that it comes with is quite durable as well. It is of hardened steel and will be able to withstand extreme workloads easily. You can expect it to last for an extended amount of time.

Also, you will be getting three different types of nose in the package. One of them is the regular one, the other one is the finish nail nose, and lastly, there is a large bored one too.

Apart from that, the size of the unit is relatively compact too. Because of that, you will be able to make it fit into tight spaces without any issues. Driving nails inside confined areas precisely will be an easy task with this.

The operating pressure is up to par as well. It exerts pressure at about 70 to 100 psi, which is more than enough to drive nails into thick materials.

Pros

  • Offers an exceptional amount of accuracy
  • Comes with three different noses
  • The noses are quite durable
  • Sports a compact body
  • Operates at 70 to 100 psi

Cons

  • Does not come with any sort of instructions
  • No swivel connectors

2. Metabo HPT Palm Nailer(NH90AB)

 

If you were in search of the best palm nailer for the money, then you are probably not going the get anything that will be able to offer you better overall performance like this.

To begin with, this nailer that Metabo is offering is compatible with a large number of nails. It will be able to accept bulk nails that are from 2-1/2 inches to 3-1/2 inches in diameter. That means you will be able to work with multiple numbers of nails with this one.

Apart from that, the top of the unit features an over-molding grip. This grip does not only make it comfortable for you to hold it but also will reduce the overall vibration to a substantial amount. Because of that, you will be able to drive the nails through precisely.

The overall weight of the unit is relatively minimal as well. It weighs only 1.3 pounds, which means you will be able to maneuver it around easily. And the overall shape of the unit is compact as well, just like most of the other palm nailers.

Talking about the maneuvering, it comes with a fitting that swivels to a full 360 degrees. This swivel feature will make it easier for you to maneuver it around the tight spaces and confined areas.

Lastly, the magnetic nose that it comes with will be able to hold the fastener at the place securely. Driving fasteners on a surface accurately will be an easy task because of that.

Pros

  • Offers quite a lot for the money
  • Comes with a magnetic nose
  • Accepts a wide range of bulk nails
  • Features an over-molded rubber grip
  • The fitting swivels at a full 360 degrees

Cons

  • Uses a relatively large amount of air
  • The piston tends to get stuck quite often

3. Milwaukee M12 Cordless Palm Nailer Kit2458-21

Milwaukee Electric Tool 2458-21 Cordless Mailer Kit, 1-3-1/2

Are you looking for something for which you will not have to worry about connecting long hoses around? Then what you were looking for is probably this one that Milwaukee is offering.

Just like the label suggests, the unit is entirely cordless. You will not have to worry about connecting a hose to your compressor. Because of this, you will easily be able to reach higher places and the places that are a bit hard to reach.

Unlike some of the units that are out there, this one comes with a hand strap. This strap will go around your hand, and you will be able to hold it securely while driving nails. The accuracy that you are going to get because of this is going to be incomparable with the others.

Other than that, the nose of the unit comes with a magnetic tip. This tip will be able to hold the nails in place, which will increase the accuracy even further. Getting nails inside surfaces precisely will not be any problem at all.

It also comes with a LED work light on the front. Because of that, you will be able to work in fairly dim environments. The battery that it comes along charges within thirty minutes because of the fast charger that it comes along.

Apart from that, the unit is lightweight too. The overall weight is just 3-2/5 pounds, which means maneuvering it around will be pretty easy for you.

Pros

  • Comes with a built-in compressor housing
  • Features a work light
  • Includes a fast charger
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
  • Has a hand strap

Cons

  • The battery life is not that praiseworthy
  • Its size is not that compact

4. BOSTITCH Palm Nailer, Mini Impact (PN50)

BOSTITCH Palm Nailer, Mini Impact (PN50)

The manufacturer Bostitch seems to have an extensive lineup of reliable power tools. And this one that we are looking at is one of them.

To begin with, it comes with a rubber grip on the top. This grip will offer you an exceptional amount of comfort while using it. Alongside that, it will also be able to insulate the vibration, which will allow you to place fasteners on top of surfaces accurately.

