Metabo HPT 18V Cordless Finish Nailers: Are They Worth It?

I’ve been digging deep into the world of cordless finish nailers recently, including the latest generation from Metabo HPT. The brand formerly known as Hitachi has a stellar reputation among Pros for their pneumatic nailers, and they’ve notched some impressive wins in their cordless line as well. So if you’re ready to ditch your compressor and hose, are these the 15-gauge and 16-gauge finish nailers you should turn to?

Metabo HPT Cordless Finish Nailers: What They Say

Specifications

Key Features

• Next-gen Cordless Nailers: Lighter, smaller, & more powerful
• Powerful: Flush drive nails in hardwood and fiber cement trim 30% more than the NT1865DMAS (15-gauge) and 15% more than the NT1865DMST (16-gauge)
• Air Spring Drive System: Delivers performance similar to a pneumatic tool with zero ramp up time 
• Brushless Motor: Longer run time per charge, less maintenance, and increased durability 
• Easy Mode Changes: Switch between sequential and bump fire modes quicker thanks to an improved control panel
• Dry Fire Lockout: Prevents damage to workpieces and the driver system
• Tool-free Jam Clearing: Simply flip the nose clip to access the top of the magazine to clear jams
• Side Lock Switch: Prevents accidental firing 

Metabo HPT Cordless Finish Nailers: What We Say

Anytime I reach for a new cordless finish nailer, I need to have confidence that it’s going to drive the nail through whatever material I’m working with. We didn’t run into many problems with the first-generation models, but the additional confidence the new models offer is welcome as more engineered and non-wood materials are making their way onto jobsites.

Where I was hoping to see some real gains was in size and weight. As far as the weight goes, these are just about the lightest 15-gauge and 16-gauge cordless finish nailers we’ve seen from any of the brands we trust (DeWalt’s DCN650 and DCN660 are slightly lighter as bare tools). Plus, Metabo HPT specs these with 2.0Ah batteries, keeping the working weight lower than brands that rely on larger advanced packs to get the best performance.

It’s hard to overstate how important keeping the weight down is. When you’re installing trim around the floor, it’s one thing. But when you’re installing trim or crown overhead, you feel every extra ounce of weight, especially when that material calls for a heavier 16-gauge model instead of a more manageable 18-gauge.

Size is an interesting conversation for these models. The head is actually longer than the previous model. That’s not a downgrade, though. It’s a slimmer head design, and the extra length sticks out the back. The result is that the new models have a better reach into corners. The sightline is also better, offering better accuracy when you’re nailing.

Metabo HPT Cordless Finish Nailers Price

Whether you’re on the hunt for the 15-gauge or 16-gauge model, the kit price is the same—$349. It comes with a 2.0Ah battery and charger, plus Metabo HPT’s lifetime warranty on the tool.

Try not to get the model numbers confused as you’re shopping. Both models in the new and old generations start with “NT1865” before adding a series of letters. The next-gen 15-gauge is the NT1865DAA (NT1865DAAM for the kit), and the new 16-gauge is the NT1865DSA (NT1865DSAM for the kit).

Should You Buy Them?

Metabo HPT’s next-gen cordless finish nailers include meaningful upgrades in both performance and design. In my opinion, it’s going to be hard to beat these two, especially if keeping the weight down is a high priority for you.

That said, they’re still heavier than their pneumatic counterparts by about a pound or so. Recognizing that the hose does add some weight in your hand, the gap is a little closer than that, though. Still, it’s a noticeable difference.

If you’re already sold on going cordless, you’ll love what these nailers have to offer. If you’re still on the fence, you’ll need to decide between the time savings and convenience these models offer versus having a lighter tool.