A finish nailer without the hose

Hitachi Power Tools has introduced a gas/battery-powered 18-gauge finish nailer, model NT50GS. The nailer weighs about 4 lbs. and does not require the use of a compressor or hose. It's powered by a lithium-ion battery and gas fuel cell.

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It drives fasteners from 5/8" to 2" in length and has a magazine capacity of 100 nails. It is ideal for cabinet assembly and trim installation, according to product manager Chuck Azotea.

A 3.6-volt lithium-ion battery runs a fan that exhausts the spent fuel from the tool. It also fires a spark plug that ignites the fuel.

Other features include a tool-less depth-of-drive dial that can be switched between flush and countersink modes. A warning light lets the user know when the magazine is running on empty. And when it's out of nails, the firing mechanism automatically locks out to prevent dry-fire damage to the material.

The 18-gauge nailer retails for $259, which includes two batteries, AC/DC charger, carrying case, safety glasses, no-mar tip and hex bar wrenches. Fuel rods are sold separately.

Contact: Hitachi Power Tools, 3950 Steve Reynolds Blvd., Norcross, GA 30093. Tel: 800-829-4752. www.hitachipowertools.com

This article originally appeared in the May 2010 issue.