The roof is an integral part of your home as it stops external elements from entering in. Be it rain, snow, dust, debris, or sun, a good roof protects the area inside your home. And if you like to take part in building the roof of your home then it is vital to invest in the best roofing nailer. Roofing nailers or simply nailers are common at a construction site but many homeowners also keep a good quality air nailer in their garage.
Table of Contents
What is a roofing nail gun?
From the name itself, you can say the power tool is associated with the roof. And indeed it is. A roofing nailer is used to drive nails through most types of asphalt and fiberglass shingles. You can also use them to nail down waterproof tar paper or insulation board.
All a good pneumatic roofing nailer requires is proper air pressure and a set of nails to get started with the roofing project. While pancake air compressors provide sufficient air pressure, many nailers nowadays use coil nails that stay perfectly aligned and drive smoothly as you press the nail down the roof. This cuts down the work hours as you’ll not have to take frequent refill breaks.
It is important to choose a good-quality nail gun for better roofing. While many brands promise to offer the best unit, only a few of them stand by their promise. So after studying various models, the team has picked top roofing nailers that will ease your home DIY projects.
Best Roof Nailers
Let’s dig into the reviews to find out more about each project and help you pick the best one for your home.
1) Metabo HPT Roofing Nailer, Pneumatic
Metabo HPT stands at the top of our list and for all good reasons. Metabo Hitachi pneumatic coil roofing nailers have a well-balanced design that is great for both beginners and professional workers. In addition to a well-balanced design, the lightweight of Metabo HPT air nailer allows for easy maneuverability.
Instead of metal, Metabo HPT features a carbide-tipped push lever that reduces wear. Also, it does not demand high maintenance when compared to metal. Other features include a unique cylinder valve firing mechanism that offers rapid driving and quick unprecedented quick response. The valve is powerful enough to fire up to 3 nails per second.
Speaking of the nail, Metabo Hitachi pneumatic roofing air fires all standard nails ranging from 7/8-inch to 1-3/4-inch in depth. And thanks to tool-less drive adjustment that lets you drive the nail at the desired depth in the recommended air pressure. The machine works well in operating air pressure of 70 to 120 psi.
Pros:
- Tool-less depth drive adjustment for precision nailing/flush driving
- Rubber pads prevent sliding off the unit from the roof when not in use
- The quick driving system fires up to 3 nails per second
- Sideloading magazine accepts 16º wire coil roofing nails
- Comfortable rubber grip for precision nailing
- Best pneumatic coil roofing nailer for money
Cons:
- 7/8-inch nails might not drive straight due to certain inaccuracy
Key Features:
- 120 maximum psi
- 120 magazine capacity
- 7/8-inch to 1-3/4-inch nail support
- 0.12-inch max nail diameter
- 5-year warranty
- Weighs 5.5 lbs
2) MAX USA CORP. CN445R3 Coil Roofing Nailer
Loose roofing invites dust, debris, and worst of all, water leakage when it snows or rains outdoors. And doing the roof during the rainy or snowy season is a person’s worst nightmare. So instead, get your roof ready with the Max USA coil roofing nailer. This powerful tool is ideal for driving a nail down various materials.
You can use it for fastening asphalt and fiberglass shingles. Or fasten lath wire to plywood, install siding, and wooden box assembly. Equipped with a swivel plug, this professional-grade pneumatic roofing nailer alleviates the tangling of the air hose. Besides, the power tool also features a trigger lock to prevent accidental firing.
Jamming of nails is common in poorly designed nailers. But you do not need to worry about nail jamming with MAX USA pneumatic nailer gun as it features a magnetic inside that holds the last nail in place. This not only prevents jamming but also helps to drive the nails of the coil effectively, with minimal wastage.
