Table of Contents
- 1 5 Best Coil Roofing Nailer
- 2 Why You Need a Roofing Nailer?
- 3 Which one do you need, Air-filled, Electronic, Or Rechargeable?
- 4 Best Roofing Nailer Buying Guide
- 5 More Things To Look for in A Pro Roofing Nailer
- 6 Roofing Nailer Installation Problems
- 7 Safety and Security Tips
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 9 Closing Note
Last Updated on December 2, 2024 by John Patterson
Finding the best roofing nailers is not as hard as you might have thought.
Nonetheless, it requires some prior knowledge of the tools, and reading some trusted reviews related to roofing nailers are some practical steps you would want to take before buying one.
When choosing the heavy-duty coil roofing nailer, you must consider the following.
- Lightweight
- Easy to use.
- Runs on a small air compressor.
- The size of the nails it accepts.
- Less prone to nail jamming, misfiring, and double firing.
- Easy reloading process and substantial magazine capacity.
- Convenient depth-adjustable feature.
- It Boasts side bumpers to prevent sliding, etc.
To simplify your life, I’ve shortlisted the five best roofing nailers and prepared this buying guide mentioning all the upsides and downsides of each heavy-duty nailer.
Without any further delay, let’s get the ball rolling.
5 Best Coil Roofing Nailer
| Name | Brand | Power Source | Magazine Capacity | Operating Pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOSTITCH RN46 | BOSTITCH | Air-powered (Pneumatic) | 120 nails | 70-120 (PSI) |
| Metabo HPT | Metabo HPT | Air-powered (Pneumatic) | 120 nails | 70-120 (PSI) |
| MAX SuperRoofer CN445R3 | MAX USA CORP | Air-powered | 120 nails | 70-120 (PSI) |
| WEN 61783 | WEN | Air-powered (Pneumatic) | 120 nails | 70-120 (PSI) |
| MILWAUKEE Coil Roofing Nailer | MILWAUKEE | Electric | 120 nails | 70-120 (PSI) |
#1. BOSTITCH RN46-1 Reviews
-
- Lightweight (4.9 lbs), easy to use, and works relatively fast.
- It supports any brand of roofing nails.
- Convenient handle offering a comfortable grip.
- The trigger lock system prevents blank firing or firing when only three or four rounds are left.
- The loading procedure is relatively straightforward and offers a single-action reloading process.
- An adjustable shuttle helps to adjust the size during loading depending on the nail size.
- Going deeper or shallower is simple, using the twist knob that lets you operate efficiently even when wearing gloves.
- Very little kickback and vibration after the shooting.
- The dual bumper on both the top and bottom prevents it from sliding on the roof.
- It doesn’t need too much air, and oiling this roofing nailer is a breeze.
- This heavy-duty roofing nailer can run all day long without any significant issues.
- It’s relatively easy on the wallet.
- The company offers a substantial service warranty duration.
- The bottom rail where the measure is would have been made of metal to ensure more durability.
- No case is available.
BOSTITCH RN46-1 accepts ¾” to 1-¾” coil roof nails.
One of the coolest benefits of using this good roofing nailer is it’s pretty easy to use for all sorts of users.
When it’s about using a Bostitch roofing nailer, another core benefit anyone wants to have from the unit is its ability to run all day long without causing any significant issues. This roofing nail gun gives that benefit, and I consider it the best roofing nailer out of so many other options.
The loading process on the roofing nailer is pretty straightforward, as you can open up the entire chamber and load the nails all at once. Some other tools require dealing with double doors, which makes them a bit more complicated to handle than this RN46-1 high-capacity roofing nailer.
Any small air compressor (BOSTITCH pancake air compressor) with a small air hose will do the job to efficiently run this roofing nail gun as the operating air pressure is only 70-120 PSI.
Verdict
BOSTITCH is undoubtedly the best brand in making different hand tools, including this RN46-1 roofing nailer.
Considering the features and benefits this Bostitch rn46 roofing nailer offers, it’s worth buying this best one, whether you are a DIYer or a professional.
#2. Metabo HPT (NV45AB2) Roofing Nailer Review
-
- Reasonably lightweight (5.5 lbs) and straightforward to use.
- Any small air compressor and air hose are enough to power up this tool.
