Hitachi NP 35A Manual

SAFETY

Read and understand tool labels and all of the operating instructions, safety precautions and warnings in this manual before operating or maintaining this nailer.
Failure to follow warnings could result in death or serious injury.
Most accidents that result from the operation and maintenance of Nailers are caused by the failure to observe basic safety rules or precautions. An accident can often be avoided by recognizing a potentially hazardous situation before it occurs, and by observing appropriate safety procedures.
Basic safety precautions are outlined in the "SAFETY" section of this manual and in the sections which contain the operation and maintenance instructions.
Hazards that must be avoided to prevent bodily injury or machine damage are identified by DANGERS and WARNINGS on the Nailer and in this manual.
Never use this Nailer for applications other than those specified in this manual.

DEFINITIONS OF SIGNAL WORDS

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

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury, or may cause machine damage.
NOTE emphasizes essential information.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING NAILERS

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS

1. OPERATORS AND OTHERS IN WORK AREA MUST WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WITH SIDE SHIELDS.
   
   When operating the Nailer, always wear safety glasses with side shields, and make sure others in work area wear safety glasses, too.
   Safety glasses must conform to the requirements of American National Standards Institute, ANSI Z87.1 and provide protection against flying particles both from the front and side.
   The employer must enforce the use of safety glasses by the Nailer operator and others in work area.
2. NEVER USE OXYGEN OR OTHER BOTTLED GASSES. EXPLOSION MAY OCCUR.
   
   Never use oxygen, combustible gases or any other bottled gases as a power source for the Nailer.
   Use of the above gases is dangerous, as the Nailer will explode.
   Use only clean, dry, regulated compressed air.

3. NEVER POINT TOOL AT YOURSELF OR OTHERS IN WORK AREA.
   
   Always assume the Nailer contains fasteners.
   Never point the Nailer at yourself toward yourself or others, whether it contains fasteners or not.
   If fasteners are mistakenly driven, it can lead to severe injuries.
   Never engage in horseplay with the Nailer.
   Respect the Nailer as a working implement.
4. KEEP FINGERS AWAY FROM DOUBLE TRIGGER (TRIGGER AND LOCK LEVER) WHEN NOT DRIVING FASTENERS TO AVOID ACCIDENTAL FIRING.
   Never carry the Nailer with finger on double trigger since you could drive a fastener unintentionally and injure yourself or someone else.
   Always carry the Nailer by the handle only.
5. CHOICE OF TRIGGERING METHOD IS IMPORTANT.
   Read and understand section titled "Methods of operation."
6. DO NOT EXCEED 100 psi. (6.9 bar 7 kgf/cm²)
   
   Do not exceed maximum recommended air pressure 100 psi (6.9 bar 7 kgf/cm²).
   Never connect the Nailer to pressure which potentially exceeds 200 psi (13.7 bar 14 kgf/cm²) as the Nailer can burst.
7. ALWAYS WEAR EAR AND HEAD PROTECTION.
   Always wear ear protection to protect your ears from loud noise.
   Always wear head protection to protect your head from flying objects.
8. STORE NAILER PROPERLY.
   When not in use, the Nailer should be stored in a dry place. Keep out of reach of children. Lock the storage area.
9. KEEP WORK AREA CLEAN.
   Cluttered areas invite injuries. Clear all work areas of unnecessary tools, debris, furniture, etc.
10. NEVER USE IN PRESENCE OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS OR GASES.
    The Nailer produces sparks during operation.
    Never use the Nailer in sites containing lacquer, paint, benzine, thinner, gasoline, gases, adhesive agents, and other materials which are combustible or explosive.
11. KEEP VISITORS AWAY.
    Do not let visitors handle the Nailer.
    All visitors should be kept safely away from work area.
12. DRESS PROPERLY.
    Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as they can be caught in moving parts.
    Rubber gloves and nonskid footwear are recommended when working outdoors.
    Wear protective hair covering to contain long hair.
13. NEVER USE NON RELIEVING COUPLER ON NAILER.
    If a non relieving coupler is used on the Nailer, the Nailer can remain charged with air after disconnecting and thus will be able to drive a fastener even after disconnecting.
    The Nailer and air hose must have a hose coupling such that all pressure is removed from the Nailer when the coupling joint is disconnected.
14. CHECK DOUBLE TRIGGER BEFORE USE.
    The Nailer will not operate unless you pull the lock lever before you pull the trigger.
    Make sure the lock lever operates properly. (The lock lever may be called "Safety".) Never use the Nailer unless the lock lever is operating properly, otherwise the Nailer could drive a fastener unexpectedly. Do not tamper with or remove the lock lever, otherwise the lock lever becomes inoperable.
    With no nails loaded in the Nailer, connect the air hose and check the following.
    • There is no operating noise from the piston inside the Nailer when the trigger is pulled without first pulling the lock lever.

