Air Pinner Buying Guide - 6 Points to distinguish Air Pinner and Finishing Nailer

For detailed woodworking or finishing projects, the right tools are crucial. Pinners, also known as pin nailers, are specialized power tools designed to drive very small nails, called pins, into wood and other materials. These pins, often 21-gauge or 23-gauge, can have micro heads or be headless, leaving minimal to no visible holes. This makes pinners perfect for tasks needing a clean finish and fine precision, such as attaching molding, furniture assembly, and other decorative work.
This article will explore what pin nailers are, their uses, comparisons to finishing nailers, and how to choose the right pinner for your needs.

What are Pinners?

Pinner is a type of power tool used to drive very small nails, known as pins, into wood and other materials. Unlike other nails, pin nails have options for their head: with head (micro head) or without head (headless) nails, which allows them to leave minimal or no visible holes, making them ideal for detailed and delicate work.
Pin nailers typically use 21-gauge or 23-gauge pins, which are very thin, making them suitable for fine woodworking, such as:

• Trim and Molding: Pin nailers are perfect for attaching thin and delicate trim or molding without splitting the wood or leaving noticeable marks.

• Cabinetry: They are used in cabinet making for assembling small parts and attaching decorative elements.

• Furniture Building: Pinners help in assembling small or intricate pieces of furniture.

• Decorative Projects: They are ideal for any project requiring a clean finish, such as picture frames, small craft projects, and other detailed decorative work.

Pin Nailers vs. Finishing Nailers, what are the differences?

Due to the similar appearance of nails, people often confuse pin nailers with finishing nailers. But the usages and features are actually quite different. From below 6 key differences you will understand how pinners and finishing nailers differ.

1. By Fastener Type

• Pin nailers use the thinnest nails among the industry. They are 21-gauge and 23-gauge pins, while micro head and headless types are both selectable for the two gauges of pins. Pin nails are very small that leave tiny holes that are barely noticeable.
• Finishing nailers shoot 15-gauge, 16-gauge, and 18-gauge nails. They provide stronger connection to workpieces as they are thicker than pin nails. But they leave more visible holes.

2. By Application

• Air pinners are ideal for delicate, detailed work such as decorating where a clean finish is essential. Also, they are a perfect choice when users do not want to leave visible holes on workpieces.
• Finishing nailers are suitable for more substantial and robust woodworking projects that require more strength like doors and windows.

3. Versatility of tasks

• Pinners are mostly suitable for specific decorating tasks because pinners use smaller diameter of the pin nails.
• Finishing nailers use a higher variety of nails, so it may handle multiple tasks.

4. Holding power

• Due to the small size of the pins, pin nailers provide less holding power compared to finish nailers.
• Finishing nailers provide more holding power than pinners, making them better suited for structural components and heavier trim.

5. Wood splitting

• When using pin nailers, the tiny size of the pins reduces the risk of splitting thin or delicate wood.
• While finishing nails can handle larger pieces of wood, finishing nailers can potentially split very thin or delicate pieces due to the larger size of the nails.

6. Visibility

• Using pinners to fasten, the holes on the task are nearly invisible.
• The holes on the task are larger while using finishing nailer to fasten.

Choosing between a pin nailer and a finishing nailer depends on the specific requirements of your project. For intricate, detailed work where appearance is crucial, a pin nailer is ideal. For projects requiring stronger fastening, a finishing nailer is the better choice.
 

Comparison chart

【Extended reading：What is Finishing Nailer, 8 Differences Between Brad Nailer and Finish Nailer】

What is the air exhaust system of pinners? How to distinguish them?

Choosing the right exhaust system for a pin nailer—front exhaust or rear exhaust—depends on your specific application, work environment, and personal preferences. Here's a detailed breakdown:
 

1. Front exhaust system

• The front exhaust system is like a lid on the top of the nailer.
• To keep debris and dust away from the work area or the user.
• Useful in tight or confined spaces where you can direct the exhaust air away from yourself and the work surface.
• Avoiding air blow to your hands or face.

2. Rear exhaust system

• When you want to direct the exhaust air away from yourself, providing more comfort during prolonged use.
• To direct the exhaust air away from yourself and provide more comfort during prolonged use.
• Avoiding air exhaust to sensitive surfaces that could be affected by dust or debris.
• As rear exhaust is also a silencer.

Here is a comparison chart with summary.

Exhaust type	Front exhaust	Rear exhaust
Photo
Direction of exhausting	Front	Back
Noise	Louder	Quiter
Pros	Avoiding air blow to users’ hands or face	Avoiding air exhaust to sensitive surfaces that could be affected by dust or debris
Cons	Can blow debris forward, which might be inconvenient in some situations	Can cause dust and debris to accumulate behind the tool or user
Recommendation	Best for keeping the work surface clear of debris and directing air away from the user in confined spaces	Preferred for user comfort and to keep the work area free from blown debris

How to choose the right air pinner?

There are several combinations to choose from: the type of pins you need to fasten; whether to shoot both with and without head pins or just one; the suitable type of air exhaust system; and other special design. After reading below introduction, you will have an answer about which to choose from.

1. The gauge (size) you need to fasten

The 21-gauge pins are slightly thicker than the 23-gauge pins, which can provide a bit more holding power, while the 23-gauge pins leave even smaller holes and are even less likely to split fine or thin materials.

2. The length you need

Common selectable lengths for pin nails are from 12 mm (15/32”) till 50 mm (2”) while VIM provides a much shorter option- down to 4 mm (5/32”). Select the pinner that includes the lengths you usually need to shoot.

3. Whether you need to use two gauges of pins or only one

This depends on the verification of your works. If you might need to shoot 23-gauge pins sometimes and 21-gauge pins sometimes, just choose the pinner that can fasten both size of pins.

4. Do I need air blowing system?

If you need to clean your job sites frequently, air blowing system helps saving your time on changing other cleaning tools like air blowers or brushes. Just aim the position you need to clean and operate with your thumb; the volume of air is big enough to clean your object efficiently.

5. Type of exhaust system

Each system offers distinct advantages, with the choice largely depending on the work environment, tool positioning, and user preference. Factors like comfort and avoiding exhaust air in certain directions are key in selecting the right pinner.

6. Whether you need safety trigger and anti-dry fire system or not

Safety trigger is also known as “double trigger”. Users  pull the safety trigger before pulling the trigger that shoots pins out. Anti-dry fire system is a device that stops the pinner from shooting when there are only few pins left in the magazine. Some countries have regulations towards the safety devices of nailers. If you have any request to the safety devices, just feel free to let us know, we will recommend for you.

Discover the Advantages of Vim's Pin Nailer for Precision and Versatility

VIM's pin nailer offers a combination of advanced features and ergonomic design, ensuring both professional-grade performance and ease of use. Whether you're working on fine woodworking or demanding tasks, this tool is engineered to provide superior results. Key benefits include:

• Double trigger safety lock for enhanced operator safety.
• Drives both headless pins and micro head brads enables switching fasteners without changing tools.
• Adjust-free magazine allows for seamless use with any fastener length.
• Powerful motor capable of penetrating thin iron plates.
• Magazine sight window to easily monitor when it's time to reload.
• Angled magazine rear allows for placement right up to the corner.
• Side loading mechanism prevents fasteners from tumbling.
• Removable nose cover for quick access to clear fastener jams.
• Narrow nose design ideal for reaching tight areas and working on detailed surfaces.
• Comfortable rubber handle grip for reduced fatigue during extended use.
• Belt hook for convenient carrying and mobility on the job.

Experience the precision, power, and versatility that Vim's pin nailer brings to your projects!
【Related Product：21 & 23 Gauge Pin Nailer】

Conclusion

In summary, selecting the right pinner depends on the specific requirements of your project and your working conditions. Whether considering the gauge of the pins, the length needed, or the type of exhaust system, each detail affects the tool's performance and your user experience. Pinners are distinguished by their ability to leave nearly invisible holes, making them ideal for intricate and detailed work such as trim installation, cabinetry, and delicate decorative tasks. For jobs demanding stronger fastening, finishing nailers are more appropriate due to their greater holding power. Understanding the nuances of pinners and their applications allows you to make an informed choice, ensuring optimal results in your woodworking and finishing projects.

If you still have no idea how to choose suitable air pinner, please do not hesitate to contact us, we will be pleased to provide you with our professional suggestions.