- Comfortable rubber grip suitable for all hand sizes.
- Switching between these modes is a breeze and features sequential and bump fire.
- The magazine can hold many nails, offering an easy sideloading process.
- Toolless depth setting mechanism.
- A part of the magazine is always visible, helping to see the number of leftover nails pretty easily.
- The side bumpers prevent it from sliding on the roof.
- Two carbide pieces are there at the bottom of the tip to prevent asphalt from wearing during the operation.
- It runs relatively quietly.
- It offers quite an acceptable price.
- No carrying case.
- The company should increase its service warranty duration.
- You can’t adjust the air deflector (it’s not vital for roofing, though).
Metabo HPT (NV45AB2) accepts ⅞” to 1-¾” coil roof nails. The recommended air pressure for this roofing nail gun is between 70 PSI to 120 PSI.
This roofing nailer is equally suitable for all sorts of users, and the price makes it reasonable to buy both for regular and irregular uses.
You can buy the whole package of roofing nailers, nails, and air hoses here, spending a little extra.
Although it doesn’t offer a single-action reloading process like the BOSTITCH roofing nailer, the double-action reloading process is not hectic either.
Verdict
It’s not as lightweight as the BOSTITCH RN46-1, but you can’t tell it’s a heavy tool.
Along with the proper weight, this pneumatic tool boasts everything required to consider it a cost-effective, easy-to-use, handy, durable roofing nailer.
Despite minor hiccups, I still believe this roofing nailer deserves a try.
#3. MAX Superroofer CN445R3 Roofing Nailer Review
-
- Less prone to nail jamming as the magnet holds the last nail.
- It’s reasonably lightweight, compact, and easy to operate.
- Applicable to all sorts of users.
- The handle is relatively long and offers a comfortable grip.
- A toolless dial adjustable depth control mechanism makes adjusting the depth at any point during the operation effortless.
- The tar-resistant nose design helps to prevent tar building efficiently.
- It boasts a maintenance-free end cap filter that frees the tool from foreign substances.
- Easy to handle the dial depth adjustment mechanism.
- The carbide inserts at the bottom of the tip/contact foot protect both asphalt shingles and the tool.
- Two side bumpers prevent it from sliding on the roof.
- Easy reloading process.
- The price is competitive.
- No carrying case.
- Although this roofing nail gun prevents jam more than any other roofing nailer, it’s not 100% jam-free like other best roofing nailers.
This same roofing nail gun accepts ¾” to 1-¾” nails, and using a pancake air compressor will get the job done to run this tool smoothly. The recommended air pressure is between 70 PSI to 120 PSI.
Preventing nail jamming is one of the best benefits of using this tool, and it has implemented a separate mechanism to ensure that. There is a magnet in the nose that holds the last nail.
Besides preventing nail jamming, this tool contains tar building, boasting its patented tar-resistance nose design. Less tar buildup results in less downtime, which I believe anyone expects from the best roofing nailer.
The end cap filter also does its job of blocking foreign substances entering the tool. When you disconnect the air hose, the system automatically sends the sand and dirt. This feature certainly increases durability.
The reloading process is easy; however, it’s a double-action process.
Verdict
This Max superroofer CN445R3 coil roofing tool offers many necessary features at an affordable price.
In a nutshell, if you are finding an all-rounder roofing nail gun for roofing, give this tool a go.
Whether you want to use it occasionally or regularly, you can’t go wrong with this roofing nail gun.
#4. WEN 61783 Roofing Nailer Review
-
- Less prone to nail jamming.
- It works fairly fast.
- Easy to handle and operate.
- The handle is relatively grippy and fits all hand sizes.
- Good enough magazine capacity.
- Adjustable depth control and shingle guide help to deal effortlessly with shingles of any size.
- Bumpers on both sides prevent it from sliding.
- Clearing the jam is a simple sailing job because of the quick-release compartment.
- It comes with a carrying case and some other handy accessories.
- The price is quite low.
- It could have been a bit lighter.
- This roofing nail gun fires double nails occasionally.
- A bit lacks in penetrating the surface too hard.
- Not an ideal tool for a professional.
