The 5 Best Palm Nailers [Updated for 2022]
By investing in the best palm nailer, you can look forward to better versatility, comfort, and productivity. But with so many options to choose from, it’s understandable if you’re feeling just a bit overwhelmed in trying to make the right decision.
That’s why we’re here to make your life a little easier. We’ve carefully selected and reviewed the very best palm nailer models for your consideration. We’ve also included a handy buyer’s guide immediately following the reviews to assist you in your buying decision.
Whether you are a home contractor or a casual do-it-yourselfer, we’re sure that our picks for the best palm nailer will serve you well.
Let’s be honest; a nailer that fits in the palm of your hand isn’t really something you expect to drive nails with authority. Well, that’s precisely what Metabo’s HPT Palm Nailer does, and it does it well. Thanks to this versatile little nailer, you’ll be able to nail in-between tight spaces that would otherwise be impossible with the traditional hammer-and-nails approach.
We’re also impressed by the sheer portability of this thing. Measuring 3.14 x 2.75 x 4.38 inches, it really is an ideal palm nailer that fulfills its purpose and function better than most. Of course, coming from Metabo, do you really expect anything less?
For those unfamiliar with the brand, you’re essentially buying Hitachi. And anyone who is hip to electronics and tools knows Hitachi doesn’t mess around. Quality components were used in the manufacturing of the nailer, as evidenced by its aluminum alloy body.
Not only does this give the nailer its feathery weight, but it also provides its durability and longevity. The HPT Palm Nailer weighs in at just 1.3 pounds, and as such, you needn’t worry about hand-cramping pain and discomfort when using it. That means you can use the nailer for extended periods of time without issue.
This unit is also capable of operating at any angle thanks to a 360-degree swivel function and magnetic nose. The two combine to ensure that your fasteners stay in place while you maneuver around your projects.
You can use a wide variety of nails in this unit, although you’re limited to 2 ½ to 3 ½-inches in sizes. Aside from that one caveat, there isn’t anything negative we can find in Metabo’s nailer. It’s easy to use, incredibly portable, and accurate. We love it!
We’re also big fans of the rubberized grip. You get a big, cushy, rounded pad to hold onto as you drive nails. It’s a welcome feature, to be sure, as it greatly reduces impacts on your hand when in use. And it’s quite comfortable, ensuring increased productivity.
Another big plus is that you don’t necessarily need a powerful air compressor to use the HPT Palm Nailer. We used both an old and a new air compressor and the nailer complemented each just fine.
Need even more reason to buy the HPT Palm Nailer? Metabo gives you a five-year warranty with your purchase – one of the better warranties you get with any palm nailer.
Perhaps best of all is the jaw-dropping price. You can pick up Metabo’s palm nailer for a fraction of what some other units cost, making this a must-have for every toolbox.
Pros
- Comfortable grip
- Highly portable
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Compact
- Reliable
- Durable
Cons
- Feels a bit small and tends to produce less power
- Only works well for light use
- Has a shorter lifespan, especially when used frequently
Our Verdict
Metabo rarely disappoints, and its HPT Palm Nailer is further proof of that. We like being able to nail just about anywhere and at any angle. And thanks to its compact and lightweight design, the nailer is an absolute joy to use.
Our Rating
If you’re looking for a complete set to get you started, BOSTITCH has an excellent solution for your needs. The PN100K Impact Nailer Kit comes with a bevy of accessories to ensure that you have everything you need to start your project.
When you buy BOSTITCH’s kit, you get the following items included in it:
- Impact Nailer with Standard Nose
- Leather Comfort Glove
- Large Bore Nose
- Finish Nail Nose
- Tool Lubricant
- Spare O-Rings
- Nose Wrench
- Hex Wrench
What is perhaps most impressive about the included palm nailer is its ability to drive nails up to five inches in length. As such, the nailer allows you to take on a greater number of jobs that other palm nailers can’t.
On top of that, you get convenient versatility thanks to the excellent design choice that BOSTITCH went with here. The nailer is similar to other models, but its lightweight and compact construction make it easier to maneuver and operate.
An aluminum body provides you with both durability and flexibility to use the palm nailer in a variety of tasks. And a nicely molded grip ensures your comfort while the unit is in use.
