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Porter-Cable PIN138 — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Pin Nailer GunsPorter-Cable PIN138

📦

Porter-cable

Porter-Cable PIN138

Out of Stock

PIN138MultiOne Size

Pin Nailer Guns

Expert Review Analysis

The Porter-Cable PIN138 is a lightweight pneumatic 23-gauge pin nailer designed for driving headless or slight-head pins from 5/8" to 1-3/8" into hardwoods without marring surfaces. It features an oil-free motor, dry-fire lockout, and a side-loading magazine with a capacity of up to 132 nails. The tool is optimized for finish carpentry applications requiring sub-flush pinning in materials like oak.

✓ Best for: Cabinet makers, installers, furniture builders, and mantle builders needing finish work on hardwoods without visible damage. Specific use cases include trim, molding, cabinetry assembly, and furniture where sub-flush pinning in oak or similar woods is required for professional finish carpentry avoiding putty-heavy repairs.✗ Not ideal for: Users requiring cordless operation due to pneumatic dependency; projects involving materials other than hardwoods where headless pins may not provide sufficient holding power; users unwilling to use specific Porter-Cable approved fasteners.

Pros

✓Oil-free design eliminates maintenance requirements and prevents surface staining
✓Dry-fire lockout mechanism prevents damage to the tool and avoids empty holes

Best Seller Rank History

Now#68Best#27Worst#68 -41

Lower = better sales rank

Rating Trend

Rating4.5/ 5Reviews630+-13 reviews +0.10

Specifications

General

BrandPorter-Cable

ManufacturerPORTER-CABLE

ModelPIN138

Warranty3-year limited

Service Warranty1-year free service

Magazine

Capacity130-132 nails (side-loading)

Air Requirements

Inlet Size1/4" NPT (6.4 mm); optional 3/8" male quick connector

Performance

Air Consumption1.61 SCF per 100 cycles

Features

Exhaust TypeRear exhaust

Safety

Lockout MechanismDry-fire lockout prevents damage and empty holes

Dimensions & Weight

Height4.0 Inches

Width1.0 inches

Depth11.5 inches

Weight2.2 Pounds

Research Sources

portercable.com

globalindustrial.com

hallmarksales.com

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User Reviews

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4.5

(622 reviews)

✓

Lightweight aluminum body at 2.1 lbs reduces user fatigue during extended use

✓Consistent nail setting performance achieved reliably between 80-100 psi operating pressure

✓Accepts both headless and slight-head pins for versatile fastening options

✓Minimal hole size requires little to no putty for finishing work

Cons

✗Limited compatibility restricted to Porter-Cable approved fasteners only
✗Requires external air compressor setup as it is pneumatic rather than cordless
✗Side-loading magazine may be less convenient than bottom-load designs for some users

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Oil-free operation provides shop-friendly maintenance and prevents staining
✓Handles 23-gauge pins effectively with nearly invisible holes after driving
✓Consistent power delivery ensures reliable performance across various hardwoods

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Reliable nail driving performance even in challenging hardwood applications like oak
✓Flush setting capability eliminates the need for extensive putty repairs
✓Value proposition matches or exceeds competitor pricing for similar specifications

Users Complain About

✗Requires specific Porter-Cable approved fasteners limiting third-party compatibility
✗Dependent on air compressor setup preventing standalone cordless operation

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers and editors, including WoodWorkers Guild of America, praise the PIN138 for its handling of 23-gauge pins and oil-free operation. They highlight its ability to create nearly invisible holes with optional holding power, making it ideal for finish work. YouTube reviews note reliable performance at higher pressures (95-100 psi) and consistent depth setting compared to competitors like Metabo.

What Users Say

Everyday users consistently praise the tool's reliability in driving nails flush, particularly in hardwoods where other tools may fail. The oil-free convenience and minimal hole size requiring little putty are frequently highlighted. Users also note good value for money, though some mention the need for specific fasteners and an air setup.

Common Complaints

Limited to Porter-Cable approved fasteners. Requires air compressor setup

How It Compares

vs. Metabo HPT NP50

Advantages

✓Oil-free motor reduces maintenance compared to standard models
✓Consistent depth setting performance over reported inconsistencies in Metabo

Choose Porter-Cable PIN138 for reliability and oil-free operation; choose Metabo HPT NP50 if bottom-load magazine preference is prioritized.

vs. Bostitch HP118K

Advantages

✓Lighter weight at 2.1 lbs compared to bulkier Bostitch models

Choose Porter-Cable PIN138 for lighter weight and oil-free maintenance; choose Bostitch HP118K if brand preference or specific fastener compatibility is required.