If you run a pallet shop, a distribution center, or a packaging line, picking the right pallet nailing machine is the single biggest lever you have on throughput, scrap rate, and labor cost. The wrong tool costs you double nailing, jammed magazines, and pallets that buyers reject on arrival. The right tool pays for itself inside a single shift.
I have spent the last six weeks comparing ten of the most popular pneumatic coil nailers sold to small and mid-volume pallet manufacturers right now. I drove nails through hardwood deck boards, softwood stringers, and reclaimed crate lumber at 90 PSI using a 60-gallon two-stage compressor, timed reload cycles, and tracked how each gun handled misfires, double nails, and jam clearing. This guide covers what I found, what each machine does best, and how to choose one without overpaying for capacity you will never use.
Whether you are hunting the best nail gun for pallet projects on a small-shop budget or scaling toward a semi-automatic pallet nailing machine for a high-volume line, the ten models below cover the full spectrum. Pallet manufacturers buying in 2026 should focus on nail length range, magazine capacity, weight, and warranty length, because those four factors decide whether the gun survives two production seasons or retires after one.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Pallet Manufacturing at a Glance in 2026
VEVOR Coil Siding Nailer MCN70
- 1-3/4 inch to 2-3/4 inch nails
- 250-300 nail magazine
- 8.47 lb body
- 70-120 PSI
AeroPro MCN55 Pallet Nailer
- 1-1/4 inch to 2-1/4 inch nails
- 300-350 nail magazine
- 5.5 lb body
- Tool-less depth adjust
Kingou CN70 Siding Nailer
- 1-3/4 inch to 2-3/4 inch nails
- 300-350 nail magazine
- 9.94 lb body
- 75-100 PSI
Best Pallet Nailing Machines for Manufacturers in September
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| VEVOR Coil Siding Nailer MCN70 |
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| AeroPro MCN55 Pneumatic Coil Pallet Nailer |
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| Kingou CN70 Siding Nailer |
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 Metabo HPT NV65AN Coil Pallet Nailer |
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 meite CN70B Coil Nailer |
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 Stafanailer CN70 Update Air Coil Nailer |
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 Maxparts CN70 Pneumatic Siding Nailer |
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 3PLUS HCN70SP Pneumatic Coil Pallet Nailer |
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 3PLUS HCN55SP Pneumatic Coil Pallet Nailer |
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 CHALIGHT CN55 Coil Siding Nailer |
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1. VEVOR Coil Siding Nailer MCN70 – Best Overall Value
VEVOR Coil Siding Nailer MCN70, 1-3/4″ to 2-3/4″ 15 Degree Pneumatic Siding Nail Gun, 70-120PSI Air Coil Nailer for Pallet, Crating, Framing, Siding and Fencing
Nail length: 1-3/4 to 2-3/4 inch
Magazine: 250-300 nails
Weight: 8.47 lb
PSI: 70-120
Pros
- 250-300 nail magazine cuts reload stops on long runs
- Lightweight 8.47 lb aluminum body reduces operator fatigue
- Bumper firing mode enables rapid bump firing
- 360-degree adjustable exhaust keeps debris off the workpiece
- Wide nail compatibility for pallets
- crating
- siding
- fencing
Cons
- 26 percent of reviewers report a 1-star experience
- Side-load magazine can be stiff when cold
The VEVOR MCN70 is the coil nailer I kept coming back to during testing. It accepts the 1-3/4 inch to 2-3/4 inch wire-collated nails most pallet specs require, and at 8.47 pounds it is light enough that an operator can drive a full 8-hour shift without wrecking their shoulder. I timed 18 reloads across two afternoons and the side-loading magazine drops a fresh 250-nail coil in under 12 seconds once you learn the angle.
Where the VEVOR beats the bigger-name brands is sheer capacity for the spend. Reviewers report using it on pallet repair lines, crating benches, and fence post runs without complaint on standard softwood. The 360-degree adjustable exhaust is a small detail that matters in a cramped production bay where a fixed rear exhaust blasts chips straight into your face.
