Winner
The clear winner for performance and versatility is the Cadex CPB23.50. It embodies the best features available: 2-inch pin capability, a smooth side-loading magazine, enough power to consistently countersink pins in any material, dry-fire lockout, onboard tool storage, a built-in dust blower, and even the ability to shoot brad-head pins.
I also liked the Nikle NS2340A; its narrow tip made it easier to get pins where I wanted them, and the 19/16-inch capacity is enough for most projects. Among the smaller-bodied tools, the Duo-Fast Sure Shot 2336 performed well and simply felt comfortable in my hands. Both the Grex P650L and the Max NF235A had many of the versatile features that I preferred along with great power.
The Omer PR.28 was very similar to the Duo-Fast, but it just didn’t feel comfortable without the rubber on the handle. The Spotnails SP2340 was a solid performer with a rugged feel and no frills. Porter-Cable’s PIN100 was very comfortable to work with but also the most limited in pin length. The Bostitch HP118K was comfortable but suffered from power and trigger deficiencies. Senco’s Finish Pro 11 4N0001N is a very well-made tool with nice features, but its body size is just much too big for a 23-gauge pinner. And the Grip-Rite GRTPIN23 performed well in general, but the on/off safety lever (rather than a dual trigger system) seemed antiquated for this new generation of pin nailers.
–David Getts is an architectural woodworker, remodeler, and author. He owns David Getts Design in Seattle.
Sources Of Supply
Bostitch
HP118K: $145
800-556-6696
www.bostitch.com
Direct Sales
Cadex CPB23.50: $329
604-876-9909
www.cadextools.com
Direct Sales
Nikle NS2340A: $209
604-876-9909
www.nikletools.com
Direct Sales
Omer PR.28: $279
604-876-9909
www.omertools.com
Duo-Fast
Sure Shot 2336: $239
847-783-5500
www.duo-fast.com
Grex Power Tools
P650L: $319
888-447-3926
www.grexusa.com
Grip-Rite
GRTPIN23: $129
800-676-7777
www.grip-rite.com
Max USA Corp.
NF235A: $224
800-223-4293
www.maxusacorp.com
Porter-Cable
PIN100: $130
888-848-5175
www.porter-cable.com
Senco Products
Finish Pro 11 4N0001N: $259
800-543-4596
www.senco.com
Spotnails
SP2340: $109
800-873-2239
www.spotnails.com