Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Cordless Framing Nailer Powers Through LVL
Metabo HPTโs 18V cordless framing nailer was the first one we put our hands on that did a great job of dealing with the firing delay plaguing other designs. Now thereโs a Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt cordless framing nailer and we wanted to see if there are any major changes.
Pros
- Power to drive in LVL
- Zero firing delay
- Compatible with the AC adapter
- Reversible hang hook
- 900 shots per charge on a 2.5Ah battery
- Smooth-operating drive depth adjustment
- Comfortable handle design
Cons
- Noticeably heavier than pneumatic
- Only holds one stick of nails (no extended magazine option)
Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Cordless Framing Nailer Performance
Driving Power
The number one question we get about cordless framing nailers isโฆ will it drive in LVL? The answer to this started out a little sketchy. Straight out of the box, it actually had a hard time fulling driving our 3 1/4-inch framing nails into an LVL beam.
However, after a handful of shots, the nailer found a rhythm and was driving them flush just fine. Itโs not that the tool needs to warm up each day, it was only a matter of getting things going on that first use. On our subsequent uses, itโs been fine.
Driving Speed
For you speed demons out there, plans on being able to drive up to 3 nails per second. Thereโs a decent amount of recoil (very similar to stronger pneumatic guns), making it tough to effectively bump fire in harder materials, so pick your battles accordingly.
Whether youโre nailing in single or bump fire modes, thereโs no noticeable ramp-up time when you pull the trigger. Between that and the recoil, Metabo HPTโs Air Spring Drive really does make this feel more like an air nailer.
Capacity
Like many cordless framing nailers, thereโs room for just one stick of nails in the magazine. The total capacity is 37 nails on the 21ยฐ version weโre reviewing and thereโs a dry fire lockout to let you know itโs time for a refill. The 30ยฐ model holds 34 nails.
Thereโs no extended magazine option to get a more standard nail loadout running. For our crew, thatโs not a deal-breaker. Itโs just something to keep in mind if youโre thinking about making this your primary framing nailer.
It can handle 2 โย 3 1/2-inch nail lengths and diameters from 0.113 to 0.131-inch. Thatโs pretty standard, even among pneumatic nailers.
Runtime
Expect the brushless motor to fire up to 900 nails on a charge using the 2.5Ah battery that comes in the kit. Thatโs plenty to make it through most days and even if itโs not, a second battery can fully charge well before the one youโre using runs out.
You can use higher-capacity batteries if you want to extend your runtime or keep an AC adapter on hand in a pinch. Metabo HPTโs ability to use AC power is one of the major characteristics that sets it apart from its competition.
Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Cordless Framing Nailer Design Notes
Weight
For this nailer, weight is the biggest departure from the feel of using pneumatics. Bare, the tool weighs 9.3 pounds and the 2.5Ah battery brings it up to 10.8.
Compared to Metabo HPTโs NR83A5 at 9.1 pounds. itโs a noticeable difference. However, itโs 1/2 a pound lighter than Milwaukeeโs M18 Fuel framing nailer with an M18 5.0Ah battery.
Ergonomically, Metabo HPTโs design is outstanding. The weight balances well and the handle contours beautifully to your hand. Add in a healthy dose of rubber overmold, and we donโt have any complaints about the toolโs feel in our hands.
Additional Features
- Smooth-operating tool-free depth adjustment thumbwheel
- Pivoting hook (reversible)
- Lock-out swtich and electronic power button
Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Cordless Framing Nailer Price
The retail price on this nailer is $449 for either the 21ยฐ or the 30ยฐ. It comes with a 2.5Ah MultiVolt battery and rapid charger. Like other Metabo HPT lithium-ion tools, it has a lifetime warranty.
The Bottom Line
Metabo HPT has a deep knowledge of framing nailers that clearly shows in their 36V MultiVolt cordless framing nailer. The performance is on point and itโs lighter than its closest competitor. While the speed and weight make it best for punch list and remodeling work, this cordless framer is tough to beat.
Check out Metabo HPTโs entire line of nailers here.
Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt Cordless Framing Nailer Specifications
- Model: Metabo HPT NR3690DR
- Power Source: Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt battery or AC adapter
- Nail Diameter: 0.113 โย 0.131 inches
- Nail Length: 2 โย 3 1/2 inches
- Speed: Up to 3 nails per second
- Weight: 9.3 pounds bare, 10.8 pounds with 2.5Ah battery
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Price: $449 kit with 2.5Ah battery and rapid charger