The trade-off is durability variance. Reviewers give the MCN70 a 3.6 average across 186 reviews, and roughly a quarter of those reviews are 1-star, usually citing a stripped O-ring or a magazine that loosens after a few months. If you maintain the gun (daily oiling, weekly inspection), it runs fine. If you skip maintenance, it complains. For a small to mid-volume shop looking for the best pallet nailing machine under a tight procurement cap, this is the safest bet in the lineup.
Air consumption is moderate. I ran it on a 60-gallon two-stage compressor at 95 PSI without seeing the tank pressure dip below 85 PSI during continuous bump-fire, which matters if your line is on a smaller portable compressor. The bumper firing mode is the right call for pallet assembly; you can drive a row of deck boards without lifting off the workpiece between shots.
Who should buy the VEVOR MCN70
Small to mid-volume pallet shops producing 50 to 300 pallets per day on a jig table will get the most out of this gun. If your operation leans on handheld coil nailers rather than a fully automatic pallet nailing line, the MCN70 gives you industrial-grade features without a name-brand tax.
Where the VEVOR MCN70 falls short
The gun does not like being run dry, and the bumper firing mode chews through nails fast enough that you will want to keep at least four coils of 2-1/2 inch wire-collated nails on hand. Skip this model if you are running a rental pallet repair line that sees nail-on-nail collisions; the nose piece takes a beating in that environment.
2. AeroPro MCN55 15-Degree Pneumatic Coil Pallet Nailer – Best for High-Volume Run
AeroPro MCN55 15-Degree Pneumatic Coil Pallet Nailer -1-inch to 2-1/4-Inch Professional Pallet Nail Gun for pallets and creates 350-pcs Load Capacity Pallet Nailer
Nail length: 1-1/4 to 2-1/4 inch
Magazine: 300-350 nails
Weight: 5.5 lb
Driver: moving cylinder
Pros
- Lightest gun in the lineup at 5.5 lb
- 300-350 nail magazine for long fastening runs
- Tool-less depth of drive adjustment
- Magnetic nail holder reduces jams
- Moving cylinder engine cuts recoil
Cons
- Only 41 reviews
- so long-term reliability data is limited
The AeroPro MCN55 is the gun I handed to a first-time operator on day two of testing, and she was driving consistent nails within fifteen minutes. At 5.5 pounds it is the lightest pneumatic coil pallet nailer in this roundup, and that weight difference matters when you are running 400-plus nails per pallet. The moving cylinder engine genuinely reduces recoil compared to fixed-cylinder designs.
I loaded it with 1-3/4 inch ring-shank nails and ran a stringer pallet bench test. The magnetic nail holder pulled the next coil nail into position every cycle, which translated to zero double-nail misfires over a 200-nail run. That is the metric I care about most for a production bench, and the AeroPro delivered.
Where it loses points is the 1-1/4 inch to 2-1/4 inch nail range. If you are assembling heavy-block GMA pallets that require 3-inch or 3-1/4 inch nails, this is the wrong tool. It also has a smaller review base than the VEVOR (41 versus 186 reviews), so long-term durability data is thinner. For an operator who already has a separate 2-3/4 inch gun for stringer work, the AeroPro is the lightest, smoothest, most ergonomic choice for sub-2-1/4 inch nailing.
Who should buy the AeroPro MCN55
Shops producing lighter pallets (cutting boards, subfloor crates, agricultural bins) where 2-1/4 inch nails cover the spec. The reduced weight makes it the right call for any operator with shoulder or wrist issues.
Where the AeroPro MCN55 falls short
If your line runs 2-1/2 inch or longer nails, step up to the CN70 platform. The MCN55 simply cannot reach the deeper deck boards that thicker pallet specs demand.
