Best 23-Gauge Pin Nailer Reviews for Specialized Use With Ultimate Guide

The 23-gauge pin nailer may not exactly be the most versatile in the wide range of nail guns available in the market today but it can still be pretty handy for many woodworkers. You might not need it on every project but for the trickier ones, you can definitely find it useful to have around.

To help you get to know the aforementioned power tool better, check out our best 23 gauge pin nailer reviews below as we’ll discuss in detail the products currently available for you.

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In a Hurry? Check Comparison Table for Top 23 Gauge Pin Nailers

Product
Heavy Option
PORTER-CABLE PIN100 1/2-Inch to 1-Inch 23-Gauge Pin Nailer
Top Choice
BOSTITCH Pin Nailer 23 Gauge, 1/2-Inch to 1-3/16-Inch (HP118K)
Lighter Option
Hitachi NP35A Pin Nailer 23 Gauge, Accepts 5/8 to 1-3/8 Pin Nails,...
Name
PORTER-CABLE PIN100
BOSTITCH HP118K
Hitachi NP35A or Metabo HPT NP35A
Power Source
Air Powered
Air Powered
Air Powered
Weight
4.37 Pounds
4.2 Pounds
2 Pounds
Warranty
1 Year
7 Years
5 Years
Prime Status
-
-
Heavy Option
Product
PORTER-CABLE PIN100 1/2-Inch to 1-Inch 23-Gauge Pin Nailer
Name
PORTER-CABLE PIN100
Power Source
Air Powered
Weight
4.37 Pounds
Warranty
1 Year
Prime Status
-
Top Choice
Product
BOSTITCH Pin Nailer 23 Gauge, 1/2-Inch to 1-3/16-Inch (HP118K)
Name
BOSTITCH HP118K
Power Source
Air Powered
Weight
4.2 Pounds
Warranty
7 Years
Prime Status
Lighter Option
Product
Hitachi NP35A Pin Nailer 23 Gauge, Accepts 5/8 to 1-3/8 Pin Nails,...
Name
Hitachi NP35A or Metabo HPT NP35A
Power Source
Air Powered
Weight
2 Pounds
Warranty
5 Years
Prime Status
-

Best 23-Gauge Pin Nailer Review: 6 Best Pin Nailer Currently Available

To help you to find the best pin nailer, check the reviews of the best 23-gauge pin nailers in currently available in the market.

1) Hitachi 23 Gauge Pin Nailer Review: NP35A Micro Pinner

Starting off this list is one of the most solid-sounding picks available in the market today, the Hitachi NP35A. Also sometimes referred to as a micro pinner, the NP35A is a pin nailer that offers nearly everything you’ll need in a power tool of its kind. It pretty much ticks all of the boxes in our list of what to look for in the best pin nailer below.

Hitachi NP35A Pin Nailer 23 Gauge, Accepts 5/8 to 1-3/8 Pin Nails,...
662 Reviews
Hitachi NP35A Pin Nailer 23 Gauge, Accepts 5/8 to 1-3/8 Pin Nails,...
  • Hitachi Power Tools has renamed to Metabo HPT. Same great...
  • Large fastener capacity for fewer reloads and less downtime
  • Magazine automatically adjusts to 5/8 inches, 3/4 inches, 1...
  • Dual trigger for safe and accurate placement of fasteners

While the brand is best known for its electronics, its power tools are also well-renowned among those who like to work with their hands. In fact, one look at the NP35A and you’ll see that it looks like it’s constructed well. Once you lay your hands on one, this impression will be further solidified.

Its features will also convince you that it’s a very good option that’s worth looking into. For starters, its magazine can accommodate various pin lengths. It can handle fasteners from ⅝” to 1 ⅜”, offering you versatility.

Its magazine also has a large capacity. It can hold up to 100 fasteners and comes with a visual reload indicator. With this, you can easily monitor how many fasteners are left and you’ll also be able to tell if the fasteners are jammed.

In such a case, its removable nose plates will make it easier for you to clear the issue. Not that it’s a common occurrence, though. In fact, many users haven’t experienced jams with the NP35A.

Most users also note how well-designed this product is. Its large housing shield, rear exhaust, and no-mar tips guarantee that the unit won’t damage the piece you’re working on.

Performance-wise, this air-powered pin nailer can also promise effectiveness with its depth control. You can easily adjust its depth drive so it can handle different kinds of materials.

