Best 23-Gauge Pin Nailers in 2023 – (Unbiased Reviews)

Pin nailers are very useful tools to have in your toolbox. Whether you enjoy doing home projects, enjoy doing DIY crafts, or work on a job site with a pin nailer every day, there are best pin nailer options on the market.

There is a wide range of capacity, safety features, accessories, and cost that all contribute to the quality of any given pin nailers.

Each pin nailer on this list is unique and has its own great features. This article will include great resources for 23 gauge pin nailer reviews & what to look for when purchasing a pinner, how to pick a pinner that fits your needs, and which pinners are the best out there.

Best 23-Gauge Pin Nailers

BOSTITCH HP118K 23-Gauge Pin Nailer

The Bostitch pin nailer is a compact tool that can be used for everything from doing a DIY project with your family to a construction site. It is made of aluminum and weighs only 2.5 lbs yet it has a driving power of 60-inch lbs and operating pressure of 70-120 PSI.

The pin nailer has a tapered nosepiece to help with accuracy and provide a comfortable work environment. The handle is molded for maximum comfort.

The magazine holds up to 200 pins so you don’t have to continuously reload and can work for longer periods of time without a break.

The kit comes with a carrying case, a variety of nails, oil, a belt hook, and a ¼” air fitting. There are 500 of each 1-inch pins, ½-inch pins, and ¾-inch pins. This should be enough to get you started on most projects!

Additional Specification

• Best For: Woodworking Applications
• Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Power Source: Air-powered
• Magazine Capacity: 200p
• Warranty: 7 Year Limited

What We Like:

• The Bostitch pin nailer is lightweight, compact, and efficient in its design so it is easy to use at different angles.
• It is great for both basic household and heavy-duty usage.

What We Didn’t Like:

• The trigger on this pin nailer is very easy to press and should be handled carefully so be sure not to leave it laying around.

Hitachi NP35A 23 Gauge Pin Nailer

The Hitachi pin nailer would be great for a wide variety of projects or jobs. It weighs only 2 pounds so you can maneuver it around tight spaces and angles. It is simple to use though only has a 100 nail capacity.

This pinner will take a variety of nails including ⅝”, 1”, 1-3/16”, and 1-⅜”. One of the best features of this pin nailer is that the trigger includes a safety.

The body of the pinner has a reload indicator so you know when you are getting low on pins and can reload. Additionally, there is a rear exhaust which prevents any debris from getting on your work or project.

The Hitachi comes with a carrying case that has plenty of room for spare nails, safety glasses, 2 x no-mar tips, and a 3mm hex bar wrench. The no-mar tips help prevent the nailer from damaging the project or work.

You can also adjust the pin depth and PSI pressure, a 65-100 PSI range, to customize the pin nailer to your specific project and needs. The Hitachi pin nailer is great for everyday use and can hold up to regular usage on a construction site. It is durable and will be with you for the long run.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Accuracy & Comfortable
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Power Source: Pneumatic
• Magazine Capacity: 100p
• Warranty: 5 Year Limited

What We Like:

• The Hitachi is extremely lightweight and has a dual trigger for safety.
• It is easy to handle and sits comfortably in your hand.
• It takes a wide range of pin lengths.

What We Didn’t Like:

• This pin nailer only has a capacity of 100 pins and many of the parts are made of plastic making them less durable.

NuMax SP123 23 Gauge Pinner Ergonomic Nailer

NuMax SP123 23 Gauge pin nailer is specifically marketed for small household projects and DIY crafts. Keep this in mind as you are considering purchasing it. While it is likely a great tool for those smaller projects, it might not be durable enough to survive in a heavy construction setting.

There are some great features to this pin nailer including that it has a safety on the trigger. This makes it safer to have around the house especially if you have other people or kids around.

There is an anti-dust cap and the nose is tapered at the end to provide accuracy and efficiency when you use the tool. These features make it great as a finishing tool, especially when you need precision such as molding, frame-making, or other hobby work.

If you need a pin nailer for occasional use or for DIY crafts, then this pin nailer has the durability, comfort, and accuracy you need to get the job done.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Trim, Glazing strips
• Weight: 0.16 ounces
• Power Source: Air Powered
• Magazine Capacity: 100p
• Warranty: 1 Year Limited

What We Like:

• This is a light pin nailer that is great for DIY crafts and home projects.
• It has a comfortable grip and safety on the trigger.

