We’ve compiled a list of the best palm nailers on the market today, as well as a buyer’s guide to assist you in making an educated decision.
Do you ever find yourself having to work on nails at odd angles and in hard-to-reach places? If that’s the case, you’re probably frustrated with trying to get the nailer into an uncomfortable angle. Fortunately, there are products that will assist you in making the process easier.
Palm nailers are handheld devices that are strapped to the palm and function as nail guns. When shopping for a palm nailer gun at your local store, it can be difficult to tell the difference between different models.
A palm nailer cannot replace a nail gun. The main benefit of a palm nailer is that it allows you to shoot nails in hard-to-reach places. It’s possible that you’re using the palm nailer because a nail gun wouldn’t fit in the application where you’re working.
Over the last few years, palm nailers have grown in popularity, and they are readily available. We’ve sifted through several palm nailers available today. Our picks for the best palm nailers are listed below.
5 Best Palm Nailers In 2024
- PORTER-CABLE Palm Nailer Kit (PN650) – Best For Nailer Attachments
- BOSTITCH Mini Palm Nailer (PN50) – Best Lightweight Option
- Hitachi Palm Nailer (NH90AB) – Best Nose Design
- PowerPalm Floor Nailer By Powernail – Best Floor Nailer
- Freeman Mini Palm Nailer (PMPN) – Best Palm Nailer For Joist Hangers
Palm Nailer Reviews
1. PORTER-CABLE Palm Nailer Kit (PN650) – Best For Nailer Attachments
This PORTER-CABLE product stands out on the list. This nailer has a leather case, unlike the other nailers, which have a rubber case for comfort. There is a padded handle attachment. You can easily secure the product by slipping your hand beneath the handle.
This palm nailer gun is beneficial if you plan to use it for a variety of applications. Nail sizes ranging between 3D and 70D can be used with it. Furthermore, PORTER-CABLE offers a variety of nose tips, allowing you to work with a wider range of nail types.
However, it is a little heavier than the other items on the list. The PN650 weighs about 4 pounds, while most items weigh about 1 pound. It is, however, a high-power tool that should cover almost all types of nailing jobs.
The item is slightly on the expensive side, costing about $140. Moreover, in comparison to other items, PORTER CABLE’s warranty is inadequate and is valid for only a year. The company also specializes in other tools such as nailers and heat guns.
Pros
- The high-strength tool is powerful enough to use on automobiles
- 4 different tips to handle a variety of nails
- The device’s leather casing makes it comfortable to work with
Cons
- The warranty is inadequate
- This tool is heavier compared to some of the other tools
2. BOSTITCH Mini Palm Nailer (PN50) – Best Lightweight Option
BOSTITCH is a well-known brand in the hardware industry. The rubber grip on the PN50 palm nailer eliminates vibrations and helps to maintain your grip.
The rubber grip also insulates and protects the product. Overheating is a common issue seen in palm nailers. The product’s rubber grip stops this from occurring.
The product also keeps you safe by having an exhaust that blows away from the side of your hands.
Another great feature of the nailer is its lightweight. The nailer is just one pound in weight, making it easy to transport and navigate in difficult-to-reach areas. The package also includes a 360o swivel air connector for optimum usability.
This PN50 palm nailer can be used for a variety of tasks, including bulk finish, timber nails, and framing. This product comes with a 7-year warranty from BOSTITCH. It costs about $35 and is available for purchase.
Pros
- Lightweight construction makes the product easy to maneuver
- Quite affordable
- Rubber grip with external exhaust to keep you secure
Cons
- Isn’t compatible with larger nails
- Isn’t strong enough for certain tasks
3. Hitachi Palm Nailer (NH90AB) – Best Nose Design
The Hitachi NH90AB is another great option. It has a nose fastener that is magnetic, which makes it one of the most appealing features of this device. This function helps in the safe storage as well as the precise positioning of the fastener.
The Hitachi model, similar to some products on the list, has a rubber grip to ensure that you store the product securely. The 360o swivel air fitting makes it possible to insert nails into difficult-to-reach places.