Just like the label implies, the unit is really a mini version of the conventional palm nailers that are out there. It is exceptionally compact, and you will be able to cram it in tight spaces easily.

Apart from that, the weight is quite minimal as well. The overall weight of the unit is just 1 pound, which means you will have no trouble at all in the case of maneuvering it around.

Keeping the tabs up with the other models that are from the manufacturer, it also comes with a swivel fitting. The fitting rotates to a full 360 degrees. Because of that, you will be ableto install nails at a certain angle easily.

Other than that, there is an exhaust on the front that will direct the air away from the palm. It will also help in the case of increasing the overall accuracy. On that note, it is compatible with most of the bulk finish nails, timber nails, and framing nails. You will not have to worry about finding compatible nails that much.

Pros

  • Comes with a rubber grip design
  • Outputs a low amount of vibration
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Has an exhaust on the front
  • Compatible with most of the nails

Cons

  • A bit hard to install 16D nails
  • The magnet of the nose is not that strong

5. Freeman Pneumatic Mini Palm Nailer

Freeman Pneumatic Mini Palm Nailer with Magnetic Tip Ergonomic & Lightweight Nail Gun for Tight & Hard To Reach Spaces

We are going to finish off our plam nailers review section with this unit that is from Freeman. If durability is a primary factor for you, you should definitely take a look into this one.

Unlike some of the units that are out there, this one comes with a durable overall design. The internals is of high-quality parts, and the outside is also of high-quality materials. Because of such construction, you can expect it to last for an extended amount of time.

Apart from that, the overall weight of the unit is under two pounds, which makes it relatively lightweight. It also comes sporting an ergonomic design. That means you will be able to maneuver it around and drive nails on surfaces comfortably.

Just like some of the units that are out there, this one also comes with a magnetic tip. Because of that, it will be able to hold the nails in place while you are driving them. Talking about the nails, it can accommodate 6D to 16D nails and the ones that are up to 3-1/2 inches.

The overall footprint of the unit is quite compact and small. Because of such a body, you will have no trouble at all in the case of cramming it in tight spaces and confined areas.

Other than that, you will also find that the unit comes with an air adjustment tool and oil adjustment tool in the package.

Pros

  • Compatible with a plethora of nails
  • Features a durable overall construction
  • Sports an ergonomic design
  • Comes with adjustment tools
  • Lightweight and easy to operate

Cons

  • Tends to leak oil sometimes
  • The fitting size is a bit small for some wider diameter nails

How to Find the Right Palm Nailers – The Ultimate Buying Guide

We know that you are pretty thrilled to get yourself a palm nailer to start your DIY project. But before you decide to spend your money in one of the units, there are certain things that you will have to keep in mind. Those will allow you to scrutinize the units properly and make an efficient decision. The factors are:

Size

The first thing that you will have to consider is the size of the unit. As it goes with palm nailers, they should be small and compact. If they are not that much compact in size, you will face a bit of trouble in the case of driving nails into surfaces of a confined area.

Keeping that in mind, opting for the mini versions can be a good idea. Besides that, you can opt for any compact regular-sized ones too.

Ergonomics

As you are mainly going to operate the unit by keeping them in your palm, you will have to factor in the overall ergonomics. If the design language of the body is not that ergonomic, you will not be able to carry out prolonged sessions using it. You will find out that you are facing hand fatigues quite often with those.

There are many in the market that will come with a rubber over-molding on the top. Those are the ones that we would recommend you to shoot for.With those, you will be able to get a good grip of the unit, and alongside that, it will be much easier for you to maneuver the unit around too.

Weight

The weight of the palm nailers is an essential factor. Most of the units will come with a lightweight body. But there might be some that are not that much lightweight than the others.

If you shoot for the ones that are a bit heavier, you will have to face a bit of difficulty in the case of moving them around. And you would not want that, would you? That is why you should opt for the lightweight ones.

