Quick Summary: Our top pick for the best BOSTITCH PN100K Impact Nailer Kit. It is strong, durable, and has an excellent ergonomic design. It is also versatile, as it does a great job at nailing metal connectors, joist hangars as well as common bulk nails. We have looked at the best palm nailers on the market and have extensively researched them so that you can have a selection of palm nailers to choose from that are the very best. Take a look at our top picks so that you can decide which one is best for you and your needs.
When looking to buy a palm nailer, there are several factors to consider. You can choose from pneumatic palm nailers (air-powered), cordless (battery-powered), or electrical palm nailers.
The size and weight are important, as you want your tool to fit well in your hands and be comfortable to hold and to use for long periods, so you don’t want it to be too bulky or heavy. If your palm nailer comes with a cover, this will protect your hands from the vibrations while the tool is in use.
A model with an ergonomic design is your best bet, whether you’re right or left-handed, as the palm nailers cater for both. You’ll also want to be able to adjust the depth drive easily.
Interchangeable heads are another important feature if you want to avoid having to change tools for different jobs. How do you know which is the top palm nailer for you? Does each model do what it says it does?
Read on for our best palm nailer reviews which will help you decide. We cover which features are attributed to each one, and what you need to know in advance before making an informed purchase.
Quick Navigation:
- Comparison of 10 Best Palm Nailers
- Reviews of 10 Top Palm Nailers
- How to Choose the Right Palm Nailers
- FAQs
- Final Verdict
Reviews of 10 Top Palm Nailers
Here’s a list of the top 10 palm nailers we found on the market:
Best Overall
1. Bostitch PN100K Impact Nailer Kit
What You Will Love:
- Durable and ready for heavy-duty work
- Magnetic Nose holds Nails Securely
- Comes with accessories to help you with your projects
- Versatile
When it came to finding the top palm nailer overall, we selected the Bostitch PN100K Impact Nailer Kit because of its all-around quality and ease-of-use.
It’s ergonomically-designed for maximum comfort. With the magnetic nose, you can easily drive common bulk nails in confined areas. You can use the tool to secure metal connectors and joist hangers.
What makes the magnetic nose work so well is its recessed nail slot that holds nails securely. Bostitch Impact Nailer is made of hardened steel for extra durability. Whether you want to put up metal connectors or build a deck, this kit comes with everything you need to get the job done.
Besides the nailer, you get a standard nose, finish nail nose, nose wrench, leather comfort glove, hex wrench, extra O-rings, and tool lubricant. Although it weighs less than three pounds, the top palm nailer is capable of driving nails up to 5 inches in length.
Pros:
- Durable
- versatile
- comes with additional tools
Cons:
- There were a few disgruntled customers, but no major issues reported.
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Best Budget
2. Senco PC1195 Mini Palm Nailer
What You Will Love:
- Incredibly lightweight
- Versatile
- Accessories included
- Magnetic Nose for Secure Nailing
If you’re looking for the right palm nailer on a budget, we may have just what you need. Consider the Senco PC1195 Mini Palm Nailer.
If you want a tool that’s designed for maximum comfort, you’ll be pleased to know that Senco Palm Nailer weighs only one pound, making it 50% lighter than similar models.
You can easily place nail points in a recess in the magnetic nose to allow for safe, efficient fastening. You can put this tool to work for a variety of tasks: driving bulk nails into joist hangers, fencing, decking, or hurricane straps. It drives 2″ to 3-1/2″ 6d to 16d bulk nails.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact for easy storage and use in tight spaces,
- durable,
- versatile
Cons:
- Some customers were disappointed by the tool’s short lifespan.
- It may not work as well as a full-sized palm nailer.
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Best Cordless Palm Nailer
3. Milwaukee M12 Cordless Palm Nailer Kit, 2458-21
What You Will Love:
- Portable
- Delivers professional quality
- No air compressor Needed
- Hand strap and LED light
In our research on the best cordless palm nailer reviews, we came up with the Milwaukee M12 Cordless Palm Nailer Kit, 2458-21.
What customers really like about this model is that it’s portable, gives professional results, and doesn’t require an air compressor.
Milwaukee M12 Cordless Palm Nailer has an onboard fuel gauge instead. A traditional nail gun can’t typically go where this tool can, because of the Milwaukee’s compact design. The unit’s impacting mechanism can tackle the toughest tasks.
For optimal productivity and safety, the device comes with an LED work light and a hand strap. You can use a variety of nails with this gun, too, so it allows for considerable versatility.
Pros:
- Versatile
- No air compressor needed
- Compact
- The impacting mechanism allows you to accomplish heavy-duty tasks
Cons:
- Some customers received the unit with a battery that wouldn’t charge.
- There were also some reports that the tool drives nails in crooked.
