Choosing the Right Pallet Nailer: A Buyer’s Guide for Better Assembly

Posted: March 12, 2025

Categories: Industries, Equipment

Tags: pallet and crating fastening tools

When it comes to pallet and crate manufacturing, performance and durability are key. The right pallet nail gun can make a huge difference in your production speed, labor costs, and the overall quality of your pallets. But with so many options available, how do you know which one is the best fit for your operation?

Pallet Nailer vs. Framing Nailer: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever wondered whether a framing nailer can handle pallet assembly, the short answer is no—it’s not the right tool for the job. While both tools drive nails into wood, they’re built for different tasks.

Framing Nailers – Designed for construction tasks like framing, roofing, decking, and finishing work. They typically use smaller nails and have less power, so they may not be able to drive nails into pallet wood effectively.
Brad Nailer - Ideal for precision work like trim, molding, and cabinetry or smaller woodworking projects. Brad nailers use thin, small-gauge brad nails that don’t provide the holding power needed for pallet construction.
Pallet Nailers – Built specifically for fast, high-volume pallet and crate assembly. Pallet nailers are designed to handle larger nail coils, don't require frequent reloading, work with a variety of wood types, and last longer under heavy use.

Bottom line? If you’re in the business of pallet manufacturing, a dedicated pallet nailer is the way to go.

Types of Pallet Nailers

Not all pallet nailers are created equally. Your choice will depend on your production volume, material type, and budget.

Manual Pallet Nailers - For smaller operations or custom pallet builds, a manual pallet nailer offers flexibility and lower upfront costs. While these require more operator effort, they allow for customized nailing patterns and are ideal for lower production volumes.

Pneumatic Pallet Nailers - The most commonly used tool in the industry, pneumatic pallet nailers use compressed air to drive fasteners quickly and consistently. They’re the go-to choice for most pallet manufacturers because they offer:

Faster production speeds compared to manual nailers
Reduced operator fatigue with lightweight, ergonomic designs
Consistent nail depth and placement, improving overall pallet quality

What to Consider When Buying a Pallet Nailer

1. Pallet Material Matters

The type of wood you use impacts your choice of nailer. Oak and pine are the two wood types most frequently used for pallet manufacturing.

Softwood pallets (pine, fir) work well with standard pneumatic nailers.
Hardwood pallets (oak, maple) may require a more powerful heavy-duty coil nailer to penetrate dense wood.
Recycled or chemically treated wood can be tough on nail guns, so a reinforced, high-powered nailer is essential to withstand wear and tear.

2. Production Volume & Speed

Low to High Volume: An industrial pneumatic coil nailer is a versatile solution that is suitable for most use cases. Whether you're assembling pallets in small batches or running a high-output operation, pneumatic tools provide the speed and power needed for all levels of pallet and crate production.
High-Speed Automated Production: For the fastest, most consistent output, consider machine-mounted nailers like the Everwin PN70PAL. These tools integrate with automated pallet nailing systems, reducing manual labor and maximizing build speed.

3. Nail Size & Capacity

Your nailer needs to be able to handle the type of nails you are using on your pallets. This will prevent any costly compatibility or quality issues. Common fastener options include:

Screw shank nails – Superior holding power, reducing pallet failure over time.
Ring shank nails – Ideal for added grip and durability.
Smooth shank nails – More affordable but less resistant to pull-out forces.

4. Power Source Considerations

Most pallet nailers run on compressed air (pneumatic), but if your operation has air supply limitations, battery-powered or gas-powered options may be worth exploring. However, keep in mind that battery-powered tools are often heavier and require frequent recharging, limiting them for use on smaller-volume jobs.

5. Longevity & Maintenance

A well-built nailer means fewer repairs and less downtime, which saves you money in the long run. Look for tools that have:

Hardened steel components for longevity
Easy maintenance and quick changeover features
Jam-clearing mechanisms to prevent downtime

6. Safety & Ergonomics

Your team’s safety and comfort matter. Prioritize features like:

Anti-vibration technology to reduce fatigue
Sequential firing modes to improve precision and safety
Ergonomic grips for operator comfort

7. Budget Considerations

When selecting a nail gun for pallet work, your budget determines the features and durability you'll get:

Entry-level ($75-$125) - Basic models for occasional use and casual woodworking projects. They'll handle simple assembly tasks without extra features.
Mid-range ($125-$350) - Industrial-grade tools with better build quality, enhanced features, and improved ergonomics. Suitable for most medium to high-volume pallet and crate production applications.
High-end ($350+) - Built for heavy-duty, high-speed industrial applications that require nail lengths of 3" or longer. These tools may also include additional functions such as a built-in anvil to clinch nails for pallet repair tasks.

Top Pallet Nailers for Your Business

Choosing the right pallet nailer depends on your production needs and many other considerations mentioned above. At Rocket Industrial, we sell and service top brands like Everwin, Beck, Omer, and more to ensure you get the best tools, backed by our expert support team.

Our Most Popular Tool - Everwin PN65M Pallet Coil Nailer

For pallet and crate construction, the Everwin PN65M is our top recommendation. With 10+ depth settings, this tool is fast, powerful, and built for heavy-duty applications. It also includes extra features to improve usability and extend tool life, such as a dust cover, cushioned grip, anti-abrasive driver, and an easy-loading magazine.

Fastener Lengths: 1-1/2” - 2-1/2”
Shank Diameter: .092 to .113 (smooth, screw, or ring)
Load Capacity: 225 -300 nails
Ergonomic design with a lightweight 6.2 lbs magnesium frame
Affordable, mid-range price

Many pallet manufacturers only use standard 2-inch pallet nails, often using heavier tools than necessary. The PN65M delivers the same performance with a lighter body, making it easier to handle while maintaining speed and power.

Your Partner in Pallet and Crating Solutions

Selecting the right pallet nailer depends on your specific operational needs, including production volume and fastener requirements. Investing in the right tool can enhance production efficiency, improve pallet quality, and reduce long-term costs. Whether running a small-scale shop or a high-volume production facility, choosing the best pallet nail gun will help with faster assembly and keep your business running smoothly with little downtime.

At Rocket Industrial, our fastener experts can help you choose the right tools and nails while finding ways to save on costs. We stand behind what we sell and provide service and support for the tools you invest in. Contact us to schedule an on-site visit with a fastener expert, shop online for our tools and nails, or call us for expert assistance.