Metabo Tools: What We Carry, and How Metabo Differs From Metabo HPT

If you are shopping for Metabo tools, the first thing to know is that the name covers two related brands, and our Metabo collection at Polar Tool & Supply is mostly one of them. All but one item in the collection is Metabo HPT, the North American name for the tools once sold as Hitachi Power Tools. The exception is a genuine Metabo angle grinder. Below, we sort out the difference, walk through the Metabo tools we carry by category, and help you match a tool to your trade.

We are a family-owned tool supplier with more than 18 years in business, and we put these tools in front of framers, roofers, builders, and serious DIYers every week. Where we can, we stick to what the manufacturer’s own specs say.

Metabo vs. Metabo HPT: What Is the Difference?

Shoppers comparing Metabo tools often ask us some version of “is Metabo the same as Metabo HPT?” The honest answer has two parts. They are different product lines with different histories. They also now share a corporate parent, which is a recent change.

Metabo: The German Company Behind the Name

Metabo is a German power tool maker based in Nürtingen. Metabo’s own history pages say the company was founded on February 19, 1924, as Schnizler GmbH, by Albrecht Schnizler and Julius Closs, on the grounds of an old Nürtingen brewery. Schnizler had already built his first hand drill in 1923 in his parents’ bakery. Metabo marked its 100th anniversary in 2024.

The company focuses on metalworking and the building trades, and angle grinders are a core part of its lineup. Metabo’s own milestone list credits it with an angle grinder fitted with its S-automatic safety slip clutch in 1966, a design meant to help the operator keep control if an accessory jams. Metabo also introduced its LiHD battery pack technology in 2015 and is one of the brands in the Cordless Alliance System (CAS), a cross-brand 18V battery platform that says it covers more than 50 brands and 500 tools.

Metabo HPT: The Former Hitachi Power Tools

Metabo HPT is a different lineage. These are the tools made by Hitachi’s power tool business (Hitachi Koki), long known in the U.S. for pneumatic nailers. In 2018 the company rebranded around the world. Outside North America the tools are sold as HiKOKI, and in North America they became Metabo HPT. Our product pages say it plainly: same tools, new name.

That heritage is why the Metabo HPT line is so strong in nailers, staplers, and compressors, and why most of the Metabo tools in our collection are pneumatic and cordless fastening tools.

How the Two Brands Are Connected

In November 2015, Hitachi Koki announced a deal to acquire Metabo, and the acquisition was completed in March 2016. In 2017, Hitachi sold Hitachi Koki to an investment entity of the firm KKR, and the parent company became Koki Holdings. So Metabo and Metabo HPT have been sister brands under one corporate parent since 2016, even though the tools themselves were designed and sold separately.

One more detail for North American buyers: Metabo HPT has said publicly that Metabo products are transitioning into the Metabo HPT family in North America, with grinders as the first example it showed. We expect the labels on the shelf to keep shifting. If you are replacing a part, adding a battery, or matching an older tool, check with us first and do not assume that batteries or accessories are interchangeable between the two lines.

The short version:

• Metabo: German company, founded 1924, known for grinders and metalworking tools. We carry one: a 6-inch brake angle grinder.
• Metabo HPT: The former Hitachi Power Tools in North America, known for nailers, staplers, compressors, and the 18V/36V MultiVolt cordless system. This is most of what we carry.

Metabo Tools We Carry, by Category

All of the Metabo tools below come from our Metabo and Metabo HPT collection. Specs are taken from each product page, so check the page for kit contents and current availability before you order.

Metabo Angle Grinder

• Metabo 6” Brake Angle Grinder (WEPBA 19-150 Q DS M-Brush, 613117420): This is the only German-brand model among the Metabo tools we stock. It is a corded 6-inch grinder rated at 1,900 W, 14.5 amps, and 9,600 RPM. The brake stops a grinding wheel in 2 seconds or less (a thin cutting wheel in 1 second or less). Other listed features include the S-Automatic safety slip clutch, an Auto-Balancer that Metabo says cuts hand and arm vibration by up to 50%, and a tethering point for working at height. For more grinder options, browse our angle grinders.

Cordless Framing Nailers

Cordless Metabo tools for framing run on 18V or 36V batteries, so there is no hose or compressor to set up.

• Metabo HPT NR1890DCA 18V 30-degree framing nailer: A brushless, air-spring-drive Metabo HPT framing nailer that weighs 8.2 lbs without the battery and delivers 120 joules of driving force. It fires up to 3 nails per second and takes 30-degree paper tape nails from 2” to 3-1/2”, clipped or offset round head. The included compact battery is rated for 500 nails per charge.
• Metabo HPT NR1890DCSTM 18V 30-degree framing nailer: The earlier-generation 30-degree cordless nailer, sold with its battery. The page lists up to 2 nails per second and flush driving of nails up to 3-1/2” x 0.131”.
• Metabo HPT NR3690DCM 36V framing nailer: A 36V MultiVolt nailer rated for up to 900 nails per charge with the included 2.5Ah MultiVolt battery and a drive speed of 3 nails per second.

