10 Best Roofing Nailers in 2021

Hitachi NV45AB2 7/8-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Coil Roofing Nailer

BOSTITCH RN46-1 Coil Roofing Nailer

Max CN445R SuperRoofer Roofing Nailer

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If you are a professional or you just love to fix and build things, then you definitely have a lot of power tools which must include a roofing nailer. A roofing nailer is a pneumatic tool fuelled by compressed air. It is built to drive appropriate nails into roofing materials. It is a lot more efficient than manually pounding in the nails with a hammer. Roofing nailers, also known as roofing nail guns, are designed to shoot a particular mass of nail at the right velocity to fasten the roofing materials without destroying such materials.

There are different types of roofing nailers or nail guns which vary in terms of kind of power supply, size of nails they can accommodate, the weight of the machine and other distinctive features that improve its efficiency and makes it easy to use.

Understanding the right roofing nailer to use for a particular task can be a struggle; therefore, there are certain features you need to take into consideration when buying a roofing nailer. Some of these features are:

UTILIZATION: Buying a roofing nailer that is easy to use and comfortable is one of the most important things to consider. It is advisable to get one that is not heavy and feels stable in your hand. Also, make sure it has a trigger mechanism some roofing nail guns release the nail when the trigger is pressed while some require you to press it against a surface and press the trigger before the nails are released.

ADJUSTMENT: Roofing nail guns have different features and buttons for loading the nails, regulating the pressure and many other functions. Ensure that your nail gun is easy to adjust as these functions help to flawlessly install your roofing materials irrespective of the weather.

PRICE: Money definitely plays a part when choosing a roofing nailer. Price and value of the roofing nailer is just as important as the quality. There are roofing gunners that are of premium quality and also very affordable, and there are others that are expensive but worth the price.

NAILING SPEED: This is a significant factor to consider before buying a roofing nailer. You should buy a roofing nailer for a particular project. You want to choose one that works with speed and can cover a significant area in a short time.

DEPTH OF DRIVE

NAIL SIZE AND CAPACITY MAGAZINE: You should choose a roofing nailer with good magazine capacity that can accommodate a large number of nails without having to reload frequently and allows for greater flexibility with nails, accommodating nails of various sizes.

BENEFITS OF A ROOFING NAILER:

  • A roofing nailer keeps your fingers safe, unlike driving nails manually. When using a hammer, you have to keep the nail in place with your fingers, which increases the chances of getting injured. A roofing nail gun reduces the chances of injury as long as you follow the safety precautions
  • A roofing nailer is highly accurate. You don’t miss your target or drive in crooked nails, your nail lands exactly where you want it to be. This increases the quality of your work
  • A roofing nailer or roofing nail gun provides a high power output because of its pneumatic nature. This means that it drives nails into shingles much faster than a hammer. Once the nails are driven in, they remain securely in place.
  • It’s a durable and dependable tool for roofing. It requires little maintenance and can last several years in good condition

ROOFING NAILER SAFETY TIPS: Safety comes first when using a roofing nailer, we’ve provided you with some of our top safety tips to guide and prevent you from injury when using a roofing nailer.

  • Always keep the manufacturers’ manual with you and follow the instructions
  • Use a full sequential trigger
  • Wear safety gear like a face mask and safety goggles to protect yourself from splinters
  • Keep your hands away from the trigger when you are not driving nails
  • Disconnect the guns when moving up and down stairs or ladder, removing jammed nails or performing a maintenance check
  • Keep your nail gun clean and maintained; a well-maintained nail gun is a safer nail gun. Do not use a nail gun that is malfunctioning
  • Lastly, keep a first aid kit around you when working with your roofing nail gun

Below, we put together a list of best roofing nailers available to guide you and build your confidence when buying a roofing nailer. It also incorporates some frequently asked questions about roofing nail guns.

The Best Roofing Nailers Are Reviewed Below

1

Hitachi NV45AB2 7/8-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Coil Roofing Nailer

The Hitachi NV45AB2 Coiling Roofing Nailer is lightweight, well balanced and easy to handle. It has a high-speed fire function of 3 nails per second and adjustments that are easy to understand and use. It operates quietly and reloading it is very stress-free. It is ideal for professional use and DIY projects. It can also be used to install asphalt shingles and insulation boards.

The Hitachi NV45AB2 has a rubber casing to ensure that it stays intact when you put it down on the roof slope. It’s built to withstand any weather so you can worry less about working under a little rain or wind. It has a weight of 7.3 pounds which makes it easy to handle and helps you work longer without causing fatigue. It has an air-powered power source and does not require batteries.

