Best Roofing Nailers Of 2023 – The Comprehensive Guide

Are you tired of using a hammer for your roofing project?

It is difficult and exhausting to use a hammer for roofing construction. Hence, purchasing the best roofing nailer is a smart move. It facilitates efficient and speedy roof repair, gable and hip restoration, and other construction projects.

However, if you don’t know the key features of a roofing nailer, you may end up making the wrong decision. To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a shortlist of our top choices for roofing nailers with their ins and outs.

We hope this guide will help choose the best pick and take your project to the next level.

How Does Roofing Nailer Work?

Roofing nailers come in both pneumatic models and cordless electrical models. Pneumatic roofing nailers drive through the air pressure that delivers consistent air force to the tool for shooting nails through rigid roofing materials.

On the other hand, cordless roofing nailers are electrically powered that operate through a rechargeable battery and gas canister. The battery should be fully charged to provide consistent performance and flexibility.

Top Roofing Nailers 2023

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Best Roofing Nailer Reviews

1. Metabo HPT NV45AB2 Roofing Nailer

Metabo HPT NV45AB2 is the best roofing nailer for the money. It is lightweight, weighing only 5.5 pounds. You can therefore handle it easily. Additionally, it is simple to operate and control with an easy-to-maintain design.

Also, it has a cordless option that enables roofing from the front simpler. With the help of its rapid drive shaft, you can correctly drive nails with a cutting depth of 7/8″ to 1-34″. It also has an extra feature that makes reloading nails quick and easy: a side-loading magazine.

In addition, this nailer has an open-nose jam-releasing function to enable reliable nailing. It stops the nail gun from clogging and becoming jammed. Its tool-free depth adjustment was just a huge aid for precise nailing, in our opinion.

Plus, setting it up doesn’t need any additional work on your part. Besides that, a sturdy rubber grip comes with it for increased effectiveness and comfort while working. It prevents hand slippage while working.

Key Features

• Side-loading magazine type
• Rapid driving system
• Tool-free depth adjustment system
• Quick jam-releasing mechanism

What We Like

This nailer is simple to use and control and has a precise construction.  The open-nose jam-release feature for dependable nailing. A strong rubber grip is included for greater comfort and efficiency.

What We Don’t Like

Speaking of drawbacks, double nails frequently strain to emerge and magazine size is not desirable.

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2. 3PLUS HCN45SP Coil Roofing Nailer

Although 3PLUS HCN45SP is a newer name in the roofing nailer industry, it has a lot more to offer. It’s a pneumatic air compressor powered nail gun with a higher power rating and a greater value-for-money pick.

Despite being a new brand, it has won the 2nd position in our top list and become the best cheap roofing nailer. However, the low price tag doesn’t mean it delivers the lowest performance. This pneumatic nailer boasts sufficient air pressure to ensure prolonged and precise nail shooting.

You can effortlessly employ its thick 11-gauge nails with a 15° angle size for roofing construction. Besides, this power tool has become more compatible with different fastener sizes that range from ¾” to 1 ¾”. Also, the magazine can hold up to 120 nails at a time, thereby it speeds up your task.

Since it’s the cheapest option out there, it won’t give you a satisfying warranty period and durability. However, the side skid pads ensure user safety by preventing it from sliding. Plus, the 360° toolless adjustable air exhaust enables quick setup and prevents dust and debris from entering your face.

Key Features

• The magazine can hold 120 nails
• 360° tool-less adjustable exhaust
• Side skid pads for resilience and comfort
• Greater operating pressure

What We Like

It has a higher energy rating and is a better choice in terms of value. With enough air pressure, it guarantees sustained and accurate nail firing, making it suitable for various fastener sizes.

What We Don’t Like

In case of disadvantage, we found that the tool requires improvement in its build construction.

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3. MAX USA CORP SuperRoofer CN445R3 Roofing Coil Nailer

Next, MAX USA CORP SuperRoofer CN445R3 could be your best bet if you want an industrial tool even at a justified price. Offering a lot of impressive and useful features, it has become an ideal choice without straining your budget.

With its durable and robust construction, this tool is resistant to rust, corrosion, and tar. It allows you to discard the contact foot when you need it, thereby reducing maintenance time and effort. Apart from this, it is easy to clean and requires less maintenance.

In addition to this, it has replaceable accessories that make the tool easy to use and handle. It also features an end cap filter that is designed for a self-cleaning mechanism that works by expelling foreign materials automatically after disconnecting the hose.

The integrated nose magnet has a jam-clearing system to prevent nail jamming and guarantee that each and every nail entered into it is utilized to its full potential. Again, the adjustable depth dial enables you to get the desired nail depth in both thick and thin materials.

