Striker Nardiello, on-loan from Blackpool, was dismissed early in the second half for an over-the-top challenge on keeper Alex Smithies.
At that stage Pools were level and had every chance of pushing for a rare away win.
But reduced to ten men, Hartlepool were forced to defend for their lives and Huddersfield should have run out comfortable winners.
That they didn't was down to careless finishing, a couple of decent saves and rank bad luck.
Hartlepool, without an away win in three months, went behind in the ninth minute when Andy Holdsworth's cross was deflected past his own keeper by Michael Nelson.
Huddersfield, with wingers Lionel Ainsworth and Anthony Pilkington on fire, failed to break open Pools again and home keeper Smithies pulled off a superb one-handed stop from Nardiello.
Nardiello also prodded wide just after and it was no surprise when the visitors levelled.
Again it was Nardiello doing the damage when he set up Ritchie Jones who wrong-footed Smithies for a 37th-minute equaliser.
Nardiello received a straight red just after the restart, leaving Smithies needing treatment for several minutes.
Huddersfield then took control and Nathan Clarke flashed a header just wide and Michael Collins was denied by Aaron Lee-Barrett's diving save.
There were four heart-stopping minutes of added time and Huddersfield had three great chances to win it.
Keigan Parker's lob dropped wide, Andy Butler's missed the target and Ainsworth blasted over as Hartlepool held out for a point.