Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Review
The Hitachi 16-gauge finish nailer is designed to meet the needs of the advanced do-it-yourselfer or the professional trim carpenter. This model's built-in air duster button permits air from the compressor to bypass the nailing function, so you can clear away dust from your work surface for better nail prep and a clearer view of your work area. Its compact, lightweight style is easy to hold and easy to aim, for precision nail placement that won't wear out your arms. Use this versatile nailer when installing molding, chair rails, cabinetry, or other fine finish applications. The NT65M2 comes ready to work, with a selective actuation switch that lets you fire sequentially or on contact, depending on the job and the application -- and no tools or additional parts are required to make the change. It also has a tool-less, easy-to-clear nose that makes removing nail jams simple, plus a tool-less depth of drive dial that adjusts for flush fastening in a variety of materials. If you want superior control and a professional-looking finish, this is the easiest way to get it.
This nailer features a 360-degree, fully-adjustable exhaust port that blows air away from your face, a no-mar tip to protect your work surfaces, and an elastomer grip for better control and accuracy. It accepts fasteners from 1 to 2-1/2 inches, 16-gauge. It weighs only 3.7 pounds. It operates at 70-120 psi, and the magazine holds up to 100 fasteners. This model comes with safety glasses, a tool fitting, no-mar tip, hex bar wrench, and a case.
What's in the box:
Hitachi 16-gauge finish nailer, tool fitting, safety glasses, no-mar tip, hex bar wrench, case.
Choosing a Pneumatic Nailer
For small household jobs, an old-fashioned hammer is the perfect stand-by. But if you've got a bigger project on your to-do list, then a pneumatic power nailer could be your new best friend. Pneumatic nailers are a great alternative to traditionally powered nailers, because they're capable of providing more power -- and they operate with fewer moving parts, so a pneumatic nailer can take more abuse than its corded or battery-run cousins.
A Word on Air Compressors
All pneumatic tools require a steady supply of controlled, compressed air in order to work properly, and nailers are no exception. Bigger compressors with hardy motors and large tanks generate higher PSI levels and maintain them longer, so you'll probably want a piston-type, two-stage compressor to power your nailer. Smaller or single-stage models are fine for little projects, but if you need a pneumatic nailer, the odds are good that you're looking for some intense PSI and CFM ratings. Sometimes, a pneumatic nailer will come with its own compressor -- or it can be purchased as part of an air tool set.
How Pneumatic Nailers Work
Pneumatic nailers use compressed air power to cock and release the hammer. In order to fire a fastener, a valve opens to let air fill a cylinder -- which has a piston that's driven down hard and fast. This forces the nail out of the gun and into your workpiece. Then the piston recoils, and another nail is loaded.
Important Points to Consider
Check manufacturer's guidelines to find out what pressure (PSI) and volume (CFM) of air will give your pneumatic nailer the best results. Also, keep in mind that any restrictions on the air hose will diminish the tool's performance. Hoses that are very long, contain too much moisture, or are incorrectly sized will reduce air flow. This can prematurely wear out your tool and cause it to perform poorly.
General Features
Most models will feature a rubber nosepiece to prevent scuffing and marring of your workpieces, plus an exhaust system (rear or adjustable) to keep sawdust and debris out of your face and away from your project. Pneumatic nailers usually have an adjustable depth of drive, and depending on the model, they can accommodate nails up to 2-1/2 inches long, in a variety of different gauge sizes. With a powerful enough compressor behind them, they can shoot thousands of nails a day.