Using the Nailer when it is not operating normally may lead to injury. If any abnormality occurs, contact the dealer where the Nailer was purchased or your nearest Hitachi authorized service center and arrange for repairs.

15. KEEP ALL SCREWS AND COVERS TIGHTLY IN PLACE.
    Keep all screws and covers tightly mounted. Check their condition periodically.
    Never use the Nailer if parts are missing or damaged.
16. DO NOT LOAD FASTENERS WITH TRIGGER OR LOCK LEVER PULLED.
    When loading fasteners into the Nailer or when connecting the air hose,
    1. do not pull the trigger;
    2. do not pull the lock lever; and
    3. keep the Nailer pointed downward.
17. KEEP FACE, HANDS AND FEET AWAY FROM FIRING HEAD AT ALL TIMES.
    Never place your face, hands or feet near the firing head.
18. PLACE NAILER PROPERLY ON WORKPIECE.
    Do not drive fasteners on top of other fasteners or with the Nailer at too steep of an angle; the fasteners can ricochet and hurt someone.
19. BEWARE OF RECOIL.
    When driving a nail into a hard workpiece, the Nailer may rebound. Be sure to keep your face away from the Nailer.
20. DO NOT DRIVE FASTENERS INTO THIN BOARDS OR NEAR CORNERS AND EDGES OF WORKPIECE.
    The fasteners can be driven through or away from the workpiece and hit someone.
21. NEVER DRIVE FASTENERS FROM BOTH SIDES OF A WALL AT THE SAME TIME.
    The fasteners can be driven into and through the wall and hit a person on the opposite side.
22. CHECK FOR LIVE WIRES.
    Avoid the risk of severe electrical shock by checking for live electrical wires that may be hidden by walls, floors or ceilings. Turn off the breaker switch to ensure there are no live wires.
23. NEVER CARRY NAILER BY HOSE.
24. DO NOT OVERREACH.
    Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
25. NEVER USE NAILER WHICH IS DEFECTIVE OR OPERATING ABNORMALLY.
    If the Nailer appears to be operating unusually, making strange noises, or otherwise appears defective, stop using it immediately and arrange for repairs by a Hitachi authorized service center.
26. DO NOT DISCONNECT AIR HOSE FROM NAILER WITH FINGER ON TRIGGER.
    The Nailer can fire when reconnected to an air supply.
27. DISCONNECT AIR HOSE FROM NAILER WHEN:
    1. doing maintenance and inspection;
    2. loading fasteners;
    3. attaching or removing the nose cap;
    4. using the hook;
    5. clearing a jam;
    6. it is not in use;
    7. leaving work area;
    8. moving it to another location; and
    9. handing it to another person.

Never attempt to clear a jam or repair the Nailer unless you have disconnected air hose from the Nailer and removed all remaining fasteners from the Nailer.
The Nailer should never be left unattended since people who are not familiar with the Nailer might handle it and injure themselves.

28. STAY ALERT.
    Watch what you are doing. Use common sense.
    Do not operate the Nailer when you are tired.
    The Nailer should never be used by you if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication that makes you drowsy.
29. HANDLE NAILER CORRECTLY.
    Operate the Nailer according to this manual.
    Never allow the Nailer to be operated by children, individuals unfamiliar with its operation or unauthorized personnel.
30. NEVER USE NAILER FOR APPLICATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED IN THIS MANUAL.
31. HANDLE NAILER CAREFULLY.
    Because of high air pressure in the Nailer, cracks in the surface are dangerous.
    To avoid this, do not drop the Nailer or strike the Nailer against hard surfaces; and do not scratch or engrave signs on the Nailer. Handle the Nailer carefully.
32. MAINTAIN NAILER WITH CARE.
    Keep the Nailer clean and lubricated for better and safer performance.
33. USE ONLY PARTS, ACCESSORIES OR FASTENERS SUPPLIED OR RECOMMENDED BY HITACHI.
    Unauthorized parts, accessories, or fasteners may void your warranty and can lead to malfunction and resulting injuries.
    Only service personnel trained by Hitachi, distributor or employer shall repair the Nailer.
34. NEVER MODIFY OR ALTER A NAILER.
    Doing so may cause it to malfunction and personal injuries may result.

EMPLOYER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Ensure that this manual is available to operators and personnel performing maintenance.
2. Ensure that Nailers are used only when operators and others in work area are wearing eye protector.
3. Enforce the use of eye protector by operators and others in work area.
4. Keep Nailers in safe working order.
5. Maintain Nailers properly.
6. Ensure that Nailers which require repair are not further used before repair.