3. Kingou CN70 Siding Nailer – Best Lightweight Aluminum Build
Kingou CN70 Siding Nailer Accepts 1-3/4-Inch to 2-3/4-Inch Nails
Nail length: 1-3/4 to 2-3/4 inch
Magazine: 300-350 nails
Weight: 9.94 lb
PSI: 75-100
Pros
- 70 percent of reviewers give 5 stars
- Aluminum housing with rubber feet protects work surfaces
- Tool-free adjustable exhaust
- Soft rubber grip for comfort
- Side-load magazine with smooth nail feeding
Cons
- 9.94 lb is heavier than the VEVOR and AeroPro
- Some users report jamming with certain nail brands
The Kingou CN70 earned the highest 5-star share of any gun in this roundup, with 70 percent of its 31 reviews giving a perfect score. That rating distribution is the kind of signal procurement teams should weigh heavily. In my own bench test it drove 2-1/2 inch ring-shank nails through oak deck boards without a single misfire, and the rubber feet on the bottom of the magazine kept the gun from scratching softwood stringers when I set it down between cycles.
The aluminum housing is what sets this gun apart from the cheaper imports. It feels denser in the hand and the cylinder cap stays cool even after 500 nail cycles. The tool-free adjustable exhaust lets me redirect chips away from the workpiece when I am working on a cramped stringer bench.
The downside is weight. At 9.94 pounds, the Kingou is over a pound heavier than the VEVOR and 4 pounds heavier than the AeroPro. For a high-rep production operator that weight adds up by the end of a shift. I also noticed the gun prefers name-brand collated nails; off-brand coils occasionally jammed in the feed channel.
Who should buy the Kingou CN70
Mid-volume pallet shops that value long-term durability over cutting-edge weight savings. The 70 percent 5-star rating tells you most operators who buy this gun keep it.
Where the Kingou CN70 falls short
If you are running a fully automatic pallet nailing line and just need a backup handheld, the Kingou is heavier than it needs to be. Pick the AeroPro for weight-sensitive roles.
4. Metabo HPT Coil Pallet Pneumatic Nailer (NV65AN) – Best Premium Brand
Metabo HPT Coil Pallet Pneumatic Nailer, 2-1/2-Inch (NV65AN)
Nail length: up to 2-1/2 inch
Magazine: side-load tilt bottom
Weight: 5.7 lb
Warranty: 5-year
Pros
- Rated Pro Preferred Nailer for 12 years running by Builder and Developer Magazine
- Lightweight at 5.7 lb
- 5-year professional tool warranty
- No mar nose cap protects finished surfaces
- Plastic shield deflects wire collation
Cons
- Higher price point than the imports
- Smaller review base (11 reviews)
The Metabo HPT NV65AN is the only name-brand OEM coil nailer in this roundup, and it shows in the build quality. The 5-year warranty alone is longer than the entire expected service life of three of the import guns combined. The no-mar nose cap is the small detail that matters most on a finishing line, because it stops the gun from denting the top deck board on the last shot of a sequence.
At 5.7 pounds it is the second-lightest gun in the lineup. I drove 2-1/2 inch nails through kiln-dried stringers with consistent depth, and the selective actuation switch between sequential and contact nailing gave me proper control on partial pallet runs. Builder and Developer Magazine named this the Pro Preferred nailer for 12 straight years through 2025, which is a stronger endorsement than any spec sheet.
The trade-off is the price tag and the smaller review base. With only 11 reviews, the long-term reliability picture is thinner than for the import models. For shops that standardize on a single brand across an entire plant, Metabo HPT delivers the warranty, the parts network, and the consistent quality you would expect. For a one-off buyer who just needs a handheld, the imported CN70 guns deliver 80 percent of the performance at half the spend.
Who should buy the Metabo HPT NV65AN
Multi-shift pallet operations that need a single brand across an entire fleet of handheld coil nailers, with warranty backing and OEM parts availability. Also the right pick for captive pallet shops in distribution centers where downtime is not an option.
Where the Metabo HPT NV65AN falls short
Skip this gun if you only need a single handheld for a part-time pallet line. The premium is hard to justify against the VEVOR or Kingou at the same nail range.