This roofing nailer comes with safety glasses and has a high capacity side-loading magazine. The carbide tipped nose helps with its performance and accuracy to shoot your nail exactly where you need it to be.

Key Features:

  • Weight of 7.3 pounds
  • Air-powered power source
  • No battery required

Specification:

  • Brand: Hitachi
  • Model: Hitachi NV45AB2 7/8-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Coil Roofing Nailer
  • Dimension: 6.3 x 13 x 13.4 inches
  • Weight: 7.3 pounds
Pros
  • High-speed fire automatic function that makes the work faster
  • Lightweight and well balanced
  • Rubber casing improves grip
  • Operates quietly
Cons
  • Expensive

2

BOSTITCH RN46-1 Coil Roofing Nailer

The BOSTICH 3/4-inch to 1-3/4-inch coil roofing nailer is designed with a lockout mechanism that prevents it from firing when the magazine is empty. It’s very safe and easy to use. It has a weight of 5.8 pounds which makes it very easy to handle. It is ideal for roofing, insulation board, exterior drywall and fibre cement application. It has an adjustable depth control, a full round driver, body and magazine wear guard.

The BOSTITCH RN46-1 is capable of delivering 410 in/lbs of force at an operating pressure of 70-120 psi. It’s made up of durable light-weighted aluminium and carbide tips that ensure a long life. It provides contact tip firing and can drive up to 100 nails per minute. You can use the patented single-action side canister for quick loading.

This roofing nailer helps you cover a lot of area by bouncing along the surface and firing the nail when the nose tip hits the material and also has a tool-less gauge that controls shingle spacing. It also features tool-free depth of drive adjustment with a dial that has five different settings for finding the perfect driving depth for the job.

Key Features:

  • Operating pressure of 70-120 psi
  • Adjustable depth control
  • Full round driver, body and magazine guards
  • Lightweight aluminium
  • Magazine handle of 15 degree
  • Adjustable shingle guide for shingle spacing

Specification:

  • Brand: BOSTITCH
  • Model: BOSTITCH RN46-1 Coil Roofing Nailer
  • Dimension: 13.38 x 14.38 x 5.12 inches
  • Weight: 5.8 pounds
Pros
  • Has nail lockout to prevent dry firing
  • Easy to load
  • Contact tip firing function to cover a large area at a short time
  • Has tool-less gauge to control shingle spacing
Cons
  • Does not come with a hose connector
  • Jams occasionally

3

Max CN445R SuperRoofer Roofing Nailer

The Max CN445R SuperRoofer Roofing Nailer is a very dependable and one of the best rated professional roofing nail guns. It is durable and easy to use when powering through the shingle. It features a tar-resistant nose designed to resist tar four times longer than other conventional tools which makes it easy to maintain and require less cleaning. The end part filter is maintenance-free, and it comes with a filter that keeps the inside clean and makes it last longer.

Its nose cap is magnetized to hold the last nail in place, avoiding jams and misfires after reloading the nails. It features a dial adjustable depth control that allows for you personalize its function to suit your desire making your work less stressful. It also features a tangle-free swivel cord that makes it convenient, especially when using a bulky hose. This Max CN445R SuperRoofer Roofing Nailer is easy to handle and use all day because of its rubber gripping feature.

Key Features:

  • Tar-resistant nose
  • Maintenance-free end cap filter
  • Dial adjustable depth control
  • Air-powered power source

Specification:

  • Brand: Max
  • Model: Max CN445R SuperRoofer Roofing Nailer
  • Dimension: 14 x 13.9 x 6.6 inches
  • Weight: 7.05 pounds
Pros
  • Comfortable and well balanced
  • Easy to reload
  • Comes with an inline air filter that keeps dirt out of the gun
  • Can be used in cold or hot weather
Cons
  • It’s expensive
  • The nose tip may wear off

4

WEN 61783 Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer

The WEN 61783 Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer is an inexpensive, user-friendly roofing nailer. It comes with a carrying bag, lubrication oil and safety glasses. It has the capacity of firing 11-gauge nails from 3/4 to 1-3/4 of an inch. It has a 120 nail magazine capacity with a quick release for fixing jams easily. Although it might not be the best at covering a very large area, it works perfectly on a small roof section; it’s durable and can last long without reloading. Its shingle guide and depth control are adjustable, making it easier to control the shingle spacing.

