Metabo HPT N3804A5 18ga Narrow Crown Stapler Review

The Metabo HPT 18ga Narrow Crown Stapler (N3804A5) is technically a new tool but it’s backed up by the fine pedigree of Hitachi nailers. We use this kind of stapler to install soffits where a brad nail would pass through the material completely. Of course, there are many woodworking, production work, and upholstery applications, too. Let’s take a closer look.

Pros

Remarkably light at 2.7 pounds
Handy air duster to blow dust and debris from work area
Quick-release nose for jams (we didn’t experience any)
Sequential and bump fire modes

Cons

No significant drawbacks

Recommendation

Metabo HPT’s new, remarkably light narrow crown stapler is an excellent solution for fastening those materials that a nail or brad can’t handle. It has all the premium features you’d expect including a quick-release mechanism, no-mar nose, and comfortable grip. The tool even has a helpful integrated air duster. It certainly looks like Metabo HPT aims to maintain the reliable, easy-to-use Hitachi nailer heritage.

Metabo HPT 18ga Narrow Crown Stapler Performance

We don’t always use a narrow crown stapler on the job but, when we do, there’s no other tool that can substitute. Could we be the most interesting contractors in the world? That’s up for debate. What isn’t is that the Metabo HPT 18ga narrow crown stapler didn’t disappoint us as we installed soffits on a handful of recent jobs.

This stapler is compact and feather-light at 2.7 pounds which is excellent because we typically use it for overhead work. Even if you’re doing production work or upholstery, you’ll appreciate its maneuverability.

You may notice an “Oil Daily” reminder on the gun which made us chuckle a bit. That’s not because we think you should disregard the manufacturer’s instructions, but the likelihood of that happening when you’re running a medium or even small crew is pretty low! Still, be sure to maintain the gun as best you can when it gets back to the tool crib.

Metabo HPT N3804A5 Favorite Features

It’s no surprise this 18ga narrow crown stapler from Metabo HPT has all the premium features you’d expect. It has a tool-less depth of drive and belt hook. You get a no-mar nose tip with a quick release for (hypothetical) jams as well as a switch for sequential or bump fire actuation. The magazine seems tough, and an adjustable exhaust and comfortable grip round out the features. Everything comes together very well in a nice compact package.

In addition to all those fine features is one that you don’t see on every nailer: an air duster. That’s the small black button that protrudes from under the exhaust cap.

When depressed, air bypasses the staple chamber and shoots out of the side of the gun to blow away dust, cleaning the work area. It’s a really great feature, though you have to twist the tool to the side to direct air at the workpiece.

Price

The 18ga Metabo HPT narrow crown stapler is a premium tool with a premium price. Here’s a look at some of the competition:

Ridgid R150FSF: $99
Makita AT638A: $109
Bostitch SX1838K: $91.75
DeWalt DWFP1838: $124
Metabo HPT 18GA Narrow Crown Stapler: $169.97

The Bottom Line

The Metabo HPT N3804A5 narrow crown stapler easily became our favorite stapler for installing soffits and other fastening tasks where a brad nail won’t cut it. It offers all the bells and whistles you could want and even ones you didn’t know you needed—like the air duster. Compact, very light, and easy to use, we couldn’t ask the stapler for much more. At $169, it does carry a premium price, but we think it’s well worth it.

Buy at Acme Tools