In the past, we reviewed the Bosch SN350-20F Framing Nailer, and the Bosch FNA250-15 15 ga Angled Finish Nailer. Now, the company showed us its latest pneumatic nailer product. The Bosch FNS138-23 Pin Nailer is really perfect for the avid woodworker. It has a zero nail dry fire lockout mechanism. If ever a nailer needed a dry fire lockout, it’s the pin nailer. Designed to shoot nails with an almost invisible footprint, you typically don’t realize you’ve run out of nails until something falls down that you thought was secure. Bosch designed this nailer so that you only get locked out when all the nails are gone. You can load up a couple of new clips of nails without losing any along the way.
Ergonomics and Trigger
Bosch integrated a nice rubber overmold on the tool’s housing so you don’t scratch the surface of your cabinet or workpiece when you set the tool down. Also, a really small work contact element is detachable and, because of its small size, is actually quite usable. We got to use the tool on some test material. We even spent some time nailing up wood matches to test out the accuracy and handling of the tool during more fragile and detailed work. Compared to the Porter-Cable PIN100 pinner, I didn’t notice a huge difference in control or feel. The Bosch trigger was a definite step up and we liked the ability to fire up to 1-3/8″ nails.
Because Bosch is using its Full Force technology in this tool, the company claims 10% more power than other nailers. This would be another vague claim were it not for the fact that Bosch demoed the tool by using it at 70psi. That’s as good a demonstration of power (or at least design efficiency) as I can think up. On the back is a movable exhaust port for redirecting air away from your face or a delicate work surface and the tool fits in well with Bosch’s other pneumatic products with its ergonomic handle and clean, compact design. Loading nails into the side of the straight magazine was simple and it held just over two full “clips”.
Bosch FNS138-23 Pin Nailer Specifications
- Nail: 23 Gauge, smooth shank
- Nail Length: 1″ – 1-3/8″
- Operating Range: 60 – 100 psi
- Weight (lbs): 2.3 lbs
- Magazine Angle: Straight
- Magazine Loading: Side
- Dimensions: 7.4″ L x 1.9″ W x 8.2″ H
- Air Inlet: 1/4″ NPT
This new Bosch FNS138-23 Pin Nailer will come with safety glasses, an Allen wrench, and a carrying case and will be available in August for approximately $159. This is more than reasonable given the competition. The kit comes with the 1/4″ NPT quick connect coupler already attached, which is nice considering how many times we’ve had to deal with the hassle of installing our own. This is a tool that rounds out Bosch’s pneumatic line very nicely and we’d expect it will be well received by those who can manage to get one into their hands to try it out.
