There are so many tools out there! How can you possibly know which is the best one for a given situation? Especially when it comes to things like pin nailers, nail guns and brad nailers, the landscape can get pretty confusing.
Here, we’re covering the pin nailer to give you an idea of what it does, when to use it and how the tool compares to similar options on the market.
Related Reading: Best Brad Nailer Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
What is a Pin Nailer?
A pin nailer is a tool that is very similar to something like a staple gun or nail gun.
However, it’s designed to release pins, which can provide something stronger and deeper than a staple. In addition, it’s a great way to keep things together without the need for something as large as a nail.
We don’t always want a big hole, or huge nail showing up in the item we’re working on.
While nails are incredibly effective tools, the holes they leave can become eyesores.
What is worth keeping in mind as that while pins are helpful, they aren’t typically enough to keep your pieces together by themselves. Because of that, you’ll need additional supplies to hold everything in place.
When is a Pin Nailer Useful?
When you’re working on something that is more delicate, or that you want more of an aesthetic feel for, using a pin nailer can be a great idea.
You won’t have to deal with any obvious holes and there will be a much lower chance that the wood will split due to the force of the pin.
For things like cabinet molding and other projects with irregular shapes or delicate features, pins are a fantastic choice.
Furthermore, using something as small as a 23-gauge pin can ensure that your project doesn’t suffer from obvious nail holes. Just make sure to add wood glue when needed.
How is a Pin Nailer Used?
Using a pin nailer doesn’t have to be a difficult process.
Much like a nail gun, you essentially load the nailer with your pins, make sure you have your safety gear on and aim it very carefully at where you want the pin to go.
If you’re new to using a pin nailer, it’s a good idea to read through any instructions that came with your gun; make sure you have all the protective equipment you need; and check out some how-to videos to get you moving in the right direction with your given project.
Each project is going to be a little bit different, so having a full understanding about what your project requires can help you with choosing the right pin nailer, pin size and other tools you may need for your task.
Pin Nailers Compared to Alternative Options
It’s not always clear which tools are going to be the best for a given task. Consequently, we’re going to take a look at how pin nailers compare to some other common alternatives used for holding things together.
Nail guns
Nail guns are one of the most common options when it comes to attaching wood pieces together.
They’re extremely useful in a number of ways, but they aren’t the most inconspicuous.
When you need something that can give you plenty of holding power and aren’t too concerned about an obvious hole or nail in the wood, this is the way to go.
Staple guns
Another useful tool for many DIY projects is the staple gun. It’s a quick and easy tool that will keep things in place, but in most cases the staples are going to be quite obvious and may not hold as well as a nail. When you need to work with smaller things or keep wires out of the way, the staple gun is a great choice.
Brad nailer
This is a choice that allows you to get more holding power than a pin nailer without holes that are quite as large as many nail guns out there.
You will still get noticeable holes, but they tend to be quite a bit smaller, which is easier on delicate surfaces or just when you want a nicer aesthetic.
Choosing The Right Pin Nailer Size
When you’re choosing a pin nailer, it’s going to be important to consider the pin size you’ll need.
This can really vary depending on your project. Larger pins will offer more holding power, but they may not be as hidden as smaller pins with less holding power.
If you’re unsure what size you need, then you can always consult a professional or spend some time looking for resources to make sure your project is done just the way you need it to.
Take your time, gather the exact tools you need and your DIY project is sure to be a success.
