Bosch’s 18V Pin Nailer Combines Fine Detail and Cordless Convenience
Earlier this year, Bosch released a brand new suite of Pro-focused cordless 18V nailers and staplers. The only omission to this group was a 23-gauge pin nailer…until now! Rounding out the set, we’re taking a close-up look at the Bosch 18V 23-gauge pin nailer (GNH18V-25) to see what it has to offer so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Bosch 18V Pin Nailer Performance
- Magazine Capacity: 110 nails
- Pin Length: 5/8 – 1 3/8 in.
Driving Power
The Bosch 18V pin nailer holds up to 110 23-gauge nails, ranging in size from 5/8-inch up to 1 3/8 inches. This makes it ideal for finish trim and delicate wood veneers, and the no-mar tip ensures you won’t damage your workpiece.
Loading the magazine is pretty standard, and Bosch designed this nailer with a translucent viewing window, so you can keep an eye on your remaining nails. There’s also a dry-fire lockout that activates when four nails are remaining to prevent potential damage to the firing mechanism or your material.
Bosch doesn’t explicitly state any exact runtime numbers for this nailer. However, based on our experience with similar models, we believe that all-day runtime is well within reason, as it doesn’t require much power to drive 23-gauge nails.
During our hands-on testing, the Bosch GNH18V-35N delivered consistent results in both hard and soft woods. The brushless motor and optimized coil spring system eliminate the need for a hose and compressor, resulting in zero ramp-up or firing delay.
Keep in mind, pin nailers are built for precision, so rapid fire isn’t typically the goal. With that in mind, we have no doubts that this nailer can keep up with your workflow.
Bosch 18V Pin Nailer Design Notes
- Model: Bosch GNH18V-35N
- Power Source: Bosch 18V battery
- Weight: 3.8 lbs. (bare too), 4.6 lbs (with 2.0Ah battery)
- Head Length: 9.4 in.
Size and Weight
This cordless pin nailer weighs 3.8 pounds as a bare tool, and 4.6 pounds with an 18V 2.0Ah battery. The head measures 9.4 inches from tip to tail and stands 9.5 inches tall, including the battery.
Grip and Trigger
If you’re familiar with Bosch tools, then you know that their grips tend to run a little large compared to similar tools. While that is the case here, too, I actually enjoy the larger grip. I believe it offers a higher degree of control, which is essential for precision tools like a pin nailer.
Bosch opted for a single-finger trigger but omitted any kind of thumb safety or one-hand activation button like we saw on their latest 18V cordless nailers. This seemed a little odd at first, but after getting more familiar with the tool, it all made total sense.
The most significant difference between this pin nailer and other models is the nose safety. For starters, there’s no power button. It activates as soon as you pull the trigger or press the nose. To fire, you have to press the nailer against your work surface deliberately and then pull the trigger, just like cordless framing or finish nailers.
Other pin nailers don’t have this feature—they’ll fire whether the nose is pressed against material or not. Even though Bosch is very atypical here, I appreciate the extra layer of security and familiarity to other nailer classes.
Visibility
Nose visibility is one of the key characteristics that I look for in a quality nailer, and the Bosch pin nailer is second to none! The nose profile is very narrow, allowing you to place your fasteners accurately. Moreover, Bosch included a smaller no-mar tip for more precise placement of fasteners.
Additionally, there’s an integrated LED light on top of the firing chamber for when you’re working in dim spaces. Unlike some nailers, the light doesn’t cast any unwanted shadows on the work surface, which is a nice added bonus.
Jam Clearance and Depth Adjustment
I wouldn’t typically group jam clearance and drive depth together, but since their individual processes are so close in proximity, I figured, what the heck?
Let’s start with clearing jams—unfortunately, it’s not a tool-free system, so you’ll need to grab the onboard hex wrench. Simply remove the battery, empty the magazine, and then loosen the three bolts on top to access the firing chamber. The top plate will then slip off the top of the firing chamber, exposing the jammed fastener.
For depth adjustment, Bosch opted for a more traditional thumb wheel, allowing you to make fast and easy tool-free adjustments on the fly.
Additional Features
- Reversible belt hook
- Compatible with all Bosch 18V batteries
Bosch 18V Pin Nailer Price
The Bosch GNH18V-35N pin nailer retails for $229 as a bare tool and comes with a 5-year limited warranty. At the time of writing this, there are no kit options available, so be sure to pick up a battery and charger if you’re not already using Bosch 18V tools.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Bosch 18V Pin Nailer proves to be a capable and well-balanced tool that blends accuracy, safety, and convenience into a compact package. Its narrow nose design and LED illumination make precision placement effortless, while the secure contact safety system provides added peace of mind.
Although the lack of a tool-free jam release might slow things down from time to time, the smooth performance, balanced feel, and cordless freedom easily outweigh that minor drawback.
For carpenters and woodworkers looking for a dependable 23-gauge solution, Bosch’s GNH18V-35N is a solid addition to the toolbox.
