Hitachi NV45AB2 7/8-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Roofing Nailer (Great Lakes Roofing)
Monday, June 30th, 2008
This is without question one of the toughest, best-built roofing nailers we’ve ever had our hands on. We expected no less from Hitachi, but we were pretty much in awe at first use.
The side load is a great improvement over having to turn the tool over to fill your magazine, and loading literally takes a few seconds. Adjusting the drive depth is just as quick and easy, accomplished by turning the knurled knob. It’s got a smooth, clean design that leaves it perfectly balanced in your hand, and it’s so much lighter than it looks, at 5-1/2 pounds, thanks to Hitachi engineering. The rubber grip is comfortable and gives you a great, secure hold, and rubber pads give the nailer a little traction on steep surfaces.
Its bounce-fire mechanism will keep up with even the fastest roofer, but we think picking up the optional sequential-fire mechanism is a good idea for situations where absolute precision is key. It uses wire-collated nails, 7/8 to 1-3/4 inches, and the magazine holds 120 fasteners.
Most roofers just accept nail jams as an occupational pain, but this Hitachi is exceptional in its performance, shooting off coil after coil without a moment’s trouble. To top it off, this is one of the most rugged steel armatures we’ve met. Professional roofers will love this nailer, and if you’re a brave do-it-yourselfer, don’t make the mistake of buying a cheap nailer - the relatively slim savings is definitely not worth it. You cannot go wrong with this roofer. — Kris Jensen-Van Heste
What’s in the Box
Nailer, safety glasses, two hex bar wrenches
Customer Review: Great roofing nailer
My company roofs year around. We have some very fast roofers who put in 50 hours a week. They lay down a huge number of shingles a year. They wear out shingling guns quickly.
The hitachi’s run reliably for a year and a half. The hitachi’s run reliably for another year after being rebuilt. The hitachi’s are then sold. Purchasers are warned that the guns are at the end of their useful life. People do buy them. Some are repeat customers.
The bostiches are clumsy and last about three months before our crew refuses to use them any more.
Hitachi is by far the best gun I have used.
Bostich is not bad for sporatic use.
I have not used any other brands.
Customer Review: Not satisfied
Purchased a Hitachi NV45AB2 from Amazon. Used two different compressors (4 gal 1 hp CH extreme and a 20 gal Sanborn 5 hp) at various pressures up to 115 psi. But had to hand set about every third nail while applying Corning 40 year shingles. Returned the nailer to Amazon for a second Hitachi NV45AB2 nailer but still had the same problem. Lent the nailer to my son who uses a third brand of compressor (dual tank but don’t know the brand). He reported the same problems applying composite siding but said it seem to get better with use. First Hitachi I bought based upon my son’s experience with other Hitachi products and its reputation. Don’t think I’d purchase another one. .