What We Didn’t Like:

• This pin nailer does not come with a carrying case or anything for maintenance. Additionally, it might not hold up with heavy usage on construction sites.

Grex P635 23 Gauge Headless Pinner

Grex P635 23 Gauge pin nailer is great for DIY home projects and worksites alike. It is durable and has some great features including being able to work with nine different lengths of 23 gauge pins.

The pinner automatically adjusts to the length of the pin so you don’t have to manually switch settings. Additionally, the nose is tapered to help get into tight spaces and the trigger has a safety to prevent accidents.

There is a no-mar tip so you don’t have to worry about the pinner leaving marks on your finished products. The pressure is high enough that the pins go in smoothly and barely leave a trace.

The Grex pin nailer is versatile and dynamic in its uses. It is user-friendly and quite durable for long-term usage.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Finishing, Woodworking
• Weight: 2.21 pounds
• Power Source: Air Powered
• Magazine Capacity: 100p
• Warranty: 1 Year Limited

What We Like:

• This is an industrial-style tool that could work for a vast number of jobs or projects.
• It accommodates a lot of different sizes of pins and has a safety trigger.

What We Didn’t Like:

• The depth and pressure on the Grex pinner are not adjustable and it holds 100 nails. There does not appear to be a warranty on the pin nailer.

PORTER-CABLE PIN100 23-Gauge Pin Nailer

PORTER-CABLE PIN100 23-Gauge Pin Nailer is a dense pinner. It is still quite small and maneuverable despite its weight. It accepts 23 gauge pins from ½” to 1” and the pinner will seamlessly transition itself based on the length of the pin.

It has a good capacity, 170 pins, making it efficient to use. You won’t have to reload the pinner as often as other products. It is sturdy and durable making it great for long-term use.

The pinner does come with a carrying case and some starter pins so you can store it safely. There is also a dual trigger with one acting as safety which can prevent accidents.

While it doesn’t come with a no-mar tip, it is pretty easy to use, rarely jams and doesn’t have a large kick-back. This is a steady and sturdy tool that doesn’t have a lot of frills but works great in a lot of different situations.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Finishing Projects
• Weight: 4.36 pounds
• Power Source: Air Powered
• Magazine Capacity: 170p
• Warranty: 1 Year Limited

What We Like:

• The Porter-Cable holds a good number of pins and has a safety on the trigger to prevent accidents.
• It is durable and comfortable to hold.

What We Didn’t Like:

• The pinner doesn’t come with a no-mar tip so you need to be careful not to leave marks on your work. Additionally, it is quite heavy.

Freeman PP123 – 23 Gauge Ergonomic Nail Gun

There are some unique features on Freeman PP123 – 23 Gauge Ergonomic Nail Gun pinner such as the 360-degree exhaust that can be moved around. No matter what angle you are using the pinner at, you can adjust the exhaust to be away from your face or your work.

The kit includes a reversible belt hook, drive blade, oil, goggles, and wrenches. It does not come with a carrying case so be prepared with a storage plan. The Freeman has an aluminum body so it is durable on construction sites.

It is compact and easy to handle so you can easily get into tight spaces at awkward angles. The pin nailer feels comfortable in your hands and has a good weight and balance to it which can increase your efficiency.

There is a 7-year limited warranty on the tool which is a great benefit. There is not a no-mar tip so be careful not to leave marks on your work when using the pinner.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Trim, Glazing strips
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Power Source: Air Powered
• Magazine Capacity: 100p
• Warranty: 7 Year Limited

What We Like:

• This is a compact pinner that will get the job done.
• It is designed for professionals but could be used at home too.
• There is a safety on the trigger to prevent accidents.

What We Didn’t Like:

• You will need to manually adjust the pinner for the length of the pin. It does not come with a storage case and there is not a no-mar tip included.

Makita AF353 23 Gauge, 1-3/8″ Pin Nailer

Makita is known for producing high-quality tools. This pinner can handle a wide range of nails and has a magazine capacity of 130 pins. It is light at only 2 pounds and is designed for construction sights.