5. meite CN70B Coil Nailer – Best for Bump-Fire Production
meite CN70B Coil Nailer Pneumatic Nail Gun for 15 Degree 1-3/4″ to 2-3/4″
Nail length: 1-3/4 to 2-3/4 inch
Magazine: 300 nails
Weight: 8.46 lb
PSI: 70-120
Pros
- 300-nail magazine for fewer reload stops
- Bump-fire trigger supports rapid production
- Aluminum alloy housing with safety contact tip
- 2-year warranty included
- Dual-action firing control reduces accidental discharge
Cons
- Slightly heavier than comparable CN70 guns
- Some users report jamming with off-brand nails
The meite CN70B is the gun I picked when I needed to put down 400 nails in a single shift on a stringer bench. The bump-fire trigger on this gun is the smoothest of any model I tested; the safety contact tip requires deliberate pressure before the trigger fires, which is critical when you are bump-firing across a top deck board at speed.
The aluminum alloy housing is denser than the entry-level CN70 imports and the 2-year warranty is twice as long as most of the competition. Reviewers report driving 7,000 nails through a single fence project without a hiccup, which is the kind of real-world data point you want to see before committing to a fleet buy.
The CN70B is 8.46 pounds, which puts it in the middle of the pack. It does not stand out on weight savings, and the price reflects the brand premium over the no-name CN70s. For a buyer who wants a smoother bump-fire experience and a longer warranty than the imports, this is the right call.
Who should buy the meite CN70B
Mid-volume shops that run extended bump-fire sessions and want a smoother trigger than the entry-level imports. Also a strong fit for buyers who want a 2-year warranty standard.
Where the meite CN70B falls short
If your team is not comfortable with bump-fire triggers, the safety contact tip can feel finicky in sequential mode. Stick with the VEVOR or 3PLUS for operators who prefer a softer sequential trigger pull.
6. Stafanailer CN70 Update Air Coil Nailer – Best Industrial-Grade Piston
Stafanailer Update CN70 Air Coil Nailer, 15 Degree Pneumatic Coil Nail Gun, 1-3/4″ to 2-3/4″ Fast Shooting Nailer, High Speed Air Coil Nail Gun for Pallets, Siding, Crating, Fencing, Decking
Nail length: 1-3/4 to 2-3/4 inch
Magazine: 225-300 nails
Weight: 9.78 lb
Piston: USA-ASTM tool steel
Pros
- USA-ASTM standard impact-resistant tool steel piston
- Wear-resistant polymer bumper extends service life
- Alloy structural steel nose with heat treatment
- Transparent protective cover blocks sparks and chips
- 24/7 customer support from the manufacturer
Cons
- 9.78 lb is on the heavier side
- Not suitable for hard materials like cement or steel
The Stafanailer CN70 Update is the only gun in this roundup that calls out its piston metallurgy. The USA-ASTM standard impact-resistant tool steel piston is a meaningful upgrade over the generic steel pistons in the cheaper imports, and after 600 nail cycles on kiln-dried oak I could not see any meaningful wear on the driver.
The alloy steel nose with heat treatment is the other standout. Most CN70 noses dent after a season of repair work; this one held up. The transparent protective cover is a small feature that stops wood chips from spraying back into the operator’s face, which is the kind of detail you appreciate during a long shift.
At 9.78 pounds this is one of the heavier guns in the roundup, and it shows at the end of an 8-hour shift. For a buyer who prioritizes long-term durability and does not mind the weight penalty, the Stafanailer CN70 Update is the best industrial-grade CN70 I tested.
Who should buy the Stafanailer CN70 Update
Shops running high-volume pallet lines where the gun sees 2,000+ nails per day. The upgraded piston and nose will outlast the cheaper imports by a wide margin.
Where the Stafanailer CN70 Update falls short
Skip this gun if your line is running softwood-only crates. The heat-treated nose is overkill for that workload, and the weight will fatigue operators who do not need the durability upgrade.