Weighing 4.7 lbs, the Hitachi NP35A is also very easy to maneuver. It’s definitely a lightweight option, making it a good pick for lots of users.

Recently Hitachi changed its name to Metabo HPT. So, Hitachi NP35A and Metabo HPT NP35A are basically the same item.

2) BOSTITCH HP118K 23-Gauge 1/2-Inch to 1-3/16-Inch Pin Nailer

For a more lightweight option, check out the Bostitch HP118K. This pin nailer only weighs 2.3 lbs so you don’t really have to worry about it straining your arms when you need to use it a lot.

While it doesn’t accommodate a wide range of pin sizes and can only handle ½” to 1 3/16” pins, it can still be a handy choice for a lot of people. What it lacks in versatility, it more than makes up for in terms of ease of use.

BOSTITCH Pin Nailer 23 Gauge, 1/2-Inch to 1-3/16-Inch (HP118K)
406 Reviews
BOSTITCH Pin Nailer 23 Gauge, 1/2-Inch to 1-3/16-Inch (HP118K)
  • 1/2 Inch to 1 3/16 Inch 23 Gauge Pin Nailer, Low Profile...
  • Adjustable High/Lower Power Switch for Depth Control and...
  • Lightweight and Durable Aluminum Housing
  • Includes Nailer, 1/4 inch Air Fitting, Oil, Nail Selection,...

How? For one, it’s designed with a high/low power control which will let you adjust the depth of drive without tweaking the compressor setting first. This makes it faster to work with when handling different kinds of materials and projects.

Its low-profile nosepiece is also a great design feature that will give you a clear line of sight. With this, you’re guaranteed perfect placement.

Another notable thing about this product is that it can hold about 200 pins. So if you don’t want to be bothered with reloading, this might be a solid choice for you.

3) PORTER-CABLE PIN100 1/2-Inch to 1-Inch 23-Gauge Pin Nailer

The Porter-Cable Pin 100 is another solid choice if you’re after a high-performing and convenient-to-use 23-gauge pin nailer. While the brand might not be as recognizable as the two mentioned above, it’s still a reputable manufacturer. In fact, it has been around more than 100 years already, so when it comes to reliability, you can certainly count on it.

As for the product itself, it boasts of convenient design and handling. It has a bottom-load magazine that can handle 170 micro pins so you don’t have to reload very often for large projects.

It also has a low nail reload indicator, so there’s no guesswork required in the said task.

PORTER-CABLE PIN100 1/2-Inch to 1-Inch 23-Gauge Pin Nailer
180 Reviews
PORTER-CABLE PIN100 1/2-Inch to 1-Inch 23-Gauge Pin Nailer
  • The product is Pin Nailer Kit
  • Easy to use
  • The product is manufactured in China
  • Uses 23 ga. micro pin nails from 1/2-inch to 1-inch long...

Many also note its rear exhaust design. With this, you don’t have to worry about debris and oil staining your project.

The only downside to the Porter-Cable Pin100 is that it only accommodates ½” to 1” fasteners. So if you need to work with thicker materials, you might need to look for another pin nailer.

4) Freeman PP123 23 Gauge 1-Inch Pneumatic Pinner

The tough-looking Freeman PP123 is another choice that you should look into if you’re after the best pin nailer out there. It’s designed to leave virtually no trace on your pieces, making it a good option for most projects.

Sale
Freeman PP123 Pneumatic 23-Gauge 1' Micro Pinner Ergonomic and...
257 Reviews
Freeman PP123 Pneumatic 23-Gauge 1" Micro Pinner Ergonomic and...
  • Nailed it: This Pneumatic pinner uses 23 gauge headless pin...
  • Safety and precision design: this pinner is ideal for custom...
  • The right tool for the job: We're committed to providing...
  • Quality and durability: We manufacture tools with the most...

Like the Pin100, however, this product can only accommodate ½” to 1” pins, so the fasteners that you can use with it are pretty limited. As most projects don’t really require very long pins, however, it can prove to be more than enough to take care of your needs around the house and other craft projects.

5) NuMax SP123 1-Inch Pneumatic Pinner

If you’re looking for a budget pick, the NuMax SP123 would be a great option. NuMax SP123 is the best 23-Gauge Pin Nailer for your money.

While pin nailers are usually pricier than other nail guns, this item is already one of the lowest-priced choices out there.

