35-Degree Pneumatic Metal Connector Nailer

Features

  • Compact 10.5 in. height to fit within 12 in. on-center framing
  • Exposed nail tip for easier fastener placement
  • Low nail lockout to help reduce jamming
  • In-line magazine for a balanced feel
  • Tool-free adjustable rafter hook for convenience
  • 29‑nail magazine capacity
  • Uses full round head nails

Specifications

Nail Angle 35 degree
Compatible Fastener Length 1-1/2 in
Fastener Shank Diameter 0.131 in – 0.148 in
Fastener Collation 35° paper tape (metal connector / tico/teco-style)
Power Source Pneumatic
Air Inlet Size 1/4 in
Minimum Recommended Air Delivery (Scfm @ 90 Psi) 6.7 SCFM
Minimum Recommended Operating Pressure 70 PSI
Loading Type Strip
Magazine Capacity 29 nails
Product Weight 4.6 lb (73.6 oz)
Overall Height 10.5 in (fits within 12 in on-center framing)

Compact pneumatic metal connector nailer designed for installing joist hangers, hurricane clips and similar metal connectors. The tool has an exposed tip for precise fastener placement, an in-line magazine for balance, and an adjustable rafter hook for hanging the tool when not in use.

Model Number: DWMC150
View Manual

DeWalt 35-Degree Pneumatic Metal Connector Nailer Review

4.4 out of 5

A compact connector nailer that gets the details right

Joist hangers and hurricane clips don’t tolerate sloppy fasteners, so a connector nailer lives or dies by placement and control. After several days setting hangers on a deck rebuild and installing seismic ties in a cramped crawlspace, the DeWalt connector nailer proved to be a precise, lightweight solution that fits where I need it and drives reliably—so long as you respect a few quirks.

Size, balance, and ergonomics

The first thing you notice is how compact it feels. At 10.5 inches tall, it actually clears 12-inch on-center bays without contortions. That matters when you’re pinning a hanger tight to a ledger and the subfloor above isn’t giving you extra room. The in-line magazine keeps the mass centered over your hand, so the tool points naturally at the pre-punched holes without wanting to roll off axis. At 4.6 pounds, it’s easy to hold overhead for runs of clips without turning your forearm into jelly.

The rafter hook is simple and useful. It adjusts without tools, swings out of the way, and actually holds the tool securely on a joist or ladder. These hooks are small quality-of-life features you miss the minute they’re poorly executed; this one’s right.

Fasteners and compatibility

This nailer is purpose-built for metal connectors. It takes 35-degree paper-tape, full round head, 1-1/2 inch connector nails in the 0.131 to 0.148 inch shank range—the hardened, short nails designed for Tico/Teco-style hangers, straps, and clips. It’s not a framing nailer and won’t run longer nails. If your day alternates between hangers and framing, you’ll want both tools.

Magazine capacity is 29 nails. That’s fine for connectors—most hangers take between four and ten nails—but it does mean frequent top-offs on production days. I keep partial strips handy so I can toss in 10–15 nails at a time without leaving the magazine half-empty. The low-nail lockout helps prevent dry firing and the bent hangers that can result.

Placement and drive quality

The exposed nail tip is the star here. Visibility to the hole is excellent, and the nose geometry guides the tip into the connector hole without fumbling. I was able to one-hand place nails into tight double-joist hangers and skewed wraps without re-aiming, which speeds up the work and reduces marring.

Once the nail is started, the tool drives with authority and good consistency. I set regulator pressure to about 90 PSI on 16-gauge hangers and up closer to 100 PSI on thicker seismic ties, and I got flush heads without deforming the metal. There’s no depth-of-drive dial on this class of tool; you tune with air pressure and technique. The driver feels crisp, and recoil is mild given the short fasteners.

I did run into occasional moments where the next nail’s head seemed to hesitate in the feed, which makes the tip feel “held back” as you try to slip it into a hole. A quick press on the follower or a light bump typically frees it. Keeping the magazine clean and using quality, straight strips reduced how often this occurred.

Air requirements and compressor pairing

This is a pneumatic tool with a standard 1/4-inch air inlet. It’s rated for about 6.7 SCFM at 90 PSI, with a minimum operating pressure of 70 PSI. In practical terms, that means:

  • A small pancake compressor will fire it, but you’ll outpace recovery if you’re installing connectors continuously. Expect pauses.
  • A mid-size jobsite compressor that can deliver near the spec at 90 PSI will keep up on production runs.

For me, a 4–5 gallon twin-stack did fine for intermittent clip work, while a larger wheelbarrow-style compressor kept pace when running hangers all afternoon. Start around 90 PSI and adjust until heads sit flush in your typical hardware without imprinting the steel.

Reliability, maintenance, and a caution on the air fitting

Over several hundred shots I didn’t experience true jams, and the low-nail lockout appears to do its job. As with all paper-tape systems, keep strips dry and free of edge dings, and blow out the magazine at the end of the day. A few drops of pneumatic oil before you start will keep seals happy and the driver moving smoothly.

One area to handle with care is the air inlet. The collar around the inlet isn’t as beefy as some competitors’, and it’s easy to over-torque a quick-connect fitting. My advice:

  • Use thread seal tape or paste sparingly, hand-start the fitting cleanly, and tighten with a modest wrench on the fitting while supporting the tool with another wrench if possible.
  • Do not muscle it to “one more flat.” Once snug and leak-free, stop.
  • After installation, check for leaks with soapy water at the joint before you pressurize for the day.

Treat the inlet thoughtfully and you’ll avoid grief. If you’re hard on tools or swapping fittings often, consider installing a short whip hose and leaving it attached to reduce stress on the inlet.