Pros:
- A safety lock prevents accidental firing of nails while the tool is not in use
- Attachment available for vinyl siding
- The box includes a tool, safety glasses, owners manual, and warranty card
- Full round head driver blade for proper installation
- Tool-less driver dial adjustable depth control
- Removable contact foot
- Best air nailer gun for home use
Cons:
- Not suitable for cedar siding
Key Features:
- 1-3/4-inch max fastener size
- 15º nailgun angle
- 3/4″ – 1-3/4″ coil nails
- Dial adjustable depth
- Trigger lock
- Weighs 5.5 pounds
- 5-year limited warranty
3) BOSTITCH Coil Roofing Nailer
Handy and powerful, Bostitch budget coil roofing nailer is one excellent choice for a home re-roofing project. Featuring a patented single-action side load canister, the power tool offers quick, one-step nail loading. Also, the adjustable shingle guide lets you drive nails precisely for even spacing.
In addition to the side-loading canister, Bostitch roofing nailer offers zero nail lock-out. This feature ensures the nailer gun does not fire when it runs out of nails to prevent jamming or damage. Besides, the powerful tool is capable of delivering 410 in/lbs of force at 100 psi. And with contact grip firing, it makes the best coil roofing nailer for roofs and similar large areas.
Made with tough aircraft-grade aluminum, the tool is both durable and lightweight. While the lightweight of the tool causes less stress on the wrist and arms, the wear guards and skid pads protect from damage caused by working on abrasive surfaces. And thanks to the over-molded grip that offers maximum comfort and gripping ability in any weather conditions.
Pros:
- Ideal to use for a variety of applications including exterior drywall, vapor barrier installation, vinyl siding, fiber cement siding, composition roofing, etc
- Unique side-load canister allows for easy refilling of new coils
- The high-capacity magazine holds up to 120 coil nails
- Features contact trip firing with the ability to drive up to 100 nails per minute
- Lightweight yet durable aluminum construction
- Zero nail lockout eliminates dry firing
- Best rated coil roofing nailer under $200
Cons:
- Double fires issues until you get a good grip over the tool
- Runs a bit loud
Key Features:
- 3/4-inch -1-3/4-inch coil nailer
- Zero nail lock-out
- A 410-inch pound of torque
- Patented side-loading canister
- 7-year limited warranty
- Weighs 5.8 pounds
4) WEN 61783 3/4-Inch to 1-3/4-Inch Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer
Experience power and precision while working on your home roofing project with Wen pneumatic coil roofing nailer. This handy and versatile little unit can be used for various applications including nail shingles, waterproof tar paper, fiber cement roofing, insulation boards, vinyl siding, etc. In short, it is equally helpful to redo your home roof as well as fix permanent roofing for your outdoor gazebo.
Just like the majority of power tools, the Wen roof nailer gun also offers an adjustable shingle guide to adjust the depth of the fired nails by turning the depth-settings. Also, this adjustable shingle guide easily slides up and down the bottom of the magazine to adjust itself to the added shingle size.
Speaking of the magazine, the large and versatile compartment of Wen air nailer holds up to 120 nails at a time. You can add coil nail sizes of 0.12 inches to 3/4-inch. Besides, the magazine comprises a quick-release compartment on the side that helps to clear jammed nails. With less jammed nails and a long time to refill, you can work on your roof project a lot faster with Wen 61783 air roof nailer.
Pros:
- Comes with a bow molding carrying case, oil, and 3 hex wrenches
- Uses pneumatic operating pressure anywhere from 70 to 120 psi
- Rubber grip handle minimizes wrist fatigue as well as helps with precision driving
- The turnable exhaust valve on the top of the nailer lets you aim the direction of output air
- Quick-release compartment to fix jams in seconds
- Best budget roofing nailer for various applications
Cons:
- Comparatively heavy unit; hard for some users to use
- Sensitive trigger
Key Features:
- 3/4 – 1-3/4-inch coil nail size
- 430-inch pounds of force @ 100 psi
- 15º nailgun angle
- 1/4-inch NPT air inlet
- Adjustable shingle guide
- 2-year warranty
- Weighs 5.95 lbs
5) 3PLUS HCN45SP 11 Gauge 15 Degree 3/4″ to 1-3/4″ Coil Roofing Nailer
Roof punctures or cracks are common in areas that experience frequent hailstorms, downpour, or excessive heat. And then it becomes necessary to have a good roof nailer at home for quick fixing the damaged roof. And this 3Plus coil roofing nailer is perfect for low to moderate use. It is powerful, easy to handle, and inexpensive which is the first choice of many buyers.
