What Is a Palm Nailer and When to Use One?
A palm nailer is a small hammering tool that fits in your palm. You put one loose nail in its magnetic nose, press it against the wood, and it hammers the nail in with rapid blows. It’s made for places where a hammer or a nail gun can’t reach, or can’t use the right nail: joist hangers, tight framing bays, corners and overhead work.
Unlike a nail gun, a palm nailer doesn’t use nail strips, so it drives almost any loose nail, from short hanger nails to large framing nails.
How a palm nailer works
An air palm nailer contains a small piston that strikes the nail many times a second when you press the nose against the work. You guide the nail in with steady pressure; when you stop pressing, it stops. Cordless models do the same with a battery-driven mechanism.
When to use a palm nailer
| Job | Why a palm nailer |
|---|---|
| Joist hangers and metal connectors | Drives short, thick hanger nails through the holes; most framing nailers can’t aim at them |
| Nailing between studs or joists | Fits where a hammer swing doesn’t |
| Overhead and awkward angles | One hand, no swinging |
| Many nails, tired arms | Less effort and less wrist strain than a hammer |
| Odd nails | Takes nails a nail gun’s strips don’t come in |
For long runs of standard framing, a framing nailer is faster. For trim, a brad or finish nailer leaves cleaner holes; see brad nailer vs finish nailer vs pin nailer.
Air vs cordless palm nailers
- Air (pneumatic): small, light and cheap; needs a compressor and hose, but uses little air.
- Cordless: no hose, uses a power tool battery; heavier and more expensive. Best if you already own that battery platform.
How to use a palm nailer safely
- Wear eye and hearing protection, and gloves if the tool vibrates a lot.
- Seat the nail in the magnetic nose, point first.
- Press the nose firmly against the wood or connector hole, square to the surface.
- Keep steady pressure until the head is flush, then release.
- Keep your other hand clear of the nail’s path.
A palm nailer still hits hard, so treat it like a hammer: for which hammer to use when you don’t need power, see types of hammers.
Frequently asked questions
Does a palm nailer need a compressor?
Air palm nailers do, but they need little air, so a small compressor is fine. Cordless palm nailers run on power tool batteries.
Can a palm nailer drive joist hanger nails?
Yes, it's one of its main uses. It drives the short, thick hanger nails that most framing nailers can't, right where the hanger holes are.
Is a palm nailer faster than a hammer?
For one or two nails, not really. For many nails in awkward places, or for people who can't swing a hammer all day, it's faster and much easier on the wrist and arm.
Related guides
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Flooring Nailers: Manual vs Pneumatic, Cleats vs Staples
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Brad Nailer vs Finish Nailer vs Pin Nailer
Brad, finish and pin nailers compared: nail gauge, nail length, holding power and the jobs each one suits, plus where framing nailers and staplers fit in.