Hitachi NT 32AE2 - User Manual

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Summary

Important Safety Information

Definitions of Signal Words

DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

Explanation of the Nailing Action

Explains the two mechanisms for driving fasteners: Single Actuation and Contact Actuation.

Safety

Important Safety Instructions for Using Nailers

Essential safety instructions for operating the nailer, including wearing safety glasses and avoiding specific hazards.

Employers Responsibilities

Employer's duties include ensuring manual availability, eye protection, safe working order, and proper maintenance.

Operation

Name of Parts

Identifies the various components of the Hitachi nailer, including the trigger, magazine, and firing head.

Specifications

Details operating pressure, dimensions, weight, nail capacity, and air consumption for NT50AE2 and NT32AE2 models.

Nail Selection

Specifies the approved 18 Gauge brad nails and their dimensions for this nailer.

Accessories

Lists standard and optional accessories, including safety glasses, nose cap, case, and lubricants.

Applications

Describes typical uses such as cabinet assembly, furniture trim, and home trim/molding.

Before Operation

Instructions to read safety section and check specific items before starting work.

Working Environment

Guidelines for a safe work area, prohibiting flammable materials and unauthorized personnel.

Air Supply

Covers power source requirements, air compressor standards, and the use of filter-regulator-lubricator units.

Lubrication

Emphasizes the importance of lubrication, recommending Hitachi pneumatic tool lubricant and proper application methods.

Cold Weather Care

Provides instructions for preparing and using the nailer in cold weather conditions.

Testing the Nailer

Details a step-by-step checklist to test the nailer's functionality and safety before operation.

Adjusting Air Pressure

Explains how to adjust air pressure between 70-120 psi for optimal performance and nail penetration.

Loading Nails

Provides step-by-step instructions for safely loading nails into the nailer's magazine.

Nailer Operation

Instructions on how to operate the nailer safely, emphasizing safety glasses and proper handling.

Methods of Operation

Explains two operation methods: Intermittent (Trigger fire) and Continuous (Push lever fire).

Adjusting the Nailing Depth

Guides users on adjusting the depth of nail penetration by turning the adjuster and performing tests.

Changing the Exhaust Direction

Explains how to change the direction of the exhaust vent by rotating the top cover.

Using the Nose Cap

Details how to attach and detach the nose cap, which protects the workpiece from scratches.

Maintenance

Maintenance and Inspection

Covers procedures for clearing jams and proper storage of the nailer to ensure longevity and safety.

Modifications

Notes that Hitachi Power Tools are subject to continuous improvement and modification without prior notice.

Service and Repairs

Outlines who should perform repairs, use of approved parts, and a maintenance chart for daily/regular actions.

Operator Troubleshooting

Provides a table of common problems, their check methods, and recommended corrections for nailer issues.

Summary

Important Safety Information

Definitions of Signal Words

DANGER indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

Explanation of the Nailing Action

Explains the two mechanisms for driving fasteners: Single Actuation and Contact Actuation.

Safety

Important Safety Instructions for Using Nailers

Essential safety instructions for operating the nailer, including wearing safety glasses and avoiding specific hazards.

Employers Responsibilities

Employer's duties include ensuring manual availability, eye protection, safe working order, and proper maintenance.

Operation

Name of Parts

Identifies the various components of the Hitachi nailer, including the trigger, magazine, and firing head.

Specifications

Details operating pressure, dimensions, weight, nail capacity, and air consumption for NT50AE2 and NT32AE2 models.

Nail Selection

Specifies the approved 18 Gauge brad nails and their dimensions for this nailer.

Accessories

Lists standard and optional accessories, including safety glasses, nose cap, case, and lubricants.

Applications

Describes typical uses such as cabinet assembly, furniture trim, and home trim/molding.

Before Operation

Instructions to read safety section and check specific items before starting work.

Working Environment

Guidelines for a safe work area, prohibiting flammable materials and unauthorized personnel.

Air Supply

Covers power source requirements, air compressor standards, and the use of filter-regulator-lubricator units.

Lubrication

Emphasizes the importance of lubrication, recommending Hitachi pneumatic tool lubricant and proper application methods.

Cold Weather Care

Provides instructions for preparing and using the nailer in cold weather conditions.

Testing the Nailer

Details a step-by-step checklist to test the nailer's functionality and safety before operation.

Adjusting Air Pressure

Explains how to adjust air pressure between 70-120 psi for optimal performance and nail penetration.