This product, according to Hitachi, is the best fit for hanging joists and metal connectors. It can fit with nails that are 2.5 to 3.5 inches. The product weighs around 1.3 pounds and is easy to maneuver.
This product is available for purchase for about $50. It also comes with a 5-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
Pros
- Powerful exhaust reduces the amount of effort required
- 360o swivel mechanism is fluid
- Magnetic hold secures fasteners and helps with placement
Cons
- Smaller nails may not be compatible
- This product is noisy, so you will need to protect your ears when using it.
4. PowerPalm Floor Nailer By Powernail – Best Floor Nailer
The PowerPalm nailer by Powernail is a high-end option on the list, but it’s a good choice for people who want to nail floors. You can use this nailer for installing tongue, engineered, hardwood, or grooved flooring.
This product will most likely come in handy while blind nailing the first and last rows. The manufacturer has included a special tip that is angled to fit comfortably into the pocket. It’s also magnetic, which makes it easier for the cleat to be kept in place.
The PowerPalm nailer should be capable of driving T-style and L-style cleats, which are commonly found on floors. This device can work with both 18-gauge and 16-gauge nails.
The product is one pound in weight and has a powerful effect. It is, however, a bit pricier at about $150. That said, if you need a powerful tool to work with the flooring, this device is worth the cost.
Pros
- Minimal pressure to insert nails
- Strong enough to work with 18-gauge and 16-gauge nails
- Angled tip secures nails effectively
Cons
- Only able to work with 1 nail at a time
- Doesn’t have a rubberized case
5. Freeman Mini Palm Nailer (PMPN) – Best Palm Nailer For Joist Hangers
If you’re interested in a palm nailer that’s easy to use, look no further than this Freeman offering. The product’s ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use with your hands. The tool is lightweight, coming in at under 2 pounds.
This PMPN palm nailer can work with nails of diameter between 6D and 16D and up to a length of 3.5 inches. If you want to use different types of nails, this product might be a good fit.
We discovered that this device could drive galvanized nails into joist hangers. Despite its size, the product should be capable of handling most nailing jobs.
This $30 mini palm nailer gun is readily available. This product comes with a 7-year limited warranty from Freeman, which manufactures products in the US.
Pros
- It’s easy to use
- It’s comfortable to keep for long periods of time
- It’s powerful enough to handle heavy-duty nails
Cons
- Some people think that the hammer socket’s nostril is small
- Sometimes, it’s difficult to keep a nail in position
Buyer’s Guide For Picking The Best Palm Nailer
When looking to buy a palm nailer, it can be difficult to compare different models. Even when comparing the items on the list of our 5 best palm nailers, you may notice some similarities.
The most important drawback of a palm nailer gun is that it must be loaded with one nail at a time. Since you are able to insert more nails with a nail gun, you can work much faster. If you have a nail gun, it would be a better idea to use it on most of the applications, because it allows you to work much more efficiently.
So, what are the most important features to look for when buying a palm nailer? The features to think about are mentioned below.
Replaceable Heads
Another important feature to check is whether or not the nailer’s heads can be replaced. Interchangeable heads are included with the best palm nailers, enabling you to handle a variety of nails. If the nailer does not have replaceable heads, the types of nails you can use will be severely limited.
We also think it is essential to have a magnetic head. It can be difficult to keep the nail in position while operating in difficult-to-reach places. The magnetic head will help to solve this problem. And when working at odd angles, it will hold the nail in position.
Choosing The Best Fit
An important aspect of palm nailers is that it is hand-held, enabling you to reach areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach. As you would expect, hanging on to anything for such a long time can be exhausting. Comfort is, therefore, a critical factor to consider.
The best palm nailers have rubber straps or grips to make holding the device easier. Otherwise, you’ll have to take regular breaks, which will significantly slow down the completion of your project.
Driving Power
You’ll have to remove your nails and try again if you don’t insert them deep enough into the material. Check to see that the chosen palm nailer gun has enough power to drive the nails used for the application. Examining the pressure exerted by the tool is an effective way to determine this.
