The Metabo HPT NT50AE2M is a side-loading nailer, so you load brads through its magazine rather than feeding them from the top. Its magazine holds 18-gauge brad nails from 5/8 to 2 inches long, with room for up to 100 nails. [1]
Before loading, you’ll want to choose brads that fit the magazine and prepare the tool safely. This guide covers compatible nail sizes, safe preparation, how to place the strip in the side-loading magazine, and a final check before you use the nailer. For example, if you’re switching to a different brad length, confirm that it falls within the stated range before loading; don’t force a strip that does not fit.
The final check matters because a correctly seated strip helps you spot a loading problem before starting work. Follow the tool’s instructions for safe preparation and operation, and check that the brads feed as expected before fastening a workpiece.
Which brad nails fit, and what should you check first?
Choose 18-gauge brad nails between 5/8 inch and 2 inches long for the Metabo HPT NT50AE2M. [2][1] The magazine holds up to 100 nails, so you can match the amount you load to the job. [1] For more detail, see . Metabo HPT NT50AE2M vs Senco FinishPro 30XP: Which to Choose?.
Check the nail size
Use brad nails within the specified length range: 5/8 inch at the short end and 2 inches at the long end. [2][1] For example, a 1-inch brad falls within that range; a nail shorter than 5/8 inch or longer than 2 inches does not. [2][1]
The product information identifies the tool as an 18-gauge brad nailer. [2] Check the packaging or nail label for the gauge and length before loading, rather than assuming a nail fits because it looks similar to another brad. If you have a mixed box, set aside nails that are outside the stated range.
Disconnect the air supply first
Before opening the magazine, make sure you have the right nails on hand and a clear place to set any unused strips. For example, if you are preparing for trim work, separate the brads by length first so you do not have to sort them while handling the tool. Follow the manual’s instructions for the magazine and any other model-specific precautions.
Plan for the magazine capacity
The side-loading magazine holds up to 100 nails. [1] You do not need to fill it to capacity for every task: load only the amount you expect to use, while keeping the nails within the specified length range. [2][1]
For a short repair, a partial load may be more convenient; for a larger run of trim, the 100-nail capacity can mean fewer reloads. [1] Treat capacity as a maximum, not as a requirement. If you are unsure how to position or secure the nail strip, pause and use the model’s manual rather than guessing.
How do you load the magazine?
Load the Metabo HPT NT50AE2M with a compatible strip of brad nails, then latch the magazine securely before reconnecting the air hose. The magazine is side-loading and holds up to 100 nails in lengths from 5/8 to 2 inches. [1]
Disconnect the air hose. Keep the nailer pointed away from yourself and anyone nearby while you handle the magazine. Don’t begin loading while the tool is connected to air.
Open the side-loading magazine. Use the magazine release as shown in the tool manual. If you’re unsure how the release moves, check the manual rather than forcing the magazine.
Insert a compatible strip of brad nails. Follow the direction marked on the tool or shown in the manual so the strip sits properly in the magazine. For example, if your project calls for shorter brads, choose a compatible strip within the nailer’s stated length range; don’t assume every strip will fit just because it is labeled as a brad nail. [1]
Close and latch the magazine. Check that it is fully closed and secure before reconnecting the air hose. If it does not latch, reopen it and check that the nail strip is seated in the direction indicated by the tool or manual.
Check the magazine before reconnecting air
The NT50AE2M magazine holds up to 100 nails, with supported lengths from 5/8 to 2 inches. [1] That capacity can help you plan a trim or cabinet task, but you don’t need to fill the magazine completely; load the amount you need and confirm the strip is seated before closing it.
The review also describes a yellow indicator in the magazine window. [1] Use the tool’s markings and manual to guide loading; don’t treat the indicator as a substitute for confirming that the magazine is latched.
If the nails appear misaligned or the magazine will not close, stop and check the nail orientation and fit against the manual before reconnecting air. Once the magazine is secure, reconnect the hose and follow the tool manual for operation. The steps above cover loading only; they do not replace the manual’s directions for setup or safe use.
