Hitachi NT65MA4 Review: Versatile Professional-Grade Finish Nailer

Hitachi NT65MA4 Review

Photo: Metabo HPT

What We Like

  • Dependable integrated air duster
  • Tool-less nail jam removal
  • Supports sequential and contact nailing
  • Reliable exhaust air management
  • Works well in tight spaces
  • Comfortable rubber grip

What We Don’t Like

  • Lubricant is sold separately
  • Nailer can get pretty loud

Bottom Line

A powerful, professional-grade finish nailer that offers superior operational convenience for fast and clean installation jobs, even in tightest of spaces.

Introduction

If you’re looking for a finish nailer that excels in multiple installation applications around the home and even in busy worksites, the Hitachi NT65MA4 is a wise choice.

It offers a wealth of convenience features including an integrated air duster, multiple tool-less adjustments, simplified function switching, and a magazine angle to enhance tool reach in tight spaces. You’ll also find the tool very comfortable to use.

Hitachi NT65MA4 Review

Hitachi NT65MA4

Photo: Metabo HPT

Performance: Optimized for Professional Finishes

Hitachi is a household brand when it comes to power tools, and the high-performance NT65MA4 is no exception to the quality and reliability the brand is associated with.

The tool accepts 15-gauge nails, which are considered standard in most nailing projects, especially by professionals. A robust nail length range of 1-1/4 inches to 2-1/2 inches ensures you never have to switch tools because of nail capacity limitations.

This finish nailer was designed to meet the performance demands of professionals, enthusiasts, and hobbyist woodworkers, across a wide range of applications including the installation of the crown and base moldings, door and window casings, cabinets, and many more.

It utilizes an air-powered gun with a robust operating pressure range of 70-120 PSI to drive nails into different workpieces, for superior operational versatility.

The power is complemented by a high nail capacity of 100, which ensures continuous operation with minimal interruptions for reloading. If you’re a professional who enjoys continuous tool operation, you’ll find this feature very convenient.

To support a wide range of nailing applications, the nailer offers two key modes; sequential, and contact nailing. Switching between the 2 is simplified by a simple flip actuation switch.

Finally, since you’re likely to be using the tool for most of your nailing tasks, there is a 360-degree adjustable exhaust chute that will re-direct used air away from you and your workpieces.

It’s worth noting, that this high-performance nailer requires constant lubrication, especially in its metallic components.

Disappointing, however, is that you need to buy the recommended Hitachi Pneumatic Tool Lubricant separately, and it is not easy to find.

Design & Construction: Heavy-Duty Metallic Housing

A key design enhancement that makes the NT65MA4 a favorite nailer for many professionals is its angled magazine. Sitting against the main too at a 34-degree, the magazine makes this nailer highly maneuverable, especially in tight spaces.

Also, when it comes to handling, you will find the tool very comfortable because of the rubber grip address to the handle to provide a secure hold, especially as it fires nails into workpieces.

A lot of the adjustments you’ll be making on the nailer are tool-less, thanks to its convenience-oriented design. Depth of drive nail adjustments are tool-less, and so is the nose that supports quick nail extraction.

Then there’s the factory-installed air fitting, which has been angled upwards to ensure the compressor hose stays well out of your way during tool operation.

As for construction, the NT65MA4 was designed to last. You will not be replacing the tool anytime soon, thanks to its heavy-duty steel construction.

It is impressive that Hitachi chose steel as the main housing material of choice for this finish nailer considering many other high-performance models utilize hard plastic as the primary material.

And you’ll appreciate the build quality of this tool in intensive projects that often involve harsh jobsites that can take a toll on any power tool. This one holds its own quite well.

Portability: Convenient and Simplified

When it comes to moving around with your tool either within the worksite of to outdoor projects, portability is a top priority.

The NT65MA4 is easy and convenient to transport, using the included hard carry case, which is a handy bonus accessory, especially for those projects you’ll be engaged in outdoors.

At 4.2 pounds in weight, the NT65MA4 is certainly not the lightest finish nailer in its class, but it feels solid in the hand. If you do frequent overhead nailing, which is almost inevitable in most installations, the tool may feel weighty in the hand, especially with extended usage.

You can always take short breaks in between tasks if the tool begins to feel bulky in the hand.

Price: Great Value for the Money

For a professional-grade tool that you probably won’t be replacing for many years, its price is very fair, give the value it offers.

You’re getting a solid-built tool that easily withstands the harshness of most jobsites. With the integrated duster, your work areas will always be free of dust and debris, which adds a professional touch to your work.

Also, we can’t fail to recognize the handy accessories offered with the tool. The protective carry case boosts tool durability while the glasses offer essential protection.

Hitachi (Now Metabo HPT) also offers other nailer models that compete well with this one. For instance, there’s the slightly cheaper Metabo HPT NT65M2S, which is also lighter by half a pound.

However, the NT65M2S is a 16-gauge nailer, which means it is not suited for many common woodworking tasks that require 15-gauge nails. Also, its straight magazine angle design makes this tool-less maneuverable than the NT65MA4, in tight spaces.

You can’t go wrong with the NT65MA4, whether for regular professional projects or occasional home improvement and installation tasks.

Verdict

A powerful, convenient, and reliable professional-grade finish nailer that excels in a wide range of installation applications.

Count on the NT65MA4’s tool-less operation, convenient duster, superior maneuverability, and comfortable handling to support of your light-duty and intensive nailing applications, for superior professional finishes.

Specs

  • Product Name: Hitachi NT65MA4
  • Product Brand: Hitachi
  • Tool Dimensions: 13.56 x 12 x 3.25 inches
  • Power Source: Air
  • Operating Pressure: 70-120 PSI
  • Nail Capacity: 100 nails
  • Nail Diameter: 15-gauge
  • Nail Lengths: 1-1/4 – 2-1/2 inches
  • Magazine Type: Rear loading
  • Magazine Angle: 34°
  • Grip: Rubber
  • Tool Weight: 4.2 pounds
  • Warranty: 5 years (limited)

Key Features

  • A conveniently integrated air duster effectively clears debris from the work surface
  • Selective actuation switch for easy toggling between sequential or contact nailing
  • The tool-less easy-to-use nose supports quick jammed-nail extraction
  • Tool-less depth of drive dial improves control and delivers professional finishes
  • Versatile multi-size 15-gauge nail support for multiple applications
  • 34-degree magazine angle enhances tool operation in corners and tight spaces
  • 360-degree flexible exhaust portal for effective exhaust air re-direction
  • Comfortable rubber grip for strain-free tool operation
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