5 Best Roofing Nailer (2024 Update): Our Top Picks

Table of Contents

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Last Updated on March 15, 2024 by Mamunur Rashid

That said, when it’s about selecting the top-rated/ranked/fastest/selling roofing nailer out of several options, it is undoubtedly challenging to conclude.

What’s the workaround, then?

Will it be wise to buy every item individually and test them out?

Well, not really.

To help you out in this ambiguous situation, I’ve prepared this best roofing nailers buying guide that surely will help you to make any conclusive buying decision.

Hold on to your hats because I will show some of the most popular roofing coil nailers mentioning their ups and downsides. Also, some other unique features may help you understand the particular product easily.

Let’s begin.

NameBrandPower SourceMagazine CapacityOperating Pressure
Metabo HPTMetabo HPTAir-powered (Pneumatic)120 nails70-120 (PSI)
BOSTITCH RN46BOSTITCH Air-powered (Pneumatic)120 nails70-120 (PSI)
MAX SuperRoofer CN445R3MAX USA CORPAir-powered120 nails70-120 (PSI)
Senco Roof Pro 455XPSencoAir-powered (Pneumatic)120 nails70-120 (PSI)
WEN 61783 WENAir-powered (Pneumatic)120 nails70-120 (PSI)
Preview
Best Overall
Metabo HPT Roofing Nailer | Pro Preferred Brand of Pneumatic Nailers |...
Best Value
BOSTITCH Coil Roofing Nailer, 1-3/4-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch (RN46)
Honorable Mention
MAX USA CORP SuperRoofer CN445R3 Roofing Coil Nailer up to 1-3/4"
Pro Roofing Nailer
Senco Roof Pro 455XP Nailer With Sequential Actuation Trigger 3D0101N
Best Budget
WEN 61783 3/4-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer
Title
Metabo HPT Roofing Nailer | Pro Preferred Brand of Pneumatic Nailers |...
BOSTITCH Coil Roofing Nailer, 1-3/4-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch (RN46)
MAX USA CORP SuperRoofer CN445R3 Roofing Coil Nailer up to 1-3/4"
Senco Roof Pro 455XP Nailer With Sequential Actuation Trigger 3D0101N
WEN 61783 3/4-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer
Editor's Rating:
5/5
5/5
4.6/5
4.4/5
4.3/5
Prime Status
-
-
-
Best Overall
Preview
Metabo HPT Roofing Nailer | Pro Preferred Brand of Pneumatic Nailers |...
Title
Metabo HPT Roofing Nailer | Pro Preferred Brand of Pneumatic Nailers |...
Editor's Rating:
5/5
Prime Status
Details
-
Full Review
Best Value
Preview
BOSTITCH Coil Roofing Nailer, 1-3/4-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch (RN46)
Title
BOSTITCH Coil Roofing Nailer, 1-3/4-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch (RN46)
Editor's Rating:
5/5
Prime Status
Full Review
Honorable Mention
Preview
MAX USA CORP SuperRoofer CN445R3 Roofing Coil Nailer up to 1-3/4"
Title
MAX USA CORP SuperRoofer CN445R3 Roofing Coil Nailer up to 1-3/4"
Editor's Rating:
4.6/5
Prime Status
-
Full Review
Pro Roofing Nailer
Preview
Senco Roof Pro 455XP Nailer With Sequential Actuation Trigger 3D0101N
Title
Senco Roof Pro 455XP Nailer With Sequential Actuation Trigger 3D0101N
Editor's Rating:
4.4/5
Prime Status
-
Details
-
Full Review
Best Budget
Preview
WEN 61783 3/4-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer
Title
WEN 61783 3/4-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer
Editor's Rating:
4.3/5
Prime Status
-
Details
-
Full Review

Best Roofing Nailers for you 

Best Roofing Nailer Reviews

#1. Metabo HPT Roofing Nailer:  NV45AB2  (Top Pick)

Metabo HPT Roofing Nailer | Pro Preferred Brand of Pneumatic Nailers |...
  • APPLICATIONS: Ideal for installation of asphalt...
  • EASY FASTENER INSTALLATION: Side loading magazine,...
  • LIGHTWEIGHT: At only 5.5 Lb., the NV45AB2 is...
  • SPEED: Quick driving system, for maximum...
  • DEPTH ADJUSTMENT: Tool-less depth of drive...