How can you tell the magazine is ready?
Check the NT50AE2M’s magazine window and yellow indicator before reconnecting the air supply; they help you check the nail supply, but the indicator’s exact meaning is not described in the available source. [1]
The magazine is side-loading and holds nails from 5/8 inch to 2 inches long. [1] Look through the window and check that the yellow indicator is visible, then confirm the nail strip sits as directed in the magazine rather than assuming the indicator alone proves everything is loaded correctly. [1]
If the magazine will not close or the strip does not sit properly, stop and remove the strip. Reposition it and reload instead of forcing the magazine shut; forcing it can leave you with a setup that is not ready to use.
Check before testing
Before you reconnect the air supply, make sure the magazine closes and the nails remain seated as directed. If either check fails, unload and try again rather than testing with a misseated strip.
Once the magazine is closed and the strip is seated, reattach the air supply and test the nailer on scrap wood using the tool’s operating instructions. For example, if you have just reloaded before fitting trim, fire a test nail into an offcut first and check the result before moving to the finished piece.
Keep that test focused on confirming the nailer is operating as its instructions describe. If the test does not go as expected, stop and consult the operating instructions before continuing; do not treat a visible yellow indicator as a substitute for checking the magazine and the test result.
What loading mistakes should you avoid?
The main loading mistakes to avoid are using the wrong brad size, overfilling the magazine, and handling the nailer while it is still connected to air. The NT50AE2M is specified for 18-gauge brads from 5/8 inch to 2 inches, and its magazine holds up to 100 nails. [2][1] Those limits help you choose a compatible strip and avoid trying to force extra nails into the magazine.
Check the brad size before loading
Use only 18-gauge brads between 5/8 inch and 2 inches long. [2][1] For example, if your project calls for 2 1/4-inch brads, do not try to load them just because they look close to the specified maximum. Choose brads within the stated range instead.
Check the length on the fastener packaging before opening the magazine. If you have several strips on the bench, keep the compatible 18-gauge brads separate from other sizes so you do not accidentally load the wrong ones. The available product information specifies the gauge and length range, but does not list a compatible brad angle; check the nailer’s instructions or the fastener packaging for that detail rather than guessing.
Stop at the magazine’s capacity
The side-loading magazine holds up to 100 nails. [1] Do not add another strip when the magazine is already full, even if the extra nails seem to fit. For example, if you have counted 100 brads in the magazine, remove some before adding more.
A yellow indicator in the magazine window can help you see the remaining nails. [1] Use it as a quick visual check, but do not treat an unclear view as proof that the magazine has space. If you are unsure how many brads are loaded, inspect the magazine before adding another strip.
Disconnect air before loading or clearing
Do not load or clear the nailer while it remains connected to air. Disconnect the air supply before opening the magazine, adding brads, or removing a jam. This keeps loading and clearing separate from operation; reconnect only when you have finished handling the fasteners and are ready to use the tool.
A practical check is to pause before loading: confirm the air line is disconnected, verify the brads are 18 gauge and within the specified length range, then make sure the magazine is not over capacity. If a brad is stuck, do not reach into the magazine with the air still connected. Disconnect first, then follow the nailer’s instructions for clearing it.
A quick check before you work
Before you work, disconnect the air supply, load compatible brads into the side magazine, latch it, and check the indicator. The NT50AE2M’s side-loading magazine holds 100 nails from 5/8 to 2 inches long, and a yellow indicator appears in the magazine window. [1]
Use that quick check before each job: for example, after loading brads for trim, make sure the magazine is latched and look through its window before reconnecting air. The source confirms the magazine’s capacity, nail-length range, and yellow indicator, but it does not explain the release mechanism or which way the brads should face. [1]
For those tool-specific details, consult the NT50AE2M manual before loading. Follow its instructions for releasing the magazine and orienting the brads, then confirm the magazine is closed and the indicator is visible before you begin.