WEN 61783 accepts ¾” to 1-¾” nails, and like other nail guns, this particular tool also runs on any small air compressor. The recommended air pressure is 70 PSI to 120 PSI.
The magazine capacity (120 nails) keeps you free from repeated reloading.
Most roofing nail gun users expect a carrying case with the tool. Unfortunately, most of the top brands don’t offer one. The good thing about this tool is it comes with a quality carrying case. Along with the carrying case, it also includes oil, hex wrenches, and safety goggles.
Pro Tip: It’s better if you oil the roofing nail gun every day before using it.
Verdict
Yes, the price is relatively low compared to other models on my list, but the performance is not bad. It’s a dependable unit; regular maintenance should make this roofing nail gun long-lasting.
Considering the price and the performance, it’s one of the best deals for a DIYer.
If you are a professional, I don’t recommend this model. You better go for other options like the BOSTITCH, METABO, or MAX super roofer.
#5. Milwaukee Roofing Nailer Review
-
- Easy and comfortable grip handle.
- Virtually jam-free.
- Lightweight
- The easy depth adjustment system and the shingle guide make it easy to deal with various sizes.
- Switching between the single shot and rapid-fire is a breeze using a trigger.
- The side and front bumpers prevent it from sliding down from the roof.
- I must admire the overall construction and appearance of this tool.
- Suitable for both DIYers and professionals.
- This roofing nail gun comes with a carrying bag and other useful accessories.
- It offers a competitive price.
- It doesn’t come with a rafter hook.
- Double action reloading process (it’s not a significant issue, though).
- It can’t shoot harder nails.
- It’s comparatively heavier than other models on my list.
Milwaukee roofing nailer accepts ¾” to 1-¾” galvanized nails. The recommended minimum air pressure is 70 PSI; any small air compressor is sufficient to run this tool.
Although it weighs more than the other best roofing nailers I’ve reviewed here, it’s still relatively lightweight to handle.
Like other quality roofing nail guns, this one is also usable right out of the box and gives the necessary benefits like less jamming, less misfiring, etc.
It features one extra bumper on the front to prevent sliding.
This tool has a nylon carrying bag, oil, Alan wrenches, and a user manual.
Verdict
Milwaukee never disappoints its users regarding price vs. performance. This particular coil roofing nail gun is no exception. It does what it is supposed to do pretty well and doesn’t break anyone’s bank.
DIYers and professionals will find this roofing nailer a handy, andy tool for roofing.
Why You Need a Roofing Nailer?
You are considering making a new roof for your sweet home, but you are confused. Should you use hand nailing or a roofing nailer? Which one is suitable?
If you nailed roofs improperly, your roof is more susceptible to leaks and damage from rain and storms.
Perfect nail placement on the roof shingles is limited to a tiny area.
If you drive the nail outside the area, there is a high possibility of impairing that roof and voiding the manufacturer’s warranty.
The hand roofing method ensures you have a lot of time and energy.
Also, ensure that the nails are placed with the correct depth.
The benefits of using a roofing nail gun are that you need minimal time and less effort to build your perfect roof.
You can be tired, but your roofing nail gun will never be.
Imagine that it’s sweltering weather, the temperature is almost 100 degrees on the roof, and you are not using a roofing nail gun.
It’s a nightmare. That’s why you need the best one.
Which one do you need, Air-filled, Electronic, Or Rechargeable?
Though a significant number of expert roofing workers would never use anything but a pneumatic roofing nailer.
Having to heed a loud air compressor all day long while pulling through an air hose is something you might not like.
Pneumatic roofing nailers do have the benefit of being attuned to push nails.
They are hard to use in nearby lodgings like the zones near smokestacks or under attics.
An electrical roofing nail gun is much more silent than the air-filled one.
But will yet need a much-extended allowance string that could cause somebody to trip.
While an electric roofing nailer typically has its adaptable complexity reader and a director to take care of the nails pushed straight, it will weigh further than a pneumatic roofing nailer since it has its power supply.
In conclusion, the rechargeable surface roofing nailer will go with the power and presentation of an electrical one; its practicality will be imperfect by the length of time it stays charged.
You could buy additional batteries for your rechargeable roofing nail gun power-driven on significant works.
Best Roofing Nailer Buying Guide
As you have already read, our review with unique features and benefits.