With a price tag under $100, this cheap roofing nailer is equipped with all the important features that you need for proper roofing. For example, its high-capacity magazine holds up to 120 coil nails at a time for flawless working on a large area. While, on the other hand, an adjustable shingle guide allows for quick shingle spacing for precise work.
An interchangeable trigger of 3Plus air roofing gun allows switching between single shot or bumper fire function. While the single-shot function fires when the trigger is pressed, the bump-fire mode automatically fires nails when the contact tip of the gun is pushed against an object. This bump-fire mode is safer to use for homeowners who do not have a good grip on construction works.
Pros:
- Rugged, die-cast aluminum construction
- An impressive interchangeable trigger allows the use of the tool in full-sequential mode or contact fire mode
- Side skid pads prevent the tool from sliding down the roof
- Thoughtful split nose design to let go of jammed nails
- 360-degree adjustable exhaust to direct spent air away from your face
- Thumb-wheel depth drive adjustment
- Fast roofing nailer for DIY projects
Cons:
- Quite a few double fires
- Heavyweight tool
Key Features:
- 3/4-in to 1-3/4-in full head coil nails
- 360º adjustable exhaust
- 120 pcs nail capacity
- Split nose design
- 70-120 psi operating pressure
- Interchangeable trigger
- 1-year limited warranty
- Weighs 7.39 lbs
6) MILWAUKEE Coil Roofing Nailer
Redoing a house roof or gazebo roof might not require as much power as installing it for the first time. And Milwaukee electric roofing nailer is perfect for such projects. Yes, it is an electric nail gun that is more comfortable and easy to use than pneumatic or fuel-powered ones. An electric nailer is lightweight and convenient for light-duty tasks of your home.
Made with an ultra-lightweight magnesium housing, the unit is both powerful and easy to handle. The lightweight of the unit causes less fatigue on the wrist and arm during long operational hours. Plus, compact size lets you experience better maneuverability. All such features contribute to a professional work finish.
Loud noise is common with a cheap air nailer gun. But thanks to the thoughtful design of Milwaukee coil roofing nailer that features an adjustable air deflector with a muffler that holds down the noise. In addition to noise reduction, it also directs the exhaust away from the work area so you can complete the project peacefully without having to experience a powerful shoot of air on your face with every press.
Pros:
- A magnet that holds the nails in place helps with better nailing as well as minimize double fires
- Tool-free depth of drive protects from overloading nails
- Textured selectable trigger switches from sequential to contact actuation and vice versa by simply turning a knob
- A removable shingle guide
- Self-cleaning air filter
- Equipped with an air connector pin to connect the nailer with an air compressor
- Best corded electric roofing nail gun for the money
- All magnesium housing is durable and rust-resistant
Cons:
- Expensive
Key Features:
- 1-3/4-in max fastener size
- 15º nailgun angle
- 120 coil nail capacity
- Adjustable air deflector
- Tool-free depth adjustment
- 5-year limited warranty
- Weighs 7.35 pounds
7) DEWALT DW45RN Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer
Ditch the exhausting method of using a hammer and nails to do roofing when you can do it quickly with the help of the Dewalt pneumatic coil roofing nailer. This powerful little unit is great for DIY lovers who wish to build the roof of the house, garage, or outdoor shed on their own. It increases productivity by allowing you to shoot 120 nails.
And the best part is, you can empty all the coil nails in the magazine before reloading. This saves both time and nails. Also, thanks to its high-speed valve technology that drives over 10 nails per second. While you get the speed with the Dewalt air nailer gun, be careful with the trigger to avoid double fires.