OPERATION

NOTE
The information contained in this manual is designed to assist you in the safe operation of the Nailer.
Some illustrations in this manual may show details or attachments that diff er from those on your own Nailer.

NAME OF PARTS

SPECIFICATIONS

NAIL SELECTION

• Be sure to use only the genuine HITACHI nails for the NP35A. The use of any other nails can result in tool malfunction and/or nail breakdown, leading to serious injuries.

Only nails shown in the Table below can be driven with this Nailer.

ACCESSORIES

• Accessories other than those shown below can lead to malfunction and resulting injuries.

STANDARD ACCESSORIES

1. Eye protection x 1
2. Allen wrench for M4 2 screw x 1
3. Nose cap (A) x 2

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
sold separately

• Pneumatic tool lubricant
  1 oz. (30 cc) oil feeder (Code No. 877153)
  4 oz. (120 cc) oil feeder (Code No. 874042)
  1 quart (1 ltr) can (Code No. 876212)

NOTE
Accessories are subject to change without any obligation on the part of HITACHI.

APPLICATIONS

• Installation of decorated plywood such as baseboards and edgings in interiors of buildings.

BEFORE OPERATION

Read section titled "SAFETY".
Make sure of the followings before operation.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• No flammable gas, liquid or other flammable objects at worksite.
• Clear the area of children or unauthorized personnel.

AIR SUPPLY

• 
  Never use oxygen or other bottled gases. Explosion may occur.

• Never connect Nailer to pressure which potentially exceeds 200 psi (13.7 bar 14 kgf/cm²).
• Never use non relieving coupler on Nailer.

1. Power source
   • Use only clean, dry, regulated compressed air as a power source for this Nailer.
   • Air compressors used to supply compressed air to this Nailer must comply with the requirements of the latest version of ANSI Standard B 19.3 "Safety Standard For Compressors For Process Industries".
   • Moisture or oil in the air compressor may accelerate wear and corrosion in the Nailer.
     Drain daily.
2. Filter-Regulator-Lubricator
   • Use a regulator with a pressure range of 0 – 100 psi (0 – 6.9 bar 0 – 7 kgf/cm²).
   • Filter-regulator-lubricator units supply an optimum condition for the Nailer and extend the Nailer life.
     These units should always be used.
     Filter
     The filter removes moisture and dirt mixed in compressed air.
     Drain daily unless fitted with an automatic drain.
     Keep the filter clean by regular maintenance.
     Regulator
     The regulator controls the operating pressure for safe operation of the Nailer.
     Inspect the regulator before operation to be sure it operates properly.
     Lubricator
     The lubricator supplies an oil mist to the Nailer.
     Inspect the lubricator before operation to be sure the supply of lubricant is adequate. Use Hitachi pneumatic tool lubricant.
3. Air hose
   Air hose must have a minimum working pressure rating of 150 psi (10.4 bar 10.6 kgf/cm²) or 150% of the maximum pressure produced in the system, whichever is higher.
4. Air consumption
   Using the Air consumption table and the Air compressor size formula, fi nd a correct compressor size.

Air consumption table

Air compressor size formula
Amount of air required
= number of Nailers
× a verage nails driven each minute per Nailer
× a ir consumption at given air pressure
× safety factor (always 1.2)
Example: 3 Nailers operating at 100 psi driving 30 nails per minute

Amount of air required
= 3 × 30 ×.018 (.5) × 1.2
= 1.9 CFM (ft³/min) (94 ltr/min)
After making the calculations as shown above, you should fi nd a compressor providing 1.9 CFM of air that is required.

LUBRICATION

It is important that the Nailer be properly lubricated.
Without proper lubrication, the Nailer will not work properly and parts will wear prematurely.

• Use Hitachi pneumatic tool lubricant.
  Do not use detergent oil or additives. These lubricants will harm the O-rings and other rubber parts. This will cause the Nailer to malfunction.
  Filter-regulator-lubricator units should always be used.
  Keep the lubricator filled with Hitachi pneumatic tool lubricant.
• If a lubricator is not available, supply 5 – 10 drops of Hitachi pneumatic tool lubricant into the air plug on the Nailer twice a day.

COLD WEATHER CARE

• Do not store the Nailer in a cold weather environment.
  Keep the Nailer in a warm area until beginning the work.
• If the Nailer is already cold, bring it in a warm area and allow the Nailer to warm up before use.
  1. Reduce the air pressure to 64 psi (4.4 bar 4.5 kgf/cm²).
  2. Remove all nails from the Nailer.
  3. Connect the air hose and free-fire (blank-fire) the Nailer.
     The lowered air pressure will be enough to free-fire the Nailer.
     Slow speed operation tends to warm up the moving part.