With this roofing nail gun, you have full control of the area you are working on. It also has an operating pressure of 70-120 psi, which means it shoots nails with high force making the nails stay put in the shingle or roofing material. The rubber grip makes it easy to handle and helps it stay in place when put down. This roofing nailer is not durable enough for day-to-day professional use, but it’s perfect for DIY and small jobs, and it’s also very pocket friendly.

Key Features:

  • Adjustable shingle guide and depth control
  • Fires 11-gauge nails
  • 120 nail magazine capacity
  • Pneumatic operating pressure of 70-120 psi
  • Includes blow mold carrying case, oil and hex wrenches

Specification:

  • Brand: WEN
  • Model: WEN 61783 Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer
  • Dimension: 5.5 x 17.5 x 16.3 inches
  • Weight: 5.95 pounds
Pros
  • Pocket friendly
  • Comes with a carrying case and lubricating oil
  • It has a large magazine capacity that holds various sizes of nails
  • It’s a great backup nailer
Cons
  • Can’t be used for professional jobs
  • It’s known to double shoot

5

Senco Roof Pro 455XP Nailer

The Senco Roof Pro 455XP Nailer is a versatile nailer asphalt and fiberglass shingles. It is lightweight and can be used with one hand for a very long time without getting weak in the hand; you don’t need to have bug hands to handle this nail gun. It is highly durable and flexible enough to be used by roofing professionals. It has the ability to drive 11 gauge roofing nails at a 3/4th inch to 1 3/4th inch length. It has an adjustable drive depth control for easy adjustment to make sure it fits well in the roofing material. Its exhaust can also be adjusted in 360 degrees to reduce the amount of air being used. The trigger is very easy to pull and can travel at a long distance. It is made up of aluminium and a soft rubber casing that keeps it lightweight; easy to grip and handle also keeps it balanced to ensure uniform nail arrangement. It also comes with a case making it easy to carry around.

Key Features:

  • Drives 11 gauge full round head roofing nail
  • 360-degree adjustable exhaust
  • Tool-free adjustable depth of drive
  • Adjustable nail canister
  • Drives nails of length 3/4th inch to 1 3/4th inch

Specification:

  • Brand: Senco
  • Model: Senco Roof Pro 455XP Nailer
  • Dimension: 15.3 x 5.9 x 14.8 inches
  • Weight: 5.5 pounds
Pros
  • It includes a case, tool oil and wrench
  • It is lightweight and comfortable
  • Has durable paints and wear plates
  • Can be handled with one hand for a long time
Cons
  • Frequently bends nail heads
  • Double fires occasionally

6

DEWALT DW45RNR 15-Degree Pneumatic Air Coil Roofing Nailer (Renewed)

The DEWALT DW45RNR 15-Degree Pneumatic Air Coil Roofing Nailer is a high-speed valve technology roofing nailer that has the ability to drive 10 nails per second. It is made up of plastic and metal, which makes it durable and easy to handle. It has an operating pressure of about 120 psi, making it drive nails with a good amount of force. It is lightweight and can be handled with one hand for a long time. It is durable enough to use for a very long time and can be used with various types of nails. It has a robust engine and feed system that improves its durability. It has a side loading feature that allows for fast and easy reloading.

This pneumatic air coil roofing nailer also features steel skid plates with rubber that protects the machine and keeps it from sliding. It also features an adjustable depth that helps to fire nails at the precise depth into various materials.

Key Features:

  • High-speed valve technology
  • Ergonomic design
  • Robust engine and feed system
  • Steel skid plates
  • Adjustable depth drive

Specification:

  • Brand: DEWALT
  • Model: DEWALT DW45RNR 15-Degree Pneumatic Air Coil Roofing Nailer (Renewed)
  • Dimension: 11.35 x 5.55 x 10.67 inches
  • Weight: 6.34 pounds
Pros
  • Operates faster than other roofing nailers
  • Lightweight
  • Durable and lasts long
  • Nail adjustment depth works fast
Cons
  • Lacks sequential firing mode
  • No safety lock

7

PORTER-CABLE RN175B Roofing Nailer

This pneumatic Porter-Cable RN175B Roofing Nailer another great choice for professionals and homeowners. It is lightweight, and rubber casing makes it comfortable to grip and easy to use for a long time without straining your hand muscles. Its nose is protected from untimely damage by solid carbide inserts, and its compact body design makes it easy to control and balance. It works with an operating pressure of 70-120 psi, making it firm and versatile tool. Its nail depth can be adjusted depending on the roofing material you are using to properly fit the nail into the material, preventing it from damage.

