Several factors, such as end-cap filter, strength, durability, and ease of use, come into play when you try to determine the credibility of a roofing nailer. But you already knew that. Here’s something you didn’t know – the best roofing nailer is not the most expensive one, but the one that fits your handling and preference.
However, you won’t need to brainstorm much to find the right nailer for your roofing. That’s because we have prepared a list of 7 different products that are bound to meet your criteria one way or the other.
The guide focuses on letting you all the reasons why you should and shouldn’t purchase a particular machine. It will also cater to help you understand why a certain pick is favorable for you so that you can make that purchase decision easily.
Best Roofing Nailer – Top Features
Not all roofing nailers will fit your style or approach to woodworking. So don’t be disappointed if a certain rig doesn’t meet your expectations. Simply move on to the next one in the list. Here are all of the finest picks available in the market for you to choose from:
1. Metabo HPT Roofing Nailer (NV45AB2)
Metabo is one of the only names out there that vouches for power and performance. Mind you that the two qualities we just mentioned are not the same. In fact, the brand has proved it again and again by excelling in both, separately.
Since the nailer is pneumatic, therefore you will need to oil it after every heavy use. You will also get the optimal performance out of the item when you are using it on a PSI rating ranging between 80 and 110. Not to mention- the solid build quality on this thing allows to machine to endure heavy impacts easily.
However, one significant downside to the Metabo nailer is that it is slightly larger in size than most of its competitors. As a result, many potential users opt-out of purchasing the machine. We don’t blame them because we understand that the large size can be a little intimidating.
But remember that the overall experience remains the same because the product is lightweight despite having a big framework. So, if you’re someone who prefers minimalistic types of machinery when working on the roof, then this nailer is not for you.
- Magazine capacity of 120 nails
- Extremely powerful and reliable
- Proper air channeling in hardware for optimal pressure release
- Overall weight is less than 5.7 pounds
- Comfortable and strong grip
- Relatively larger than most nailers
2. WEN 61783 Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer
Thanks to WEN, you can now finally try out and purchase a nailer without having to spend a fortune. This brand makes one of the most affordable roofing nailers for people of all budget ranges. More and more people are now inclined towards WEN power tools because less money to spend means one less thing to worry about.
Note that the product is affordable and not cheap. Don’t mistake it for some low-end market alternative to all the big dogs out there. It also comes with a protective case (black and grey) for easy carry here and there. Other inclusions are bottles of oil for proper lubrication and well-built hexagonal wrenches.
This machine hosts 11 gauge nails with ease. So securing your roofs has never been easier. All you need to do to get it going is pop in the needles, place the shingles and go banging. As long as you are aware of the depth adjustments and oiling routine, the machine should show no problems whatsoever.
If you’re on a budget crunch, then we highly recommend this item. Not only is it light on your hands but light on your pockets as well. However, if you have a significantly larger budget that can bag the top-dogs from our list, then this product is not the finest option for you.
- Holds more than 115 nails in the magazine
- Tight and secure air notch
- Blow mold case for protection
- Provides 430 inch-pound pressure at 100 PSI
- Comes with other amenities such as oil and hex wrench.
- Weighs almost double the weight (11 pounds) of most other alternatives.
3. BOSTITCH Coil Roofing Nailer (RN46)
If you’re looking for a nailer that isn’t too heavy on your arms, then this is the right pick for you. Not to mention that it is quite fluid with its motor movements as well. Pair these two qualities together, and you have yourself the favorite yellow nailer of every woodworker.
Another exciting feature of the nailer is the magazine lock. This helps the users when the nails run out. As a result, you can easily avoid dry fires from happening. This, in turn, keeps both your project and tool safe from harm’s way.
Again, the punch trigger is not too stiff as well. So there are minimal risks of accidental denting. Therefore, workers can easily protect the overall integrity of their roof materials without stressing too much about it. Even after a lot of pressure, the nailer stays well put and doesn’t show any signs of wearing out.
The angular correction on this thing is amazing. So even if you hold it at a slight angle from the vertical axis, it’ll still fire straight into the desired spot. However, the rig can turn out to be a little rigid when you first start using it. So it will need some getting breaking in before the speed fires kick in.