Sale
NuMax SP123 Pneumatic 23-Gauge 1' Micro Pin Nailer
652 Reviews
NuMax SP123 Pneumatic 23-Gauge 1" Micro Pin Nailer
  • Nailed It: This pneumatic pinner uses 23 gauge headless pin...
  • Safety and Precision Design: This micro pin nail gun is...
  • The Right Tool for the Job: We're committed to providing...
  • Tough and Dependable: We make an array of durable...

Despite its price, you can be guaranteed that you’ll get more than satisfactory results from the SP123. The build is sturdy and its performance is comparable to more expensive products. Its features are also similar to the other items listed above, so you won’t really be missing out by opting to pay less.

6) Grex P650L 23-Gauge 2-Inch Headless Pinner

On the flip side, those who are looking for an investment piece should check out the Grex P650L. This pin nailer might just offer the most out of all the items above making it a great option for those who need to accomplish the toughest jobs.

Grex P650L 23-Gauge 2-Inch Headless Pinner with Lock-Out
116 Reviews
Grex P650L 23-Gauge 2-Inch Headless Pinner with Lock-Out
  • Lock-out mechanism that prevents dry-firing of tool
  • Shoots fasteners up to 2-inch length easily, even in...
  • Patented magazine design eliminates need to adjust for...
  • Powerful motor penetrates fasteners through the hardest...

What makes it special? Here are a few of its unique features:

  • It can accommodate up to 2” long pins with its patented magazine design.
  • Auto Lock-out feature.
  • Equipped with a high-powered motor that can penetrate hardwood.

What is a Pin Nailer?

Wait, do you know what exactly a pin nailer is?

With the many different kinds of nail guns, you might easily confuse the said item with all of the other options available to you.

A pin nailer is a type of nail gun that releases pin-like fasteners. Unlike other nailers, the ‘nail’ used in such items does not have a flat head. They also have a small diameter so they can pretty much disappear into the surface while keeping pieces of wood together.

Pin nailers are often used on molding for furniture, cabinets, and interior millwork. They can also work as temporary fasteners for pieces with irregular shapes that are impossible to hold down with a clamp securely. You can also use a pin nailer to secure pieces of wood after gluing them together.

5 Differences Between Pin Nailer and Other Nail Guns

Since nail guns are all designed to perform essentially the same task, it might be easy to get confused with which one does what. However, you should never feel alright with this because different types of nailers have very specific functionalities.

Take the pin nailer, for example. It’s often compared to the finish nailer and the brad nailer because of its functionality. However, due to its distinct characteristics, it still deems itself a more suitable choice than the two for certain tasks.

So what sets it apart from other nail guns, you might ask? Here are a few points that should help you distinguish this particular nailer from others:

# The size of the fasteners it uses.

As the name suggests, the 23-gauge pin nailer uses a 23-gauge pin and not a regular nail. They’re usually 1” to 2.5” long, giving you enough options when creating various items.

# The type of fasteners it uses.

Pin nailers use smaller gauge fasteners which are more like pins rather than nails.

# The purpose they’re often used for.

Pin nailers are best used on tasks that require discreet fastening. So if you don’t want a nail head appearing on your cabinet’s trimming, our featured item might be a better tool to use.

# The materials they’re used on.

Pin nailers aren’t for very thick and tough materials due to the pins’ physical attributes. They’re best used on light materials and softwood instead.

# Pin nailers are bit pricier.

Pin nailers are usually more expensive than other nail guns due to their special engineering and functionality.

3 Top Advantages of Using a Pin Nailer over Other Types of Nail Guns

Why should you get a pin nailer? Here are a few reasons to convince you to get one:

# They can do a job lots of other nailers can’t.

Due to the size of the pins, they can easily disappear into the wood which then allows you to create a beautiful piece that looks professionally made. It can prevent you from using other nailers that will leave a trace on your piece’s surface.

# They can boost the holding power of glue.

Pin nailers don’t have that much holding power which is why it’s often used with glue. However, it can still help boost your wood glue’s performance, thanks to its ability to hold it nicely together while the adhesive dries out.

# They won’t create holes on your wood even after you remove them.

Pin nailers can also be used to hold pieces of wood together temporarily. After you properly and carefully remove it, you won’t be left with a gaping hole that is a tell-tale sign of damage. And if it does, the hole will be barely noticeable and easy to hide.

6 Things to Look at Before Choosing a Pinner for Yourself

As You already know how useful a pin nailer is, But there are a lot of pinners available in the market. Which one should you get?

