Hitachi's superior design and engineering make this a top-of-the-list choice for a framing nailer, just as hardworking as the NR83 model that preceded it, but with a few major improvements. We like the way Hitachi's integrated both types of trigger, so there's no need to replace anything – just flip the lever on the tool down for bump or up for sequential firing. Also tool-free is the depth-of-fire adjustment: Just turn a small knob to set your depth. It's even easier than adjusting the air pressure.
This nailer has a 21-degree angled magazine and fires nails from 2 inches to 3-1/2 inches, a wider range than the old NR83 handled. Loading is much faster and easier on this gun, too, because Hitachi's redesign repositioned the loading mechanism at the rear of the magazine. A maximum of 64 plastic-strip collated full round head nails will fit in the magazine, but reloading takes a few seconds, so there's no downside to that. This is one of the most jam-free guns we've used; it just fires and fires. Should you find a way to jam it, the procedure to clear the jam is super fast and couldn't be easier.
The balance of this tool is incredible; at a relatively light 7-1/2 pounds, you'd expect to feel a little strain after using this gun for a few hours, but the ergonomics are fantastic. Hats off to Hitachi on this redesign. And of course, you'll notice immediately the difference in appearance between this gun and its predecessor. It's sporting Hitachi's hot new look, with brighter colors and a flame-like graphic, better suited, we think, to the new personality of this fantastic nailer.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste
