This issue we review the Hitachi NT65A 2-1/2" Brad Nailer

The Tool:

Hitachi NT65A 2-1/2" Brad Nailer

The Need:

Anyone that sets a lot of trim will appreciate the change from hammer and nail set
to a pneumatic nailer.
It's not that you can't get by with just a hammer. But who hasn't put up a piece of long
trim only to have it split badly just because the nail went in at a bad angle or because
of a hidden defect in the wood. Or how about just holding the trim in place, holding the
nail and swinging the hammer at the same time?

Reasons for choice:

When we purchased this tool it was an easy pick from all the rest. What we like
the best:

Note: Recently the market has been flooded with pneumatic tools, both from USA
and Asian markets. Hitachi, to our knowledge, has the longest experience in producing
quality and precision pneumatic nailers.

Performance:

This tool weighs in at 4-1/2 pounds and has excellent balance and feel during use. It
operates on an air supply of 80 to 110 psi.

What we like so much about this tool is how well it does it's job. The most important
thing about this tool is the way it drives the finish nail. It drives the nail in straight with a
uniform "push". When driving a nail with a hammer, every time you strike the head of the
nail to drive it deeper you're not hitting it in the exact same direction and with the same
force with each blow. These minute changes are the reason the trim splits or the nail
begins to bend.

The nail head is rectangular in shape, compared to the round head found on regular
finish nails. We find this type of head easier to fill and actually blends in better visually
to the direction of the grain in a piece of trim or paneling than a round head finish nail.

We purchased this tool originally for trim installations; it didn't take long to find other
uses for this tool.
We found that using it to install paneling to be a natural for this tool. Paneling goes up
extremely fast with this tool.

Another use for this tool is in the shop assembling carcasses for custom cabinetry and
other wood working projects. We use it in conjunction with glue and find that it reduces
or in some cases removes the need for clamps.

We feel that this nailer actually pays for itself in a relative short period of time, which
can't be said about a majority of tools. Okay, obviously you need a compressor, but
these are inexpensive and can lend themselves to many uses. We'll have a review about
compressors in the future.

We believe this Hitachi to be a cut above the rest.

Improvements:

At the time of this issue's release we couldn't think of how this tool could be improved.
However we'd like to see manufacturers provide an optional belt clip similar to ones
found on tape measures, but larger.

Test Of Time:

Anyone having used a pneumatic tool such as a nailer or stapler have all experienced a
jam with some air tools; this seems to happen too frequently. I know this nailer has had
a jam at least once, but I can't remember the last time or job it happened on.
This tool is currently in use (as of this issue) and continues to provide exceptional service
after 2 years of intermittent use (as described in the "Need".)

Some Tips:

Remember to oil this nailer as well as others on a regular basis. We generally put in 3
drops ( right in the male air chuck ) prior to the day's use. Watch your psi. settings
and adjust accordingly to the material being fastened, use a higher psi. setting when
nailing hardwoods.

Keep some type of cap on the air chuck to keep foreign debris from falling in and
scoring the cylinder and piston assemblies.
Most importantly, remember to wear safety glasses. And always take a second to
realize what's on the other side of what you're nailing.

Jigs & Fixtures:

We built some really nice carrying cases for this and other nailers. Look for these in
our Jigs & Fixtures section when it comes online.

Specifications:

Packaging:

In the box: A comprehensive manual covering safety in use and parts lists. Included
is a spare piston o-ring, allen wrench, and the necessary male air chuck.

Distributors:

N/A at this time.

You can contact us at: Tools

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