It seems that Makita has come out with a new 18V cordless 23 gauge pin nailer, XTP02Z. There’s no indication as to whether it will place their existing cordless pin nailer, but it probably will – unless there’s a reason hidden to me.
Compared to the other model, XTP01Z, the new pin nailer can handle an additional smaller pin size (5/8″). The new nailer is still large, and weighs more than the other model, but I find myself more drawn to the improved design.
I can’t speak about the internals, but the outsides of the new pin nailer are completely different, from the handle, to the pin magazine release button.
Makita’s earlier cordless nailer was met with negative user reviews on Amazon. When it first appeared on the market, I questioned its ergonomics, saying:
The ergonomics also look a little unconventional – just look at that curved grip – but looks aren’t everything.
It’s still true that looks aren’t everything, but the new design has me optimistic.
- Works with 23 gauge pin nails, 5/8″ to 1-3/8″
- 5/8″, 11/16″, ¾”, 1″, 1-3/16″, 1-3/8″ nail sizes
- 120 pin magazine capacity
- “Refined firing mechanism reduces recoil”
- Anti-dry fire mechanism
- Tool-free depth adjustment
- Contact trigger
- LED worklight
- Rubber bumpers
- Reversible belt hook
- Drives up to 5300 nails on 5.0Ah battery charge
Price: $248 for the bare tool
Price: $189-200 for the bare tool
Buy Now(via Acme Tool)
Buy Now(via Tool Nut)
Buy Now(via Amazon) (Inflated pricing at the time of this posting)
First Thoughts
The new Makita 18V 23 ga cordless pin nailer is still a lot larger and heavier than air solutions, unless you take into account the size and weight of the smallest air compressor you can use an air nailer with.
It looks more compact than the previous/other model, and as far as I can tell, it’s been completely redesigned. So this isn’t just a slightly updated model, it looks to be an entirely new nailer.
Quite frankly, I’m a little stunned at the new design and how much optimism it gives me. Of course, looks don’t mean everything, and it could perform just lousily. But the features and suggested ergonomics would make me eager to find out.
Do you know what else surprises me about the new nailer, in a good way? A built-in battery fuel gauge. *Thumbs up*
Your options are very limited when it comes to cordless pin nailers. This one doesn’t just look like a cordless crown stapler rejiggered to work with pin nails, it looks like a thoughtful redesign.
For those of you that often work with 23 gauge pin nailers, how inclined are you to try this one?
