Best 23 Gauge Pin Nailers: Top 8 Picks (November 2026)
The best 23 gauge pin nailers include the Metabo HPT NP35A 23 Ga Pin Nailer for light fine trim, the DeWalt ATOMIC DCN623D1 20V 23 Ga Pin Nailer Kit for cordless convenience, and the Makita XTP02Z 18V LXT 23 Ga Pin Nailer for Makita 18V owners.
On this page (4 sections)
The best 23 gauge pin nailer for most fine trim is the Metabo HPT NP35A, a 2 lb pneumatic tool with depth adjustment and five pin lengths up to 1-3/8 in. Choose the DeWalt ATOMIC kit for cordless work, or the NP50A when your projects call for pins up to 2 in.
A 23 gauge pinner is for small parts where a thin, headless fastener leaves a subtle hole. It can suit cabinets, small molding, paneling, glazing bead, picture frames and crafts.
For larger trim or more holding strength, compare the choices in our guide to nailers for trim before you buy.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for cordless convenienceDeWalt ATOMIC DCN623D1 20V 23 Ga Pin Nailer Kit
8.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
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- 4
Check itMetabo HPT NP50A 23 Ga Pin Nailer Kit
Best for longer pins - 5
Check itDeWalt DWFP2350K 23 Ga Pin Nailer
Best for oil-free pneumatic use - 6
Check itCraftsman V20 RP 23 Ga Cordless Pin Nailer
Best for V20 tool owners - 7
Check itPorter-Cable PIN138 23 Ga Pin Nailer
Best for basic 1-3/8 in pin work - 8
Check itArrow PT23G 23 Ga Compact Pin Nailer
Best for short craft pins
Best 23 gauge pin nailers for fine trim and small parts
The NP35A earns the top score for its light weight and useful range for delicate work, while cordless and longer-pin models fit different needs. We compared the listed fastener ranges, power source, adjustment features and included kit contents against common trim and craft jobs.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you’re shopping for. Product details below come from the available manufacturer information.
| Product | Best for | Power | Fastener length | Weight | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metabo HPT NP35A 23 Ga Pin Nailer | light fine trim | Pneumatic | 5/8 to 1-3/8 in | 2 lb | 8.7 |
| DeWalt ATOMIC DCN623D1 20V 23 Ga Pin Nailer Kit | cordless convenience | Battery powered | 5/8 to 1-1/2 in | 8.5 | |
| Makita XTP02Z 18V LXT 23 Ga Pin Nailer | Makita 18V owners | Battery powered, tool only | 5/8 to 1-3/8 in, with specified sizes | 8.4 | |
| Metabo HPT NP50A 23 Ga Pin Nailer Kit | longer pins | Pneumatic | 1/2 to 2 in | 8.2 | |
| DeWalt DWFP2350K 23 Ga Pin Nailer | oil-free pneumatic use | Pneumatic | 5/8 to 2 in | 8.1 | |
| Craftsman V20 RP 23 Ga Cordless Pin Nailer | V20 tool owners | Battery powered, bare tool | 5/8 to 1-3/8 in | 7.4 | |
| Porter-Cable PIN138 23 Ga Pin Nailer | basic 1-3/8 in pin work | Air powered | Up to 1-3/8 in | 2.2 lb | 7.2 |
| Arrow PT23G 23 Ga Compact Pin Nailer | short craft pins | Pneumatic | 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 13/16 and 1 in | 7.0 |
Metabo HPT NP35A 23 Ga Pin Nailer: Best for light fine trim
- 2 lb weight
- Pins from 5/8 to 1-3/8 in
- Depth adjustment
- Dual trigger
A lightweight pneumatic pick for cabinets, small molding, paneling and picture frames. Its magazine adjusts automatically across five pin lengths.
Pros
- 2 lb body
- Depth adjustment
- No-mar tip
Cons
- Needs an air hose and compressor
- Maximum pin length is 1-3/8 in
At 2 lb, the NP35A is the lightest pneumatic pick in this group. Its magazine adjusts automatically for five pin lengths from 5/8 to 1-3/8 in, so it covers common small molding, cabinet, paneling and picture-frame jobs without moving to a larger fastener.
