Metabo HPT NV45AB2 Roofing Nailer Review
Verdict: the Metabo HPT NV45AB2 is the roofing nailer to buy if durability is your priority. It's the gun career roofers keep coming back to — smooth, tough, and built to survive years of daily abuse.
| Type | Pneumatic coil roofing nailer |
| Nail range | 7/8″ to 1¾″ wire coil |
| Magazine | Side-load, ~120 nails |
| Weight | ~5.5 lb |
| Notable | Carbide-tipped push lever, low recoil |
| Street price | ~$230 |
First, the name change
This tool was the Hitachi NV45AB2 for years; Hitachi Power Tools rebranded to Metabo HPT, so you'll find it under both names. It's the same legendary roofing nailer — just search either name when shopping for the gun or parts.
Durability — the whole point
The NV45AB2's reputation is built on toughness. The carbide-tipped push lever resists the wear that kills cheaper guns at the nose, and the internals hold up to coil-after-coil production nailing. Ask a crew of veteran roofers what they run and this name comes up constantly. If you're buying a gun to nail for a living for years, this is the safe bet.
Feel, recoil, and consistency
It's light (~5.5 lb), well balanced, and notably smooth — recoil is mild, which matters when you're setting thousands of nails a day. Feed is consistent and jams are rare. Depth is tool-less to dial in flush nailing on a scrap shingle before you start a course.
Magazine and nails
Standard side-load coil magazine holds ~120 nails and runs common 7/8″–1¾″ wire coil roofing nails — cheap and available everywhere (see nail sizes).
Pros
- Best-in-class durability reputation
- Smooth, low recoil
- Carbide-tipped nose resists wear
- Light and reliable feed
Cons
- Hitachi/Metabo name change confuses searches
- No cordless version in this line
- Needs a compressor and hose
Who should buy the Metabo HPT NV45AB2?
Full-time roofers and anyone who wants a gun that will outlast several cheaper ones. If you're a DIYer or value shopper, the Bostitch RN46 costs about the same and is a hair lighter to live with — but for pure longevity under daily use, the Metabo is the pick.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Metabo HPT NV45AB2 the same as the Hitachi NV45AB2?
Yes — same tool, new brand name after Hitachi Power Tools became Metabo HPT.
Is it better than the Bostitch RN46?
For durability, most roofers give the Metabo the edge; for value and light-duty use they're very close. See our full comparison.
What nails does it use?
Standard 7/8″–1¾″ wire-collated coil roofing nails.