If you are deciding between cordless pneumatic models, our guide to 21-degree vs 30-degree cordless framing nailers walks through the differences.

Pneumatic Framing and Coil Nailers

These pneumatic Metabo tools need a compressor but no battery.

• Metabo HPT NR90AES1M 21-degree framing nailer: A plastic-collated nailer at 7.5 lbs that drives 2” to 3-1/2” nails. It has selective actuation (sequential or contact) and tool-less depth adjustment.
• Metabo HPT NR83AA5 30-degree paper-collated framing nailer: A 3-1/4” nailer with a rear-loading magazine, an open nose for clearing jams, and a hardened claw tip for toenailing.
• Metabo HPT NV83A5 3-1/4” coil framing nailer: Aimed at wall sheathing, roof decking, and subflooring, with a side-load magazine and a selectable trigger.

Roofing, Siding, and Connector Nailers

The roofing and siding Metabo tools below include both pneumatic and cordless options.

• Metabo HPT NV45AB2M coil roofing nailer: Pneumatic, drives 7/8” to 1-3/4” coil nails, and is listed at 6.91 lbs.
• Metabo HPT NV1845DAM 18V cordless coil roofing nailer: Cordless and brushless, for repairs and smaller roofing jobs without a hose and compressor. It takes 16-degree wire coil roofing nails from 7/8” to 1-3/4” and is rated for 500 nails per charge with the included 2.0Ah battery. A vinyl siding adapter is included.
• Metabo HPT NV75A5M 3” siding and light framing coil nailer: Drives wire and plastic collated nails up to 3” x 0.131”, with a 360-degree adjustable exhaust and a side-load magazine.
• Metabo HPT NR65AK2M hanger gun: A 6.4 lb metal connector nailer that takes 1-1/2” and 2-1/2” fasteners and holds 44 nails.

Match your fasteners to the tool with our nail gun nails guide.

Finish, Brad, and Pin Nailers

For trim carpenters, these Metabo tools cover work from 15-gauge down to 23-gauge.

• Metabo HPT NT1865DMA 18V 15-gauge angled finish nailer: Brushless and cordless, driving 1-1/4” to 2-1/2” nails, with approximately 800 nails per charge listed.
• Metabo HPT NT1850DFM 18V 18-gauge brad nailer: Drives 5/8” to 2” brads at up to 3 nails per second, with 1,650 nails per charge listed using the included 3.0Ah battery.
• Metabo HPT NT65M2SM 16-gauge straight finish nailer: A pneumatic nailer for 1” to 2-1/2” nails, with an air duster button and a tool-less depth dial.
• Metabo HPT NP35AM 23-gauge micro pin nailer: Fires headless pins from 5/8” to 1-3/8” for cabinets, paneling, and small trim, and leaves nearly invisible holes.

Staplers

Our Metabo tools include a cordless stapler for fastening work.

• Metabo HPT N1808DAM 18V 16-gauge medium crown stapler: Metabo HPT calls it the first cordless 7/16” medium crown stapler. It drives 1” to 2” staples at up to 2.7 staples per second and has an LED work light.

36V MultiVolt Tools

These Metabo tools run on a 36V MultiVolt battery or the MultiVolt AC adapter, so you can go corded when a battery is not practical.

• MultiVolt 36V triple hammer impact driver (DV36DAM)
• MultiVolt 36V 1-9/16” SDS Max rotary hammer (DH36DMAQ2)
• Metabo HPT brushless reciprocating saw (CR36DAQ4M): Orbital action and a 4-stage speed selector from 1,700 to 3,000 strokes per minute.

Not sure how an impact driver differs from a drill? Our impact driver vs. drill guide covers it.

Compressors

Two compressors round out our Metabo tools for air-powered work.

• Metabo HPT The Tank 6-gallon compressor (EC914SM): 200 PSI, 4 CFM at 90 PSI, 41 lbs, and oil-free. Metabo HPT says it can run two framing, roofing, or siding nailers at once.
• Metabo HPT 36V MultiVolt 2-gallon cordless compressor (EC36DAQ4M): A 135 max PSI, 27.3 lb compressor for finish and trim work, rated for over 1,000 18-gauge brad nails per charge. The battery or AC adapter is sold separately.

Browse more in our compressors and nail guns collections.

Batteries

Batteries are the foundation of any cordless set of Metabo tools, and the right Metabo battery depends on whether you run 18V or 36V tools.

• 36V/18V MultiVolt slide battery, 2.5Ah/5.0Ah (382309M)
• 36V/18V MultiVolt slide battery, 4.0Ah/8.0Ah (372121M)

The first number is the capacity on 36V tools and the second is the capacity on 18V tools. The product pages also say these batteries power 18V Hitachi and Metabo HPT slide-type tools, so a crew with older 18V tools can add a MultiVolt pack. See all our batteries.

Which Metabo Tool Is Right for You?

The right pick depends on your trade and on whether you want to keep running a hose and compressor. Use this table to match Metabo tools to your trade, then call a store if you want a second opinion on nail type or battery platform.

