Hitachi A5 Series Framing Nailer Receive Upgrades

Jun 11, 2023

Hitachi Power Tools recently announced their new line of pneumatic framing nailers. The improved Hitachi A5 Series Framing Nailer models come in a variety of options, which include a 21° Plastic Strip Nailer, a 21° Plastic Strip Nailer without Depth Adjustment, a 30° Paper Strip Nailer and a 16° Coil Nailer. Hitachi modeled the new A5 series after the original NR83 pneumatic nailers.

The A5 models share the same internal parts as the original NR83A, except with an improved trigger design.

Just like the original line, all of the new A5 models feature Hitachi's cylinder valve driving system for faster action. Air to fire the nailer stores up next to the "drop sleeve" cylinder, which provides a faster release and more driving force at lower air pressure. With only 3 major moving parts in the firing cycle, firing off an A5 model becomes a much simpler operation than most other pneumatic tools. Because the cylinder valve driving system is self-cleaning, as well as being resistant to dust and grease build-up, the tool requires minimal maintenance.

The improvement in this new line of products, versus the original NR83A, comes from the patented Selective Actuation located on the trigger. Once the lock pin is removed, the user can transition

from sequential mode to contact mode via the sliding change rod on the trigger mechanism. Also, the new Hitachi A5 Series Framing Nailer contains no plastic parts, but only industrial-grade, quality parts. This equals better durability, as well as less downtime cleaning and fixing your equipment.

The A5 line can use nails ranging from 2″ to 3-1/4″ in length and can drive them easily through engineered lumber. They feature hardened claw tips on the noses to resist wear and reduce slippage when toe-nailing. In the event of a jam, the open nose design allows the user to quickly access the jam and clear it. Operating between 70 and 120 psi, these new nailers come with factory installed 1/4″ fittings.

The Hitachi A5 Series Framing Nailer features a rafter hook, which can be left- or right-mounted. Additionally, the handles now include an ergonomic non-slip rubber grip. These lightweight and powerful pneumatic nailers have been balanced so that the user experiences less hand fatigue during extended use or overhead operation. They all come with Hitachi's 5-year warranty.

Let's be honest, there are plenty of classic products out there that are just so good, we’d still buy them over a newer model. So when you’ve got a framing nailer that Pros already put so much stock in, why reinvent the wheel when you can tweak the existing one?

Hitachi's new A5 line looks to revisit the old NR83 specs with these models, but with an improved Selected Actuation feature on the trigger. The additional rafter hook is a feature that has been lacking in some of Hitachi's prior releases, and it's a welcome added convenience here. Assuming the Hitachi A5 Series Framing Nailer line keeps the same power to weight ratio as some of their other products, these new pneumatic nailers should maintain Hitachi's significant presence in the framing industry.

The NR83A5 and NR83A5(S) accept 21° plastic collated strip nails from 2" – 3-1/4" in length and .113" – .131" in nail diameter. Both nailers come equipped with a durable, industrial steel magazine that can hold two nail strips at a time. They both feature a locking feeder system to make reloading fast and simple. They weigh 8.8 lbs without the rafter hook attached and 9.1 lbs with the rafter hook. The NR83A5 comes with a tool-less drive depth adjustment that allows for greater control and flexibility when fastening.

The NR83AA5 drives both 30° paper collated clipped head strip nails and 30° paper collated offset round head strip nails from 2" – 3-1/4" in length and .113" – .131" in nail diameter. It comes equipped with a two piece aluminum magazine and weighs 9 lbs without the rafter hook, or 9.3 lbs with it.

The NV83A5 uses 16° wire weld collated coil nails from 2" – 3-1/4" in length and .099" – .131" in nail diameter. It features a side load pop-out magazine and weighs 8.8 lbs, or 9.1 lbs if the rafter hook is installed. It also features the tool-less depth of drive adjustment.