Introduction: The palm nailer is a cordless type of nail gun that is very easy to use if you know how a palm nailer works.
With numerous features such as a safety lock for the trigger, easy-loading magnetic nail cartridges, and a nailer holder, it has a lot of advantages.
To learn more, read this post. This will teach you everything you need to know about palm nailers and how they work with all of the basic processes.
What is a Palm Nailer?
A palm nailer, referred to as a hammer drill, is a cordless nailer, which sources power from the battery or an outlet to hit the piston to drive nails to attach wood, metal, and other materials to any tough surface.
This type of nailer, among all, is the smallest type of nailer. And these are the highly portable tool in their category.
It has two common varieties. The hammer style and the pistol style. Between them, the pistol-style palm nailers require less strength to use than the hammer style. But the hammer-style nailer is easy-to-use.
Components of a Palm Nailer
To know how a palm nailer works, it is important to know its components. There are many options are available for palm nailers, but each type shares some common features.
Or you can say, these are common components of a palm nailer:
- Magnetic nose
Every palm nailer has a magnetic nose that holds the nail. Palm nailers do not have any magazines. So, you have to place another nail after each fire.
- Interchangeable head
Different tasks require different shapes and lengths of nails to drive in. So, many palm nailers have an interchangeable head that helps you to switch the mode.
- Power source
Depending on your nailer type, either battery or electricity outlet, you can power a palm nailer in both ways as there are two types of palm nailers, pneumatic and battery operated.
Most models available in common can drive nails from 6D to 16D.
- Attachments
Attachments for palm nailers are commonly the nailer holder, case, cover, and straps.
How to Use a Palm Nailer?
Step 1: Set up the compressor
Mostly, palm nailers are pneumatic and use an air compressor to drive a nail. So, the very first step to using a palm nailer is to set up a suitable air compressor.
Step 2: Connect the compressor to the nailer
Now connect the palm nailer to the compressor. (For battery-powered palm nailers, put a fully charged battery.)
Step 3: Set the nailer to your palm with a firm grip
As it is a palm nailer, set it to your palm and make sure the grip is firm enough to use the gun weight properly.
Step 4: Load nails
Take a suitable nail and place it on the head of the gun. Make sure you are placing the head of the nail into the sharp shaft of your nailer. (There is a magnetic collet inside the shaft that holds the nail.)
Step 5: Take a deep breath
You are all set. now, take a deep breath and proceed to start your work.
Step 6: Nail it
Now, place the nailer in the location you want to nail and press the trigger. And your nail work begins.
How Does a Palm Nailer Work?
Basically, a palm nailer relies on the user’s hand to work. This tool gets attached to the user’s palm, and by moving the hand back and forth it actually works.
Here, the weight of the tool from one end of its shaft to the other drives nails into the surface you are working on.
Usually, a palm nailer has one angled head with a sharp point on one side, and the other side is a flat surface.
The palm is attached to the flat side. This site provides control over the nails as it is used to push or trigger the palm nailer to any surface. And the sharp point assists to attach any metal to any surface.
In short, an user holds the palm nailer firmly and indexes it along the targeted surface. Then pull or press the trigger to fire or drive the nails. This is how the palm nailer works.
Uses of Palm Nailer
In tough-to-reach spaces or confined corners where the regular electric or pneumatic nailer cannot reach, there the palm nailer quite efficiently completes the left tasks.
A palm nailer is a very handy and effective tool and quite useful as well for overhead nailing. No matter what place, or anywhere you want to drive a nail, this tool is helpful there without any doubt.
For example, for framing, fencing, decking, roofing, or ceiling work, even for installing joist hangers, this tool will be much handier on your hands in comparison to any heavy nailer.
Precautions Before Using a Palm Nailer
- Palm nailers are often noisy. So, wear ear protection.
- Don’t miss the safety eyeglasses while dealing with nails.
- Use a nice pair of anti-shock gloves. It will protect your wrist from any sort of injury.
- Check the air compressor before using it.
- Recharge the battery fully for better performance.
FAQ
The main difference between a palm nailer and a standard nailer is the palm nailer doesn’t have any magazine and is designed to load and drive nails one by one.
Any typical palm nailer hits the hammer inside it at least 10 to 30 blows for each second counting. This means a nail can be driven too quickly and efficiently by a palm nailer within a second.
Though there are many advantages, there are some limitations to palm nailers. Firstly, you must have to load the nailer manually after each nailing. Secondly, this tool is not designed for heavy construction work where time matters.
A palm nailer can drive any large size nails. But it works with 6D to 16D size nails more efficiently. That’s why most models in the market that have magnetic collet are capable to hold nails of 6 to 16D size.
A palm nailer can weigh under one pound to over five pounds. The heavy palm nailers are better for small and heavy tasks. But for regular and long-time uses, the weight must be under two pounds (2 lbs).
No, palm nailers are not designed to drive nails smaller in size. So, it’s not so possible to drive finish nails or any small-size nails using a palm nailer.