Pressure Range

Just like all the other pneumatic tools, palm nailers also rely on pressure for operating. The pressure is how they are able to drive nails into materials.

While most of the units will be able to exert 70 to 100 psi, there might be some that operate at a lower pressure range. With those, it would be a bit hard for you to drive nails in thicker materials.

For that reason, we would recommend you to opt for the ones that have a pressure rating that is somewhere around 70 or 90 psi. You will be able to drive nails on most of the surfaces without any issues with those.

Nail Compatibility

Not all the nailers that are out there will be compatible with the nail that you work with the most. For example, some will not be compatible with the 16D nails, which is fairly popular for DIY projects. In that case, we would recommend you to check the nail compatibility first before making a purchase.

Magnetic Tip

While most of the palm nailers that are out in the market will come with a magnetic tip, the strength of the magnet will not be the same for all of them. The ones that will come with a stronger magnet will be able to hold the nail in place securely. Because of that, you will be able to place your nail on surfaces accurately.

Strap

The strap that we are talking about here is the hand strap that most of the nailers come with. This strap will ensure that you have a firm grasp of the device while carrying out your nailing projects.

That means you will be able to place and drive your nails through precisely. For that reason, we would recommend you to opt for the ones that come with a strap.

Extras

Some of the units will come with a storage case, which is nice to have. It will allow you to store your units and transport them around safely. You will also be able to keep all the variable tips inside them organized.

Advantages of Having a Top-Quality Palm Nailer?

While all the palm nailers that are out there will be able to offer you the same functionality, the top-quality ones will come with some extra perks. The advantages that you are going to get with one of them are:

Accuracy

As it is quite common with the top-quality nailers to have a good magnetic tip on the front, they will be able tosecurely hold the nails that you are planning to drive into the surfaces. Because of that, you will be able to drive nails on the surface precisely.

Less Vibration

Apart from being accurate, the top-quality ones will also come with ergonomic body design. Many will come with an over-molding top, which will be extremely comfortable to hold onto. Besides, over-molding will also be able to reduce the overall vibration substantially.

Lower Chances of Having Hand Fatigue

In the case of working with power tools, the less the vibration that you will have to deal with, the less the chances of getting your hand fatigued. That means you will be able to carry out prolonged nailing sessions with the top quality ones without any issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use a palm nailer for framing?

You will be able to use most of the palm nailers for framing. In this case, what you have to consider is the nail compatibility first. If the one that you are shooting for can not work with framing nails, you will not be ableto use it for framing purposes.

How does an electric palm nailer work?

Electric palm nailers or the battery-operated ones are the simplest models of palm nailers that are out there. These mostly work by utilizing a rotating electric motor that compressesa spring to output the force required to drive a nail through a surface.

They do not need any sort of compressed air. All you have to do is connect them with a power source, and they should work.

What types of palm nailers are available?

There are mostly two types of palm nailers available in the market. You will find ones that will use compressed air, which is the conventional palm nailers. On the other hand, there are electric ones that are either corded or are cordless. The cordless ones will utilize a lithium-ion battery for powering the motor inside.

How does a pneumatic palm nailer work?

The pneumatic palm nailers are basically the ones that will use compressed air to fire the nails from the tip. Typically, they will have a piston that will be accompanied by a long shaft. When you activate it, the valve inside will open and force the air out, which will drive the nail that was on the tip.

How to load a palm nailer?

Loading a palm nailer with a nail is a pretty easy task. First, you will have to attach the right tip on the head. Most of the nailers will usually come with different types of tips. After that, you will have to fit one of the compatible nails. Do remember that not all of the nails will be compatible with the nailer that you have.

Conclusion

We hope that we were able to make choosing one of the best palm nailers easier for you. With that said, if we were to choose one among all of the five nailers that we have included in our list, we would go for the BOSTITCH PN100K.

It comes with a carrying case and a good quality hand strap. Alongside that, it also offers a good amount of nailing power.

Other than that, the Metabo HPT Palm Nailer would also be a good choice, considering the price to performance ratio that it has to offer.

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