Now it’s time to purchase the best for your projects.
Before buying the best roofing nailer, let’s see some key points you should remember.
# 1. Balance and Weight:
It would help if you worked for a long time with your roofing nail gun, so the best roofing nailers should have these characteristics:
- An easily handle weight which is not more than 5.5 lbs
- A well-balanced rubber handles
Our research found that most of our recommended five best roofing nailers have comfortable and well-controlled handles, and we didn’t face any difficulties.
#2.Nailing Speed
Nailing speed is a significant factor to look at before buying the best.
You will purchase a roofing nail gun for your project for a specific job.
You will be frustrated if you need to cover a more significant area, but your tool is not fit for that.
It will be better for you if the roofing nailer has a minimum fire rate of one nail per second.
#3. Nail Size
It would help if you chose a roofing nailer that can accommodate various nail sizes.
We think the best tool will be hosting 3/4″ – 1-3/4″ and should be multipurpose enough for almost all types of roofing works.
More Things To Look for in A Pro Roofing Nailer
Heaviness
The weighting is the toughest fragment. Speak to Professionals, and they will tell you that heaviness is essential deliberation when picking a slating roofing nailer.
Safeguarding gravels and siding is an all-day or numerous-day work.
If the device is weighty, the practice is cruel.
Solid and Comfortable Grip
It’s not only the apparatus mass, but the user also wants to hold up and grip solid materials in place for pinning, enhancing the job’s tiredness.
A roofing nailer (coil) has an excellent fastener ability than others, but that’s a dual-edged blade.
Work doesn’t need to break to load again firmly as frequently as with a twig or inclosing roofing nailer, but that denotes the nailer would be weightier, precisely at the start of the coil.
So, the roofing nailer itself requires being as weightless as conceivable.
The roofing nailer is tolerably light and pushes nails with little (if any) gridlocks, so the other aspects are minor.
However, those characters can make the task stress-free or a shortage of them firmer, so let’s have a peek.
Furthermore, being weightless, a roofing nailer must be well-equalized from the head through the hand grip.
Having an apparatus in hand all day needs a comfortable grip.
There are various reasonable over-mold grips, but we are confident fans of Ridgid’s Hex Clasp.
This trait the roofing nailer from firing when it doesn’t have a pin to push.
Many makers take in this feature since it dodges unnecessary wear and callbacks if, for some reason, the user didn’t realize he wasn’t driving nails.
Trigger, Depth of Drive, and Mode
All roofing nailers have a solo action mode where one nail is pushed for every trigger tug, but they probably also take a bump-fire method that lets a pin be driven every time the roofing nailer’s nose is blue as far as the trigger stays dragged.
Bump fire could make an effort much quicker, but a minor hazard lurks in the amplified rapidity.
If the roofing nail gun starts and then fires, it’s conceivable to shoot a pin through the air as an alternative to stability.
Roofing nail guns put up a variety of pin lengths, and the pin bag/journal would move effortlessly up and down.
A roofer would push 100 pins per day with a roofing nail gun.
The dull strength of the trigger drag can tote up to weariness and agony over time.
This is remarkably accurate in solo action-nailing fashion.
The trigger drag strength must be light.
For a bump shoot, you’re grasping the trigger downhill, so an elevated spring pressure will also function in opposition to you.
The roofing nail gun must rarely jam when it is accurately preserved.
When it does, the gridlock release handle must open effortlessly to move away from the congestion and get back to the job.
Tool-free possibilities are absolutely the system to go.
Various nail guns have a regulating deplete vent that rebounds the torrent of air that goes with a drive.
Or else the tedious burst might be infuriating to the user.
The lion’s share of roofing nail guns are pneumatic, but one or two have lithium-ion batteries with gas containers for freestyle/hoseless action.
The trade-off for a battery-operated process is often a weightier roofing nail gun and a little more costly.
Roofing Nailer Installation Problems
You would have to hunt long and firm to find a roofing business that still customs hand mallets to fit their roofing nails.
The roofer nowadays is almost particular to use a pneumatic roofing nailer powered involved to an air hose and motorized by an air compressor to push the roofing spikes into your roofing substantially.
The rapidity of this technique will save you significantly in employment costs.