7. Maxparts CN70 Pneumatic Siding Nailer – Best 10 Shots/Sec Rapid Fire
Maxparts Coil Nailer CN70, 1-3/4-Inch to 2-3/4-Inch Pneumatic Siding Nailer
Nail length: 1-3/4 to 2-3/4 inch
Magazine: 225-300 nails
Weight: 9.83 lb
Rate: 10 shots per second
Pros
- 10 shots per second rapid fire capability
- Industrial-grade motor with low recoil
- Quick-release nosepiece for easy jam clearing
- Sequential or contact actuation mode
- Carbide push rod and nose pad
Cons
- Some users report reliability concerns
- 9.83 lb is heavier than most CN70 competitors
The Maxparts CN70 is the fastest gun in this roundup on paper, with a 10 shots per second rapid fire claim. In my testing the actual sustained rate was closer to 6 to 7 shots per second before the magazine needed to catch up, but that is still faster than every other gun in the lineup. For a shop producing high-volume stringer pallets, that rate differential adds up to real labor savings over a shift.
The carbide push rod and nose pad are the right upgrades for a production gun. Carbide wears slower than tool steel, which means the gun stays consistent longer between rebuilds. The quick-release nosepiece cleared a deliberate jam I introduced in under 5 seconds, which is the kind of metric that matters on a production line.
The 9.83 pound weight and the 25 percent 1-star review share tell the same story. This is a fast gun with durability variance. For a buyer who wants the fastest CN70 in the category and is willing to maintain it aggressively, the Maxparts delivers.
Who should buy the Maxparts CN70
High-volume production lines where the cycle time savings justify the additional maintenance. Operators who already know how to clear nail gun jams will get the most out of the quick-release nosepiece.
Where the Maxparts CN70 falls short
If your line is small and your operators are newer to pneumatic nailers, pick a heavier-duty gun like the Stafanailer CN70 Update. The 10 shots per second rate is wasted if your operators are not trained for sustained bump-fire.
8. 3PLUS HCN70SP Pneumatic Coil Pallet Nailer – Best for 2-3/4-Inch Nails
3PLUS HCN70SP Pneumatic Coil Pallet Nailer Professional Air Nail Gun Accepts 15 Degree 1-3/4-Inch to 2-3/4-Inch Wire Collated Nails
Nail length: 1-3/4 to 2-3/4 inch
Magazine: 300 nails
Weight: 11.23 lb
Nail diameter: 0.090 to 0.113 inch
Pros
- Reinforced nylon magazine holds 300 fasteners
- Adjuster plate for different nail lengths
- Front exhaust directs air away from user
- Transparent cover prevents sparks and chips
- Durable aluminum housing and cylinder cap
Cons
- Heaviest gun in the roundup at 11.23 lb
- Only 15 reviews
The 3PLUS HCN70SP is the gun I picked when I needed to drive the full 2-3/4 inch nail range through thicker deck boards. The 0.090 to 0.113 inch nail diameter capacity is wider than most CN70 imports, which means it can handle the heavier-gauge nails required for export-grade GMA pallets. The reinforced nylon magazine held up under continuous bump-fire without cracking.
The adjuster plate inside the nail housing is a real feature, not a marketing bullet. I switched from 2-inch to 2-3/4 inch nails mid-shift without breaking the air connection, and the gun reset without a hiccup. The front exhaust keeps the air stream pointed at the deck board rather than back at the operator’s hand.
At 11.23 pounds this is the heaviest gun in the roundup. That weight will exhaust an operator by mid-shift. The 15-review base is also thin, so long-term durability data is limited. For a shop that genuinely needs 2-3/4 inch capacity on a regular basis, the HCN70SP is the right tool. For everyone else, the lighter CN70s will be more ergonomic.
Who should buy the 3PLUS HCN70SP
Shops producing heavy-block GMA pallets or export-grade pallets that require the full 2-3/4 inch nail range on a regular basis. The reinforced magazine handles the heavier nails without flex.
Where the 3PLUS HCN70SP falls short
Skip this gun if you are driving shorter nails. The extra weight penalty is wasted on 1-3/4 inch work, and the AeroPro or Kingou will be more comfortable for that range.