- Appropriate for novice and slightly experienced users
- Great angular correction
- Magazine lock to avoid dry-fire
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Sturdier build-materials than most other nailers
- Needs to go through a breaking-in phase to unlock its potential
4. MAX USA CORP Super Roofer CN445R3 Coil Nailer
Three words to describe the MAX USA roofing nailer – secure, stable, and sturdy. The manufacturers decided to whip up a machine that performs just the same as high-end ones in the market with a little twist of their own. What’s unique, you ask? This rig is one of the most silent punchers available in the market.
When you dispense one nail from the gun, the other does not follow. As a result, the chances of jamming are reduced down to a minimum. To make this mechanism smoother, the gun introduces a magnetic system that holds the latter nail back. To sum it up, a magnetic holder equals zero double fires.
Most siding nail guns will only be able to host two ¼” nails, but this bad boy can take ¾” to 1 ¾” easily. Since the chances of misfires and jams are pretty low, users with little can experience can also make proper use out of the machine. However, it may require more oiling than normal on busy days.
If you’re looking for a nailer for your garage works or small roof works, then this nailer is the perfect companion for you. Again, since the ergonomics on this thing is amazing. Therefore you will be able to make good use of it for larger home and construction projects also!
- Magnetic anti-jam technology
- Adjustable depth control for shingles of variable thickness.
- Easy internal coil nail management
- Doesn’t require high maintenance
- Long-lasting and durable build materials
- Heavy workload will require frequent oiling.
5. 3PLUS HCN45SP 11 Gauge 15 Degree Coil Roofing Nailer
This nailer by 3PLUS ensures that your compressor doesn’t have to breathe too hard. In other words, it has extremely low requirements and maintenance. So if you’re a lazy woodworker who doesn’t like to oil his/her rigs regularly, you may consider purchasing the HCN45P.
It also has an extremely well-built nose depressor. This essentially helps users to not leave a dent mark or damage when pressed too hard. If you have a substantially strong air compressor unit with proper latching, then you do not need to worry about power dispersion at all.
The reliability that this product has to offer is all around satisfactory compared to the price point. This makes it one of the most highly sought-after power tools for roofing tasks.
Coil nail storage on most guns is usually feeble. But this is not the case with this one. Here the magazine is quite thick and well covered. So you cannot feel the reels moving when you punch through shingles. This is especially helpful when you have to work hours on a particular project with little to no break-time.
- Reliable and easy to operate
- Light on the air compressor
- Build quality is satisfactory
- Offers great value for money
- Perfect for moderate to heavy construction works
- Doesn’t come with a protective case despite having multiple removable parts
6. Hitachi NV45AB2 Coil Roofing Nailer
Hitachi has long been renowned as one of the reputed names among power tool manufacturers and users alike. Even the MTB nailers from our list were once sister concerns to the brand. This is so because of their extreme stability and excellent one-to-one customer service.
The product is meant to be used outdoors. So, manufacturers have designed it in such a way that it can endure multiple weather conditions without sacrificing performance. In other words, be it snow, rain, or extreme heat, the machine doesn’t compromise when it comes to performance.
Another great thing about the item is its stability. Imagine using a power tool that isn’t stable at all. It would take you a large portion of your work hour to calibrate and get used to the motor movements. Luckily, this is not the case with this one, as it can handle the sudden power bursts well.
Since the tool doesn’t go off balance, therefore it’s safe to use for new users as well. If you fall under a similar category, then you may add this item to your cart without hesitation.
- Great maneuverability compared to other products on the list
- Balanced power bursts
- Able to handle adverse weather condition
- Comes with safety glasses and a shingle assembly guide.
- Quick-drive feature for maximum efficiency
- May double fire due to excessive oiling
7. DEWALT (DW45RNR) 15-Degree Pneumatic Air Coil Roofing Nailer
Are you tired of the complex roofing nailers out there in the market? Then this DEWALT product will surely win your heart. The product is famous for it’s easy to use mechanism. Other exciting features include easy siding, tool-less depth adjustment, and simple handling.
A machine that grips well performs well. The same goes for these roofing aids also. In other words, the solid rubber grip complements the overall handling of the machine. This eventually plays a big role in winning favor-points when users try out DEWALT for the very first time.
Just like any other properly designed roofing nailer, this one also has a safety catch to prevent dry fires from happening. Not to mention that the buttery operation and proper weight distribution make nail firing at 20 ft above the ground feel like child’s play.
