Brad and finish nailer guide
Metabo HPT NT50AE2 18-Gauge 2 in. Pneumatic Brad Nailer
Trim and furniture work with 5/8 to 2 in. brads, run from a compressor you already own
The NT50AE2 is Metabo HPT's 2.2 lb pneumatic brad nailer for 18-gauge brads from 5/8 to 2 in. It switches between bump and sequential firing, has a tool-less depth dial and a 360 degree exhaust, and runs at 70 to 120 psi. The manual asks for pneumatic tool oil and genuine Metabo HPT nails.
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Published specifications
- 18-gauge brads, 5/8 to 2 in.; 100-nail side-load magazine
- 70 to 120 psi; .025 cu ft per cycle at 100 psi
- Bump or sequential firing via a selector switch
- Tool-less depth dial; 360 degree exhaust; no-mar tip
- 2.2 lbs; 7 mm center height
- Professional 5-Year Tool Warranty, per Metabo HPT
Fit and limits
Strengths
- Light at 2.2 lbs, per Metabo HPT
- Switches between bump and sequential firing
- Five-year tool warranty on the maker page
Caveats
- Manual calls for pneumatic tool oil, daily if no lubricator
- Needs a compressor and hose, not included
- Manual says to use only genuine Metabo HPT nails
What it drives and what comes with it
Metabo HPT says the NT50AE2 drives 18-gauge brad nails from 5/8 in. to 2 in. and names trim work and furniture building as its jobs. The magazine side-loads 100 brads, and a reload indicator on the magazine shows when the strip is running low so you avoid blank drives.
The box list on Metabo HPT's page names the nailer, safety glasses, an air fitting, a no-mar tip, hex bar wrenches and a hard carrying case. The manual covers two models, the NT50AE2 and the shorter NT32AE2, which tops out at 1-1/4 in. brads. The Amazon listing's model field reads NT50AE2.
Air supply: pressure, consumption and the compressor
Both the page and the manual give an operating pressure of 70 to 120 psi, and the manual gives air consumption of .025 cubic feet per cycle at 100 psi. It says never to connect the nailer to a source that can exceed 200 psi, and to use a regulator with a 0 to 120 psi range.
You supply the compressor and hose. The manual says to use only clean, dry, regulated compressed air, drain moisture from the compressor daily and run a filter-regulator-lubricator unit, and it warns never to use oxygen or other bottled gases.
Oil and nails: the upkeep the manual asks for
The manual says the nailer must be properly lubricated with Metabo HPT pneumatic tool lubricant and warns against detergent oil or additives, which harm the O-rings. Without a lubricator in the air line, it says to put 5 to 10 drops into the air plug twice a day.
It also says to use only genuine Metabo HPT nails in this nailer, warning that other nails can cause malfunction or nail breakdown. Metabo HPT's page makes the softer point that its own nails give the best results.
Firing modes and adjustments
A selective actuation switch picks bump fire or sequential fire, per Metabo HPT. The manual explains the difference: in sequential mode you press the push lever and then pull the trigger for each nail, while in contact mode a nail fires each time the push lever touches the wood with the trigger held.
The manual warns about double fire from recoil in contact mode. Depth of drive is set with a tool-less dial, the exhaust port turns 360 degrees to keep air and debris off the work, and the no-mar tip protects finished surfaces. Metabo HPT gives a 7 mm center height and a 2.2 lb weight.
Warranty
Metabo HPT's page says the NT50AE2 is covered by its Professional 5-Year Tool Warranty. The manual read for this guide does not print the warranty terms, so check Metabo HPT's warranty page for exclusions before you need to claim.
Metabo HPT's page also says the nailer meets safety standards for pneumatic nailers in the United States and links the ANSI SNT-101 standard. Its page quotes a trade magazine award; that is Metabo HPT's own marketing, not a finding of this guide.
Common questions
What brads does the Metabo HPT NT50AE2 take?
18-gauge brad nails from 5/8 in. to 2 in., per Metabo HPT. The manual says to use only genuine Metabo HPT nails.
Does the NT50AE2 need oil?
Yes. The manual calls for Metabo HPT pneumatic tool lubricant, through a lubricator or 5 to 10 drops into the air plug twice a day.
What air pressure does the NT50AE2 need?
70 to 120 psi, with .025 cubic feet of air per cycle at 100 psi, per the manual.
Check the current listing
Main caveat to weigh before ordering: Manual calls for pneumatic tool oil, daily if no lubricator.
Primary sources
- 18 Gauge 2 Inch Brad Nailer (NT50AE2) | Metabo HPT
- Metabo HPT NT50AE2(S) / NT32AE2(S) Brad Nailer Instruction and Safety Manual
Primary sources checked .
Compare with
Side-by-side pages, this model next to: DEWALT DWFP12231 18-Gauge 2 in. Pneumatic Brad Nailer Kit, Metabo HPT NT65M2S 16-Gauge 2-1/2 in. Pneumatic Finish Nailer, Metabo HPT NT1850DG 18V Cordless 18-Gauge Brad Nailer Kit (2.0Ah).