Now, we will say that the palm nailer is a bit heavier than the Metabo model we reviewed earlier. However, we didn’t experience much difference in terms of longevity in using it. As such, you’ll be able to work on projects and other tasks for extended periods of time without any hassle in your hands.
We like that BOSTITCH gives you so many goodies with the kit. The only problem we ran into was the actual size and shape of the carrying case. While everything fits just fine when you first get it, this all changes when you put the Leather Comfort Glove over the palm nailer and attach your own air fitting to it.
We eventually discovered that some slight modifications to the case would allow everything to fit. Maybe this isn’t that big of a deal, but it would have been nice if you didn’t have to make your own adjustments. That, and the instructions are essentially worthless.
But everything else is nicely made and of high quality. The price is a bit steeper compared to Metabo’s offering, but that’s to be expected considering the fact that BOSTITCH’s palm nailer is capable of handling nail sizes up to five inches in length.
Pros
- Capable of accepting 5-inch nails
- High-quality construction
- Lots of accessories
- Complete kit
- Comfortable
Cons
- Lack of air coupler
- No product guide available online
Our Verdict
A couple of cosmetic issues don’t negate the exemplary performance of this palm nailer. BOSTITCH delivers a worthy contender that gets the job done while providing a comfortable user experience.
Our Rating
If lightweight is what you’re after, Senco has you covered with its PC1195 Mini Palm Nailer. This baby weighs less than a pound, clocking in at just 15.2 ounces! Talk about versatile; you can easily maneuver the aluminum PC1195 around corners and under material to get to those hard-to-reach areas.
Not only that, but it’s incredibly accurate, too. And thanks to a magnetic nose, your fasteners stay securely in place, whether you’re right-side-up, upside-down, or any other angle or position you can think of.
This is precisely what we look for in palm nailers, and Senco’s PC1195 doesn’t miss a beat. We’re very pleased with its performance and comfort. It’s worth mentioning that whenever you’re working with such a lightweight unit, you typically pay for the lack of weight in hand pain.
Surprisingly, that’s not the case here at all. Senco impressed us with how comfortable the PC1195 is to use. On top of that, the Mini Palm Nailer wears its name well. It’s one of the smallest units we reviewed, and the compact size only further aids in its operation and user-friendliness.
There is some noticeable vibration when in use, but it doesn’t beat the tar out of your hand like other models we tested in our quest to bring you the best palm nailer models. Hobbyists and DIYers should have a field day with this entry.
Even if you work in an industrial capacity, you would do well to have the Mini Palm Nailer in your toolbox. It’s just so versatile and capable. If you ever come across a tight squeeze that conventional nailers can’t reach, you’ll be glad to have this as a backup.
Bottom line; if you need a palm nailer that can handle up to 12d nails, the PC1195 Mini Palm Nailer will serve you well. Our only complaint is that Senco claims it can handle up to 16d nails, but we found this to be somewhat inaccurate due to the 11/32-inch head diameter.
Ours just couldn’t accept them. But 5/16 fit like a glove. With all that said, we did have luck with 16d vinyl-coated sinker nails. Go figure. In any event, we are happy with the overall performance of this palm nailer. It’s small, lightweight, and even comes with a one-year warranty.
You can nab this nailer for a song, so be sure to check it out. At such a low price, it’s well worth picking up. Trust us; you’ll put it to good use.
Pros
- Accepts plenty of nail sizes and types
- Super-compact design
- Ultra-lightweight
- Budget-friendly
- Comfortable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Only suited for light use
- Low compressor pressure
- Sometimes stalls when pressure reaches below 75 psi
Our Verdict
Senco delivers the goods with a respectable little palm nailer that can hang with the big dogs. And at a budget-friendly price, there’s no reason not to add this one to your collection.
Our Rating
Are you ready to meet the PC1195’s big brother? For those of you who need a palm nailer that can handle heavy-duty nails, look no further than to the PC0781. Senco ups the ante with a tough and durable upgrade over the smaller PC1195.
One look at the PC0781 tells you this palm nailer means business. It weighs more than double that of the PC1195, and for good reason. Unlike its aluminum sibling, the PC0781 is made from tough metal that ensures long-lasting performance.
Senco wrapped a leather grip around the palm nailer to provide users with something a little more comfortable to hold onto. This is a nice touch, as it gets the job done while adding character to your nailer (although we’re concerned about its lasting power – more on that in a moment). You’ll also find the usual rubber palm pad here to reduce fatigue while you’re working.