If you’re thinking of adding this rig to your cart, then make sure that you are aware of the oiling and maintenance routines. Otherwise, you are bound to damage the seal, which will result in an expensive repair. But if you are responsible enough, then this should be no trouble at all.
- Perfect all-around weight distribution
- Smooth motor and nail injection operation
- Handy rubber grip for better handling
- Great option for first-time users
- Able to push over 10 NPS (nails per second)
- Doesn’t come with the sequential fire mode
Things To Consider Before Buying
Finding the right nailer is difficult due to a lot of reasons. One of which is not being able to understand the criteria of an ideal roofing nailer. But you won’t need to worry about that because we got it covered.
Here’s everything you need to find the appropriate rig for nailing the roof;
Nailer Type
The first thing that you need to make sure of is that whether you’re choosing the right type or not. There is a specific type dedicated to roofing, known as roofing nailers. So, if you’re purpose is to seal the deal up high, then this is the path to take.
For example, if you’re looking for a siding nailer, then this guide will be of no use to you. The same goes for other available types in the market, such as pinning, flat, and palm-press nailers, etc.
Power Supply
Make sure you know what your machine runs on. Enquire all the details regarding whether it requires a constant electrical power or not. Or does a battery lets it cut to the chase? Don’t be surprised because if both the investigation narrows down to a negative. Today many powerful roofing rigs are pneumatic (powered by air).
Trigger Method
The trigger is the point of activation at which your gun fires the nails on the roof. There are multiple ways in which your gun may choose to trigger. Most high-end guns come with configurable firing methods, so you can switch back and forth according to convenience.
Among the many firings, noteworthy ones are;
- Single fires
- Sequential bump fires
- Press fires etc.
Magazine Capacity
How much ammo your firearm can hold determines how long you go without reloading. The same goes for these nailers. Technically, the larger the magazine type you go for, the more continuous run-time you will achieve.
Again, by bumping up the magazine capacity, you are also causing a significant rise in expenditure. Eventually, it’s all a matter of finding the right balance between the two factors.
Operation
How your machine operates in your hand should be a big selling point on any nailer. For you to make the best out of the product, it has to feel comfortable in your grip even after hours of use.
Let’s say you’ve had your fair share of experience with both midrange and high-end pinners. If the lower-tiered one operates and handles better, then buy it over the renowned nailers that everyone uses.
Weight and Design
Nailers for roofing require a lot of power. As a result, you will often notice quite a lot of motorized equipment within the internal fitments. However, more parts don’t necessarily equate to better performance.
The weight and design factors of the nailer of your choice must complement each other. Otherwise, you are completely discarding the benefit of ergonomics from your cart. Imagine using a device that isn’t efficient in your hands when you’re more than 20 ft off the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are coil nails?
Coil nails are a single-threaded piece of thin metal that remains coiled within the magazine. As a result, the nailer doesn’t require frequent refills. Lesser reloads equal more run-time.
What is the PSI requirement for pneumatic roofing nailers?
Generally speaking, the air pressure must be hard enough to punch a nail through shingles, copper plates, and other slates of such sort. To attain this goal, your air compressor must be able to provide 75-105 PSI and 1.5-2.5 CFM.
How do you oil a roofing nailer?
Use lubricating oils that are particularly designed for lubricating air-powered tools. All you have to do is place a few drops of oil in the air hose opening, and the gun will take care of the rest when it’s running the next time. Never use motor oil in your nailers.
Are siding and roofing nailers the same?
No, they are not the same thing. Siding nailers are much stronger than their roofing counterparts. They are also able to punch much longer nails than roofers.
Pneumatic and electricity-powered nailers cannot be cordless. Cordless nailers offer more mobility. So manufacturers attach a battery to the machine’s framework as its power supply to make up for the missing chord.
Final Words
If you’re looking for the perfect combo between performance and weightlessness, then the best roofing nailer for you is the BOSTITCH (RN46) Nailer. However, the Metabo (NV45AB2) will offer you more stability than any other item on the list.
Not sure if you want to spend so much? Then the WEN 61783 is your safest bet as it offers great value for money. Feel free to give this guide another read in case of any confusion. Always remember to be safe and wear protective equipment when you work the roofs!