The depth adjustment helps set flush drives across different surfaces. Metabo HPT also includes two no-mar tips, a carrying case, safety glasses and a hex bar wrench.
Its dual trigger is designed for safe and accurate fastener placement.
This is a good fit if you already have a compressor and want a light tool for fine trim. Its maximum pin length is shorter than the NP50A and DWFP2350K, so choose one of those for work that needs 2 in pins.
DeWalt ATOMIC DCN623D1 20V 23 Ga Pin Nailer Kit: Best for cordless convenience
- Cordless 20V kit
- Pins from 5/8 to 1-1/2 in
- Tool-free jam release
- Low nail lockout
This cordless kit avoids a hose, compressor and gas cartridge. It includes a battery and charger for buyers starting without a compatible set.
Pros
- No hose or compressor
- Tool-free depth adjustment
- Low nail lockout with LED
Cons
- Limited to 1-1/2 in pins
- Battery-powered tool adds a charging step
The DeWalt ATOMIC DCN623D1 is the cordless kit pick for finishing and remodeling work where you want to leave the hose and compressor behind. It drives 23 gauge pins from 5/8 to 1-1/2 in and includes a 2.0Ah battery and charger.
Its tool-free depth adjustment and jam release make routine setup and clearing simpler. A low-nail lockout with an LED indicator signals when it is time to reload, and DeWalt reports an average of 2,000 nails per charge.
Choose this kit if you want cordless operation and need a battery and charger in the box. The NP50A accepts longer pins, but it requires an air setup.
Makita XTP02Z 18V LXT 23 Ga Pin Nailer: Best for Makita 18V owners
- Cordless 18V tool
- Magazine holds up to 120 pins
- Anti-dry fire mechanism
- Tool-less depth adjustment
The XTP02Z works without an air hose and holds up to 120 pins. It is sold as a tool only, so account for the battery and charger separately.
Pros
- Anti-dry fire mechanism
- Up to 120-pin magazine
- Tool-less depth adjustment
Cons
- Battery and charger are not included
- Does not work with 1-1/4 in pins
The Makita XTP02Z suits buyers who already use Makita’s 18V LXT battery system. It is a tool-only cordless pinner, so the battery and charger are not included.
It drives six pin lengths from 5/8 to 1-3/8 in, including 11/16 and 1-3/16 in.
It does not work with 1-1/4 in pins, a detail worth checking against the fasteners you keep on hand. The magazine holds up to 120 pins, and its anti-dry fire mechanism is designed to prevent firing blanks.
Choose it if the included pin sizes fit your work and you have a compatible battery. For a cordless kit with battery and charger, consider the DeWalt ATOMIC instead.
Metabo HPT NP50A 23 Ga Pin Nailer Kit: Best for longer pins
- Drives pins from 1/2 to 2 in
- Automatic dry-fire lockout
- Aluminum magazine
- Case and lubricant oil included
Its 2 in maximum pin length is the widest range among these picks. The kit includes a case, safety glasses, no-mar tips and lubricant oil.
Pros
- Pins up to 2 in
- Dry-fire lockout
- Aluminum magazine
Cons
- Needs an air hose and compressor
- Heavier than the NP35A at 3.3 lb
The NP50A offers the longest stated pin range in this roundup, from 1/2 to 2 in. That flexibility can help when your fine trim and paneling jobs call for longer pins than the NP35A accepts.
Its automatic dry-fire lockout stops the tool from operating with 6 or fewer pins in the magazine. The aluminum magazine is designed to prevent jams caused by fastener overlap, and the kit includes a case, safety glasses, two no-mar tips and lubricant oil.
At 3.3 lb, it weighs more than the NP35A. Pick it for its longer fastener range and included accessories, while the NP35A makes more sense if low tool weight is your priority.