You can use it with or without a no-mar tip; two are included when you purchase the kit. There is a dual trigger safety to prevent accidents and increase job-site safety.

While the body, magazine, and cylinder are made of aluminum and are very durable, there are some parts that are made of plastic that have been known to break. Three is a window on the magazine so you can see when you need to reload.

One of the unique features of this pinner is it has a built-in air duster which helps keep the pinner clean and in good working order and can help keep the surface you are working on clean as well.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Controlled Firing
• Weight: 2 pounds
• Power Source: Pneumatic
• Magazine Capacity: 130p
• Warranty: 3 Year Limited

What We Like:

• The Makita comes with everything you need including a carrying case, pneumatic pin nailers oil, safety glasses, 2 no-mar tips, air fitting, and hex wrench.

What We Didn’t Like:

• Some of the internal parts are made of plastic and break easily. This can also cause pins to jam easily.

Senco 8F0001N 1-3/8″ Headless Pinner

The Senco is a bit heavy and is a bit large however it is designed to last. This is a heavy-duty pinner that is durable and low-maintenance. It comes with everything you will need including a carrying case.

One unique feature with this pin nailer is it stores the hex key on the magazine so you never have to worry about losing or misplacing it. The pinner has a muffler which makes it incredibly quiet considering what its job is.

This Senco can handle white a few different lengths of nails to best suit whatever project or job you are on. It is designed with professionals in mind and holds up to those expectations.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Intricate finish & Trim work
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Power Source: Pneumatic
• Magazine Capacity: 100p
• Warranty: 5 Year Limited

What We Like:

• All of the accessories you need including a carrying case, nose protector, oil, and a hex key.
• The hex key actually snaps onto the magazine so you won’t ever lose it.

What We Didn’t Like:

• It is larger and heavier than other top-ranked pinners. There is not a warranty and very little information on its manufacturing.

Cadex V2/21.55 21 Gauge Pinner

Cadex Pinner has a huge safety feature in that it has a contact safety. This means the nose of the pinner needs to be touching material in order to eject a pin. It does have a rear exhaust to keep any debris away from the project you are working on.

This pinner uses 21 gauge pins and can also handle brads. There is a wide range of sizes of pins that can fit in the magazine which means you would have a big variety of projects you could use this tool.

This is a pinner that would be great for regular usage on construction sites or for an avid home DIYer. Its contact safety feature makes it great if you need this tool in your home but have kids.

It does have a no-mar tip so even though there is a contact safety, there should be no damage to your work or project from the pin nailers.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Huge Safety Feature
• Weight: 6.6 pounds
• Power Source: –
• Magazine Capacity: 120p
• Manufacturer: Direct Sales LTD

What We Like:

• This pinner can be used with a huge variety of both pins and brads. Additionally, the contact safety is a huge benefit.

What We Didn’t Like:

• It is a bit heavy and if not maintained can jam easily. It is on the larger side and uses 21 gauge pins where others in the list use 23 gauge. There is no warranty.

Fasco 23-Gauge Headless Pinner

Fasco 23 gauge pinner is unique in that it has such a wide range of pins that it accepts. You can put any 23 gauge nail in there ranging from ½” to 2” and the pinner will automatically adjust to the size of the nail.

When there are no pins left in the magazine the pinner will lock up so you don’t dry fire. Additionally, there is a muffler to reduce the amount of noise the tool makes when you are using it.

There is a no-mar tip included preventing any damage to the projects you are working on. This is a powerful tool that can withstand the harsh nature of a construction site and regular, daily usage.

Additional Specification

• Best For: Huge Safety Feature
• Weight: 4 pounds
• Power Source: Air-powered
• Magazine Capacity: –
• Warranty: 1 Year Limited

What We Like:

• There is a large range of pins you can use with this pinner making it very versatile.
• There is a double trigger safety and a carrying case is included.

What We Didn’t Like:

• While the dual safety trigger is nice, this one is actually fairly easy to fire off. This is a fairly heavy pinner at 4 lbs that only has a 1-year warranty.

23-Gauge Pin Nailers Comparison Chart

Features That Matter When Buying a Pin Nailer

A pin nailer can have so many benefits, from general household projects to DIY crafts and for regular usage on construction or work sites.