But there’s a compromise since using a pneumatic roofing nail gun can denote that the roofing pins are not all pushed with a similar amount of strength.
The difficulty with this is that you may wind up with broken shingles and a holey roof, which doesn’t happen when roofing nails are beaten in by hand, with the complete courtesy of the roofer.
Roofing pins wrongly held are an open offer to future reparation work.
If you can grasp any roofing pins working slack with a roof review, you must directly tug them out and swap them.
You must also crisscross to regulate if the roofing nails are swelling.
Safety and Security Tips
Know what you are dealing with.
Learn the roofing nailer and configuration you will use.
It could save your life.
Apprentice is much more likely to get injured.
Untrained apprentices are nearly three times more likely to be injured.
Most nail gun injuries are to the fingers or hand.
The accidental or unintended firing of nail guns with contact triggers is the most common cause of injury.
Accidental firing can also occur if the user has a finger on the contact trigger and the nose piece touches a co-worker or the user’s body.
Nailers with sequential triggers are twice as safe as those with contact triggers.
A roofing nailer can fire a nail at a speed of 1500 ft./second. Every year there are approximately 42,000 nail gun injuries reported in the USA. Approximately $338, 000,000 spent on emergency room care, rehab, and worker’s camp.
As a result of those injuries when handling a roofing nailer, you must never attempt to operate a tool until you understand all safety precautions.
- Assume the device is empty; never engage in “horseplay.”
- Never carry the tool with your finger on/or squeeze the trigger.
- Never operate a malfunctioning tool.
- Never attempt to load fasteners with trigger and work contact depressed.
- It would help if you never operated the tool with the “work contact” removed or disabled.
- Never drive a nail into knots or on top of other fasteners.
- Never attempt a nail something that is beyond your reach.
- If you are shot with a fastener, never attempt to pull it out yourself.
- When handling a roofing nail gun, you should always wear eye and ear protection.
- Always know your target and what is beyond.
- Always point “business” to end away from you and others.
- Always disconnect the air source before you serve it or clear a nail jam.
- Always keep your roofing nail gun clean and maintained.
- A well-maintained roofing nail gun is a safer nail gun.
- Many fasteners are available in the market; always select the fastener designed to fire through your tool.
- Always maintain proper footing.
- Please remember and put into practice all of these valuable safety tips every time you work with a roofing nailer, and please be safe for yourself and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
#1. What are the differences between roofing nailer vs siding nailer?
Answer: Regarding weight, roofing nailers weigh more than the siding nailer. In terms of application, these tools are not interchangeable; the siding nailer is for siding jobs, and the roofing nailer is for roofing jobs.
Roofing nailers can shoot coil nails, but siding nailers can’t.
Siding nailers require several refills for long use. On the other hand, roofing nailers don’t require frequent refills.
#2. What type of nail gun do I need for roofing?
Answer: A roofing nailer is the best choice to do the roofing efficiently.
Roofing nailers are made to run efficiently for a long time, don’t require frequent reloading, feature bumpers for preventing sliding on the roof, need a small air compressor to run, and accept coil nails. All these are essential when roofing.
#3. Can you use a framing nail gun for roofing?
Answer: Yes, if the nail size is small, then a framing nail gun can be used for roofing. Utilizing a roofing nailer is the best solution to get the best result and maximum comfort during the roofing process.
#4. Can you use a staple gun for roofing?
Answer: Yes, you can use a staple gun for roofing, as both nails and staples are suitable for roofing. However, using a staple gun for high-wind areas is not recommended. Moreover, some shingle manufacturers don’t recommend using staples for their shingles.
#5. What is the best air compressor for roofing nailers?
Answer: Almost every roofing nailer requires small air compressors to run the tool, and the recommended air pressure ranges between 70 PSI to 120 PSI in most cases.
That’s why a pancake air compressor is good enough to serve the purpose well. I believe the BOSTITCH pancake air compressor is the best for roofing nailers.
Closing Note
You are unaware of the facts you must consider before spending your hard-earned money to buy a coil roofing nailer.
If you are finding the best roofing nailer that maintains a nice balance between price and performance, BOSTITCH RN46-1 is undoubtedly the best bet.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget solution for occasional use, go for WEN 61783.