This Metabo top roofing nailer (Hitachi nv45ab2) is a widely held model used by specialists in several structure work fields.

Frequently because of its flexibility and comfort of use. It is a side-loaded nail gun that makes refills very laidback.

But it doesn’t break there.

The depth of drive control could be tuned with a scrolling handle behind the trigger.

An accessible feature is mainly if many folks use a similar roofing nail gun to nail dissimilar materials.

Specifications
  • Fastener Diameter Range: 0.120
  • Magazine Capacity: 120 List item
  • Magazine Loading: Side
  • Air Inlet: 3/8 inches
  • Operating Pressure: 70-120 PSI
  • Jam Clearing: Open-nose
  • Depth Setting: Tool-Less
  • Actuation: Contact, Sequential Optional
  • Tool Weight: 5.5 lbs
  • Fastener Type: Coil, Wire Collation
  • Magazine Angle: 16-Degrees
  • Fastener Length Capacity: 7/8-1-3/4 inches
  • Depth Control: Tool Free
  • Jam Clearing: Tool Free

What We Liked
  • Not too heavy and easy to maneuver.
  • A well-balanced tool.
  • Powerful and long-lasting.
  • Substantially quiet gun.
  • Works well during the winter too.
  • Rarely misfires, jams, or recoils.
  • Convenient rubber gripping.
  • You can adjust the nail depth by turning the depth gauge.
  • A newbie-friendly roofing nailer.
  • High-capacity side load magazine with easy loading and reloading process.
  • Carbide inserts on the nose ensure smooth performance during the operation.
  • Fast shooting.

What We Didn't Like
  • It could have been a tad lighter, like the BOSTITCH 46-1.
  • Adjusting the depth gauge while wearing the gloves is a little troublesome. Being said that it’s not a big deal either.
  • A little pricey.
  • Can’t ship internationally

Features and Benefits 

Multiple Firing Support
You have the option to alternate between sequential fire and continuous fire.

Meaning you can start by pulling the trigger and touching the wood.

Or you can touch wood first and then pull the trigger.

Higher Capacity Magazine
You can load 120 coiled wire collated nails at once. Mean you don’t have to reload the magazine frequently.

Smooth and Tight Feed
This recommended pneumatic roofing nailer offers side-loading magazines and a double-action reloading system.

The single-action reloading system is better and more convenient than a double-action.

Being said that, this double-action system provides smoother and tighter feeding than the single-action reloading system.

Rubber Bumpers
This particular Metabo NV45AB2 roofing nailer (Hitachi NV45AB2) offers dual rubber bumpers on both sides on top. This prevents sliding down while working on the roof. Hence minimizes the damage and enhances longevity.

Verdict
Even though this particular coil roofing nail gun from Metabo is a bit expensive, I vote for this one if the quality is your primary concern.

#2. Bostitch Roofing Nailer: RN46-1 (Top Value)

Sale
BOSTITCH Coil Roofing Nailer, 1-3/4-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch (RN46)
  • The sliding nail gun has lightweight aluminum...
  • Zero nail lockout feature of the siding nailer...
  • Nosepiece of the coil siding nailer features...
  • Aggressive wear guards and skid pads protect the...
  • Quick-set adjustable depth guide sets nails to...

Top Value:  The Bostitch roofing nailer RN46-1 is a hard-wearing coil roofing nail gun with accurate and handy descriptions.

This makes it proper for all styles of air compressors, and you do not have to preserve the mightiest entity to use this one spot-on out of the box.

That’s why our research team selected this tool as the top-rated and fastest roofing nailer on the market in 2024. 

You can certainly change the shooting form from bump to chronological with the drive of a switch.