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Best Electric Palm Nailer
4. PORTER-CABLE PN650 Palm Nailer Kit
What You Will Love:
- Powerful
- Versatile
- Comes with 4 different tips
- Multi-blow firing mode
The top palm nailer we could find is the PORTER-CABLE PN650 Palm Nailer Kit. Incredibly easy to use, this best electric palm nailer works with 1-1/4″ to 6-1/2″ (3d to 70d) nails. And it comes with 4 different nose tips:
- No-mar finish tip for finish nails up to 3d
- Magnetic tip for 3d to 16d common nails
- The standard tip for nails up to 70d
- Steel hammer tip for automotive bodywork, moldings, and dowels
With drive-depth control, you don’t have to worry about driving nails too far, or not deeply enough. For added versatility, the unit is capable of running between 50 and 120 psi.
Plus, the multi-blow firing mode operates at 2300 BPM at 100 psi. Weighing in at just under four and a half pounds, PORTER-CABLE PN650 pneumatic nail gun is relatively lightweight.
Pros:
- Accommodates different nail sizes
- Comes with 4 different tips
- Can be used for auto bodywork
- Runs at a range of pressure levels
Cons:
- Some people reported problems with changing the driver’s heads.
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Best Pneumatic Palm Nailer
5. Senco PC0781 Pneumatic Palm Nailer
What You Will Love:
- Easy to grasp
- Pressure range is 50–125 psi
- Magnetic nail guide
When looking for the best pneumatic palm nailer, we discovered the Senco PC0781. One thing customers find especially convenient is this nail gun’s modest weight– 2.5 pounds.
It’s well-balanced for convenient maneuvering, and the soft leather grip and rubber palm pad make it easy to hang onto for maximum control. This power-packed tool drives bulk nails from 5d to 70d.
A magnetic nail guide makes nail-driving faster and easier. Since this device fits in the palm of your hand, Senco PC0781 Pneumatic Palm Nailer can be your go-to gadget for metal straps, joist hangers, and even set up a pole barn. Running at 50–125 psi, a little power goes a long way.
If you’re into home DIY projects, you’ll probably be ready to trade in your hammer once you use this nail gun, because it avoids the dimpling that usually happens when you’re driving nails by hand.
Pros:
- Versatile
- Lightweight
- Has a magnetic nail guide
Cons:
- Doesn’t fit 60d spiral nails
- Gaskets may be prone to blow-outs
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Best Mini-Palm Nailer
6. Freeman PMPN Mini Palm Nailer with Magnetic Tip
What You Will Love:
- Takes different nail types
- Magnetic tip
- Lightweight
There are lots of mini palm nailers out there, but the best we could find is the Freeman PMPN Mini Palm Nailer with Magnetic Tip.
With this tool, which accepts nails from 6d to 16d (from 2″ to 3-1/2″), you can get into all those hard-to-reach areas.
Freeman PMPN Mini Palm Nailer professional design makes it high-performance and user-friendly– with a magnetic tip to secure and properly drive the nails.
Ergonomically-made, it weighs under two pounds. Included with the unit are adjustment tools. Lubricating oil is provided too, to help you keep up with maintenance.
Constructed from durable materials, this device is appropriate for professionals, as well as do-it-yourselfers. This “air hammer” has an internal air filter and anti-dust cap to keep debris out, extending the tool’s longevity.
Pros:
- Powerful,
- Ergonomic,
- Capable of reaching areas that a hammer can’t,
- Has a filter to keep debris out, optimizing longevity and performance.
Cons:
- Not compatible with certain nail heads or nails less than 2″ long.
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Best Palm & Floor Nailer
7. Powernail Power Palm Floor Nailer
What You Will Love:
- Virtually eliminates top-nailing to avoid flooring blemishes
- Works with a variety of tongue and groove flooring surfaces
If you’re looking to nail your next flooring job, the best flooring palm nail gun we could find is the Powernail Power Nail gun. Whether you’re a professional or are into DIY projects, you’ll likely find this tool easy to use.
You can use the pneumatic nailer for driving 16-gauge and 18-gauge L-cleats and T-cleats. It’s compatible with a variety of tongue and groove flooring materials.
Powernail Power Palm Floor Nailer pretty much eliminates the need for top-nailing final rows, so you can maintain the integrity and aesthetic qualities of your flooring. Weighing in at just over a pound, it’s lightweight enough to use comfortably for extended periods.
Plus, it’s small enough to fit into tight spaces, a bonus when you need to get close to the wall.
Pros:
- Fits well in tight spots
- Lightweight
- Virtually eliminates the need for top-nailing
Cons:
- If you don’t pre-drill holes
- The nails may be prone to bending as they’re being driven
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Best Versatile Palm Nailer
8. 3PLUS HMPN50SP Mini Palm Nailer
What You Will Love: You’ll love this versatile palm nailer that is ideal for joist hangers, decking, fencing, and driving nails into small spaces.
This air-powered mini tool is perfect for a wide variety of jobs and is handy and effective, while not being bulky.
Versatile
This mini palm nailer drives most common nails up to 3-1/2” in length.
Simple to use
The magnetic nose holds the nail in place to prevent slipping for safe and accurate placement.
Lightweight
3PLUS Mini Palm Nailer is one of the lightest nailers, weighing just 1 pound so you can make sure you can work for long periods without fatigue.
