A fifteen-gauge nailer is one of the most versatile tools for indoor carpentry. When it’s time to install cabinets, wall trim, andcrown molding, Hitachi pneumatic nailers will make every job go faster.Let’s see what these two Hitachi nailers can do and decide which one will best fit your needs.
Hitachi NT65MA2 15 Gauge 1-1/4-Inch to 2 1/2-Inch Angled Finish Nailer
Over ten years ago in November 2004, “Tools of the Trade” magazine published a comparison review of several finish nailers. The author chose the Hitachi NT65MA2 as the winner. He said that it was comfortable to use and the adjustments are in convenient places. He loved the air duster built right into the nailer.
The NT65MA2 has been around long enough to prove its value to finish carpenters and home users alike.Some of the reasons why it has been so popular are exactly what the magazine article stated.
The NT65MA2 has a depth adjuster dial near the nose. The user can choose to countersink or sink nails flush without changing the air pressure at the compressor.
The nailer changes from intermittent to continuous firing with the flip of a switch. Continuous firing is done by “bumping” the nose along the material to be nailed.
If there is a jam, the user can open the nose and clear it quickly.
The magazine is angled at 34 degrees to keep the gun out of the way when nailing along a wall. It holds up to 100 nails at a time. There is a small window that shows if the magazine is nearly empty.
To clear sawdust away from the site to be nailed, one button press launches a blast of air. The adjustable air deflector is a nice touch that keeps gun exhaust out of the user’s face.
Finally, the NT65MA2 has a lightweight aluminum body. It feels balanced when holding the rubber grip on the handle. It weighs 4.4 pounds and measures 13-17/32 x 11-31/32 x 3-7/32 inches. It has a ¼” air inlet.
Features:
- Up to one hundred 15-gauge nails in magazine strips angled at 34 degrees
- Easy depth adjustment
- Integrated air duster
- Easy clear nose
- Single or sequential firing
- Operates at 70-120psi (.42ft3 at 100psi)
- Comes with safety glasses and carrying case
- 5-year warranty
Hitachi NT65MA4 15-Gauge Angle Finish Nailer
The NT65MA4 is similar to the NT65MA2 with a few improvements in design. It has an angled hose connector to keep the air line out of the way. The hose fallsalong the user’s arm. It comes with a no-mar tip for the nose to reduce the chance of damaging the material being nailed. The tip is removable.
The NT65MA4 is smaller. It weighs less at 4.2 pounds and measures13-9/16 x 3-1/4 x 12 inches. It has an elastomer grip on the handle and a balanced feel.
Other features remain the same. The flip-switch for single or sequential firing is in the same place above the trigger. The depth adjustment dial is near the nose. The nose opens to quickly clear jams. There is an air duster activated by a button press. The adjustable air deflector adjusts 360∘ to keep exhaust out of the user’s face.
Features:
- Up to one hundred 15 gauge nails in magazine strips angled at 34 degrees
- Easy depth adjustment
- Integrated air duster
- Easy clear nose
- Single or sequential (“bump”) firing
- Operates at 70-120psi
- Comes with safety glasses, no-mar tip, ¼” NPT male plug,hex bar wrenches (4 and 5mm), and carrying case
- 5-year warranty
Recommendation
These two models of Hitachi finish nailers have a lot in common. It’s the details that may make the difference as to which one you choose.
If you want a tried-and-true model, consider the NT65MA2. It’s been a popular tool for more than a decade.
If you like the convenience of having extras without additional purchases, consider the NT65MA4. It comes with a removable no-mar tip, hex bar wrenches for disassembly, and the air connector already installed. The NT65MA4 is also smaller and a little lighter in weight.
Click here to purchase Hitachi NT65MA2 on Amazon!
Click here to purchase Hitachi NT65MA4 on Amazon!