It should arrange for an equitably decent exactness for even varnish work.

The carbide enclosure nose is very long-lasting and should last a lengthy time.

Specifications
  • Power Type: Air/Pneumatic
  • Dry Fire Lockout: Available
  • Firing / Actuation Mode: Sequential with Contact Trigger Included
  • Magazine Angle: 15 Degree
  • Operating Pressure: 70 -120 PSI
  • Tool Height: 10.625 inches
  • Tool Length: 10.5 inches
  • Tool Weight: 4.9 lbs
  • Tool Width: 4.625 inches
  • Collation Type: Wire
  • Depth Control: Tool Free
  • Product Dimensions: 12.40 x 11.20 x 5.20 Inches

What We Liked
  • Lightweight but powerful.
  • Easy to grip and control.
  • Not a lot of kickback or vibration.
  • Shoots fast.
  • Simple and easy to operate.
  • Flat nose. This allows you to set the gun conveniently against the shingles.
  • Open the chamber, so you can easily see if you run out of nails.
  • Trigger lockout feature.
  • Single action reloading.
  • Adjustable shingle guide that allows managing the shingle spacing quickly.
  • You can set the depth using an easy-to-use dial.
  • It doesn’t use much air.
  • Easy to oil.
  • Worth the price.

What We Didn't Like
  • Expensive to repair.
  • A little noisy. This is, of course, common to any other nailer as well.
  • More graduation on the gauge would have been a big plus.

Features, Benefits, Downsides 

Zero Nail Lockout /Trigger Lockout Feature
This feature eliminates dry firing and lets you know when to reload the magazine.

It means it won’t allow you to pull the trigger if you don’t have rounds or are down to 3-4 rounds in the gun.

Single Action Reloading
You can open up the entire chamber and load it without having double doors.

It’s as easy as pie.

Just open the chamber, load it with nails, and flip the one-piece door. You are done.

Quick and Easy Adjustable Depth Setting Dial
You can set the desired nail depth conveniently and easily using the dial that you can twist to operate instead of moving it up and down.

So, you won’t find any issue while operating it wearing gloves.

It allows you to set the for six different measurements.

Dual Rubber Bumpers and Aggressive Wear Guards
BOSTITCH rn46 pneumatic roofing nailer offers dual rubber bumpers on both sides and top and bottom.

So, when you keep it on the roof, it doesn’t slide.

Aggressive wear guards and dual rubber bumpers protect the toe from damage.

Verdict
If you are looking for a top-rated roofing nailer without spending too much money and loaded with many cool features, go for this BOSTITCH rn46 nail gun.

You won’t regret it.

#3. Max CN445R3 Roofing Coil Nailer 

Sale
MAX USA CORP SuperRoofer CN445R3 Roofing Coil Nailer up to 1-3/4"
  • REDUCED TAR BUILD UP: Tar resistant nose is...
  • SELF-CLEANING FILTER FOR RELIABLE OPERATIONS: The...
  • SIMPLE TOOL MAINTENANCE: A removable contact foot...
  • NO NAIL WASTE OR JAMS: A nose magnet holds the...
  • CONSISTENTLY AND ACCURATELY SHOOTS NAILS: The...

Specifications
  • Power Source: Air-powered
  • Type: Pneumatic
  • Dimensions: 12.2 x 10.5 x 4.5 inches
  • Operating Pressure: 70 – 100 psi (50 to 7 bar)
  • Nails Length: 12-3/8 inches
  • Load Capacity: 120 Nails

What We Liked
  • Shoots fast.
  • Powerful and reliable.
  • The tangle-free swivel plug is handy, mainly when using a bulky hose.
  • Due to the nose magnet, it almost doesn’t misfire or jam. I shouldn’t tell you it never misfires. Misfiring is something every roofing nail gun does.
  • Easy to grip and use all day because of the nice rubber gripping feature.
  • Tar-resistant nose design lets it offer less downtime.
  • Entire round driver blade.
  • Max CN445R3 offers an end cap filter that collects debris.
  • Easy to use depth controlling dial.
  • I like the Carbide inserts on the nose because it increases durability.
  • One of the best options for industrial use.