Workflow on site

The tool is at its best doing exactly what it’s designed to do: rapid, accurate placement into connector holes at awkward angles. Compared with a palm nailer, it’s dramatically faster and less fatiguing on larger runs of hardware. Compared with trying to “make do” with a framing nailer, it’s more precise, safer for the hardware, and far less likely to skate or dent the metal.

The compact height is genuinely useful. I had to pin hangers under stair landings where the clearance was tight; being able to swing the tool squarely into position made those installs feel routine instead of contortionist.

Noise is typical for a small pneumatic nailer. You’ll want hearing protection and eye protection, especially when driving into denser connectors where rebounds can throw tiny chips.

What I’d change

  • Magazine capacity: 29 nails is fine, but a few more would cut down on reloads during long runs of straps and ties.
  • Depth adjust: While most connector nailers rely on air pressure alone, a simple mechanical fine-tune would be handy when jumping between different gauge hardware.
  • Feed smoothness: The occasional head hang-up didn’t stop the day, but a touch more polish to the feed path would make an already precise tool even more fluid.
  • Beefier inlet collar: A more robust boss at the air connection would inspire confidence and better survive jobsite mishaps.

The bottom line

This DeWalt connector nailer nails the fundamentals: it’s compact enough to work where connectors live, the exposed tip and in-line balance make placement nearly foolproof, and it drives the right nails flush and consistent. Day to day, those traits matter more than any extra gadgetry.

Recommendation: I recommend this tool for framers, deck builders, and remodelers who install metal connectors regularly and value accuracy and compact size. It’s fast, light, and precise, with sensible features like a low-nail lockout and a reliable rafter hook. Pair it with an adequately sized compressor, treat the air inlet with a light touch when installing your fitting, and you’ll have a productive, purpose-built tool that speeds up connector work without drama. If you need a higher-capacity magazine or want a bombproof air-inlet casting because your tools get tossed around, you might shop those specific priorities. For most connector work, though, this one is an easy tool to live with and a clear upgrade over improvising with the wrong nailer.



Project Ideas

Business

Deck Hardware Upgrade & Audit

Offer a flat-fee service to inspect decks for missing or corroded joist hanger nails, add hurricane ties at rafters, secure ledger connections with appropriate connectors, and replace undersized fasteners. The exposed-tip nailer makes quick, code-compliant placement in tight joist bays, and the low nail lockout reduces downtime, allowing fast turnarounds and profitable per-deck pricing.


Wind/Seismic Retrofit Micro-Crew

Specialize in installing clips, straps, blocking, and hold-down hardware in older homes. Market quick retrofit packages (roof-to-wall ties, wall-to-floor ties, garage portal frames). The compact 10.5 in tool works in cramped attics and crawl spaces; balanced in-line magazine improves productivity overhead; standardized 1-1/2 in metal connector nails streamline inventory.


Production Framing Connector Specialist

Partner with builders as a ‘punch’ crew that follows framers to install all metal connectors at scale: joist hangers, hurricane clips, strap ties, and truss clips. Bill per square foot or per connector. The 29-nail magazine and exposed tip allow consistent, fast placement, improving schedule reliability and reducing failed inspections for GC clients.


DIY Pergola/Carport Kit + Tool Rental

Sell precut pergola/carport kits bundled with the exact connectors and a weekend rental of the nailer plus collated nails. Include a QR-coded assembly guide with nail counts and connector layout. The user-friendly exposed tip simplifies accurate DIY assembly, while you profit on kit margin, consumables, and rental fees.


Landlord/Stair Safety Compliance Blitz

Offer multi-unit service days to upgrade stair stringer hangers, add angle brackets at landings, and strap guardrail posts. Price per building with volume discounts. The compact nailer fits under stairs and between stringers; quick, precise nailing cuts unit downtime, making it attractive to property managers facing inspection deadlines.

Creative

Hurricane-Ready Backyard Pergola

Build a sleek pergola that’s actually wind-conscious. Use joist hangers for beams, hurricane ties on rafters, and strap ties at posts. The nailer’s exposed tip lets you place nails precisely in small connector holes without marring the hardware, and the 10.5 in height fits between tight rafters. The in-line magazine keeps balance while you work overhead, and the rafter hook keeps the tool handy on a post while cutting pieces.


Garage Loft Storage/Play Loft

Create a compact loft platform between 12 in on-center studs for totes or a kid’s reading nook. Install ledger angles, joist hangers, and diagonal straps quickly with the 35° metal connector nailer. The compact body fits between studs, the low nail lockout cuts jams when you’re mid-ladder, and full round head nails provide strong shear resistance for connectors.


Industrial Planter Bench System

Design modular outdoor benches and planters that flaunt metal connectors as part of the aesthetic—tico/teco plates, angles, and straps as visible accents on stained lumber. The exposed nail tip lets you align nails in decorative but tight connector holes cleanly, and the balanced magazine reduces fatigue during repetitive assembly of multiple modules.


Fold-Down Shed Workbench

Build a wall-mounted workbench that folds flat using heavy angles, ledger connectors, and strap hinges. Secure to studs and blocking with connectors rated for the load path. The nailer’s compact height helps in tight sheds, and the precise tip keeps nails centered in small holes so the hinge action remains smooth and square.


Wind-Tied Chicken Coop/Run

Construct a lightweight coop with hurricane clips at each rafter, joist hangers for floor framing, and straps at corners for racking resistance. The nailer speeds installation of many small fasteners, the rafter hook parks the tool on the top plate while you position panels, and 1-1/2 in metal connector nails deliver consistent penetration without splitting thinner framing.