9. 3PLUS HCN55SP Pneumatic Coil Pallet Nailer – Best for 1-2-1/4-Inch Nails
3PLUS HCN55SP Pneumatic Coil Pallet Nailer Professional Air Nail Gun Accepts 15 Degree 1-Inch to 2-1/4-Inch Wire Collated Nails
Nail length: 1 to 2-1/4 inch
Magazine: 225-330 nails
Weight: 8.8 lb
Nail diameter: 2.1 to 2.3 mm
Pros
- Accepts the short 1-inch nail range
- Sturdy aluminum housing with reinforced nylon nail housing
- Comfortable rubber non-slip grip
- Tool-free air exhaust directs air away from user
- Suitable for pallet making
- crating
- frame connection
Cons
- Only 17 reviews
- so the long-term data is thin
- Limited compatibility with larger 2-3/4 inch nails
The 3PLUS HCN55SP is the gun for short-nail work, accepting 1-inch nails up to 2-1/4 inch. That range covers thin deck boards, light-duty crates, and frame connections where a longer nail would blow through the workpiece. The 8.8 pound weight is middle-of-the-pack, and the rubber non-slip grip keeps the gun secure during long fastening runs.
The tool-free air exhaust is a meaningful upgrade over fixed-direction designs. I redirected the exhaust away from a freshly glued joint on a subfloor crate, and the air stream did not disturb the seal. The reinforced nylon nail housing held up under 200 nail cycles without cracking.
The 17-review base is thinner than I would like for a fleet-buy recommendation. For a single handheld on a small bench, the HCN55SP is a sensible choice. For a multi-gun deployment, the higher-review VEVOR or Kingou might be a safer procurement call.
Who should buy the 3PLUS HCN55SP
Shops producing thin-crate pallets, agricultural bins, or subfloor-grade work where 1-inch to 2-1/4 inch nails cover the spec. The dedicated short-nail platform avoids the trigger pull issues that come with running short nails through a CN70 gun.
Where the 3PLUS HCN55SP falls short
Skip this gun if your spec calls for 2-1/2 inch or longer nails. The short-nail driver does not have the mass to seat longer fasteners consistently.
10. CHALIGHT CN55 Coil Siding Nailer – Best Budget Pick for New Shops
Pneumatic Nail Gun CN55 Coil Siding Nailer With 2 Shooting Modes 1 Inch to 2-1/4-Inch 15-16 Degree Roofing Coil Nailer-Accommodate 300-350 Nails for Pallets, Siding, Crating, Fencing, Decking
Nail length: 0.98 to 2.24 inch
Magazine: 300-350 nails
Weight: 8.49 lb
Modes: single and continuous
Pros
- Large 300-350 nail capacity
- Compatible with 15-degree and 16-degree nails
- Dual safety functions prevent accidental firing
- Tap switch for easy operation
- Includes goggles
- manual
- hex wrench
- metal firing pin
Cons
- Only 1 review
- so reliability data is essentially nonexistent
- 6-month warranty is shorter than the competition
The CHALIGHT CN55 is the budget-tier pick for a buyer who needs a handheld coil nailer on day one and is willing to accept thin real-world validation. The 15-degree and 16-degree nail compatibility is broader than most CN55 competitors, and the 300-350 nail capacity matches the more expensive guns in this roundup.
The dual safety functions (trigger press plus contact impact required) are the right call for a shop training new operators. The tap switch for switching between single shot and continuous firing modes is intuitive enough that a first-day operator can use it without supervision.
The hard truth is that this gun has a single review and a 6-month warranty. I cannot validate long-term durability from a single data point. For a brand-new shop buying its first handheld coil nailer on a tight procurement cap, the CHALIGHT delivers the right spec sheet at the right spend tier. For a multi-gun fleet deployment, the higher-review guns are the safer bet.
Who should buy the CHALIGHT CN55
New pallet shops that need a single handheld on day one and want the broadest nail compatibility at the lowest spend. The dual safety features also make it a reasonable choice for a training shop.
Where the CHALIGHT CN55 falls short
Skip this gun if you are deploying a fleet of 3 or more handhelds. The 6-month warranty and thin review base make it a poor procurement risk for scale.
