At 2.9 pounds, the Bostitch is relatively heavy, though this is a reflection of its robust build, as it isn’t a particularly large tool. A full set of accessories includes comfort glove, wrenches, lubricating oil, and a spare “O” ring, which is the component most likely to wear out first in any air-powered palm nailer. It all comes in a durable case. Benefits of brushless tools- Brushless power tools have become more affordable in recent years. Find out what a longer-lasting, lightweight and efficient tool can do for you. 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. Those who don’t already own a compressor may want to consider the Metabo palm nailer kit that includes Metabo’s 1-gallon compressor and 50 feet of polyurethane air hose.

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. We pride ourselves on delivering the highest-quality power tools to our customers. From trade professionals to first-time DIYers, our range aims to produce the best possible results, whatever your needs.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). Palm nailers are also lighter than most alternatives, meaning they are comfortable to use for longer periods and cause less fatigue. 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. 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

Although a palm nailer is not quite as fast as other types of powered nailers, it has some clear advantages over most other types. Freeman quotes nail sizes from 6D to 16D, which the company says is 2 to 4 inches. This is confusing because 16D nails are actually 3½ inches long, and 4-inch nails are 20D. Most palm nailers with a similar specification drive 3½-inch nails, so we feel it safer to give this as the maximum.

For those who want the palm nailer’s ability to get into tight spaces but are unlikely to use the tool often, the 3Plus offers a low-cost solution that sacrifices little in terms of performance or features. 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. 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. 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.