The PC0781 is slightly larger than its younger brother, measuring 4 x 3.25 x 5.8 inches. That said, the bigger size doesn’t detract from this thing’s versatility. We had no trouble at all in getting to tight spaces with the PC0781.
A handy magnetic nose plays a big role in this, as it keeps your nails securely in place. Speaking of which, you want to know what kind of nails this palm nailer can accept before you decide to invest in it. Well, you’ll be pleased to know that it accepts a lot.
Anything between 5d and 70d is handled like a champ, making this palm nailer one of the most powerful among our reviews. Need to drive pole barns? No sweat. That’s not something just any palm nailer can boast about.
Driving most nails is almost effortless, although we’ll admit pole barn spikes require some effort. Of course, we’re talking about a handheld palm nailer here. As such, it’s perfectly understandable.
So, is the PC0781 the perfect palm nailer? It’s pretty close. But the extra weight might prove difficult for some people. And driving larger nails does leave an impression on your hands. But otherwise, performance is most excellent.
As mentioned, we’re a little worried about the cool leather strap Senco includes on the nailer. It certainly looks nice, and it is comfortable. However, it’s dreadfully thin. We can easily see it wearing out after you’ve put some miles on the nailer.
At least there’s a rubberized grip on the nailer itself, and you can always invest in your own leather strap – preferably one that is thicker and more robust.
As with Senco’s Mini Palm Nailer, you get a one-year warranty included with the PC0781. You’ll spend nearly twice what the former costs, but you’re also getting twice the palm nailer. By our estimation, that’s money well spent.
Pros
- Capable of driving large spikes
- Rough, tough, and durable
- Versatile performance
- Premium materials
- Solid construction
- Reliable
Cons
- Sometimes leaks air when used
- The leather strap can break easily
- The gasket has a short lifespan
Our Verdict
You’ll spend a bit more on the PC0781, but you’ll have a hard time finding its equal for a better price. If you want to ensure that you’re getting a reliable palm nailer that can handle a wide variety of industrial nails, Senco’s heavyweight won’t disappoint.
Our Rating
Freeman’s Pneumatic Mini Palm Nailer came out of left field with a respectable contender that is worth your attention. At first glance, you might mistake this palm nailer for a BOSTITCH due to its yellow-orange and black construction.
Fortunately, Freeman’s offering goes further than just similar stylings and delivers a quality palm nailer that deserves its place alongside the competition. From performance to price, Freeman gets nearly everything right here, giving you a reliable unit that is sure to leave you impressed.
For such a budget-friendly palm nailer, you’d expect it to perform sufficiently at best. Not only do you get that, but a whole lot more, as well. Freeman’s Mini Palm Nailer blew us away in its ability to drive nails when we needed it.
And at only 1.38 pounds, it’s just a fuzz heavier than Metabo’s HPT Palm Nailer. In short, you’re getting a lightweight and versatile nailer that is easy to maneuver wherever you need it. Heck, we’d argue that it’s marginally more versatile than Metabo’s nailer. Why? Because Freeman’s Mini Palm Nailer has a sportier design that we find just a tad easier to hold.
Your mileage may vary depending on your preferences and hand size. But we’re pleased with this unit’s performance and happy to recommend it either way.
Oh, and if you thought Metabo’s stellar five-year warranty was nice, wait until you get a load of what Freeman gives you. With the Mini Palm Nailer comes a seven-year warranty and 90-day wearable parts warranty.
Remember, this is a budget-friendly palm nailer! Yet, you get that kind of coverage, not to mention the commendable performance.
So, why isn’t Freeman’s entry higher on our list? Quite simply, it sucks air like there’s no tomorrow, and your compressor is going to cycle a lot during use. If it weren’t for that, this palm nailer would be neck-and-neck with Metabo’s HPT Palm Nailer.
Pros
- 7-year warranty
- Incredible value
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic
- Reliable
Cons
- Can sometimes drive a nail at an awkward angle if not positioned correctly
- Too small for some nail heads
Our Verdict
As long as you don’t mind your compressor needing to take frequent breaks, you’ll be plenty pleased with Freeman’s Mini Palm Nailer. It delivers a respectable user experience and has a warranty that other nailers can’t touch.