This Porter-Cable model features an adjustable shingle guide that provides consistent and accurate shingle spacing when covering a large area. It has both sequential and contact firing mode that can be altered to meet your need. It also comes with skid-resistant pads that protect the tool and makes it safer to use.

Key Features:

  • Coil roofing nailer
  • Compact body design
  • Tool-free adjustable shingle guide
  • Skid-resistant pads for safety

Specification:

  • Brand: Porter-Cable
  • Model: Porter-Cable RN175B Roofing Nailer
  • Dimension: 13.6 x 13.2 x 4.7 inches
  • Weight: 5.69 pounds
Pros
  • Well balanced and easy to use
  • Provides good results
  • Durable and lightweight
  • Can select between two firing mode
Cons
  • Misfires occasionally
  • Coupler is not included

8

AeroPro CN45N Professional Roofing Nailer

The AeroPro CN45N Professional Roofing Nailer is made for professional roofing. It’s made up of an aluminium body that makes durable and strong. It uses a distinctive moving cylinder to reduce its recoil and to allow sequential firing. You can use various types of nails with it ranging from ¾ inch to 1 ¾ inch. It has a magazine capacity of up to 120 coil nails and functions with an operating pressure of 70-120 psi. It is durable and punches nails at high speed, making your work faster and less stressful.

The AeroPro CN45N Professional Roofing Nailer has a heat-treated aluminium housing making it durable enough for professional heavy duty work. Its drive depth can be easily adjusted to punch your nail at whatever depth you want into the roofing material without damaging it. It also has a side-loading magazine that makes it easier to reload your nails without wasting time.

Key Features:

  • Moving cylinder engine
  • Selective auction switch
  • Heat-treated aluminium housing
  • Adjustable drive depth
  • Magazine capacity of 120 nails
  • Drives nails from ¾ inch to 1 ¾ inch in length

Specification:

  • Brand: AeroPro
  • Model: AeroPro CN45N Professional Roofing Nailer
  • Dimension: 11.13 x 5 x 10.63 inches
  • Weight: 6.3 pounds
Pros
  • Shoots smoothly
  • Easy to reload
  • Has minimum recoil
  • Shoots 3 nails per second
Cons
  • A little bulky in size

9

Makita AN454 1-3/4

The Makita AN454 1-3/4″ Coil Roofing Nailer is a fast and authentic roofing nailer constructed for high performance and productivity. With a weight of 5.2lbs, this roofing nailer is designed to be lightweight and easy to use for a very long time without getting tired or muscle strains. It has a fast driving speed that produces maximum performance and makes your work faster.

It has an aluminium housing that ensures its durability and makes it usable for an extended period. It has a one-step adjustment canister that makes reloading the nails easier, and its aluminium and steel wear plates reduce any wear and tear that may occur when using this machine. It has an adjustable depth dial that improves precision and allows you control where the nail is punched and the depth of the nails. It also has a nose design that can easily be removed when removing any tar that may build up, making it easier to clean and maintain the machine.

Key Features:

  • Aluminium housing
  • One-step open adjustable canister
  • Tool-less depth adjustment dial

Specification:

  • Brand: Makita
  • Model: Makita AN454 1-3/4″ Coil Roofing Nailer
  • Dimension: 5.12 x 13.39 x 13.19 inches
  • Weight: 5.2 pounds
Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • Rubber grip helps to stay put on the roof
  • Its reloading process is very easy
  • Has a built-in magnet to prevent jamming
Cons
  • Drives a few crooked nails

10

Freeman PCN450 Rapid Fire Coil Roofing Nailer

The Freeman PCN450 Rapid Fire Coil Roofing Nailer is a highly affordable roofing nailer that can be used by professionals and for DIY projects. It is made up of magnesium body, making it lightweight, easy to use for a long period and rugged. It’s designed to handle materials like asphalt and cedar shingles, roof and wall sheathing and floor underlayment. It is compatible with a 15-degree wire collated roofing nails with length ranging from 3/4 inches to 1-3/4 inches and drives them with high speed and accuracy. These roofing nails are positioned in a transparent compartment, and its magnetic holder securely aligns the nails when it is being loaded, ensuring jam-free firing.