Other than that, the steel skid plates with rubber inserts protect the tool. Not only do they keep the tool from sliding but also cut down the noise. Besides, an over-mold grip gives you better stability to drive nails precisely and properly aligned in a line.
Pros:
- Coil coated nails are easy to load
- Powerful motor drives over 10 nails per second
- Feed system for durability and long life
- Well-built, robust product
- Manual depth adjust wheels with numbered detents for precise depth nailing
- Backed by an impressive warranty
- Lightweight roofing nail with high-speed valve technology
Cons:
- Not for beginners
- A carrying could be better or safe transportation and storage
Key Features:
- 3/4-in to 1-3/4-in nail support
- 15º nailing angle
- Steel skid plates
- Depth adjust wheel
- Operating pressure: 70-120 psi
- 7-year limited warranty
- Weighs 5.2 pounds
8) Porter-Cable RN175C 15-Degree Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer
A compact roofing nailer like Porter-Cable is perfect for people redoing their roofs for the first time. The small yet well-balanced design of the pneumatic coil nailer gives better control over the unit resulting in the quick and precise fixing of the roof. And just like any other unit, Porter-Cable also features an adjustable shingle guide that allows for quick spacing.
In addition to tool-less shingle adjustment, the quick-set depth of the drive ensures less damage during shingle placement. And with less damage to the material, you’ll end up using the ones in the stock rather than having to rush to the nearest local store to buy the materials in between work.
A selectable trigger is the best feature of the Porter-Cable air nailer gun. This allows you to switch the firing mode from sequential to contact and vice versa. And this feature makes it one of the best pneumatic roofing nailers for both personal and professional use. Also, with a large-capacity coil magazine, you’ll not have to take frequent reload breaks in between work.
Pros:
- Compact design with over-molded grip
- Quick-set depth of drive allows for better endless damage shingle placement
- Skid-resistant pads/wear to prevent the unit from falling off the angled roof
- Adjustable shingle guide
- The company offers free 1-yeat service from the date of purchase under normal use as well as there’s also a 90-day money-back guarantee
- Best air roofing nailer for redoing house or gazebo roof
Cons:
- You might need some time to get used to the trigger
- Lacks a magnetic inside that holds angles coil nails inside the magazine for precise firing and less jamming
Key Features:
- 3/4-in to 1-3/4-in nail range
- 120 nail magazine
- 15º angle
- Tool-free adjustable exhaust
- 70 psi minimum operating pressure
- 1-year free service
- Weighs 6.29 pounds
9) RIDGID 15 Degree 1-3/4 in. Coil Roofing Nailer
A dry fire might jam the firing pin or damage the finish of the project. So we’ve picked a Rigid electric coil roofing nailer that offers dry-fire lockout to prevent marring work surfaces. This feature helps to minimize damage caused by a dry fire by locking the trigger unless unlocked manually for future use.
Speaking of the handle, the Rigid powerful coil roofing nailer features a trigger rubber overmold interlock with the metal housing. This ensures maximum durability and comfort of the user while working on a large project. Also, the overmolded handle prevents the grip from twisted results in precise finishing of work with less wrist fatigue.
Besides the dry-fire lockout feature, the Rigid pneumatic roofing nailer comprises a magnetic nail holder that guides the last nail of the coil to the firing tip. And thanks to the presence of a magnet inside the magazine that not only holds all the nails in the right direction but also minimizes jamming and double fires.
