Metabo HPT 23-Gauge Pin Nailer Gives Pros Cordless Freedom and Premium Ergonomics
Pros know that nothing outshines a pin nailer when it comes to installing small trim pieces or fastening delicate materials. There are no nail holes to fill, less touch-up is required on the back end, and you lower the risks of damaging the material. The Metabo HPT 18V 23-Gauge Pin Nailer makes a compelling case for ditching the traditional air hose and compressor, but is it the best option for you? Let’s find out!
Pros
- Compact profile
- Dry fire lockout
- Excellent sightline
- MultiVolt compatible
- Translucent magazine
- Trigger safety
- Long runtime
- Zero firing delay
- Adjustable drive depth
Cons
- Jam clearance is not tool-free
- Drive depth is not tool-free
- Inconsistent depth of drive in hardwoods
Metabo HPT 23-Gauge Pin Nailer Performance
- Runtime: 2700 nails per charge
- Magazine Capacity: 100 nails
- Pin Length: 5/8 – 1 3/8 in.
Driving Power
The Metabo HPT pin nailer holds up to 100 23-gauge nails ranging in length from 5/8-inch up to 1 3/8-inch. They also tell us you can expect up to 2,700 shots per charge with the kitted 18V 2.0Ah battery! That long runtime is characteristic of cordless pin nailers in general since they require such little power compared to other nail types.
The magazine is very easy to load, and the translucent viewing window and orange level indicator let you monitor your remaining nails actively. There’s also a dry-fire lockout to prevent potential damage to the firing mechanism.
During our testing, this nailer maintained an impressive rate of fire thanks to its mechanical spring drive system and had zero firing delay. Keep in mind, this is a precision nailer, so rapid fire isn’t typically the goal, but there’s no doubt the nailer can keep up with your workflow.
Hands-On Testing
Outside of serious woodworkers and trim carpenters, most folks probably won’t have a need for a pin nailer, but they do serve a unique purpose.
For our testing, I loaded up a full strip of 1-inch pins and proceeded to fire a few shots into some red oak and yellow pine. I chose these two woods because I wanted to see how the Metabo HPT NP1835DA would perform in hard and softwoods.
The yellow pine put up very little resistance, as expected, and I was able to fully drive the nails without an issue. Granted, I was able to over-drive them a little, but since these nails don’t have a head, it’s not as noticeable as something like an 18-gauge brad nail would be.
When I started in on the red oak, I noticed a big difference right away as most of my nails were left slightly proud. Even with the drive depth set all the way back, it felt like this nailer was still struggling to completely sink the nails.
Although it’s very thin, removing the no-mar tip made a noticeable difference in the drive depth, and we saw more full and consistent drives. However, with the protective cover gone, you do run the risk of damaging your material if you’re not careful.
Metabo HPT 23-Gauge Pin Nailer Design Notes
- Model: Metabo HPT NP1835DA
- Power Source: Metabo HPT 18V & MultiVolt batteries
- Weight: 3.6 lbs (bare tool), 4.4 lbs (with 18V 2.0Ah battery)
- Head Length: 9 in.
Size and Weight
This cordless pin nailer weighs in at 3.6 pounds as a bare tool and 4.4 pounds when you add the 18V 2.0Ah battery. The head measures 9.3 inches from end to end, and it stands 7.7 inches tall.
Thanks to the flat battery base, you can stand it up without it tipping over. If you prefer to set the nailer on its side, no-mar pads protect your material.
Grip and Trigger(s)
Overall, this pin nailer is pretty well-balanced, though slightly front-heavy. The handle features a grippy textured rubber overmold that improves your comfort and grip security.
One of the biggest differences you’ll find here is there isn’t a nose safety as we see on most nailers, but that’s common with pin nailers. Rather, Metabo HPT uses a dual trigger system—one you hold down to activate the tool and one to fire the nailer. This helps prevent it from accidentally firing during transport.
It’s important to be extra cautious when using this style of nailer (or any style of nailer) since there isn’t a nose safety. The tool will fire if both the trigger and safety switch are depressed, even if you’re not aligned on your workpiece.
Visibility
Nose visibility is one of the key characteristics that I look for in a quality nailer, and the Metabo HPT pin nailer is second to none! The nose profile is very narrow, allowing you to place your fasteners accurately.
Additionally, there’s an integrated LED light on the side of the tool for when you’re working in dim spaces. It does create a slight shadow from the magazine on the work surface, but it’s not a deal-breaker for me.
Jam Clearance and Depth Adjustment
I wouldn’t ordinarily group jam clearance and drive depth together, but since their individual processes are so closely related, I figured, why not?
Let’s start with clearing jams—unfortunately, it’s not a tool-free system so you’ll need to grab the onboard hex wrench. Simply remove the battery, empty the magazine, and then fully remove the two bolts on top to access the firing chamber.
Most nailers have a thumb wheel that makes adjusting the depth of drive simple. However, Metabo HPT takes a slightly different approach that isn’t as easy or fast, but it’s not complicated, either. All you need to do is loosen the same jam release bolts 1/4 turn, slide the top plate to your desired depth, tighten the bolts back, and you’re good to go.
If you set it and forget it, it’s not too cumbersome. However, if you’re switching depths frequently, it can be a pain point.
Additional Features
- Spare no-mar tip
- Compatible with Metabo HPT 18V and 36V MultiVolt batteries
- Reversible belt hook
- Battery-life indicator
Metabo HPT 23-Gauge Pin Nailer Price
The Metabo HPT pin nailer retails for $249 as a kit and includes an 18V 2.0Ah battery, charger, and a 5-year warranty. At the time of writing this, there are no bare tool options available.
The Bottom Line
With a large nail range, dual-trigger safety, and a compact profile, the Metabo HPT 23-gauge pin nailer makes a pretty strong case for itself. It’s easy to maneuver in tight spaces, especially without an air hose to lug around, and the LED work light does an excellent job illuminating those dark spaces. While this nailer performed well in softer yellow pine, the red oak did raise a few questions from our team concerning its abilities when working with denser woods.
I can confidently say that the Metabo HPT NP1835DA is an excellent cordless option if you want to ditch the compressor and air hose. Plus, its impressive runtime means you’ll get more than a full day’s work off a single charge!
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