This rapid-fire coil roofing nailer has an anti-vibration handle that allows you to grip it securely and also a one-piece drive blade that increases its durability and an anodized aluminium body makes it last longer. Its safety trigger lock prevents it from firing by accident when you are not using it; it only fires when it comes in contact with the roof surface. It also has an adjustable depth drive so you can control how far you want the nail to go into the roofing material.

Key Features:

  • 15-degree wire collated roofing nails from 3/4 to 1-3/4
  • Magnetic nail holder
  • One-piece drive blade
  • Bump fire trigger
  • Magnesium body
  • Tool-free finger depth adjustment

Specification:

  • Brand: Freeman
  • Model: Freeman PCN450 Rapid Fire Coil Roofing Nailer
  • Dimension: 12.75 x 4.6 x 11 inches
  • Weight: 5.46 pounds
Pros
  • Reloading is fast and easy
  • Has a filter that prevents dust from getting in
  • Has a safety trigger feature
  • Comes with a belt hook
Cons
  • Jams occasionally
  • May shoot nails inaccurately
  • Has a larger footprint

Buying Guide Questions

What kind of nail gun do I need for roofing?

Since a lot of roofing materials or shingles are made of asphalt and fiberglass, the best nail gun to use would be a roofing nailer. It is the best tool to drive nails into this material without causing damage to it. Also, they are pneumatic and air-powered, which means they can drive nails into smaller spaces better than any other nail gun.

What is the best roofing nail gun?

Our top choice is the Hitachi NV45AB2 7/8-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Coil Roofing Nailer. It’s known to work perfectly for both professional and DIY projects. Its build-up makes it lightweight and well-balanced. It’s quite comfortable and easy to grip, making it easy to use for a long period.

What is the difference between a framing nailer and a roofing nailer?

  1. A roofing nailer is used for roofing work like installing asphalt or fiberglass shingles while a framing nailer is used for heavy constructions like wood framing in a building and joining beams and boards.
  2. In terms of the nail size they accommodate, the framing nailer uses nails that are bigger in size and thicker. It uses nails up to 3.1/2 inches long. Roofing nailers, on the other hand, use smaller nails of about 1-3/4 inches long.
  3. Also, they have a different capacity magazine, the roofing nailer holds a large number nails in a coil allowing it to shoot many nails without having to reload it for a long time while the framing nailer has a smaller capacity magazine

Should I get a brad nailer or finish nailer?

The brad nailer and finishing nailer are both designed for precision nailing. The brad nailer is designed for 18 gauge nails. If you are worried about splitting the wood or about the size of the nail head, it’s the best roofing nailer to use because its head leaves less of a mark in your wood and is less likely to break the wood material.

Finish nailers are used on heavy-duty projects that require more strength and holding power. It is designed for longer and thicker nails that can hold thicker and heavier wood. They leave a much bigger mark in the wood because of the size of nailhead it uses.

How many CFM does a roofing nailer require?

CFM means cubic feet per minute. Most roofing nailers require about 2 to 2.5 CFM, although, high-speed models require at least 4.1 SFCM.

How many nails are in a square of roofing?

Most shingles require about 4 to 6 nails per shingle, and for a square of a roof, about 5 nails are needed to cover the first row.

Should roofs be hand nailed?

Roofs can definitely be hand nailed. Most roofers are able to control the nail depth and securely punch the nail. However, using a nail gun is much safer, and it makes your work faster. You can also control the nail depth with a really good roofing nailer so you can worry less about damaging the shingle material.

Which is better roofing nails or staples?

In the past, roofers preferred using staple guns for shingles because it is less expensive, easy to handle and does the job faster. In present times, roofing nail guns have been constructed to be easier to use, reload and they fire nails precisely. Using staple guns to shoot staplers needs a lot of experience because you have to shoot it perpendicular to the shingle along the nail strip, if it’s not done right, it could mess with the holding strength of the shingle.

How do I fix my nail gun on my roof?

You could follow the steps below to fix your nail gun

  • Unscrew the air line connector from the bottom of the nail gun
  • Remove the airline hose
  • Drip a few drops of lubricant in the airline hose hole
  • Fix the airline hose back into its hole and then screw the airline connector in a clockwise direction
  • Securely screw the valve on the air compressor and fire off the nail gun to lubricate it

Conclusion

Choosing the best roofing nailer for the job can be difficult because there are a lot of high-speed, powerful models on the market. We hope this review has provided you with clarity on what features to look for roofing nailers. You could start your search by looking into the roofing nailers in this review to make your search less stressful.