Pros:
- Includes swivel connect, oil, hex key, and no-mar pad
- Dry-fire lockout feature prevents marring work surfaces
- While anti-skid pads prevent the tool from sliding, the wear guard protects it from damage on abrasive surfaces
- Lightweight power tool that is easy to handle and maneuver
- Removable tool-free shingle guide
- You can register for a lifetime of free service within 90 days of purchase
- Best pneumatic roofing nailer gun under $500 with nice grip handles
Cons:
- Comparatively low firing speed
- Dry lockout functions do not work properly all the times
Key Features:
- 3/4-in to 1-3/4-inch fastener size
- 15º nail gauge
- 70 psi minimum operating pressure
- Magnetic nail holder
- Fasten edge technology
- 3-year limited warranty
- Weighs 4 pounds
10) HBT HBCN45P 3/4” to 1-3/4” Coil Roofing Nailer with Magnesium Housing
A compact and robust tool like HBT coil roofing nailer is one good choice for occasional use. You can use the tool for roofing, siding installation, and wooden box assembly. This small air nailer can drive fast and hard to complete the project quickly. Whereas, the lightweight of the unit ensures you do not stress out your wrist or arm even after working for hours.
HBT pneumatic coil roof nailer features an adjustable shingle guide for accurate shingle spacing and better overall finishing of the roofing project. Besides that, it features a tool-less depth adjustment that lets you adjust the firing depth easily by rotating the knob to drive nails through various materials.
The 360-degree manual adjustable exhaust lets you guide the extra air away from your face. In addition to better exhaust, it also helps to reduce the noise associated with firing nails. With an operating pressure from 70-120 psi, the tool is perfect for anyone looking for a professional-grade finish and strength.
Pros:
- Includes 3 hex wrenches, a bottle of oil, and safety goggles
- Best lightweight pneumatic coil roofing nailer gun for home and construction site use
- The selectable trigger makes for easy change between sequential and contact mode
- Drives 11 gauge full head coil roofing nails
- Magnesium housing ensures less jamming
- Skid-resistant pads/wear guards for safety
- Comes with a carry case to transport and store the unit safely
Cons:
- Limited foot adjustment
- Mostly plastic
Key Features:
- 7/8″ to 1-3/4″ wire collated roofing nails
- 15º nail gauge
- 360º exhaust
- 120 pcs magazine capacity
- Selectable trigger
- Weighs 4.93 pounds
How to choose the best roofing nailers
A good roof protects the people inside the home or materials inside a storage shed well. But there are a few points to keep in mind before opting for a new roof nailer gun for optimum performance. Just go through the below points once to understand the working of a unit better so that you can nail your roof flawlessly in one go.
Nail Capacity
The magazine is where you store coil nails in a nail gun. Normally, a unit offers a magazine capacity of 120 coil nails that is enough to work on a large area. This means you can drive up to 120 nails in one go without having to stop for a reload in between.
Nail Compatibility
Roofing nailers support up to a certain size only. While not all of them support siding but any good roof nailer gun allows for various roofing applications. Generally, a nail gun offers a range of 7/8-inch to 1-3/4-inch that is sufficient for home, garage, patio, or permanent gazebo roofing.
Adjustable Depth Control
Not all nails should be driven down at the same depth or there are high chances you could see the ugly nail ending from inside of your home. So almost all of the roofing coil nailers offer an adjustable depth control that lets you set the depth of driving force manually by adjusting the knob. This allows for better and more precise nailing.
Types of Firing Methods
There are two ways a roofing nailer fires which are listed below. Both of them hold their own advantages which makes them a popular choice among many homeowners and construction workers.
- Contact Trigger Method: Contact trigger, also known as bump firing drives down a nail every time you ‘bump’ the tip of the gun against the material. This method is safer for first-time users or homeowners with less knowledge of using a roofing nailer. A contact trigger or bump-fire nailer does not trigger inactive firing making it even safer for the users.
- Sequential Trigger Method: Here, you need to position the driving head on the surface and then press the gun trigger to drive nails. The nail only drives when the trigger is pulled. The sequential trigger method is faster than the contact trigger but might not be of utmost safe for newbies.
Pressure
Pneumatic roofing nailers rely on a good air compressor for pressure. And due to that reason, all roof nailers comprise an air inlet valve that lets you connect the power tool to an air compressor. Then you set the air pressure according to the work requirement. Generally, the operating pressure of an air nailer gun is between 50 to 120 psi. But that also hugely depends on the application and materials.