Key Features

• Self-cleaning system
• Lightweight and easy to use
• Greater holding capacity
• Adjustable depth dial

What We Like

This nail gun has a strong and sturdy structure making it tar, corrosion, and rust-resistant. It requires little upkeep and is simple to clean. To avoid nail jams, the integrated nose magnet incorporates a jam-clearing function.

What We Don’t Like

We found this tool a little costly among its competitors.

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4. BOSTITCH RN46 Coil Roofing Nailer

Bostitch RN46 is the best coil roofing nailer. The efficiency and portability of this nailer are perfectly balanced. It is comfortable to use in difficult-to-reach spots and only weighs 5.8 pounds, making it simple to hold.

With consistent nailing power, 100 nails can be driven in a minute. The side-loading magazine with a patented design was our favorite. This makes it possible for you to refill the nails as needed.

It lasts longer thanks to the sturdy aluminum housing that it is made of. Moreover, it has good resistance to corrosion and rust. You’ll appreciate the reloading indicator’s ability to let you know when it’s time to reload the nails.

You will also discover that its rapid, adjustable depth guide is useful for reaching the ideal depth. Besides, there is a nail lockout system that stops unintentional shooting. The nose-piece of this device has a carbide insert to provide long-term effectiveness.

Key Features

• Sturdy aluminum housing
• Nail lockout system
• Over-molded rubber gripping
• Adjustable depth guide

What We Like

Efficiency and portability are in balance. Reloading is quicker with side-loading magazines. It’s reliable due to its sturdy aluminum body.

What We Don’t Like

We think that the build quality requires a bit of improvement.

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5. Makita AN454 1-3/4″ Coil Roofing Nailer

When exploring roofing nailer reviews, we found the Makita AN454 coil roofing nailer is cost-effective and provides high precision and smooth nailing. It has a magazine capacity of 120 nails along with different fastener lengths ranging from ¾-inches to  1-¾-inches.

Its aluminum construction makes it not durable but also lightweight. The portable design minimizes discomfort and allows you to carry the tool easily around your job site while its steel wearing plates lessen friction damage to the tool.

On top of that, it has a strong design and enduring components to guarantee long-term functionality. To ensure high efficiency, this nailer, among other things, may drive plastic and 15° wire mesh nails.

Most notably, it has 9 locknuts and a tool-free adjustable depth. Thus, flush nailing is possible and you may more accurately adjust the nail length. The equipment has rubber bumpers for extra safety that not only shield the nail gun but also guarantee convenience.

Key Features

• Tool-free adjustable depth
• Magazine capacity of 120 nails
• Portable design
• rubber bumpers for extra safety

What We Like

It is not durable because it is made of aluminum with nails driven into 15° wire mesh and plastic with ease. Smooth nailing is achievable because of the tool-free variable depth.

What We Don’t Like

We experienced a bit of inconsistent nailing and the tool is not that durable.

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6. WEN 61783 Coil Roofing Nailer

Our next recommendation is from the most popular brand WEN which comes with a budget-friendly pneumatic power tool. If you have a tight budget, then this is a true choice for you. With nail sizes ranging from ¾” to 1 ¾”, you can handle different tasks using this nail gun.

To make your roofing project easier, it features many useful accessories such as safety glasses to protect your eyes from accidental shooting, a carrying case for easy storage and mobility of the tool, different fastener sizes for versatility, and so on. These additional tools make this nailer the best pick for the money.

Because of being a cheaper option, it only offers a year of manufacturing warranty which is also satisfying in foris budget. This power tool also offers greater performance with 11-gauge nails of 0.12 inches in length. The magazine has the capacity of holding 120 nails at a time.

With an operating pressure of 70-120 PSI, this pneumatic nailer drives sufficient air force for maximum efficiency. The quick-release jam-clearing system also is a great feature. This prevents the nails from jamming and ensures a smooth nail-shooting experience. Finally, we recommend it as the best roofing nailer for home use.

Key Features

• Additional accessories make it impressive
• Flexible depth guide for greater accuracy
• High magazine capacity
• Greater operating pressure

What We Like

It can tackle a variety of tasks. The safety goggles shield your eyes from unintentional firing and are a carrying case for portability and convenience. There is a fast-clearing technique for jams.

What We Don’t Like

Talking about cons the tool has limited warranty time and is only effective with particular nails.

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7. AeroPro CN45N Professional Roofing Nailer

AeroPro CN45N stands out in the market with its higher power rating and performance even at a reasonable price range. It has different fastener sizes ranging from ¾ inch to 1 ¾ inch, making it the most versatile option available. Therefore, you can use this best roofing nail gun for handling most of the demanding applications and professional use.

With a magazine capacity of 120 nails, the tool is the most efficient and high performing as well. It also makes the tool easy to use and offers smooth roofing performance. Besides, it comes with a typical ⅜ inch air inlet cable that provides easy connectivity of this tool with any other air compressor.

In addition to high magazine capacity, it also has 70-120 PSI operating pressure to ensure a consistent and smooth nailing experience. When utilizing wire-punched coil nails with a 0.12-inch length, this could be useful.

In the case of warranty, AeroPro provides one year of the warranty period which is quite dissatisfying. However, this item is robust enough and makes a perfect balance of weight to power ratio, making the nailer good to go.

Key Features

• Lightweight and easy to hold
• Selective actuation system
• Compatible with most air compressors
• Side loading magazine type

What We Like

The nail gun has a 3/8-inch air inlet cable that makes integration simple. To guarantee a dependable and easy nailing performance, it uses an operating pressure of 70–120 PSI. It is sufficient in strength and achieves the ideal weight-to-power ratio.

What We Don’t Like

We experienced it a little bit large and offers a single-year warranty only.

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8. DEWALT DW45RN 15-degree Coil Roofing Nailer

Are you looking for the best cordless roofing nailer? If so, then consider this Dewalt DW45RN coil roofing nailer. It would be a practical investment for a roofer and contractor. Besides, you can also use this for little chores like roofing contractors.

There is no need for hoses, compressors, or gas cartridges. So, you don’t have to pay extra money for this purpose. This cordless nailer can fit a wide variety of roofing fasteners despite being a light-duty instrument.

Moreover, Dewalt’s efficient depth adjustment allows for accurate nail insertion. It has a brushless motor, which guarantees long-lasting, steady nailing. A rapid jam-releasing method is a bonus feature that also makes nailing smooth.

The inbuilt LED light is great for precise lighting around the work surface. Using a stall-releasing trigger, the driving blade can be quickly fixed. For convenient tool storage, use the adjustable rafter attachment.

Key Features

• Stall-releasing trigger
• Adjustable rafter hook
• Efficient depth adjustment
• No need for hoses, compressors, or gas cartridges

What We Like

It can accommodate a broad range of roofing fasteners. The tool assures stable, long-lasting nailing. A quick jam-releasing technique makes shooting effortless.

What We Don’t Like

We experienced that when cold, it readily clings to the piston and frequently locks.

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9. Freeman PCN450 Coil Roofing Nailer

Another top choice for roofing nailers we have chosen from the most prominent brand Freeman. Freeman PCN450 rapid-fire coil roofing nailer is the most reliable and affordable in range. In addition to handling roofing tasks, it can also deal with sheathing, flooring, pavement, and cedar shingles projects.

It has a magnet nail holding that straightens the nails as they are loaded and reduces jamming. The inbuilt bump firing trigger also makes a perfect balance of efficiency and precision. You can easily adjust the nail depth by simply twisting a wheel close to the trigger.

For accuracy and performance, this pneumatic nail gun can load roofing nails from ¾-inches 1-¾-inches. The quick-fire locking function is a bonus that prevents unintentional shooting. The ergonomic handle aids in reducing fatigue and improving precision.

It’s durable, die-cast magnesium, making it the perfect tool for usage over a long period. Besides, the single-piece driving blade and cylinder improves efficiency and resilience. Other features include an air filter and anti-dust cap that keep internal parts clean and free of contaminants.

Key Features

• One-piece steel driving blade
• Die-cast magnesium construction
• Quick-fire locking function
• Magnet nail

What We Like

This roofing nailer is the most affordable and efficient tool. A bump-firing trigger also offers the ideal balance of effectiveness and accuracy. The ergonomic handle improves precision and helps with fatigue reduction.

What We Don’t Like

It won’t be an ideal choice for professional roofers who want a heavy-duty roofing nailer.

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Best Air Compressor For Roofing Nailer:

An air compressor is a necessary gear if you intend on performing accurate nailing on your construction site both manually and commercially. In order to achieve the greatest performance out of your roofing nailer, you truly need an air compressor. And Craftsman CMEC combo kit would be the best air compressor for your roofing nail gun. Let’s look at it with more details alongside the features & advantages that the tool offers.

CRAFTSMAN CMEC3KIT Compressor Combo Kit

Craftsman CMEC is a combo kit that offers the best efficiency and power with the multi functionality of 3 different nailers. Firstly, CMPBN18SB 18 gauge Brad nailer comes with a 2-in driving capacity. Secondly, CMPFN16SB 16-gauge nailer’s driving capacity is up to 2-1/2 inches. Thirdly, the driving capacity of the CMPCS38 3/8-in stapler is up to 9/16-in.

This combo kit is the most versatile option available making it the best roofing nailer for contractors. Over time, it gives accurate grasping without much strain. You will have complete control over the project and reliable operation.

In addition, the gear is portable and relatively lightweight. It is, in fact, a well-balanced nail gun that guarantees consistent nailing even on uneven surfaces. An added feature is a non-marring tip that maintains the workspace tidy and clean.