DeWalt DWFP2350K 23 Ga Pin Nailer: Best for oil-free pneumatic use
- Pins from 5/8 to 2 in
- Tool-free jam release
- Tool-free depth adjustment
- Oil-free operation
This pneumatic DeWalt handles pins up to 2 in and runs without oil. Its tool-free jam release and depth adjustment simplify those two common adjustments.
Pros
- Pins up to 2 in
- Oil-free operation
- Low nail lockout with reload alert
Cons
- Needs an air hose and compressor
- No cordless option
The DeWalt DWFP2350K is a pneumatic option for pin work up to 2 in. It runs oil-free, which reduces the risk of oil stains on the work surface, and includes a tool-free jam release for removing stuck pins.
Its tool-free depth adjustment helps you set recessed fasteners, and a low-nail lockout with bypass and reload alert signals when the magazine is nearly empty. DeWalt says the tool can drive 2 in nails recessed into oak.
Choose it if you have a compressor and want a long pin range with oil-free operation. The cordless DeWalt kit is a better fit when mobility without a hose matters more.
Craftsman V20 RP 23 Ga Cordless Pin Nailer: Best for V20 tool owners
- Brushless motor
- Pins from 5/8 to 1-3/8 in
- Tool-free jam release
- LED light
The bare tool suits buyers who already have a compatible V20 battery and charger. Its LED light and tool-free jam release address visibility and jam clearing.
Pros
- Brushless motor
- LED work light
- Tool-free jam release
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Maximum pin length is 1-3/8 in
The Craftsman V20 RP is a cordless bare tool for buyers who already have the compatible battery and charger. It accepts 23 gauge pins from 5/8 to 1-3/8 in and uses a brushless motor.
An LED light helps illuminate the work area for alignment. The tool-free jam release is designed to reduce downtime when a pin gets stuck, but the battery and charger are sold separately.
Consider it if you own the battery system and want a cordless option for shorter pin lengths. If you need a complete kit, the DeWalt ATOMIC package includes its battery and charger.
Porter-Cable PIN138 23 Ga Pin Nailer: Best for basic 1-3/8 in pin work
- Pneumatic operation
- 23 gauge pins up to 1-3/8 in
- 2.2 lb weight
This compact pneumatic model covers basic pinning up to 1-3/8 in. Its stated details are sparse, so compare its included features with other air-powered options.
Pros
- 2.2 lb weight
- Pneumatic format
Cons
- Fastener range details are limited
- Needs an air hose and compressor
Porter-Cable’s PIN138 is a pneumatic 23 gauge pinner with a stated 1-3/8 in maximum pin length. At 2.2 lb, it is close in weight to the NP35A, though its stated details cover fewer setup features.
That makes it a straightforward option to compare for basic small trim and craft tasks if you already own an air compressor. The NP35A provides more explicit detail about depth adjustment, included accessories and its five supported pin lengths.
Choose the PIN138 when its basic 1-3/8 in range fits your needs. If you want features such as a no-mar tip and adjustable depth, the NP35A is the clearer fit.
Arrow PT23G 23 Ga Compact Pin Nailer: Best for short craft pins
- Oil-free pneumatic operation
- Pins from 3/8 to 1 in
- Side-load magazine
- Two-step safety trigger
The PT23G is aimed at trim, molding, crafts and hobby tasks using short pins. Its 1 in maximum is shorter than the other picks here.
Pros
- Oil-free operation
- Side-load magazine
- Two-step safety trigger
Cons
- Pins top out at 1 in
- Needs a compressor
The Arrow PT23G is a compact pneumatic choice for short-pin work such as trim, molding, crafts and hobby tasks. It accepts specified lengths from 3/8 to 1 in, the shortest maximum range among these picks.
Its oil-free operation avoids tool oil maintenance, and the side-load magazine is designed to make loading and jam clearing easier. Arrow also uses a two-step safety trigger and says the tool works with home compressor units up to 100 psi.
Pick it for short pins and a compact air tool. If your trim needs pins longer than 1 in, choose a different model in this roundup.
How do you choose a 23 gauge pin nailer?