Pros:
- Sturdy construction with its lightweight die-casting aluminum body
- The exhaust at the front directs air away from your palm while you’re using it
- Will work with nails at a minimum of 5/8 of an inch
- Users say this model is good value for money and that it’s great for small jobs
Cons:
- Some users say this model is not ideal for large nails, although the vast majority of users are extremely happy with the performance of this woodworking power tool
- The harder you press, the faster it will nail, so go carefully as some users say nails bend if you go too fast
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Best for Round Head Nails
9. Carpenter CMPN90 Mini Impact Palm Nailer
What You Will Love: You’ll love that this palm nailer is very lightweight but well-built and that you can pound in nails far faster than a hammer with a minimum amount of effort. Given that the tool is light, your accuracy will be better.
An air-powered mini impact palm nailer that is excellent for use in large and small areas for all types of DIY jobs.
Connect it to your small air compressor and you’re ready to go, no need to oil it before first use. Simply add a bit of pneumatic oil after driving 500 nails.
Front exhaust
The front exhaust means you don’t have to worry about breathing in any fumes while you are working.
Ergonomic
The comfortable ergonomic rubber grip makes it easy to use this tool for long periods of time without your hand getting uncomfortable.
Flexible
This Carpenter CMPN90 Nailer model, because of its size, is excellent for use in confined areas where a hammer wouldn’t be practical.
Pros:
- Comes with a 7-year limited warranty from the manufacturer
- Great value for money
- Suitable for round head nails of all different lengths and sizes drives nails in seconds
- Minimal vibration while in use
Cons:
- .This tool is quite loud while in operation
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Best for Faster & Easier Driving
10. AeroPro MSN120 Palm Nailer
What You Will Love: You’ll love that this air-powered palm nailer comes with everything you need to get started right away (apart from the air compressor) and weighs only 1.8 pounds.
This handy palm nailer drives bulk nails from 5d to 70d and up to 4-5/8″ long. The operating pressure is from 70 to 100 PSI.
Safe
Your hand is protected while using this tool thanks to the hemicycle bolt.
Depth is adjustable
You can adjust the depth for a quick countersinking adjustment.
Easy to drive nails
The AeroPro MSN120 Palm Nailer guide is magnetic, making it easy for nails to stay in place. Driving nails is faster, easier, and more accurate.
Pros:
- Oil bottle and wrench are included when you purchase this model
- Good value for money
- Drives large nails fast
- Excellent to get nails into tight spaces where a hammer or nail gun can’t do the job
Cons:
- Some users say that this model is not quite as comfortable to use as other models with an ergonomic style, so if you are planning to drive nails over a long period of time you may prefer a different model.
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How to Choose the Right Palm Nailer
There are several factors to consider in your search for the right palm nailer.
Size and Weight
Most palm nailers are around the same size, but check to make sure the tool you want fits well in your hands. A heavy nailer will be tough to handle, but if it’s too light it will be difficult to control, so it’s a matter of striking the right balance.
Comfort
Look for a nailer with an ergonomic grip. Nailers are usually made for use by left and right-handed people, so lefties won’t find themselves “left out” when trying to use the tool.
Cover Strap
If your palm nailer comes with a leather case and strap, it will be a lot more comfortable to tote around. The cover protects your hands from the tool’s vibrations.
Storage Case
A storage case not only protects your tool when it’s not in use, it provides a convenient place to keep accessories organized.
Ergonomics
Ergonomic design minimizes fatigue and discomfort, especially when working in hard-to-reach areas.
Depth of Drive Adjustment
You should be able to adjust depth drive without tools for optimal convenience and productivity.
Interchangeable Heads
Different tasks require different nails, so interchangeable heads will definitely make your life easier. Interchangeable heads match the driver surface to the nail you want to drive.
There are a variety of interchangeable heads available, and they allow you to work more quickly and efficiently. Otherwise, you would have to keep swapping out tools.
Depth of Driving
More expensive palm nailers come with features that make it easier to drive nails far enough into the surface. The cheaper ones usually don’t.
Power
You can choose from pneumatic (air-powered), cordless (battery-powered), or electrical palm nailers.
FAQs
How much do we spend to get a palm nailer?
How much you spend depends on the type of nailer you get. Your average rank-and-file palm nail gun can be had at a modest price. You’ll pay more for extra features or for tools that are made of top-of-the-line materials.
What is a palm nailer used for?
You can use a palm nail gun for a variety of tasks: flooring, decking, pole barns, and securing joist hangers, to name a few. You can use a nail gun like this for tasks that would typically require a hammer.
What brand makes the best palm nailer?
Several leading brands, such as Porter-Cable, Bostitch, and Freeman, make quality palm nailers. Buying from a trusted name increases the likelihood you’re investing in a good product.
Final Verdict: Best Palm Nailers
With so many tools on the market, it can be difficult to know which is the best palm nailer. It’s important to consider the jobs you’re doing, and what type of nails they require so you can buy a unit that’s compatible with them. Finding the one that’s right for you can enable you to retire your hammer for good.
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