The Freeman palm nailer is a feature-rich option from a company known for reliable, durable tools. It is powerful, yet light, and comfortable. It is also very affordable. The 3Plus palm nailer is a low-cost alternative that will be adequate for many DIYers. While fault reports are more common than we’d like to see, most work perfectly well. How We Chose the Best Palm Nailers Although palm nailers are a fairly simple tool, a few key variations and features are worth considering: The author is a keen DIYer and has undertaken the extensive remodeling of two homes. He’s had hands-on experience using palm nailers for framing, fencing, and several garden structures. He knows how they function and how they should perform. At 59 decibels, the compressor is one of the quieter models and is relatively light at 25.2 pounds. It will supply air at up to 125 psi, so it could be used for a variety of other nailers and pneumatic tools. Because they fit into the palm of the hand, these tools are more maneuverable, and thus easier to use at awkward angles.

A magnetic tip provides a positive hold for nails during positioning. Recommended air consumption is 80 to 100 psi, so most portable compressors will provide sufficient power. The Freeman palm nailer is a little noisy, though it’s typical of a device with this kind of hammer action. Wrenches and oil are provided for lubrication, but there is no included case. Whether you’re an experienced professional looking to stay up to speed or a newcomer just getting started with power tools, it’s good to get professional advice on which you can rely. We’ve put together several in-depth how-to and product guides to help you to make the most of your equipment:The majority of palm nailers are pneumatic, so they need an air compressor to drive them. Specifications for power are given in pounds per square inch (psi) and cubic feet per minute (cfm). The actual air pressure generated by the compressor is the psi, and cfm is the volume of air. A palm nailer is much more compact, meaning it will fit into spaces where standard nail guns can’t go.

To make sure we had up-to-date information, the BobVila team also researched all the leading palm nailer manufacturers. Cordless palm nailers, for example, are an important recent development. Bostitch is one of the world’s leading nailer brands, and it is known for high-quality, professional-standard tools. The Bostitch palm nailer is capable of driving nails from 1¾ to 5 inches (5D to 40D), making it ideal for joist hangers, framing, and heavy-duty fencing. The aluminum body is the lightest we considered, weighing just 1 pound. There is no rubber grip, but the compact size can be appealing to those with smaller hands. It drives nails from 6D to 16D (2 to 3½ inches), and it has a magnetic tip to keep them in place. Although air consumption is not stated, any compressor delivering 90 psi will work fine. At first glance, there might be some concern that the 12-volt Milwaukee palm nailer would be underpowered when compared with pneumatic tools. Milwaukee reassures potential buyers by quoting an impact rate of 2,700 blows per minute, which compares favorably with several midrange air tools. Also, similar to those rivals, it will drive nails from 6D to 16D (2 to 3½ inches), and the tip is magnetic. Palm nailers are also lighter than most alternatives, meaning they are comfortable to use for longer periods and cause less fatigue.User fatigue isn’t just based on the weight of the tool, as the impact of the hammer action is also a factor. A heavier tool tends to create more recoil, which can lead to increased hand fatigue. Additional Features The tip is magnetic, and it can be rotated. Though other types of flooring nailers can compete in most areas, nothing else can get as close to walls or into such tight corners as the Powernail PowerPalm. It is also physically compact and very light, weighing just 1 pound, so it is easy to hold. Operating pressure is 70 to 110 psi. At 1.3 pounds, the Metabo palm nailer is lightweight, and it has a rubber grip. It comes with a swivel connector rather than the usual straight one. This may not seem like much, but having such a flexible link to the air hose actually makes the tool much more maneuverable. The Metabo palm nailer has the usual magnetic tip, but the nail-size range is a little smaller than most at 8D to 16D (2½ to 3½ inches).

Rather than depth adjustment, Bostitch provides three different-size nosepieces. These combine with the company’s Smart Point technology, adjusting impact power as required and thus reducing surface damage. Despite the high performance, air consumption is within the range of most small compressors at 70 to 100 psi. The Powernail PowerPalm nailer has been designed specifically for laying hardwood and engineered (combined hardwood and plywood) tongue-and-groove flooring. It has the power to drive the L- and T-shaped cleats (floor nails) through these tough materials and into joists or subfloors.

As nails get longer, the diameter of the head also increases. Some palm nailers have a useful magnetic tip to hold the nail in place. Others have interchangeable heads for different diameters. Despite the quite rapid 30-minute battery recharging, it is likely that professionals would want to buy a spare battery. This would add to what is already a significant investment. If the psi from the compressor is too low, it won’t be enough to drive the nail properly. If the cfm is too low, it might drive a few nails successfully but will then need to pause while the volume of air builds up again in the compressor.