If you are doing this	Start with	Why it fits
Production wall and floor framing, no hose	NR1890DCA 30-degree cordless framing nailer	8.2 lbs, 120 joules, brushless, and no compressor to set up
Framing with 36V batteries across the crew	NR3690DCM 36V framing nailer	Up to 900 nails per charge and 3 nails per second
Framing with a compressor already on site	NR90AES1M 21-degree or NR83AA5 30-degree	Pneumatic, with selective actuation and tool-less depth control
Sheathing, decking, and subfloor	NV83A5 coil framer	Built for sheathing, roof decking, and subflooring
Shingle roofing all day	NV45AB2M coil roofing nailer	Drives 7/8” to 1-3/4” coil nails at 6.91 lbs
Roof repairs and small jobs	NV1845DAM cordless roofing nailer	No hose or compressor, 500 nails per charge
Siding and light framing	NV75A5M coil nailer	Wire or plastic collated nails up to 3”
Joist hangers and metal connectors	NR65AK2M hanger gun	6.4 lbs and takes 1-1/2” and 2-1/2” fasteners
Trim, casing, and baseboard	NT1865DMA 15-gauge or NT65M2SM 16-gauge	Cordless or pneumatic finish nailing
Small trim, cabinets, and paneling	NT1850DFM 18-gauge brad or NP35AM 23-gauge pin	Small fasteners and minimal marks
Grinding, cutting, and deburring metal	Metabo 6” brake angle grinder	1,900 W motor with a brake and slip clutch
Running several pneumatic tools	The Tank 6-gallon compressor	200 PSI, 4 CFM at 90 PSI, and 41 lbs
Building out a cordless platform	MultiVolt batteries	Run on both 36V tools and 18V slide-type tools

For help choosing between pneumatic and cordless framing, our framing nailer guide breaks down nail angles, collation, and what to look for.

Why Buy Metabo Tools From Polar Tool & Supply

We have been selling tools to contractors since 2007, and we are still family owned. Our sales staff use and sell these tools every day, so you get a straight answer about which model suits your work, not a script. That matters more with Metabo tools than most brands, because the Metabo and Metabo HPT naming can be confusing and the right nail type or battery depends on your jobsite.

• Jobsite delivery: We can deliver tools and fasteners to your site, so your crew can get Metabo tools and fasteners without a supply run.
• Three locations: Gem Lake, MN, and Superior and Altoona, WI. Twin Cities contractors, Minnesota framers, and western Wisconsin builders can all reach a store.
• Fasteners to match: We stock nails and other fasteners, so you can pick up the tool and the nails together.

Wondering whether pro-grade tools are worth the price? We tackle that in Are Pro Grade Power Tools Worth the Cost?

Metabo Tools FAQ

Is Metabo the same as Metabo HPT?

No, though the two lines of Metabo tools are related. Metabo is a German company founded in 1924 and based in Nürtingen. Metabo HPT is the North American name for the tools formerly sold as Hitachi Power Tools. Since 2016 both brands have shared a corporate parent, and Metabo HPT has said Metabo products are transitioning into the Metabo HPT family in North America.

Is Metabo HPT the same as Hitachi?

Metabo HPT is the rebranded Hitachi Power Tools line in North America. Our product pages describe it as the same tools with a new name. Outside North America the same line is sold as HiKOKI.

Does Polar Tool & Supply carry Metabo angle grinders?

We carry the Metabo 6” Brake Angle Grinder (WEPBA 19-150 Q DS M-Brush). For other brands and sizes, browse our angle grinders collection or call a store.

Where can I buy Metabo tools in the Twin Cities or Wisconsin?

Order online at polartool.us, or visit our Gem Lake, MN store (Twin Cities area) or our Superior and Altoona, WI stores. Our team can help you sort out which Metabo tools suit your work, and we offer Wisconsin jobsite delivery as well as local delivery in Minnesota.

Can one battery run both 18V and 36V Metabo HPT tools?

The MultiVolt slide batteries we list are made for both. They run 36V MultiVolt tools, and the product pages say they also power 18V Hitachi and Metabo HPT slide-type tools. See the batteries collection.

Should I buy a cordless or pneumatic framing nailer?

Cordless Metabo tools skip the hose and compressor and set up fast. Pneumatic models suit crews who already run a compressor on site. Read our framing nailer guide for the tradeoffs.

Can you deliver Metabo tools to my jobsite?

Yes. We offer free local jobsite delivery within 50 miles of each store. Call the store nearest you to set it up.

Shop Metabo Tools Online or In Store

Ready to look at Metabo tools in person or online? Shop the full Metabo and Metabo HPT collection on polartool.us, or stop by or call the store nearest you. All three stores are open Monday through Friday.

• Gem Lake, MN (headquarters): 3642 Scheuneman Road, Gem Lake, MN 55110. (651) 653-1838. Monday to Friday, 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Superior, WI: 1312 Belknap Street, Superior, WI 54880. (715) 718-0627. Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Altoona, WI: 711 Fairfax St, Altoona, WI 54720. (715) 598-0031. Monday to Friday, 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

See all store locations and hours, and ask our team about local and jobsite delivery of Metabo tools when you call.