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23 Gauge pin nailers are ideal for fastening all types of trim and molding without splitting the wood.
Finding the best one can be hard with so many options around.
We’ll show you some of the best pin nailers around and tell you what to look for when choosing one to use.
Quick Picks
Here's 3 products we picked out that thought you would be interested in depending on your budget...
Best Pin Nailer with Reviews 2024
Here's a list of 23 gauge pin nailers we found:
1. Grex P635 Pin Nailer - Best Pick
- Powerful motor penetrates fasteners through the hardest materials
- Shoots fasteners up to 1-3/8-inch length easily, even-inch hardwoods
- Patented design eliminates need to adjust for different fastener lengths
- Double trigger safety prevents accidental firing of tool
- Narrow nose reaches tight areas and corners for detailed trim work
- Magazine Capacity: 100
- One Year Limited Warranty
Pros
- Quality product
- Ideal for professionals
- Very powerful - even for hardwoods
- A popular model among professionals
Cons
- On the higher end of price
- Sometimes need to remove no-mar tip to get pins in far enough
- No case
Overview
With a narrow nose and a no-mar tip, the Grex P635 is great for small jobs and getting into narrow spaces. This pin nailer gives you a lot of flexibility and power while still being easy to use. It works with soft and hard wood and is effective on small, delicate pieces without having to worry about splitting.
The really cool thing about this pin nailer from Grex is that it self-adjusts to different fastener sizes so you’ll never have to do anything manually. This makes it great for someone who has never owned a gun like this before. The indicator on the magazine lets you know when it’s time to reload. You basically just put fresh pins in and you’re ready to go.
The lightweight body makes it great for long jobs, even those that require a lot of overhead work. It’s durable, constructed of aluminum and steel. Jams are easy to remove thanks to the removable nose cover and included hex key. Another feature that this pin nailer has that makes it stand out is the silencer, which makes it quieter and more enjoyable to use, especially when tackling a large job.
As for safety, this pinner has a double safety feature so it’s a little more secure than some of the other ones that we reviewed. Again, this makes it ideal for someone just learning how to use an air powered nailer.
2. BOSTITCH HP118K 23-Gauge Pin Nailer
- Low-Profile Nose-Piece Tapers for Clear Site
- Adjustable High/Lower Power Switch for Depth Control and Longer Life
- Lightweight and Durable Aluminum Housing
- Power: air, 70 – 120 psi
- Pin size: ½ – 1 3/16 inch
- Pin gauge: 23
- Magazine Capacity: 200
Pros
- High magazine capacity
- Lightweight
- Comes with case and additional accessories
- 7-year warranty
Cons
- Safety can be tricky and requires extra caution,
- Tip is sharp and can scratch the wood - be careful
- One of the more expensive models
Overview
Ideal for professional use, this Bostitch HP118K pin nailer has a tapered, low profile nose so you can easily see where you’re inserting the nail, which is important with a pin nailer. The adjustable power switch allows you to control the depth without having to adjust the air compressor and keeps the tool from being exposed to any unnecessary wear and tear. The magazine holds 200 pins which allows you to work for a long time without reloading.
This pin nailer weighs only 2.5 pounds thanks to its lightweight and durable aluminum housing. That, combined with the ergonomic comfort grip helps make this tool easy to maneuver. It’s balanced well and won’t slip. Plus, it comes with a 7-year warranty which is the longest of all the pin nailers we reviewed.
It works with a range of pin nails, from ½ inch to 1 3/16 inches so you can match the right pin to the right job. You also get some nice extras with this one, including tool lubricant, a set of 23 gauge pin nails, and a hard plastic case that’s ideal for transport and storage.
If you’re not careful, the tip can scratch the wood. The safety trigger can be tricky to operate because it’s not easy to hold the gun without engaging it. You should always be especially cautious with nail guns but pay close attention with this one. It’s best used by professionals.
3. NuMax SP123 23 Gauge Pin Nail Gun
- Uses 23 Gauge headless Pin Nails ranging from ½” to 1” pins
- Features a lightweight & durable aluminum body and ergonomic grip handle.
- Reversible belt hook & trigger with a safety mechanism that prevents accidental firing.
- Pin size selector
- 1-year warranty
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Ideal for infrequent project use
- Very popular model
Cons
- Not recommended for professional use
- Accidental misfires can still happen as there is no head pressure safety feature
4. Hitachi NP35A 23 Gauge Pinning Nailer
- Large fastener capacity for fewer reloads and less downtime
- Magazine automatically adjusts to 5/8", 3/4", 1", 1-3/16" and 1-3/8" fastener lengths for use on a wide variety of projects
- Dual trigger for safe and accurate placement of fasteners
- Rear exhaust directs oil and debris away from the work surface
- Depth adjustment for flush drives into a variety of surfaces
- Reload indicator for easy visual recognition of low nail quantities to avoid dry firing
- Large housing shield protects the work surface
- Power: air, 65 – 100 psi
- Magazine Capacity: 150
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to hold
- Comes with accessories including carrying case, two no-mar tips & onboard storage
- Handy orange indicator light tells you when you need to reload
- Removable nose plate for easy jam clearing
Cons
- Manual depth adjustment can be tricky to get just right at first
- Exhaust portal not adjustable
- Not especially effective with hardwood
Overview
The Hitachi NP35A pin nailer comes with some extras – safety glasses, oil, and a hard plastic case, ideal for storage and transport. This is a reasonably priced option that’s a solid performer, great for homeowners and contractors alike.
You get two no-mar tips with this pin nailer – one comes installed and the other is stored right on the nailer itself. This protects the surface from any damage like dents or scratches when using the nailer. The tool itself is also covered in a plastic material that won’t cause any damage if it accidentally bumps into the work surface.
Depth adjustment is done manually with a hex bar wrench that is included with the tool. It’s designed to be easy to do – loosen the two screws on the front of the nailer and simply move the plate up and down. You’ll also need to bear in mind that the no mar tip will add some space and adjust the PSI appropriately. This might take some time to get fine tuned so practice on some scrap wood first.
When you need to reload, the indicator on the magazine turns orange. It holds up to 100 pins in the magazine and works with various sizes ranging from ⅝ to 1 ⅜ inch. The exhaust portal is designed to blow away from you face when you’re using it, although it isn’t adjustable.
5. PORTER-CABLE PIN138 23-Gauge Pin Nail-Gun
- Uses 23-gauge headless and slight head pin nails from 5/8-Inch to 1-3/8-Inch length
- Long life maintenance free motor to keep from staining the work surface
- Includes: nailer, 2000 pin nails of 3/4-Inch, 1/4-Inch plug with cap, wrench, and carrying case
- Consistent power and penetration to sink 1-3/8-Inch nail sub-flush into oak
- Tool automatically adjusts for different fastener lengths for easier loading
Pros
- Very popular & highly rated model
- Works great with smaller compressors
- Depth settings are easy to adjust
- Easy to clear when the pins get jammed
Cons
- On the higher end of price as a premium model
- Not many complaints from users
6. Makita TP03Z Cordless Pin Nailer
- Refined firing mechanism reduces recoil; reduces force required on the work surface when driving pins
- Drives 6 different lengths of 23 gauge pins (5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 1", 1-3/16" and 1-3/8");
- Magazine capacity up to 120 pins
- Anti-dry fire mechanism engineered to prevent driving blanks and damage to work surface
- "Tool-less" depth adjustment for precise flush and Countersink finish
- Cordless for increased convenience
Pros
- Eliminates the need for a compressor and air hose
- Built-in L.E.D. light illuminates the work area
- Batteries last a long time
Cons
- More expensive compared to pneumatic models
- Bare tool only - requires 12V Max CXT batteries
- Bit bulkier than pneumatic models
Buying Guide
Pin nailers are your go-to tool when you want to attach small pieces of wood or trim without leaving a fastener that is too obvious or having any holes that will need to be filled. Which pin nailer you choose will depend on a few things.
Pin Lengths
All pin nailers work in more or less the same way – they shoot thin, headless metal fasteners. The pins for these tools are all about the width of s sewing needle but come in a lot of different lengths. In fact, they can vary from ⅜ – 2 inches, but you should know that not all pin nailers can take every length of pin.
The length you should use depends on the project you’re working on. Pins like these do offer a surprising amount of hold on their own, ever without a head. That said, they’re usually used in conjunction with an adhesive. The pins are the perfect way to hold something in place while you’re waiting for the wood glue to dry.
The best approach is to get a pin nailer that can take a wide range of pin lengths. That way, you know you’ll most likely be able to handle any project you’ll come across.
Precision
Because you don’t want the pin to be visible, it’s important that you’re able to get it right where it needs to go. While other nailers will have a nose that retracts, pin nailers do not. This is so you can see exactly where you’re putting the pin into the wood and this is precisely the reason why these tools are designed to be so compact. It also makes it easier to get the depth adjustment correct.
Safety
Safety is always important when it comes to tools, especially pneumatic nailers. Most of the higher end models will have a dual trigger lock. You have to first press a safety trigger and then press a second one to actually shoot the pin.
Not all of the pin nailers we reviewed had this kind of safety feature. It’s important to make sure that your tool is handled appropriately so it won’t injure you or anyone else who might get their hands on it. If you have children or pets who will be able to get near your pin nailer, make sure you choose one with strong safety features.
Magazine
The more pins the magazine can hold, the better. It allows you to work for longer periods of time without being constantly interrupted and having to reload.
Another thing to keep in mind concerning the magazine is how easy it is to load in the first place. Find a pin nailer that has been designed for quick loading. This amounts to less frustration and more time working.
The third and final thing to mention about magazines and pins is that there’s a good possibility your pin nailer will jam. It’s a common problem with pneumatic nailers of any kind. Higher quality nailers typically jam less than others, but it’s always important to have a nailer that allows you to quickly and easily clear the jam and get right back to work.
Extras
Some of the nailers we reviewed came with accessories. While they’re not all essential because it’s likely you already have some of them, one really good thing to look for is that your pin nailer comes with the wrenches needed for maintenance. It’s also really handy if they can be kept onboard the tool somewhere so you always know where they are when you need them.
Quality Versus Price
You’ll find quite a price range when it comes to pin nailers. While all of the ones we covered in our reviews are great options, make sure you choose the one that is best suited to your needs. For example, it’s unlike that the bargain buy is going to be able to compete with our top pick in the long run, especially if you’re a professional who is using your pin nailer on a regular basis.
That said, if you’re looking for something to use for small projects around your home, in your workshop, or even in your craft room, there’s no need to invest in a high-end tool. What really matters is that the one you choose can stand up to the work you’ll be putting it through.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a top notch pin nailer, look no further than the Bostitch HP118K. It’s designed to be lightweight and compact so you can use it anywhere. Because it can be used with pins ranging from ½ to 1 3/16 inches, it’s versatile and can be used with a variety of materials. Plus, it comes with an awesome 7-year warranty. This is a great tool for professionals; newbies, make sure you understand how the safety works because it can be tricky.
If you don’t think that the Bostitch is a good match, keep in mind our handy buying guide and reviews to help you find the right pin nailer for you.
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