Weight
A lightweight nail gun would be easier to handle and maneuver than a heavy one. But apart from weight, you must also check all other features you want in a good roofing nailer for the best results. Any good power nailer ranges from 5 lbs to 7 lbs which are quite easy to handle for a healthy human being.
Warranty
Since roofing nailers are costly, many of them are backed by an impressive warranty. If you’re a serious DIYer then you would like to buy a product with a good warranty period. This will give you peace of mind in case anything goes wrong with the unit.
What is the Difference Between a Roofing Nailer and a Siding Nailer?
Although both the tools look similar in the design there are a lot of differences between a roofing nailer and a siding nailer. And one you can tell them from their name.
A roofing nailer is meant to install a roof. So the nails that go inside this tool are wide with smooth shanks that you can easily pull off in case there is some damage. Besides, these nails have to pass through asphalt shingles they are installed in a flush firing manner. Such a firing method binds the nails better to the material for years of protection. Also, nails for a roofing nailer are short in length with a wide head that is easy to remove in case you wish to change the roofing material in the future.
On the other side, a siding nailer is designed to be permanent. So they have a smaller head and long shaft that do not come off easily. And unlike roofing nailers, you cannot install a siding nailer in a flush method as it will experience contractions. So instead of flush firing, you leave a small gap in between the head of the nail for normal contraction. As siding nailers are permanent, they are more expensive than roofing ones.
Advantages of using a roofing nail gun
Sure you can climb the roof with a hammer and mug full of nails to redo or fix your roof. But then you will have to sacrifice your whole day and still end up redoing only a small portion of the roof. And let us not forget how exhausting it can be to fix a new roof using a hammer.
And if you’re tired of the old, exhausting, and potentially dangerous way of installing/redoing a roof, then it’s a perfect time to get a good roofing nail gun. One main advantage of using a pneumatic roofing nailer is speed. No matter whether you use a unit with a contact trigger or sequential trigger firing method, you will end up doing the job faster than the traditional hammer way.
The second and important benefit of using a coil nail gun is safety. With this power tool, you do not have to hold the nail with your hand to be driven into the material. Simply place the gun head over shingles or other material and press the trigger or bump the head tip. With no hand in contact with nails, there is minimal risk of any injury with a roofing nail gun.
Rooftop nailers are compact and lightweight which makes them ideal for both naive users and professional workers. They help you get a lot of work done without causing major arm or wrist fatigue.
Roofing nailer safety tips
Roofing nailer gun is one powerful tool and you need to be careful while operating such equipment. No matter whether you’re a beginner or an expert, it is always good to practice safe nailing tips for your safety as well as better results.
Learn/Attend Training:
If you’ve never used such a tool before then it is better to understand its working by attending a good online or offline class. Many local shops provide paid training on how to use a roofing nailer gun that would be helpful before starting on a big project.
Safety tools:
Many pneumatic nailer guns come with basic safety equipment like safety goggles that are a must to wear while working. But apart from safety glasses, you must wear steel-toed boots that provide added protection from foot/toe injuries. Besides, you can make use of noise-canceling headphones or earplugs if sharp bump/firing noise from the roofing nailer is unpleasant to your ears.
First Aid:
Keep the first aid by side or near your work area for quick help in case of an accident. First aid will provide you with basic yet essential treatment that will soothe your wound.
Other tools that can help you with your roofing project:
The Bottom Line
Redoing the roof of your home, garage, or gazebo brings excitement to DIY lovers. And if you prefer doing the roofing project on your own rather than hiring some expensive company then it’s time to look for the best roofing nailers. And now that you already have a list o the best pneumatic/coil roofing nailers, it’s time to pick a model that meets the maximum of your requirements. Do let us know which model proved to be best for you in doing/redoing the project or tell us if we’ve missed listing any worthy model in the comment section below.