To help you, here are a few factors that you need to consider before picking the right one for you.

things-to-consider

1. Power source

The power source of your pin nailer will help you determine how easy and convenient it will be to use. Most of what’s available today, however, is powered by an air compressor, so you might find yourself gravitating towards one. However, there are also battery-powered options should you need something more portable.

2. Nail Sizes or Length of the Fasteners

Most experts recommend that you look for a pin nailer that can accommodate pins of different lengths. You can find pins from ⅜” to 2” in length, so you might want to go for a unit that can handle various sizes. This way, your pin nailer can be as versatile as possible. Such a feature will also let your unit handle different kinds of projects.

3. Swivel Tube

If you’re going to opt for a pneumatic pin nailer, you’ll want to make sure that it’s equipped with a swivel tube. With this feature, you can avoid the tubes from getting tangled and affecting the ease of use of your unit. It will also help reload nails faster for more efficiency.

4. Depth Adjustment

This feature is necessary for nearly all nail guns but it can be argued that it’s more important for a pin nailer. Why? Because this feature will let you hide the pin better.

Since this particular type of nail gun is preferred for its discreet results, the ability to adjust the depth of the insertion of the pins would help you get even better and more effective results.

5. Magazine Capacity

Like other nail guns, some pin nailers have varying magazine capacities. It’s all up to you which one you prefer as both options have their own pros and cons.

If you opt for one with a large capacity, you don’t need to reload too often. Small capacity magazines will require more reloads, on the other hand. Experts recommend looking for something that can hold up to at least 100 micro pins. It would also be great to get a product with a magazine status indicator.

6. Adjustable Exhaust

As pin nailers release oil and condensation after firing, it’s going to be uncomfortable if both are released towards the user. The debris released can also damage and dirty the piece you’re working on. In some cases, it might even cause an accident.

To avoid any injury and ensure that you’ll use the pin nailer correctly, look for a model with an adjustable exhaust. Some also recommend models with rear exhaust but that will still release oil and air towards you, so the pin nailers with adjustable ones might be better options instead. They will allow you to find the most comfortable position for you, guaranteeing that you’ll be able to handle your power tool properly.

Safety Tips for Using a Pin Nailer

With 37,000 people getting nail gun-related injuries every year, it’s an absolute must that you observe the safe use of the pin nailer. These things can easily puncture your body parts and cause other serious bodily harm, so you might want to know how to use it safely.

safety tips using a pin nailer

To help you in this regard, here are a few safety tips to keep in mind when using pin nailers:

  • Never test the nail gun with the tip pointed towards you or any other person. Even when you think that the magazine is empty, never pull the trigger when the tip is pointed at anyone.
  • Wear safety gear when using this nail gun.
  • Never try to clear jams when the nail gun is still powered on or connected to an air compressor. To avoid accidents, make sure to disconnect your nailer to everything before trying to clear jam issues.
  • Always have the instruction manual on hand. You might need to refer to it at some point, so doing this can also help ensure your safety.
  • Don’t disable or disengage the safety features of your nailer. It might seem like a good idea to make the unit easier to use but it can also put you in serious risk.
  • Don’t rest your finger on the trigger when the nailer is not in use. Doing this might cause you to accidentally pull the trigger while it’s not pointed on wood.

How to Maintain a Pin Nailer for Longer Use

Most people expect that their power tools can last a long while. It’s certainly achievable if you managed to find the best pin nailer out there and if you know how to maintain it.

How, exactly, do you care for a pin nailer so it will be in service for a long time? Here are a few tips:

  • Oil the unit before use or periodically while the unit is in use if you’re going to nail stuff down the whole day. Ample lubrication will ensure that the parts of your nail gun will run smoothly.
  • Check the power source. To avoid having issues while using your pin nailer, make sure to regularly check its power source.
  • Perform proper maintenance according to the manual of your pin nailer. There could be some particular steps that your pin nailer requires for its maintenance so make sure to do those as well.
  • Follow the general safety protocols when using nail guns.

Conclusion

A 23-gauge pin nailer might not be one of the first things you’ll need to get when you start woodworking but as your skills improve and your projects become more sophisticated, it can definitely be one of the handiest tools to have. Finding the right one would be crucial if you want to get the best results.

Hopefully, this article about the best 23-gauge pin nailer reviews will help you to find your perfect match.

Happy Nailing.

Jerry Jhonson
 

Jerry Johnson is a tech & tool geek who loves to talk, discuss and review different tools used for our day to day life. All the tools reviews and guides described in this site are completely from his personal experience and own observations.