What We Didn't Like
  • The price could have been better.
  • I prefer a single-action loading system to a double-action loading system. This one offers a double-action loading system. However, managing it is not a hard job either.

Features and Benefits

Tar Resistance Nose Design
Max says this tool can resist tar build-up eight times longer than other quality roofing nailers from different brands.

Ok, I kind of fully convinced by their claim.

Handy End Cap Filtering System
This model offers you a maintenance-free end-cap filtering system that collects debris.

It automatically ejects them when you disconnect the air hose.

Full Round Driver Blade
This feature provides better-holding power, no doubt.

Double Action Loading
Like many other roofing nailers, this one also offers a double-action loading system.

I don’t prefer this system over the single-action loading system.

That being said, the double-action loading system is not flawed either. At least it offers you tighter and smoother feeding.

Loading and reloading the magazine is not hard too.

Verdict
You can choose this one if you want a top-quality roofing nail gun that won’t break the bank and serve the purpose well. However, as I said, the price could have been better.

#4. Senco Roof Pro 455XP 

Sale
Senco Roof Pro 455XP Nailer With Sequential Actuation Trigger 3D0101N
10 Reviews
Senco Roof Pro 455XP Nailer With Sequential Actuation Trigger 3D0101N
  • This product is easy to use.
  • This product is highly durable
  • This product is manufactured in China
  • Drives 11 gauge (.120") , full round head roofing...
  • 360 degree adjustable exhaust

The Senco nail gun has remained one of our preferred roofing nail guns for a long time. It does not have highly remarkable structures, but what demarks this roofing nail gun from others is its unlimited effortlessness of use. It can drive 11 Gauge (industry-standard) nails.

Special Features and Benefits
  • It grips very well with the clasps and has prodigious ergonomics.
  • It’s down-to-earth and could be used for long hours without hand weakness.
  • It is wispy enough to be contentedly worked by a single hand.
  • Greatest, you do not need giant hands to activate this model.

Ladies are more than appreciated to try it. As for a functioning roofing nail gun, it is vital that wreckage, consume air, and oil does not tumble on you or your nailing part.

The trigger is laid back to press with an exceptionally long travel distance.

If you are a specialist and need a responsible roofing nailer to labor for a long time, this Senco nail gun is the right apparatus.

With the proper regulation, it can even be used for thoughtful work like mounting overhangs.

#5. WEN Roofing Nailer 61783: BEST Bang For The Buck

WEN 61783 3/4-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer
940 Reviews
WEN 61783 3/4-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer
  • Fire 11-gauge nails (.12 inches) anywhere from 3/4...
  • Adjustable shingle guide and depth control makes...
  • Holds up to 120 nails at a time with a quick...
  • Uses pneumatic operating pressure anywhere from 70...
  • Includes a blow mold carrying case, oil, and hex...

WEN Pneumatic Roofing Nailer 61783 model has a further ordinary built production as it is an entrance-level roofing nailer.

Despite this, it still bids reasonably modest features that make it worth the courtesy.

Miraculously, this one drives round-head pins, making it compare openly with the Hitachi model.

Indeed it is one of the excellent expert cheap roofing nailers that pushes 7/8” pins.

But it certainly pales in contrast with the Hitachi brand.

They are not entirely in a similar group.

The building edifice is a substantial matter in this model.

A roof nail gun wants to be firmly built with class resources.

Else, it would not survive the commanding heaviness applied at the nose.

As probable, this one fails nearly entirely in being a roof nail gun.