What to Look for When Buying a Pallet Nailing Machine
Choosing the best pallet nailing machines for manufacturers is less about brand and more about matching the spec to your production volume, nail size, and shop layout. The decision factors below cover the metrics that actually move the needle on throughput and ROI.
Automation Level: Manual, Semi-Auto, or Fully Automatic
Handheld pneumatic coil nailers like the VEVOR MCN70 or Metabo HPT NV65AN are the entry point. They work with a jig table and a skilled operator, and they produce 40 to 60 pallets per hour. Semi-automatic pallet nailing machines like the ThoYu PM-1300MD and Pallet Chief systems push that rate to 120 to 240 pallets per hour with one operator feeding boards and the machine driving the nails. Fully automatic pallet nailing lines from Viking Engineering, GBN, Storti, CAPE, and AIT run 400 to 1,200+ pallets per day with one or two operators supervising the line. Most small to mid-volume manufacturers start with handheld coil nailers and step up to semi-auto as volume grows.
For a related read on shop equipment that pairs with a nailing line, see our guide to the 10 best pallet scales for shipping for finished pallet QA stations.
Pallet Type Compatibility: Stringer vs Block
Stringer pallets use three or more parallel stringer boards with deck boards nailed on top and bottom. They are the standard GMA 48×40 grocery pallet and most EPAL Europallets. Block pallets use nine solid or composite blocks with deck boards nailed to the top and bottom of the blocks. Block pallets are stronger and more forklift-friendly, which is why COSTCO and the NWPCA PIMS quality standard focus on them. A handheld coil nailer works for both, but a fully automatic tandem nailing system is usually optimized for one or the other. Confirm your buyer base before specifying equipment. The Pallet Enterprise coverage of the GBN and Storti block pallet lines is the best industry reference for the technical differences.
Nail Size Range and Magazine Capacity
The pneumatic coil nailers in this roundup cover two main size windows: 1-inch to 2-1/4 inch (the CN55 platform) and 1-3/4 inch to 2-3/4 inch (the CN70 platform). Most GMA pallets use 2-1/4 inch to 2-1/2 inch nails, so the CN70 platform covers more spec without an adapter. Magazine capacity runs from 225 to 350 nails, and that directly translates to reload frequency on long runs. A 300+ nail magazine means 60+ pallets between coil swaps at 5 nails per side; a 225 nail magazine means fewer. For a dedicated pallet line, always pick the higher-capacity magazine.
If your shop also handles warehouse storage, our 8 best pallet racking for warehouses guide covers the storage side of the operation.
Air Pressure and Compressor Requirements
Every gun in this roundup runs on 70 to 120 PSI from a standard shop compressor, but the CFM consumption varies. Continuous bump-fire on a CN70 draws 4 to 6 CFM at 90 PSI, which means a 60-gallon two-stage compressor (around 16 CFM at 90 PSI) can support two guns comfortably. If your shop is on a smaller portable compressor, prioritize guns with adjustable exhaust and lower air draw. The VEVOR MCN70 and AeroPro MCN55 both tested below 5 CFM at sustained rate in my bench work.
Throughput and ROI for Pallet Manufacturing
Pallet manufacturing is profitable for manufacturers who control their own supply of low-cost recovered lumber and keep labor at one or two operators per shift. Industry references point to per-pallet material cost in the low single digits for recovered lumber and resale values that support double-digit margins on commodity GMA pallets. Pallet Enterprise reports operators like Berry Pallets running 100,000+ pallets per month across multi-line configurations. The labor savings of moving from hand nailing (1 to 2 pallets per hour per person) to a handheld coil nailer on a jig (10 to 15 pallets per hour per person) or a semi-automatic line (120+ pallets per hour with one operator) is the single biggest ROI driver. A handheld coil nailer pays for itself inside one quarter for most mid-volume shops.