• Do not free-fire the Nailer at high pressure.

TESTING THE NAILER

• Operators and others in work area must wear safety glapsses with side shields which conforms to ANSI Z87.1 specifications.

• Never use Nailer unless lock lever is operating properly.

Before actually beginning the nailing work, test the Nailer by using the checklist below. Conduct the tests in the following order.
If abnormal operation occurs, stop using the Nailer and contact a Hitachi authorized service center immediately.

1. Disconnect air hose from Nailer.
   Remove all nails from Nailer.
   • All crews must be tightened.
     If any screws are loose, tighten them.
     
   • The lock lever and trigger must move smoothly.
     
2. Adjust the air pressure to 64 psi (4.4 bars 4.5 kgf/cm²).
   Connect the air hose.
   Do not load any nails in the Nailer.
   • The Nailer must not leak air.
     Hold the Nailer downward, without touching the lock lever and pull the trigger.
   • The Nailer must not operate.
     
3. If no abnormal operation is observed, you may load nails in the Nailer.
   Drive nails into the workpiece that is the same type to be used in the actual application.
   • The Nailer must operate properly.

ADJUSTING AIR PRESSURE

• Do not exceed 100 psi (6.9 bars 7 kgf/cm²).
  

Adjust the air pressure at recommended operating pressure 64 – 100 psi (4.4 – 6.9 bar 4.5 – 7 kgf/cm²) according to the length of nails and the hardness of workpiece.
The correct air pressure is the lowest pressure which will do the job. Using the Nailer at a higher than required air pressure unnecessarily over stresses the Nailer.

LOADING NAILS

• When loading nails into Nailer,
  1. disconnect air hose
  2. do not pull trigger and lock lever; and
  3. keep Nailer pointed downward.

NOTE
Use 5 or more connected nails.

1. 1. Disconnect air hose from Nailer.
   2. Lightly depress the stop lever.
   3. Pull out the magazine cover slowly.
2. 1. Place the nails against the magazine guide surface and insert the tips of the nails as far as they will go into the groove in the magazine.
   2. Feed the nails in the magazine into the blade guide with your fingers.
3. Push the back-end of the magazine cover forward and check that the nails do not protrude from the magazine guide surface before closing the magazine.

NOTE

• Load the nails with the tips facing toward the groove in the magazine.
• Do not load nails of different lengths.
• Nails between 15 mm and 35 mm long can be used in this Nailer without any adjustment, but whatever length they are, make sure that the tips of the nails are inserted as far as they will go into the groove in the magazine.

The Nailer is now ready to operate.

NAILER OPERATION

Read section titled "SAFETY"

• 
  Operators and others in work area must wear safety glasses with side shields which conforms to ANSI Z87.1 specifications.

• Never point tool at yourself or others in work area.
• Keep fingers away from trigger when not driving nails to avoid accidental firing.
• Choice of triggering method is important.
  Please read and understand "Methods of operation" found below.
• Never place your face, hands or feet near firing head when using.
• Do not drive nails on the top of other nails or with Nailer at too steep of an angle; nails can ricochet and hurt someone.
• In order to avoid double fire or unwanted ejection of a nail due to bouncing of the Nailer.
  1. release trigger quickly when performing trigger fire.
• Do not drive nails into thin boards or near corners and edges of workpiece. Nails can be driven through or away from workpiece and hit someone.
• Never drive nails from both sides of a wall at the same time. Nails can be driven into and through the wall and hit a person on the opposite side.
• Never use Nailer which is defective or operating abnormally.
• Do not use Nailer as hammer.
• Disconnect air hose from Nailer when:
  1. adjusting the nose;
  2. it is not in use;
  3. leaving work area;
  4. moving it to another location; and
  5. handing it to another person.

METHODS OF OPERATION

• After the lock lever has been pulled, nails can be driven simply by pulling the trigger. Do not touch the trigger or the lock lever other than when driving nails.
• Do not drive one nail on top of another.

NOTE
When using the Nailer in low temperatures, operation may be affected.

1. Using the trigger and lock lever
   In addition to the usual trigger, this Nailer is equipped with a lock lever that acts as a safety device. Nails are driven by pulling the lock lever and then pulling the trigger.
   
2. Driving nails
   
   1. Press the nail exit lightly against the position where you want to drive the nail.
   2. Pull the lock lever.
   3. Pull the trigger.

