With the sales slogan of “Size Matters,” the new Grex GCP650 pinner is a perfect fit for the work I do. At under four pounds and cordless, this pinner is perfect for the shop or the job. Don’t be fooled, though; this gun packs a punch. I used it in hardwood (white oak) and softwood, and it didn’t flinch.

When I was doing trim work or assembling glue-ups, it performed extremely well, from fastening dentil molding to temporarily fastening patterns to pieces I scroll cut with the router. Running off of two AAA batteries and a fuel cell keeps it lightweight and compact, and it requires minimal maintenance. Both the battery and the fuel cell are in the handle and easy to change. Needless to say, it has no compressor and hose to deal with, so time saved. Seeing the fasteners is easy through the window at the nose of the gun. Also, with the dry-fire lockout, there's no need to back track over your work to see where the gun started shooting nothing into the work.

The unit is powered by a fuel cell and two AAA batteries. Plenty of power and runtime.
Natalie Sites The unit is powered by a fuel cell and two AAA batteries. Plenty of power and runtime.

The tool—which I used mainly in my shop but also on site building a coffered ceiling and a mantle—shoots from 3/8- to 2-inch fasteners and is a versatile tool to keep around. Setting the depth is as easy as sliding the depth knob.

With the non-mar tip, which is removable, the nose of the tool won’t ding your work. There is a back-up tip stored on the tool as well, opposite the belt hook, which I also like and think is well designed. I also like that the nose assembly is slim for fastening in tight spaces.

First, a 23-gauge pinner is great to have on the jobsite because it is a versatile tool for everything from temp fastening patterns to dentil molding and a million other details.
Natalie Sites First, a 23-gauge pinner is great to have on the jobsite because it is a versatile tool for everything from temp fastening patterns to dentil molding and a million other details.
The nose is compact, enabling me to fasten in tight spaces.
Natalie Sites The nose is compact, enabling me to fasten in tight spaces.
The belt hook is great. On the opposite side of the tool, there is an extra no-mar tip.
Natalie Sites The belt hook is great. On the opposite side of the tool, there is an extra no-mar tip.

With the 23-gauge pin, you rarely need to address holes before finishing. Primer and paint will seal the fastener hole nicely.

At 1,300 shots per fuel cartridge and 5,000 per batteries, it's made for performance and didn’t leave me hanging.

This gun is a joy to use and is comfortable to hold. The black rubber hand grip on the handle keeps the tool from sliding around in your hand.

To sum it up, I think Grex has made just about the most perfect tool for the work I do.

And one more thing: For molding and other detail work, these pins hold fast. Add a little glue and paint and, Oh my lands, those pieces aren’t going anywhere. A versatile tool from shop to site.

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