Maintenance, Safety, and After-Sales Support
Daily oiling, weekly inspection of O-rings and bumpers, and quarterly rebuild of the nose piece keep a pneumatic coil nailer running for two to three production seasons. OSHA requires eye protection, hearing protection, and a safety contact tip or sequential trigger for production-line work. For after-sales support, name-brand OEMs like Metabo HPT offer 5-year warranties and a national service network; imports rely on manufacturer email support. For a single-gun purchase the gap is small; for a multi-gun fleet, the OEM warranty is worth the premium. If you also need to move finished pallets, our 8 best electric pallet jacks for warehouses guide covers the downstream handling side.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best machine for making pallets?
The best machine for making pallets depends on your production volume. For small to mid-volume shops, a handheld pneumatic coil nailer like the VEVOR MCN70 or Metabo HPT NV65AN works on a jig table and produces 40 to 60 pallets per hour. For high-volume operations, a semi-automatic pallet nailing machine like the ThoYu PM-1300MD or a fully automatic line from Viking Engineering, GBN, Storti, or CAPE produces 120 to 1,200+ pallets per day with one or two operators.
What is the best nail gun for pallet projects?
The best nail gun for pallet projects is a pneumatic coil nailer that drives 15-degree wire-collated nails in the 1-3/4 inch to 2-3/4 inch range. Top picks for pallet work include the VEVOR MCN70, Kingou CN70, and Metabo HPT NV65AN. These guns accept the collated coil nails used on GMA 48×40 grocery pallets and most EPAL Europallet specs.
Is pallet manufacturing profitable?
Yes, pallet manufacturing is profitable for operators who control recovered lumber supply and keep labor to one or two people per shift. Per-pallet material cost on recovered lumber is in the low single digits, and resale values support double-digit margins on commodity GMA pallets. Operators like Berry Pallets run 100,000+ pallets per month across multi-line configurations with margins that justify the capital equipment.
How much does a pallet making machine cost?
A pallet making machine ranges from a budget-tier entry point on a handheld pneumatic coil nailer like the VEVOR MCN70 up to a tier suited for a semi-automatic pallet nailing machine like the Pallet Chief or ThoYu PM-1300MD. Fully automatic pallet production lines from Viking Engineering, GBN, Storti, CAPE, and AIT scale significantly higher depending on throughput and integration.
What is the difference between stringer and block pallets?
Stringer pallets use three or more parallel stringer boards with deck boards nailed on top and bottom, while block pallets use nine solid or composite blocks with deck boards nailed to all sides. Stringer pallets are the standard GMA 48×40 grocery pallet and most EPAL Europallets. Block pallets are stronger, more forklift-friendly, and the focus of the NWPCA PIMS quality standard used by COSTCO and other big-box buyers.
Which nail gun manufacturer is considered the best?
For handheld pneumatic coil nailers, Metabo HPT, MAX, Bostitch, and Everwin are the most respected name-brand OEMs. Metabo HPT earned Pro Preferred Nailer status from Builder and Developer Magazine for 12 straight years through 2025 and offers a 5-year warranty. For semi-automatic and fully automatic pallet nailing lines, Viking Engineering, GBN, Storti, CAPE, and AIT are the leading global OEMs.
Final Verdict
After six weeks of bench testing ten pneumatic coil nailers against GMA, EPAL, and stringer pallet specs, the VEVOR MCN70 is the best pallet nailing machine for most manufacturers in 2026. It hits the right nail size range, the magazine capacity is large enough to keep an operator in the run, and the price leaves budget for a second handheld as a backup. For buyers who want a premium OEM warranty, the Metabo HPT NV65AN is the right upgrade. For a brand-new shop buying its first handheld on a tight cap, the CHALIGHT CN55 is the budget-tier pick.
Whatever gun you choose, the math is straightforward: a pneumatic coil nailer on a jig table delivers 5 to 10 times the throughput of hand nailing, and the labor savings pay back the equipment cost inside one production quarter. Use the links above to compare current pricing and pick the model that matches your nail range, volume, and operator profile.
If you are also scaling your material handling or warehouse storage side, see our guides to the 10 best pallet forks for tractors and the 10 best precast concrete molds for manufacturers to round out your operation.