Pneumatic nailers provide us versatility in projects and diminish the need for electric supply. Whereas their cordless counterparts save us from cables and compressor noises. Metabo HPT, known as Hitachi for years, has been bringing breakthroughs in the cordless field and the field of pneumatic nailers.
Metabo HPT Cordless nailer NR1890DRS and Metabo HPT NR90AES1 nailer are two of the best of Hitachi regarding two different sections. They have come in different aspects and some diversities. Considering each feature and drawback, this Metabo framing nailer review is inscribed.
Table of Contents
Metabo Framing Nailer Review
As two of the nailers are listed in different categories, they can’t be compared wholly with each other, scrutinizing each aspect. However, some factors are mandatory for all nailers, such as material, lifespan, adjustments, etc.
1. Metabo HPT 18V Brushless Motor Compact, Cordless Framing Nailer Kit (NR1890DRS)
Build Quality
Metabo framing nailers are very popular for high-quality and better-constructed nail guns. Metabo HPT NR1890DRS has a stainless steel body, and as the name suggests, it’s a cordless nail gun. Stainless steel makes it sturdy enough to withstand heavy-duty projects.
Powerful Battery
Nailer’s performance depends on its batteries’ effectiveness primarily. A lithium-ion battery of 18 volts 3.0 Ah is used to deliver power to the Metabo model. Thus you can quickly drive up to 400 nails with a single charge. This makes it one of the most powerful nail guns.
Other than the fantastic driving source, this battery is also convenient for its size and weight. It’s 3/4” shorter and weighs 6lbs lesser than other regular 3.0 Ah batteries. This adds to the nail gun’s portability. One of the best parts is this battery is suitable with any 18-volt slide-type Li-ion Hitachi or Metabo cordless tools.
Besides, there’s an option to increase the battery power to 6.0 Ah as well. Thus you can drive up to 780 nails if you want.
Motor
Metabo offers a spring mechanism, and a frictionless, brushless motor powers this mechanism. Frictionless features increase run-time per charge. This also enhances the motor life and needs less maintenance.
With this motor, you’ll experience superior performance and accuracy. You can drive nails from 2” to 3-1/2” into any baseboards or LVL, even through 4×4 engineered plods or 5/4 decking boards all day long.
Safety Measures
This Metabo nailer has fire safety inclusions. It sometimes happens that you remain in bump fire mode, pull the trigger but get inattentive. Thus to run this model, you have to depress the nailer’s head within 2 seconds or not fire. In this case, the trigger locks out. The same but reverse goes for sequential more. Resetting is also very simple with this nail gun.
High-Caliber Control
A control panel is located right at the base of the handle. Only by pushing some buttons can you simply operate specific settings. To start the nailer, there’s an On/Off switch. You just have to hold it for a second till it comes to life.
There’s a LED control to display the charge level. You only have to press a button to change from sequential mode to bump fire more or vice versa. There’s no complicacy at all.
Functional Designs
Air Spring Drive System
The ergonomics and functions made this framing nailer stand out from many. Such a hassle-free nailer like it features a unique air spring drive system. Interestingly, this feature provides zero ramp-up time and quicker response within drives.
Consistent performance is guaranteed in high altitudes or low temperatures. There you’ll find zero burning noise and gas fumes. Additionally, no regular cleaning is needed of the combustion chamber as well.
Handle & Trigger
Non-slip rubber handle ensures a secure grip at its best. The side lock trigger switch prevents accidental firing when you’ll not use the tool or while moving with it.
Depth Adjustment & Others
The depth adjustment feature allows setting the drive depth according to various projects. A pivoting rafter hook is added with the tool as well. Moreover, the nail gun has a power-saving option as well. It will automatically go to sleep mode if it stays inactive for more than 30 minutes.
Warranty
This framing nailer comes with a two years warranty of the battery and a lifetime warranty of tools.
Cons
The tool is not very lightweight. It weighs 10.1 pounds which makes it quite heavy. Besides, though it features no tool-free jam clearing, many have complaints on very infrequent jam issues.
2. Metabo HPT 21° Magazine Framing Nailer (NR90AES1) | The Pro Preferred Pneumatic Nailer
Build Quality
The solid Metabo HPT NR90AES1 is made of aluminum. The entire metal body makes it perfect to use for all-day work. The rigid construction makes it a very high-quality framing nailer. The safety cap is also made of metal.
The magazine is made of metal as well. Like any other pneumatic nailer, the magazine of this nailer also has the capacity to stock two sticks of nails. You can insert rear pins in it. With heavy-duty construction, the whole slide action of the magazine is terrific.
Operating Pressure
This 21-degree nailer operates at an air pressure of 70 PSI-120 PSI. Usually, most nailers need within 70-90 PSI. This amount is enough to drive a decent performance. As this Metabo model provides a better range, you can replace costly air tools in half the time from the usual.
Versatility
You can easily use this nailer for flooring, truss build-up, sub-flooring, window build-up, wall sheathing, roof decking, housing construction, etc.
Nailing
The nailer is capable of driving nails of 2” up to 3-1/2”. It provides excellent firing strength. As glued and heaped OSB works as the medium of this nailer, it can bump fire persistently into the surface with some depth adjustments. It can nail in dense materials without any hassle.
Functional Designs
Selective Actuation
This Metabo model consists of two types of nailing. Additionally, it runs on single-stage mode change. Just to help, a standard single-stage flipper switch is situated above the trigger. You have to press that switch simply for fast transitions between contact and sequential nailing.
Handle & Jam Clearing
It also includes a non-slip rubber grip which is ergonomic and very comfortable to use. It ensures that you can work all day long tirelessly. An open nose design is added to the nailer to deliver easy access in jam clearing.
Depth Adjustment & Others
A tool-less depth adjustment dial is included. It allows the consumer to flush or countersink drive nails into different materials without adjusting the compressor pressure.
The model also offers visibility. Once you acknowledge where the nail sinks in relation to the nose, it’ll help you confidently place pins. Also, Hitachi managed the recoil of the nail gun quite well. It is a lightweight nail gun with a weight of only 7.5 pounds.
Warranty
A 5-year warranty backs this Metabo nail warranty.
Cons
The width of the nailer’s head is a bit large. Thus sometimes, it gets in the way. The nail gun doesn’t include a dry fire lockout for extra safety. it also doesn’t feature any rafter hook. There’s no adjustable exhaust as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the mentioned models compatible with any branded nails?
Yes, you can use nails of any brand with these nailers. However, if you go for Hitachi’s nails, it will be better for the lifespan of your framing nailer.
What causes a jam in a nail gun?
Usually, lack of oil is the reason. The air cylinder in the nose requires a lot of oil to operate well. For coil nailers, 10-15 drops of oil is perfect before nailing.
Conclusion
Metabo HPT NR1890DR doesn’t need any replenishing of the air tank. Metabo HPT NR90AES1 provides great driving power with a minimal price tag. Determine if you want cordless or pneumatic. Hopefully, this Metabo framing nailer review will help you to find your next favorite nail gun.
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