ADJUSTING THE NAILING DEPTH

• When adjusting the nose, be sure to remove your finger from the trigger and disconnect the air hose from the Nailer.

To assure that each nail penetrates to the same depth, be sure that:

1. the air pressure to the Nailer remains constant (regulator is installed and working properly), and
2. the Nailer is always held firmly against the workpiece.

If nails are driven too deep or shallow into the workpiece, adjust the nailing in the following order.

1. Disconnect air hose from Nailer.
   
2. To adjust the driven-in depth of a nail, loosen the screw that secures a nose.
   If the nail is driven in deeply, adjust the nose to "up", and if it's driven in shallowly, adjust the nose to "down".
   
3. Tighten the screw to fasten the nose when a suitable position is reached for a nailing test.
4. Connect the air hose.
   Always wear eye protector.
   Perform a nailing test.
5. Disconnect air hose from Nailer.
6. Choose a suitable position for the nose.

USING THE NOSE CAP

• When attaching or detaching the nose cap, be sure to remove your finger from the trigger and disconnect the air hose from the Nailer.

If you like to protect the surface of workpiece against scratches or markings made by the nose, attach the accessory nose cap to the nose.

1. Disconnect air hose from Nailer.
2. Put the nose cap to the toe of the push lever.
3. Attach the nose cap to the nose with the arrow mark on the cap facing toward the front.
4. When not using the nose cap, secure in the storage compartment located on the reverse side of the magazine.

NOTE
The nose cap may reduce nailing depth due to its thickness. Re-adjustment of nailing depth is required.

REMOVING THE NAILS

• Before removing the nails, be sure to remove your finger from the trigger and disconnect the air hose.

1. When 15 or more nails remain
   • Depress the stop lever and pull out the magazine cover.
   • Remove the nails from the magazine.
2. When fewer than 15 nails remain
   • Remove the nose using the 3 mm Allen wrench stored in the back-end of the magazine.
   • Remove the nails from the guide surface of the blade guide.
     (See section "MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION")

NOTE
When fewer than 15 nails remain, use caution as it is hard to see the remaining nails in the blade guide.

HANDLING THE NAILS

NOTE

• Handle the nails carefully
  If nails are dropped, the connection may break. Using nails in this condition may cause mis-feeding and jamming.
• Do not expose the nails to the outside air or to direct sunlight for long periods as this may lead to rusting or faulty connection of the nails. When not in use, keep the nails in the box.

MAINTENANCE

NOTE
The information contained in this manual is designed to assist you in the safe maintenance of the Nailer.
Some illustrations in this manual may show details or attachments that diff er from those on your own Nailer.

MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION

Read section titled "SAFETY".

• Disconnect air hose, remove your finger from the trigger and remove all nails from Nailer when:
  1. doing maintenance and inspection; and
  2. clearing a jam.

1. Clearing a jam
   Remove a jammed nail in the following order:
   
   1. Disconnect air hose.
   2. Remove all nails.
   3. Remove the nose with the Allen wrench stored in the rear of the magazine.
   4. Remove the jammed nail with a slotted head screwdriver.
   5. Install the nose.
   6. In case of frequent jam, contact a Hitachi authorized service center.
2. Storing
   • When not in use for an extended period, apply a thin coat of the lubricant to the steel parts to avoid rust.
   • Do not store the Nailer in a cold weather environment.
     Keep the Nailer in a warm area.
   • When not in use, the Nailer should be stored in a warm and dry place.
     Keep out of reach children.
3. Warning label
   
   Change the warning label if missing or damaged.
   A new warning label is available from a Hitachi authorized service center.
4. Maintenance chart
5. Operator troubleshooting
6. Service parts list

Repair, modification and inspection of Hitachi Power Tools must be carried out by a Hitachi Authorized Service Center.
This Parts List will be helpful if presented with the tool to the Hitachi Authorized Service Center when requesting repair or other maintenance.
In the operation and maintenance of power tools, the safety regulations and standards prescribed in each country must be observed.

MODIFICATIONS
Hitachi Power Tools are constantly being improved and modified to incorporate the latest technological advancements.
Accordingly, some parts may be changed without prior notice.

SERVICE AND REPAIRS

• Only service personnel trained by Hitachi, distributor or employer shall repair the Nailer.
• Use only parts supplied or recommended by Hitachi for repair.

All quality Nailers will eventually require servicing or replacement of parts because of wear from normal use.
NOTE
Specifications are subject to change without any obligation on the part of HITACHI.

Maintenance chart

Operator troubleshooting

Most minor problems can be resolved quickly and easily using the table below.
If problems persist, contact a Hitachi authorized service center for assistance.