Not A Nail Gun Or Manual Hammer: The Compact Alternative For Tight Spaces

If you were to list the tools you'd expect to find in most homes, a hammer would have to be included. With a wide variety to choose from, you'd think there would be a hammer that's perfect for every job. Then again, if it gets to the stage where you need to do a lot of nailing, upgrading to a rapid-action nail gun becomes a serious consideration. Between the two, you might expect to have any nailing task covered. Well, maybe not. You need space to swing a hammer, and nail guns can be bulky, so both are awkward to use in tight spaces. One solution is the Banks Compact Palm Nailer, currently available from Harbor Freight for $30.

A palm nailer, as the name suggests, is designed to fit in the palm of your hand. You insert a nail (a magnet stops it from falling out), wrap your fingers around the edges, then press it into whatever you're nailing. The internal hammer action drives the nail into the wood. You can use any nail that has a standard head like you would hit with an ordinary hammer, in this case up to 3½ inches long.

The Banks palm nailer is pneumatic, which means you'll need an air compressor and air hose. The air consumption of just 1 CFM (cubic feet per minute) means affordable models should be capable of powering it, so if you don't already have one, you might want to check which Harbor Freight air compressors are worth buying.

The Banks palm nailer has an aluminum body to keep it light, but the required air hose can restrict movement a little, so it can be worth investing in a lightweight one. Length shouldn't be an issue, as they are usually at least 25 feet long. Be aware that unlike most nail guns, there is no magazine. A palm nailer only fires one nail at a time. It's less effort than manual nailing, but not super quick.

This palm nailer doesn't have a trigger. It is activated by pressing the nose against a surface. If you press it gently, not a lot of hammering force is applied. Maintaining pressure generates more impacts to drive the nail fully home. It can take a while to get used to, so practicing on a piece of scrap wood is a good idea. Just don't be tempted to test the action with your fingers. The tool could easily punch a nail right through them. Pneumatic palm nailers can also be quite loud, so you might want to wear ear protection.

Palm nailers are often used for joist and rafter hangers and framing, but they're not just a pro tool. The Banks Compact Palm Nailer can be ideal for working in tight spaces at home, and you might also find it handy when putting up fencing or to help build the perfect deck. With a range of applications, it can make life easier just about any time you would usually reach for a hammer.