The 5 Best Air Punch Nailers
This wiki has been updated 14 times since it was first published in September of 2020. Air punch nailers are convenient and time-saving tools that use high-pressure air to punch out fasteners embedded in wooden boards or pallets. So instead of spending hours pulling nails with the claw end of a hammer, these can get the job done in a fraction of the time. Their design makes them extremely dangerous, though, and proper safety precautions should always be followed during use. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Editor's Notes
September 14, 2020:
The potential for injury really can't be overstated with air punch nailers, and extreme caution should always be used while connected to their air supply. By shooting out a thin metal piston several inches, at a high velocity, any accidental discharge can cause a catastrophic injury. Small children or untrained employees should never be allowed to use these tools.
Even the Reconnx Nail Kicker V20, that requires the nose to be depressed before it can fire effectively, can be just as harmful if you accidentally press it against your leg or arm while bending over or adjusting materials. The chances of flying nail or wood debris is very high as well, so make sure to wear proper eye protection at all times.
That being said, they are extremely useful and are essential for any kind of pallet recycling operation. They're also handy for disassembling wood decking or roofs.
These options are all powered by air, so consider purchasing one of these air compressors if you don't already have one on hand. If you know you'll probably be sticking to smaller projects, one of these compact pancake compressors might be a more convenient option.
Also, if you don't have the workload to require an air punch nailer, one of these manual nail pullers might make more sense. They'll definitely take longer to get the job done, but if you only have a few nails to pull, it might be worth it to not have to haul around a compressor.