Loading Nails

Provides step-by-step instructions for safely loading nails into the nailer's magazine.

Nailer Operation

Instructions on how to operate the nailer safely, emphasizing safety glasses and proper handling.

Methods of Operation

Explains two operation methods: Intermittent (Trigger fire) and Continuous (Push lever fire).

Adjusting the Nailing Depth

Guides users on adjusting the depth of nail penetration by turning the adjuster and performing tests.

Changing the Exhaust Direction

Explains how to change the direction of the exhaust vent by rotating the top cover.

Using the Nose Cap

Details how to attach and detach the nose cap, which protects the workpiece from scratches.

Maintenance

Maintenance and Inspection

Covers procedures for clearing jams and proper storage of the nailer to ensure longevity and safety.

Modifications

Notes that Hitachi Power Tools are subject to continuous improvement and modification without prior notice.

Service and Repairs

Outlines who should perform repairs, use of approved parts, and a maintenance chart for daily/regular actions.

Operator Troubleshooting

Provides a table of common problems, their check methods, and recommended corrections for nailer issues.

This manual describes the Hitachi Brad Nailer models NT50AE2 and NT32AE2, which are pneumatic tools designed for driving brad nails. These nailers are primarily used for applications such as cabinet and picture frame assembly, furniture trim, and on-site and mobile home trim and molding.

Function Description

The Hitachi Brad Nailer operates using compressed air to drive fasteners. It features a nailing action that can be configured in two ways:

Single Actuation Mechanism (Single Sequential Actuation Mechanism): In this mode, the push lever must first be pressed against the wood, and then the trigger pulled to drive a fastener. Alternatively, the trigger can be pulled first, and then the push lever pressed against the wood. After one fastening, the trigger must be released and pressed again for subsequent fastenings. The switching device for this mechanism is set to the upward position.
Contact Actuation Mechanism: Similar to the single actuation mechanism, the push lever is pressed against the wood, and then the trigger is pulled to drive a fastener, or vice versa. However, if the trigger is held back, a fastener will be driven each time the push lever is pressed against the wood, allowing for continuous operation. The switching device for this mechanism is set to the downward position.

The nailer is equipped with a push lever that must be depressed for operation. It also includes an adjuster for controlling the nailing depth and a mechanism for changing the exhaust direction by turning the top cover. A nose cap is provided to protect the workpiece from scratches or damage.

Important Technical Specifications

Models: NT50AE2 and NT32AE2

Operating Pressure: 70 – 120 psi (4.9 – 8.3 bar, 5 – 8.5 kgf/cm²)

Dimensions:

NT50AE2: 10" x 9-3/16" × 2-3/8" (254 mm × 233 mm × 60 mm)
NT32AE2: 10" × 7-3/4" × 2-3/8" (254 mm × 197 mm × 60 mm)

Weight:

NT50AE2: 2.2 lbs. (1.0 kg)
NT32AE2: 2.0 lbs. (.9 kg)

Nail Capacity: 100 Nails

Air Consumption: .025 ft³/cycle at 100 psi (.73 ltr/cycle at 6.9 bar, .73 ltr/cycle at 7 kgf/cm²)

Nail Selection (18 Gauge brad nails):

Min. Length: 5/8" (16 mm)
Max. Length: 2" (50 mm) for NT50AE2, 1-1/4" (32 mm) for NT32AE2
Nail Dimensions: .075" (1.9 mm) head, .050" (1.3 mm) width, .039" (1 mm) to .049" (1.25 mm) thickness.
- The manual specifically warns to use only genuine HITACHI nails for the NT65M2 (likely a typo, referring to NT50AE2/NT32AE2) to prevent tool malfunction, nail breakdown, and serious injuries.

Power Source: Requires clean, dry, regulated compressed air. Air compressors must comply with ANSI Standard B 19.3. Oxygen, combustible gases, or any other bottled gases are explicitly prohibited as a power source due to explosion risk. The nailer should never be connected to pressure exceeding 200 psi (13.7 bar, 14 kgf/cm²).