Compatibility Of Nails
You should also think about the nail size you’ll be using. You may be able to use various lengths and widths of nails with the best palm nailers. If you’re buying a palm nailer gun for a particular project or task, make sure it meets your requirements. If you’re going to buy one for a variety of projects, it might be worth it to have one with complete nail compatibility.
Swivel Fitting
Another feature to look for in a palm nailer is if it has 360o swivel support. You’ll find it a lot easier to navigate around difficult areas if it has this feature since you’ll be able to bend and twist easily to shoot the nail.
You’ll have to be more aware of the hoses and cords attached to a palm nailer gun if it doesn’t have 360o swivel support. Swivel fitting is a must-have if you are planning to use your nailer for difficult tasks.
Safety Requirements
Palm nailers, like any other nail gun, can be dangerous if not used properly. The guns fire sharp nails at a high speed using compressed air. When using a palm nailer gun, always wear appropriate ear and eye protection.
Additionally, you should think about getting a nailer with safety features. The ability to blast air away from your hand is an important safety feature we find with the best palm nailers. The recoil or blowback from firing a nail may lead to dropping the device if you’re in a confined space. Blowing air away from yourself will help you stay safe.
Surface Types
The surface type that the palm nailer would work with is determined by the model you buy. The best palm nailers have enough strength to pierce hard metal surfaces. These models, however, can be a bit pricey. The regular palm nailer gun can penetrate thin metal siding and wood.
Electric vs. Pneumatic Nailers
Another thing to think about is if you want to use an electric or a pneumatic palm nailer. The use of a pneumatic palm nailer requires attaching the air compressor. The pneumatic nailers are usually lighter compared to electric ones. They typically have a pressure range of 50 to 125 PSI.
If you don’t have access to the air compressor and don’t want to buy one, you should get an electric nailer. These tools are battery-operated, making them easily portable. However, an electric nailer is more expensive than a pneumatic nailer. It may die after a long period of work, requiring you to wait until it recharges before continuing the project.
If you intend to use the palm nailer gun regularly, you might want to consider investing in an air compressor. It is a quite versatile piece of equipment to add to your workshop. However, if you don’t anticipate using the palm nailer often, then an electric model should suffice.
Plastic-Coated Nails
The strength of the plastic cap determines whether the plastic-coated nail can be used with the palm nailer gun. You run the risk of cracking the plastic because the nailer fires at such high rates. Before using your palm nailer to fire plastic-capped nails, check with the manufacturer.
Weight
The weight of the tool is another thing to think about. The best palm nailers weigh about a pound, making them easy to carry around and use for long periods of time. The heavier it gets, the more difficult it would be to use it. A lighter tool will help you avoid muscle strains and wrist sprains.
Conclusion
If you’re having trouble inserting nails in difficult-to-reach places, you should consider using a palm nailer. This nailer allows you to shoot a single nail into the material without using a hammer, as long as your hand fits into the space. These tools are useful because they can go where a nail gun can’t.
Here are the 5 best palm nailers available today:
- PORTER-CABLE Palm Nailer Kit (PN650) – Best For Nailer Attachments
- BOSTITCH Mini Palm Nailer (PN50) – Best Lightweight Option
- Hitachi Palm Nailer (NH90AB) – Best Nose Design
- PowerPalm Floor Nailer By Powernail – Best Floor Nailer
- Freeman Mini Palm Nailer (PMPN) – Best Palm Nailer For Joist Hangers
We believe that you can’t go wrong with any of the choices we’ve mentioned, whether you’re buying your first palm nailer or need one with professional strength for a commercial project.
If we were to choose one, we would go with the PORTER-CABLE PN650. This tool comes with a leather handle and case. We really liked that the nailer’s heads could be replaced.
The PN650, on the other hand, is a little pricey. We suggest the BOSTITCH PN50 if you’re looking for a more affordable option. This is appealing due to the 7-year limited warranty and the flexibility to work using various nail types.