Bostitch Smart Point Nailers

Every few months, someone would ask “why can’t I buy a Bostitch Smart Point nailer?” These nails were announced in late 2012, but took quite a while to hit the market.

Bostitch Smart Point nailers are finally available, and are available in brad and finish styles and sizes.

So what makes these Smart Point nailers? Bostitch probably should have called these Small Point nailers, because that’s essentially what you get – smaller noses for more accurate nail placement. This makes it easier to aim the nailer right on target.

Additionally, although this isn’t mentioned in a lot of places, the new nailers don’t have to be pushed into a worksurface with as much force as traditionally designed nailers. There’s no need to depress the nose or contact trip, you only need to bring a Smart Point nailer’s nose into contact with the work surface and it’s ready for actuation.

Why should you care? The small size and special shape of the nailers’ noses help to improve visibility, reach into tight spaces, and reduce surface damage and marring.

All of the new Bostitch nailers have the typical features you would expect to see in a professional air nailer:

• Tool-free jam release mechanism
• Dialable depth adjustment
• Selectable sequential or contact (bump-fire) operation
• 1/4″ air fitting

Neither Bostitch’s websites nor dealers’ product pages mention whether these nailers have dry fire lockout mechanisms.

Additionally, the Bostitch Smart Point brad and finish nailers are oil-free. That’s right, oil-free.

Sizes and Styles

• 18 gauge brad nailer BTFP12233, MSRP $119
• 16 gauge finish nailer BTFP71917, MSRP $180
• 15 gauge FN angled finish nailer BTFP72156, MSRP $190
• 15 gauge DA angled finish nailer BTFP72155, MSRP $190

These nailers have 7 year limited warranties, or 1 year limited warranties in production applications.

Buy Now(via Amazon)
Buy Now(via Home Depot)

According to Amazon product listings, the 16 GA finish nailer is made in China and both 15 GA angled finish nailers are made in Taiwan.

Here’s a quick Bostitch promo video that shows off the Smart Point finish nailer:

First Thoughts

I was quite excited about Bostitch’s nailer innovations before – their finish nailer with built in blower – but the nailer I tested was defective and it leaked air even during the first use. User complaints appeared online for months after Bostitch was aware of the issue. I was quite disappointed, and it seems this has affected my trust in the brand somewhat. The new Smart Point nailers look interesting, but I don’t find myself very interested in them. Maybe that’s just my internal way to combat the minimal-but-present risk of being disappointed again.

I keep hoping that Bostitch will jump onto the cordless nailer bandwagon and release something that competes with Ryobi’s Airstrike nailers, which are now available in brad nailer, stapler, and finish nailer configurations.

In the past year, Bostitch has come out with a new line of corded and cordless power tools, as well as mechanics and automotive air tools. This is in addition to their construction hand tools, which to be perfectly honest I’m not very fond of. There are a few appealing Bostitch hand tools, but others like their ratcheting adjustable wrench that I don’t find very likable.

Bostitch has digressed from their air nailer and compressor roots, so it’s nice to see renewed nailer innovations.

While I can definitely appreciate the benefit of nailers with narrow tapered noses, I find myself a little unenthused. The whole package seems a little underwhelming. Where are the brushless cordless nailers? Or cordless nailers with built-in air compression that Senco and Ryobi cordless nailers boast? Even Craftsman has come out with a cordless hose-free air nailer – their SpeedShot brad nailer.

I want to see more innovation from Bostitch, and I know they’re capable of it.

As mentioned, I’m not very excited about the new Bostitch Smart Point nailers, but I also don’t use brad or finish nailers on a regular basis. I’m also sour about my last experience with a Bostitch nailer.

If you’re looking for a new nailer, these look sleek and have all the features you might want. Plus they’re oil-free, which might cut down on regular maintenance needs. Initial reviews on Amazon appear to be quite optimistic.