Different pinners are designed with consumers in mind. Whether you are a carpenter or floor installation expert looking for your next go-to tool or a home project connoisseur who needs a now and then tool, there is a great pinner to suit your needs.

Pin Nailer Features to Look For

It is important to know your needs going into this search. Each pinner will have features that can help make your projects more efficient, the key is to find the one that checks the most boxes.

Here are some of the features that might be integral in your decision-making process:

Magazine Capacity

The capacity of the magazine could be a huge aspect of which pinner you ultimately decide to go with. If you are in a profession where you could be going through 1,000 nails a day, then having a large magazine could save a significant amount of time.

If you are a DIY blogger or just an avid craftsperson who makes jewelry boxes, birdhouses, or picture frames, you likely will only need a few pins at a time so the magazine capacity might not have as much bearing on your decision-making process.

Most magazines will hold between 100 and 200 pins.

Weight and Size

The weight and size of any given tool will likely be a major factor when choosing a pinner and the work you do will be a direct influence on the pinner you purchase.

The weights of pin nailers vary from around 2 to 5 pounds depending on the material they are made out of and their size.

While that might not seem like a huge difference, if you are using this power tool for several hours a day, that one to two-pound difference could mean a lot.

The heavier tools are usually made out of a denser metal such as steel that might make the pinner heavier but also makes it more durable. Many manufacturers are moving to aluminum to balance durability and weight.

The physical size of the pinner can be important too. A smaller pinner with a tapered nose is great for precision work like molding or detailing. These small pinners are easier to maneuver and get into tight spaces.

Larger pinners are beneficial on flat surfaces for projects like flooring. They tend to feel nicely balanced in your hand and are great for moving around larger spaces.

Warranty

Some of the pin nailers have warranties while some do not. Having a warranty is always nice, especially if fixing tools is not your forte.

If you have been using power tools your entire life and are confident in identifying and fixing any issues that may arise, looking for a good warranty might not be high on your list.

Transitioning Between Pin Sizes

There are two types of pin transitions: manual and automatic. The manual pin transition requires you to shift a button to the correct pin size which will adjust the magazine accordingly.

A pinner with an automatic pin transition has a sensor that reads the size of the pin and will adjust automatically without you needing to do anything.

Nails can range anywhere from a ½ inch up. Each pinner will have a range of pin sizes that the tool can handle. Some can work with 9 or more different lengths of the pin while others are limited to just a few.

If you plan to work on a lot of different projects from crafts to large household jobs it is important to choose a pinner that works with a wide range of sizes.

If you know that you will be using your pinner for only a few specific tasks, then the size range of the pin nailer will likely not be a high priority.

Safety

Whether you will be using this pinner once a year or every single day, the safety of the tool should be considered. If you work with a pinner every day, it could be easy to get annoyed with safety, but it can prevent accidents.

There are two main types of safety: trigger safety, and contact safety.

• A trigger safety likely requires two triggers to be pressed down in order to shoot the pins. This can help prevent accidents when you are using the tool, especially when you are moving it around.
• A contact safety is a bit more controlled as the nose of the pinner needs to be in contact with a material in order for it to fire. If the nose is not in contact with anything, the trigger will lock and nails can’t be fired.

If you are at home with kids but love doing home projects or crafts, choosing the type of safety you want is an important choice.

Price

There is a vast difference in prices for pinners. The more you pay, the more features and higher quality products you will receive; however, there are some great pinners out there at great prices.

For DIY crafts and even some home projects, you will likely not need a top-of-the-line, several hundred dollar pinners when there are cheaper options that will work great for your needs.

For those who need a pinner for daily use, then a higher-end more durable model might be a more sustainable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answered

Conclusion

While most pin nailers look very similar, there are a lot of different choices and finding the right one could be a challenge. Hopefully, throughout this article, you have narrowed down your personal needs and what features you are looking for in a pin nailer.

My overall top pick for the best pin nailer is the​ Senco pinner. It checks nearly every box and is simply a durable and high-quality pinner that would be a great fit for nearly every use.

A pin nailer can be a powerful, valuable, and efficient tool to have by your side during a wide plethora of projects.