Usage Features

Safety:

Eye and Head Protection: Operators and others in the work area must wear safety glasses with side shields (conforming to ANSI Z87.1) and ear/head protection.
Work Area: Keep the work area clean, clear of flammable liquids or gases, and free of unauthorized personnel or children.
Tool Handling: Never point the tool at oneself or others. Keep fingers away from the trigger when not driving fasteners. Carry the nailer by the handle only.
Loading Fasteners: Always keep the nailer pointed downward, do not pull the trigger, and do not depress the push lever when loading nails or connecting the air hose.
Workpiece Interaction: Do not drive fasteners into thin boards, near corners/edges, or on top of other fasteners, as this can cause ricochet or penetration through the workpiece.
Double Fire Prevention: For intermittent operation, set the switching device to SINGLE ACTUATION MECHANISM and pull the trigger rapidly and firmly. For continuous operation, avoid excessive force when pressing the nailer against the wood and separate the nailer from the wood as it recoils.
Electrical Safety: Check for live wires in walls, floors, or ceilings before nailing and turn off breaker switches if necessary.
Air Hose: Never carry the nailer by the air hose. Disconnect the air hose during maintenance, loading, clearing jams, or when the tool is not in use or being moved/handed to another person.
Coupler: Never use a non-relieving coupler, as it can keep the nailer charged with air even after disconnection.

Operation Modes:

The nailer offers two triggering methods: Intermittent operation (Trigger fire) using the SINGLE ACTUATION MECHANISM and Continuous operation (Push lever fire) using the CONTACT ACTUATION MECHANISM. Users must select the appropriate mode based on the task.

Adjusting Nailing Depth:

The nailing depth can be adjusted using the adjuster. To ensure consistent depth, maintain constant air pressure and hold the nailer firmly against the workpiece.
Before adjusting, disconnect the air hose and remove the finger from the trigger.
Turning the adjuster to the shallow side reduces nail penetration, while turning it to the deep side increases it.
If nails do not drive deep enough even with high pressure and the adjuster set upwards, reduce air pressure and set the adjuster to the lowest position.

Exhaust Direction:

The direction of the exhaust vent can be changed by turning the top cover. Disconnect the air hose and remove the finger from the trigger before adjustment.

Nose Cap:

A nose cap is provided to prevent scratches or damage to the workpiece. It can be attached to the push lever tip. When not in use, it can be stored in the back of the magazine. Disconnect the air hose and remove the finger from the trigger before attaching or detaching.

Maintenance Features

General Maintenance:

Lubrication: The nailer requires proper lubrication. Use Hitachi pneumatic tool lubricant. Do not use detergent oil or additives. If a lubricator is not available, supply 5–10 drops of lubricant into the air plug twice a day. Filter-regulator-lubricator units are recommended and should be kept filled.
Cleaning: Keep the nailer clean and lubricated for better and safer performance. Clean the filter element by blowing air through it in the direction opposite to normal flow. Clean the magazine and feeder mechanism daily to prevent jams.
Screws and Covers: Keep all screws and covers tightly mounted and check their condition periodically. Do not use the nailer if parts are missing or damaged.
Storage: Store the nailer in a dry, warm place, out of reach of children. For extended periods of disuse, apply a thin coat of lubricant to steel parts to prevent rust.

Pre-Operation Checks:

Before each use, test the nailer by checking:
- Smooth movement of the push lever and trigger.
- Air pressure (adjust to 70 psi for testing, no nails loaded).
- No air leaks.
- The nailer does not operate when the push lever is pressed without pulling the trigger (in Single Actuation Mechanism).
- The nailer operates when the push lever is pressed and the trigger is pulled (in Single Actuation Mechanism).
- The nailer operates when the trigger is held back and the push lever is pressed (in Contact Actuation Mechanism).
- All screws are tightened.
Check the fastening operation switching device setting before starting work.

Troubleshooting:

The manual provides a troubleshooting chart for common issues like:
- Nailer operates but no nail is driven (check for jam, damaged nail feeder/feed spring, proper nails).
- Weak drive/slow to cycle (check air pressure, nailing depth adjuster, driver blade wear, piston O-ring).
- Drives too deep (check air pressure, nailing depth adjustment).
- Skipping nails/intermittent feed (check for proper nails, damaged nail feeder/feed spring, piston O-ring).
- Nails jam/driven nail is bent (check for proper nails, driver blade wear).
- Drives properly at normal operation but not fully at faster speeds (check inside diameter of air hose – may need a larger hose).

Repairs:

Only service personnel trained by Hitachi, distributors, or employers should repair the nailer. Use only parts supplied or recommended by Hitachi.
If abnormal operation occurs, stop using the nailer and contact a Hitachi authorized service center immediately.
The WARNING LABEL should be replaced if missing or damaged.
Hitachi Power Tools are subject to continuous improvement, so parts may change without prior notice.