TOOLS
Metabo HPT 18V brushless 16-ga straight finish nailer
Carl Duguay
The ideal nailer to use when you need a balance between holding power and a clean finish.
The most versatile size of nailer for the widest variety of projects is 16-gauge. It’s the ideal nailer to use when you need a balance between holding power and a clean finish. Here are some of the jobs it excels at:
- General trim work: Use it for baseboards, door and window casings and chair rails.
- Standard sizes of crown molding: Works well on typical 2-1/2″ to 4″ crown, particularly when nailing into studs or ceiling joists.
- Cabinet assembly and face frames: The nails are strong enough for attaching cabinet backs, face frames, and heavier decorative pieces.
- Furniture assembly: Useful in situations where you want stronger joints than what 18-gauge nails provide but don’t want large nail holes.
The new Metabo HPT18V brushless 16-ga straight finish nailer (#NT1865DSA) has a wealth of features that make it an attractive choice for avid DIYers, cabinet installers, renovators and furniture makers.
Manufacturer: Metabo HTP
Model: NT1865DSA
MSRP: $369.00
Warranty: Lifetime for tool body, 2‑year battery and 1‑year charger
Source: Find a Retailer
Battery platform: 18V
Nail gauge: 16-gauge straight finish nails
Nail lengths: 1″ to 2-1/2″
Drive speed: up to 3 nails/sec
Drive capacity: 800 nails per charge (with 2.0Ah battery)
Magazine capacity: ~100 nails
Weight: 5.7 pounds (battery not installed)
Includes: 2 Ah battery, charger, 3 no-mar nose caps, belt hook, carry bag, safety glasses
Features:
- Brushless motor
- Zero ramp up time
- Push button switch between sequential and bump fire modes
- Narrow tip design for trim work and tight corners
- LED light
- Dry fire lockout
- Tool-free jam clearing
- Side lock switch
Light weight and good balance are two key features I look for in any hand tool — and the Metabo 16-gauge straight finish nailer nails both. Weighing just 5.7 pounds, it’s one of the lightest in its class. With the included 2.0Ah battery the total weight comes to just over 6.5 pounds, still light enough for extended use without putting undue strain on your arms or shoulders — especially when working overhead. That same 2.0Ah battery will drive up to 800 nails on a single charge. For longer runtime, you can upgrade to a higher amp-hour battery pack.
One of the nailer’s standout features is its reliable driving power. It consistently sinks nails flush, even into hardwoods, even with the longer 2-1/2″ fasteners. Once you’ve dialed in the depth adjustment, you rarely need to touch it again unless you switch to a different nail length or wood density.
I haven’t run into any jams yet, but if one occurs, the flip-open nose release makes clearing it quick and easy.
I mostly use trigger fire, but for those times I want to switch to bump firing, all it takes is the press of a button on the control panel—simple and intuitive. The power on/off button is also conveniently located on the control panel, along an information icon that changes colour to indicate low battery or when the tool is overheating.
The slim nose design is another big plus. It allows for better visibility and reach into corners, making it easier to place nails precisely. I can place nails just under 1″ from a wall or adjoining surface — great when working in tight quarters.
As you’d expect from a premium tool, there’s a dry-fire lockout to prevent firing when the magazine is empty. That helps protect both the tool and your workpiece from unnecessary wear and tear.
The nailer comes with three no-mar tips to protect finished surfaces from scratches and dents — a thoughtful touch, since tips can wear out or go missing.
Build quality is solid. The high-impact ABS housing keeps weight down while offering excellent durability. The rubberized grip is comfortable, reduces hand fatigue, and offers better control during long sessions.
Metabo also includes a few helpful extras: an LED work light for better visibility in dim spaces, a trigger lock to prevent accidental firing, a reversible belt hook to keep the tool close at hand, a canvas carrying case for transport and storage, and a pair of safety glasses — because protecting your eyes should never be an afterthought.
All in all, the Metabo 16-gauge straight finish nailer hits the sweet spot for anyone looking for a reliable, all-around nailer for trim work — excluding only the smallest, most delicate moldings.