Choose a pin nailer by matching its power source and supported pin lengths to your project and tools. Then consider depth control, jam clearing and dry-fire protection.
Which pin length range do you need?
The pin needs to pass through the trim and enter the base material without emerging from the other side. The NP50A and DWFP2350K accept pins up to 2 in, while the Arrow PT23G tops out at 1 in.
Check both material thicknesses before loading a pin. If you use several lengths, compare the exact accepted sizes: the Makita supports six sizes and excludes 1-1/4 in, while the NP35A automatically adjusts for five listed lengths.
Should you choose cordless or pneumatic?
A cordless pinner avoids a compressor and hose, which can make movement around a room easier. The DeWalt ATOMIC kit includes a battery and charger, while the Makita XTP02Z and Craftsman V20 RP are sold without them.
Pneumatic tools need an air compressor and hose but can be a sensible choice if you already use air tools. Check the required fittings and follow the tool’s instructions for consistent air pressure.
What features protect delicate trim?
Depth adjustment helps you set how far a pin enters the workpiece. No-mar tips can help protect the surface, while a low-nail lockout or anti-dry fire system can help prevent firing with an empty or nearly empty magazine.
Those features vary across the picks. The NP35A includes depth adjustment and no-mar tips; the Makita has tool-less depth adjustment and anti-dry fire protection.
What can a 23 gauge pin nailer handle?
A 23 gauge pinner is suited to small trim and parts where a thin fastener leaves a subtle hole. Common uses in the product details include cabinets, paneling, molding, glazing bead, crafts and picture-frame assembly.
It is not a universal replacement for a brad or finish nailer. For thicker trim or a stronger hold, read our guides to what a brad nailer is used for and choosing a nailer for trim.
Which 23 gauge pin nailer should you pick?
Pick the NP35A for light pneumatic fine trim, the DeWalt ATOMIC for a cordless kit, or the NP50A when your projects call for pins up to 2 in. If short craft pins are the priority, the Arrow PT23G covers lengths up to 1 in.
Match the tool’s accepted lengths to the materials you join, then factor in whether you already have a compatible battery or compressor. For a broader comparison of nailer types, see our plain guide to nail guns.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
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Best for cordless convenience
DeWalt ATOMIC DCN623D1 20V 23 Ga Pin Nailer Kit
8.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Frequently asked questions
What is a 23 gauge pin nailer used for?
A 23 gauge pin nailer joins small trim, molding, paneling, glazing bead and craft parts with thin, headless pins. Those fasteners leave small holes, which can matter on delicate pieces or trim where a larger nail head would show.
For thicker stock or more holding power, compare a brad or finish nailer before choosing.
Is a cordless 23 gauge pin nailer worth it?
A cordless 23 gauge pin nailer can be useful when you want to avoid an air hose and compressor. The DeWalt DCN623D1 kit includes a battery and charger, while the Makita XTP02Z and Craftsman CMCN623B are tool-only or bare-tool options.
Check the battery system you already own and the pin lengths the tool accepts.
What pin length should I choose?
Choose a pin long enough to pass through the trim and grip the base material, while avoiding hidden wires, pipes or a visible exit point. The right length depends on the thickness and hardness of both pieces.
The picks here range from a 1 in maximum on the Arrow PT23G to 2 in on the Metabo HPT NP50A and DeWalt DWFP2350K.
Can a 23 gauge pin nailer replace a brad nailer?
Usually not. A 23 gauge pin has a smaller, headless profile, which helps keep marks subtle, while an 18 gauge brad is thicker and often gives more holding strength.
Use pins for delicate trim and brads when the joint needs a stronger mechanical hold.
See our guide to what a brad nailer is used for for common brad nail jobs.
Do pneumatic pin nailers need a compressor?
Yes. Pneumatic pin nailers need a compatible air compressor, hose and fitting.
The Arrow PT23G is specified for home compressor units up to 100 psi, but follow the tool instructions and use the correct, consistent pressure.
Cordless models avoid the hose and compressor, though they need a charged compatible battery.
