Hitachi Goes Old School With New A5 Framing Nailers

Sometimes, making things better means stepping backward before moving forward - precisely what Hitachi Power Tools did with their refreshed line of A5 framing nailers. Replacing the expiring generation of NV83 and NR83 framing tools, new Hitachi A5 nailers feature first generation mechanics, including Hitachi's industry-leading cylinder valve drive system of the 1980's. Don't judge a tool by its cover, these Hitachi framing nailers are built for heavy construction from the inside out. Just take a look.

All A5 nailers share many of the same features and benefits, including a five-year professional warranty through Hitachi - to guarantee peace of mind, and promote minimal downtime on the job site. Each A5 framing nailer also comes with a 1/4" air inlet, while sharing the same cylinder valve drive system that put Hitachi framing guns on the map in the 1980's.

Keep reading to take a closer look at each tool.

We start with the Hitachi NV83A5, Hitachi's latest take on the coil framing nailer. Bringing forth a strong sense of nostalgia, the NV83A5 shares many of the same aesthetics and components made popular by the original Hitachi NV83A. Capable of driving 2" to 3-1/4" full head wire collated coil nails, the NV83A5 features a tool-free depth of drive adjustment, selective actuation trigger for bump or sequential fire, rapid response cylinder valve drive system, side load pop-out magazine, open nose design, plastic shield, rubber grip, and rafter hook. A hardened claw tip resists wear, and grips more for driving nails at different angles.

New and improved features for the NV83A5 include an easier to maintain design, interchangeable parts with the original NV83 tool, less parts in the trigger (eliminating composite parts altogether), and the addition of a rafter hook. Relying on the same cylinder valve drive system as the original NV83A, the NV83A5 offers both rapid response - paired with serious power. Light enough to hold in one hand during use, this Hitachi coil nailer is excellent for a variety of high production tasks in framing, sheathing, decking, sub-flooring and pallet assembly. The NV83A5 is a direct replacement for the NV83A4 and its predecessors.

On the other hand, the Hitachi NR83AA5 drives clipped head paper tape nails from 2" to 3-1/4" in length, and offset round head paper strip nails from 2" to 3-1/4" in length. Despite the difference in nail collation, many of the NR83AA5's underpinnings are shared between the other A5 framing nailers. Lightweight and well-balanced, this Hitachi framing nailer is not only easy to maneuver, but capable of driving into the toughest materials. The NR83AA5 shares Hitachi's cylinder valve drive system, offering rapid response firing - paired with sufficient driving power for quick and consistent sinking. Standard features on the NR83AA5 include a selective action trigger, to switch between contact and sequential operation, as well as a rear loading aluminum magazine, open nose design, hardened claw tip (to reduce wear and drive nails at different angles), rafter hook, tool-free depth adjustment, and a comfortable rubber grip.

With selective actuation now located on the trigger, just as with the NV83A5, Hitachi not only reduced the total number of parts in the trigger, but also eliminated all composite parts. The Hitachi NR83AA5 is intended for applications ranging from framing to sheathing, truss building, sub-flooring, decking, fencing, pallet building and more. The Hitachi NR83AA5 replaces all previous generation NR83AA tools, including the NR83AA3 and NR83AA4.

And last, but certainly not least, we have the NR83A5 and NR83A5(S).

Taking the refreshed NR83A5 plastic strip framing nailer back to its roots, Hitachi re-employed first generation components and mechanics. The NR83A5 round head framing nailer drives plastic collated strip nails from 2" to 3-1/4" in length, and also features selective actuation on its trigger. With a selective action trigger to easily switch between contact and sequential operation, the Hitachi NR83A5 also comes with a two-piece steel magazine, tool-free adjustable depth of drive, comfort rubber grip, hardened claw tip (for driving nails at different angles), and an open nose design for easy jam removal. Featuring a top load magazine, the NR83A5 also comes with a rafter hook and safety glasses; and is positioned as a direct replacement for the NR83A, NR83A2, and NR83A3.

Almost identical to the NR83A5, the Hitachi NR83A5(S) offers all of the same features (as the NR83A5), with the exception of depth adjustment. That's right, the NR83A5(S) does not come with adjustable depth, but is otherwise identical to its counterpart, the NR83A5.

Our take, if you don't need depth of drive adjustment, we'd suggest saving a few bucks and considering the A5(S).

All four nailers are expected to launch early September 2017, and should be readily available to ship within the month.

This leaves us with one last question. Which one would you choose?

~ The Nail Gun Depot Team