Our Rating
Palm Nailer Buyer’s Guide
Before investing in the best palm nailer, you need to know what kind of features are important to you. When you know what to look for, you will have a much easier time picking out the right unit for your needs.
As you can see from our reviews above, palm nailers come in all shapes, sizes, and weights. As such, there’s a lot to consider before handing over your hard-earned. We want to help ensure that you end up making the right purchase.
In the following sections, you’ll learn more about what each feature provides you as a user. From ergonomics to operation and everything in-between, we’ve got you covered with what matters the most in a palm nailer.
Ergonomics
The more ergonomic the palm nailer, the easier it’s going to be to use. You need to have a good grip when driving nails, regardless of the tool you’re using. Think about it this way: trying to grip a square-shaped nailer would be murder on your hands. But a smooth, rounded palm nailer would be comfortable and far easier to control.
As such, you want to make sure that you’re investing in a unit that not only accommodates your hand size but also provides a safe user experience. Fortunately, the entries included above all sport rubberized grips and ergonomic construction. Some are sleeker than others, though, so it’s up to you which one best suits your needs.
Size & Weight
Just as important as ergonomics are size and weight. You can have the sportiest palm nailer in the world, but if it’s too big for your hands, you’re not going to be able to use it. As such, try to choose one that has measurements that suit you.
Look at the dimensions for each individual palm nailer, so you can better determine which ones are up your alley. Remember, palm nailers are meant to be a one-handed operation. That’s why it’s crucial to find one that fits comfortably in your hand.
Equally important is the weight of the unit. You don’t want to invest in a palm nailer that’s too heavy for you to safely use. You’ll find each entry’s total weight in our reviews, as well, so be sure to research this information.
The last thing you want is your arm and hand getting tired in the middle of a project. The lighter the palm nailer, the longer you’re going to be able to use it. There are other factors to consider, too, though. So be sure to read on to learn how they can affect your experience.
Performance
Obviously, the more powerful your palm nailer is, the easier it’s going to be able to drive nails. To determine if a palm nailer is capable of meeting the demands of your job, check out its PSI (pounds per square inch).
The higher the nailer’s PSI capabilities, the better it’s likely to perform. We’ve also included this essential data with each review so that you can make an informed decision as to which palm nailer is better suited for your needs.
Oftentimes, you can gauge the PSI you’ll need by the type of work or projects you do. If you do industrial work, you’re likely to need a palm nailer that can accommodate a higher PSI. But if you’re just doing light work around the house or in your shop, you don’t necessarily need a lot of power to drive your nails.
Nail Length
You should have a pretty good idea of what kind of nails you’re going to be using with your palm nailer. That’s why we made sure to provide this information with each review. Some palm nailers are designed to accept 2-inch nails, while others can accommodate 5+ inches.
Typically, you’re going to need to invest in a heavier-duty palm nailer to get the ability to handle bigger nail sizes. Take Senco’s PC0781, for example. It’s a powerful palm nailer that is made with tough materials and capable of accepting between 5d and 70d nails.
As such, you know you’re investing in a powerful nailer that can handle bigger jobs. But if you’re just a casual hobbyist who uses smaller-sized nails in your projects, you can likely get by with a budget-friendly palm nailer.
Not only will you get the performance you need, but you’ll save money, too. What’s more, palm nailers that accept smaller nails are often incredibly lightweight, making them easier to maneuver around your various woodwork.
Senco, Freeman, and Metabo all offer quality palm nailers that are ideal for those kinds of tasks and more.
The Takeaway
There are many excellent palm nailers for you to consider, but our top pick goes to the Metabo HPT Palm Nailer. Its Palm Nailer stole the show with stellar performance, a wonderful warranty, and a user-friendly design. We love the lightweight construction and high-quality components.
They come together to deliver a well-made palm nailer that is sure to stand the test of time. And if for some reason it doesn’t, you’re covered against manufacturer defects for five years! Given the HPT’s budget-friendly price, it’s the best palm nailer among the products we reviewed.
While it’s true that Metabo’s HPT is hard to beat, there are some worthy contenders that nearly kicked it out of first place. As such, you’ve got plenty to consider as you search for the best palm nailer for your needs.
I have an unhealthy obsession with contracting and renovation. I’ve been a contractor for over 15 years and I love tackling challenging projects to make them look amazing.
