The most efficient way to complete roofing work is to use a nail gun for roofing.
Our buyer’s guide with reviews will help you find the best nail guns for roofing. It will be beneficial, whether you’re a contractor who will be doing several roofing jobs or a homeowner who only wants to tackle one or two of them.
Best Nail Guns For Roofing
The following is a list we have compiled of the best nail guns for roofing.
1. BOSTITCH Roofing Nail Gun (RN46)
- Capacity of the magazine: 120
- Air-Powered: 70–120 psi
- Type of fastener: coil
- Range of fastener diameter: 0.120
- Length of fastener: ¾” to 1 ¾”
Benefits
- Dry firing is avoided with a zero-nail lockout feature.
- Quick and efficient
- To cover vast surface areas within a short period of time, use a contact tip for automatic firing
- Reloading is easy
Drawbacks
- The hose connector is not included
- Doesn’t come with a case
- Jams are experienced occasionally
- When working with bounce mode, you have to be very precise
Summary
This Bostitch roofing nail gun is powerful and quick, capable of handling 100 nails in a minute. When the magazine runs out, zero nail lockout prevents the nail gun from firing.
Then, for quick loading, simply use the single-action patented side canister. Just open it, replace the nails, and you’re good to go.
This nailer is unique in that it has a contact tip that facilitates automatic firing. This is an efficient method for big jobs since it allows you to cover a large area.
It moves through the surface, releasing the nail when the tip strikes the material. The carbide insert makes the nose sturdy enough to hold up during this process.
You also get a tool-less depth-of-drive assembly with five pre-set adjustments so you can make your choice easily and quickly and continue your work.
It doesn’t come with an air hose adapter. But if you maintain a toolbox, you’re likely to have one on hand.
It also doesn’t include a carrying case, which can be inconvenient after you’ve completed a job. However, these are not significant issues.
2. Roofing Nailer By Hitachi (NV45AB2)
- Capacity of the magazine: 120
- Air-Powered: 70-120 psi
- Type of fastener: coil
- Range of fastener diameter: 0.120
- Length of fastener: ⅞” to 1 ¾”
Benefits
- Comfortable rubber grip
- To get work done quickly, use the rapid-fire automatic feature
- Dual mode
- A number of safety features
Drawbacks
- Rather pricey
- If you want to change to sequential mode, you’ll need to buy extra trigger
- It doesn’t include a case and finding one that suits is difficult
- Some plastic components
Summary
The Hitachi roofing nailer is made to be easy and convenient to use. It comes with a 3-nail-per-second rapid-fire mode and an adjustable tool-less depth-of-drive assembly that is as simple as rotating a dial.
It’s a great option for contractors, although DIYers would enjoy it as well because it’s so simple to use.
Safety is crucial since you’ll be using a nail gun for roofing to do what may be considered a dangerous task.
The rubberized casing on this nailer ensures that it remains stable when placed over the slope of the roof. It’s also weatherproofed, so you don’t have to be concerned about operating in the rain or wind.
Since it lowers fatigue, this lightweight nail gun for roofing allows you to work for longer periods of time. Because of the tool’s balance and comfortable grip, it can be used with one hand if desired.
The nosepiece features carbide inserts that improve efficiency and precision. This ensures that you always land your nail exactly where you had intended.
Although this is dual-mode, in order to operate it in sequential mode, you’ll need a special trigger, or you’ll have to work with it as an automatic.
Some plastic components will break if dropped to the floor, but the majority of the assembly is comprised of more durable materials.
3. WEN Nailer For Roofing (61783)
- Capacity of the magazine: 120
- Air-Powered: 70–120 psi
- Type of fastener: coil
- Range of fastener diameter: 0.120
- Length of fastener: ⅞” to 1 ¾”
Benefits
- Big magazine
- Value for money
- A plastic case is included
- Holds different sizes of nails
Drawbacks
- Jams are experienced occasionally
- It’s only good for a job or two
- Heavy in comparison to other nail guns for roofing
- Known for double-shooting
Summary
This is a low-cost, user-friendly nail gun for roofing that’s ideal for completing a couple of jobs. It’s effective and buying one will save you money over renting one for the period of the project.
This nailer provides great value for the money. It has many of the same features as some of the top-tier versions, such as a 120-nail magazine size and the ability to fire the same gauge nails from ¾” to 1 ¾”. It’s sturdy and can last longer without needing to be reloaded.
When you put it down, the handle with the rubber grip keeps it in place, making it more convenient to use.
It includes a flexible shingle guide to help you position each one exactly where you want it. This is definitely a great feature.
A hard plastic case is included with this WEN nailer, which is not seen in some of the top-tier models.
This nailer has been dubbed a “single-job nailer” by some users, and we seem to agree. Although this tool isn’t built to last for a contractor to use on a daily basis, it’s a great option for a one-time project or as an addition to any DIY garage.
4. Senco 455XP Roofing Nailer
- Capacity of the magazine: 120
- Air-Powered: 70–120 psi
- Type of fastener: coil
- Range of fastener diameter: 0.120
- Length of fastener: ¾” to 1 ¾”
Benefits
- Wear plates to safeguard against abrasion
- A case is included
- Better performance and uses less air
- Versatile
Drawbacks
- Adjusting the depth of drive can be tricky
- According to some users, it double fires on occasion
- Not very reliable
Summary
We now have the 445Xp, as Senco expands its RoofPro lineup.
This nailer is quite versatile, and capable of handling waterproof tar paper, asphalt, and fiberglass shingles straight out of the package. You can also utilize this for aluminum and vinyl siding with the right attachments.
Although this Senco nail gun has many of the same features as the other RoofPro models, it is lighter and takes less air to achieve the same performance.
The power in/out design covers the exhaust to lower the consumption of air, without sacrificing performance.
Tool-free depth of drive adjustment is easy, but it can be unreliable at times because you don’t have enough control like doing it manually. This is the case with all tool-free depth drive assemblies, not just this one.
It’s the aluminum housing that keeps it light and sturdy. It’s light enough to be used with only one hand.
A bi-metal blade extends the time between blade replacements and the wear plates protect the nailer from abrasion damage.
If you need to perform maintenance, it is possible to easily access anything from the top of the nailer.
5. Porter-Cable Nail Gun For Roofing (RN175B)
- Capacity of the magazine: 120
- Air-Powered: 70–120 psi
- Type of fastener: coil
- Range of fastener diameter: 0.120
- Length of fastener: ⅞” to 1 ¾”
Benefits
- Shingle positioning guide for speed and accuracy
- Exhaust can be adjusted
- Steady power for better performance
- Sturdy
Drawbacks
- The results of a tool-free depth drive may be inconsistent
- Air hose attachment is not included
- There could be misfires occasionally
- It can be difficult to clear jams
Summary
For homeowners or contractors, working with the Porter-Cable nail gun is a good option.
You can operate for a long period of time without feeling strain due to the lightweight construction and comfortable rubber grips.
The exhaust can be quickly adjusted so that you can function without worrying about debris and dust being blown your way.
This nail gun also has a tool-less depth adjustment that allows for changes with the turning of a dial.
Another handy feature is the shingle guide. It is particularly useful for somebody who doesn’t have much experience and needs to cover a large area. This is a fantastic way to achieve fast and reliable results.
This Porter-Cable roofing nailer is made of sturdy steel with dual carbide inserts to withstand damage.
Regardless of using contact or sequential mode, the motor is built to last and reliably produce the right degree of power for every shot.
6. MAX SuperRoofer Coil Nailer (CN445R3)
- Capacity of the magazine: 120
- Air-Powered: 70–120 psi
- Type of fastener: coil
- Range of fastener diameter: 0.120
- Length of fastener: ¾” to 1 ¾”
Benefits
- Tool-less depth modification
- A great deal of positive feedback
- The air hose will stay in place thanks to the tangle-free swivel fitting
- Cap filter to keep debris and dust out of the interior
Drawbacks
- Doesn’t include a carrying case
- It’s a little expensive
- Manual depth modification might be slightly off
Summary
The MAX SuperRoofer coil nailer is a tool that is often overlooked. People who use it, rave about it, so we’ve included it in our list.
The lightweight nailer weighs just 5.2 lbs and is easy to hold thanks to the rubber grip. The swivel fitting is tangle-free and allows the air hose to swivel, letting you move the nailer around more easily.
All these factors help to make long tasks more manageable. You are able to work for longer periods of time and finish more quickly.
There’s no need to tweak the compressor because the depth adjustment is toolless and very precise.
The nose is tar-resistant, lasting for a longer time compared to some of the other models. The contact foot can be quickly removed to clean or repair if it becomes clogged.
The magnetized nose keeps the last nail in place, reducing the chance of jams and indicating when the coil needs to be changed.
The cap filter protects the interior of the motor from debris and dust. It also has a self-clean function that expels everything it collects.
How To Pick The Right Nail Gun For Roofing
It’s important to know what you’ll be using a roofing nailer for before purchasing one.
Obviously, you’ll use it to do roofing jobs, but to what extent? Is it just the roof of the shed or an extension to the house that you’re going to be working on?
Perhaps you are a roofing contractor who will be using your nailer on a number of jobs. Although a low-cost roofing nailer could make it through a couple of small jobs, it’s not likely that it could handle a large number of jobs.
That being considered, here are a few more things to think about.
Durability
If you’re a contractor, this is crucial because you need a nailer that can last. When it comes to longevity, there are a few things to remember.
Design
You can tell a lot about the quality based on how a roofing nail gun feels. Even though it is supposed to be lightweight, it should feel sturdy when you hold it.
Some nail guns include filters to keep debris and dust away from the motor or wear plates to safeguard against abrasion.
These features help to protect them from wear and tear. The better the quality of the nail gun, the longer it will last.
Material
Most nail guns for roofing are weatherproof since they are intended to be used outside. They’re usually made of aluminum and steel, which makes them quite durable.
Safety
When dealing with power tools, safety is always a priority. However using this type of tool to work on a roof adds an additional layer of risk and necessitates extra caution.
Rubber grips are a little detail that makes a major difference. Not only does it make it convenient to hold and manage the nailer, but it will also offer some friction when kept on a sloping roof.
The grips in fact prevent the nail gun from slipping and probably falling away. A fall could damage your gun irreparably, but it also poses a significant safety concern to those in the region below.
Injuries to the hands and feet are unfortunately common when using nailers. When possible, use sequential mode and always use protective equipment, especially safety goggles.
Versatility
When it comes to versatility, there are a few factors to consider.
First and foremost, should the nailer be used for purposes besides roofing? Some come with attachments that let you use them for other outdoor jobs, such as siding installation.
Second, what types of materials would you nail with your roofing nail gun? Some are quite versatile and can be used on tar paper, asphalt and fiberglass shingles, vinyl and aluminum siding, and so on.
Another thing to consider is weatherproofing. It would be ideal if all the roofing work could be completed during the dry, warm months, but this isn’t always possible.
Although you shouldn’t work on a roof while it’s raining, your roofing nail gun would almost certainly be exposed to moisture.
During the colder months, you’re more likely to need it. Make sure that your nailer can withstand a little water and won’t freeze in the winter.
Of course, the more functions a roofing nailer has, the better purchase it would be. This is important to remember, especially if you are spending a significant amount of money on your purchase.
Other Factors To Consider
There are some items that are good to have but don’t really affect the performance of your nailer:
Tool-Free Depth Adjustment
It’s as easy as turning a dial. Although you won’t get the same precision as adjusting manually, the best roofing nailers have a built-in tool-free adjustment that is pretty close.
Case
It’s always nice to have a hard plastic case on hand, somewhere to store your nailer when you’re not using it. This could be useful to just keep it dry before using it again the day after.
Clearing Jams
Though good guns shouldn’t jam all that much, it’s unavoidable and you’ll have to experience one at some point. Having an easy way to clear a jam will make you feel less frustrated and restart work quickly.
Directional Exhaust
This is a feature that you may not know how great it is until you put it to use. It’s a lot more comfortable to work if you can keep your face away from the air and debris.
Final Thoughts
Here are some of the top nail guns that we have covered in this article:
- BOSTITCH Roofing Nail Gun – Lightweight And User-Friendly
The Bostitch RN46 is a nail gun that provides good value for money. It’s a top-selling item and one of the most reviewed options. It’s known for being lightweight and easy to use.
- Hitachi Roofing Nailer – Best Overall
The Hitachi NV45AB2 is a common option among contractors and has received positive feedback from many satisfied users. It’s worth the extra cost if you have the budget for it.
- WEN Nailer For Roofing – Low-Cost Option
If you are on a tight budget, the WEN 61783 is a good alternative. It might not have the same power or efficiency as the other tools, but it’s a low-cost alternative with great reviews.
While all the nail guns for roofing that we tested are great, the Hitachi nailer stands out.
It’s built to be quick and precise while remaining simple and user-friendly. The nailer is weatherproof, so you are able to work with it even when it’s not sunny outside.
It’s light enough to be used with just one hand with a comfortable rubber grip so that you won’t get too tired. The nose is carbide-tipped which helps with precision.
If this isn’t what you’re looking for, check out our buyer’s guide with reviews to find one that is a good fit.