Solution Summary: Palm Nailer
A palm nailer is a small hand held air-compressed device that drives nails within close quarters by applying downward pressure.
Description:
A palm nailer is an engineering control that can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders from forceful hand and wrist activities and awkward postures of the wrist. It is a small hand held device (air-compressed or electric-powered) that is operated by applying downward pressure to drive nails ranging from 1¼ to 6½ inches in length within close quarters.
Unlike traditional hammers, a palm nailer allows precision nailing with one-handed operation. It is small enough to be used in close quarters where it would be difficult to hammer or use a nail gun. The palm nailer's magnetized tip holds the nail in the desired position, and placing slight pressure on the pneumatic head knocks the nail into place. Palm nailers are capable of hitting the head of a nail 1000 to 2000 times per minute using 50-120 PSI. It can also be used to drive nails ranging from 1¼ to 6½ inches in length.
Risks Addressed:
Hammering nails repetitively and in awkward posture can cause musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel of the wrist characterized by numbness and tingling in the palm side of the thumb, index finger, and middle finger. There are also injury risks associated with swinging a hammer and puncture hazards associated with the inadvertent firing of nails from contact-trip nail guns.
A palm nailer can drive nails without the risks associated with swinging a hammer. It can also prevent puncture hazards associated with the inadvertent firing of nails from contact-trip nail guns.
How Risks are Reduced:
A palm nailer can minimize forceful hand and wrist activities by reducing the amount of grip force required to nail. The mechanism of using downward pressure to drive a nail can also reduce awkward postures of the wrist and other joints associated with the use of a hammer. This is done by keeping the wrist, elbow and other joints in a neutral and comfortable posture (particularly when working in small or awkward areas).
A palm nailer can drive nails without the risks associated with swinging a hammer. It can also prevent puncture hazards associated with the inadvertent firing of nails from contact-trip nail guns. A palm nailer will not work unless a nail is placed in position and pressure has been applied to the tool.
There are no specific studies measuring risk reduction of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders while using a palm nailer. However, there is an association between carpal tunnel syndrome and highly repetitive activities and awkward postures of the wrist.
Effects on Productivity:
Productivity may improved since a palm nailer may reduce worker fatigue and injuries, and reduce problems associated with nailing tasks in small or awkward work areas. In addition, there may be a reduction in the number of job site injuries/worker comp claims reported since palm nailers reduce the risk of injuries associated with traditional hammers and contact-trip nail guns.
Additional Considerations:
Although specific studies have not been performed, the use of a palm nailer may increase hand-arm vibration.
Availability
Porter Cable PN650
To obtain information, visit http://www.portercable.com
or contact 1-866-375-6287
Milwaukee M12 Cordless LITHIUM-ION Palm Nailer (electric)
To obtain information, visit http://www.milwaukeetool.com
or contact 1-800-729-3878
Ridgid 3.5" Palm Nailer
To obtain information, visit https://www.ridgid.com
or contact 1-888-743-4333
Danair RN-16-16M
To obtain information, visit http://www.danairinc.com
or contact 1-800-232-6247
Dewalt D51180
To obtain information, visit http://dewalt.com
or contact 1-800-433-9258