Specifications
  • Power Source: Pneumatic
  • Made in: USA
  • Operating Pressure: 70-120 PSI
  • Nail Sizes Range: 7/8-1-3/4 inches
  • Magazine Capacity: 120
  • Shipping Weight: 11.4 lbs
  • Degree: 15
  • Nail Gauge: 11
  • Collation Type: wire
  • Depth Control: Tool-free
Special Features and Pros
  • It is delicate, and despite the magnesium housing, it feels something like a toy than a control apparatus.
  • It puts up one and twenty hundred nails, but the filling of the coil pack is not all-in-one and relaxed as other models in this recommended roofing nailer list.
  • Typically because of the wrong structure. This is one of the top-rated cheap roofing nailers in the market.
 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Question #1. What is the difference between a roofing nailer and a siding nailer?

Answer: As the name suggests, a roofing nailer attaches to roofing materials. Using a roofing nailer, you will want to put nails through fiberglass or asphalt.

On the other hand, the siding nailer is used to attach wood siding to the house’s exterior. A siding nailer is an excellent choice to work with vinyl siding too.

A roofing nailer lacks to offer a dept-of-drive adjustment, while the siding nailer offers that. That’s why a siding nailer is considered a better general-purpose tool than a roofing nailer.

Question #2. Can you use a finish nailer for roofing?

Answer: No. Because typically, a finish nailer is smaller in size and intended to work for smaller jobs like carpentry and woodworking.

Considering the length of the nails you require for roofing, a finish nailer is not the right choice.

Question #3. What is a roofing nailer used for?

Answer: I think you are already guessing the use of a roofing nailer by its name.

If you plan to install a new roof or schedule re-roofing, this tool can be helpful.

It is the best tool for driving nails to asphalt and fiberglass shingles.

Using a good roofing nailer is easy — in most cases, you must pull a trigger.

A roofing nailer allows you to use a coil roofing nail that goes longer between refills. Eventually, it saves you from climbing off now and then to refill the magazine.

Remember, a decent roofing nailer is intended to work only with roofing-related work. It lacks in offering it to you for multiple purposes.

Question #4. What type of nail gun do I need for roofing?

Answer: Fiberglass shingles or asphalt are the two most commonly used materials for roofing.

For roofing, you need a roofing nailer to do the work properly because a roofing nailer is the best tool to drive nails to fiberglass shingles or asphalt.

You have a variety of brands manufacturing roofing nail guns on the market.

Choosing the perfect roofing nailer is vital but not that hard. We have a guide to assist you in selecting the perfect roofing nail gun for you.

Question #5. Can you use a framing nail gun for roofing?

Answer: I’m afraid. You can’t do that.

As you don’t use roofing nailers too often, and they cost a bit more than what you would have expected, it’s quite understandable that you would want to use a framing nail gun in place of a roofing nailer.

But unfortunately, they are not interchangeable. You have to drive roofing nails for roofing, and a roofing nailer is the only tool. Your framing nailer is not going to support that.

So, if you can’t buy a heavy-duty roofing nailer, you better rent it. Or buy it and then sell it as a used product. But don’t use a framing nail gun instead of a roofing nailer.

Question #6. Can you use a staple gun for roofing?

Answer: Yes, you can because the fastener for asphalt shingles should be either nails or staples. In case you don’t know, asphalt is one of the most commonly used shingles types.

As you can staple the shingles, you can surely use a staple gun for roofing.

If you can install the staples properly, they will offer the same wind resistance as the nails. Therefore, using a good staple gun is an utmost necessity for you.

In Conclusion

When you’re spending for top-quality roofing nailers in 2024, you want to dredge up that the type you pick will have to bear long periods in the burning sun and be capable of living in a fall from the roof to the soil without breaking.

It’s a valuable belief that any roofing nailer in repeated use will sooner or later take a drop.

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About the author

Mamunur Rashid

Hi there! My name is Mamunur Rashid. I’m a meticulous guy who loves to deal with the perfect tools for various needs. No matter if it’s a woodworking tool or gardening tool or anything else, I don’t compromise the quality and usability. Since 2010 I’ve been testing different tools for different DIY and professional tasks. Later in 2015, I decided to share my knowledge with the world. I started by answering people in the forums and several Q/A sites like Quora. Then I founded this blog to aid others like you with my knowledge and experience.