Also, this nail gun has a convenient rubber handle that is both strong and ergonomic. It reduces hand fatigue and allows you to continue work for prolonged periods. We really appreciated the tool-free depth adjustment, which facilitates quick setup and accurate nailing.

Key Features

• Ergonomic rubber handle
• Tool-free depth adjuster
• Non-marring safety tip
• Great weight-to-power ratio

What We Like

It is the perfect roofing nailer for professionals because of the variety of options accessible. It ensures accurate nailing even on uneven surfaces. The tool-free depth adjustment allows for speedy setup.

What We Don’t Like

Due to being a combo kit, this nailer adds more weight to the tool and is quite tough to handle.

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Consider Before Buy Roofing Nailers: The Comprehensive Buying Guide

Power Source

Roofing nailers are available with two power sources: pneumatic and cordless roofing nailers.

Pneumatic roofing nailers: These are powered by air pressure that delivers consistent air pressure for prolonged operation. These options are quite powerful with a constant air force, making them a true choice for professionals.

Cordless roofing nailers: These nail guns are operated by electrical power with a rechargeable battery. They are suitable for light-duty roofing construction due to their cordless design which gives you much mobility. But the problem is they are less powerful than pneumatic ones.

Now, you have to choose one that suits your needs.

Magazine Capacity

The magazines of roofing nailers usually come with a capacity of holding 60-120 nails. A nail gun with high capacity is easy to use and more efficient but a little bit heavy. Since roofing construction requires more nails for smooth operation, you should buy a roofing nailer with greater magazine capacity. Remember to choose a nailer that has a side-loading magazine system that can reduce reloading time and effort.

Magazine Type

Roofing nailers have two magazine types: coil-style and stick-style. Coil-style magazines have a high capacity for nail holding whereas stick-style magazines can also hold significant nails easily and also are available at a reasonable price. Due to a lot more holding capacity, coil-style nails come in an expensive price range.

Nail Size

Choosing an ideal nail size for a smooth roofing operation. Too short nails are insufficient to hold roof nails. Whereas too-long nails can cause sticking issues and result in danger to people in the movement. The perfect nail size for a roofing nailer is between ¾” to 1 ¾”.

Weight

The weight of the roofing nailer determines how easily you can handle it and move it around your job site. Again, it ensures the preciseness of nail placement as well as your safety. You should choose a roofing nailer with an ideal and manageable weight range in order to achieve these benefits.

Besides, with a lightweight roofing nail gun, you can maintain maximum stability and work with convenience for prolonged periods. The recommended weight range for roofing nailers falls between 4.5 to 5.5 pounds. Because of being constructed with heavy materials like metal, they usually have a significant weight range.

Air Pressure

Roofing nailers should come with sufficient air pressure so that they can effortlessly drive nails into the roofing components. In general, the ideal air pressure range for roofing nailers is 70-120 psi.

Setting the psi range is very important for an effective nailing experience. Because too low psi can cause the nails to pierce out of the roofing whereas too high psi can cause nail jamming or damage the nails.

Firing Method

Roofing nailers come with 2 types of firing modes: contact firing and sequential firing. Contact firing mode works by bumping the tip of the nail gun against the roofing component and thus this is called bump firing as well.

You will find the sequential firing mode more helpful for precise nail insertion. It involves pulling the trigger by setting the trigger against the material. This ensures a safe and comfortable firing experience.

Depth Of Drive

Roofs have different construction materials. Thus it is important for roofing nailers to securely adjust the drive depth and precise nail placement without causing any harm to the roofing materials.

You should therefore look for a nail gun with an easily adjustable depth of drive for efficient repairing tasks. We recommend choosing a nail gun that comes with a toolless depth adjustment system for easy and quick operation.

Handle

Since roof construction is a lengthy process, the nailer you choose for this should be comfortable to hold and use. Opt for a roofing nailer that has a soft, ergonomic handle with sufficient rubber grips. These ergonomics make the handle slip resistant and reduce fatigue in your arms.

Ease of Use

Roofing construction is a difficult task, so it is important to choose a roofing nailer that is easy to use. This can make your tasks effortless and comfortable. You can opt for a portable nailer that has many useful features such as an ergonomic handle, easily adjusted depth drive, adaptable air exhaust, etc. These unique features will speed up the entire roofing process and ensure you a fatigue-free operation.

Accessories

High-quality roofing nailers usually offer many useful accessories including a convenient carrying case, oil-free design, protective glass, jam-releasing system, and so on. You should select the features you want in your nailer. These accessories make the tool ideal for both DIYers and professionals.

Safety Features

If used carelessly, roofing nailers can cause serious harm. To reduce the risk of getting injured, the best roofing nail guns include several safety features.

Firstly, they come with a safety tip for easy and comfortable nail shooting as well as prevent driving of nails accidentally. Besides, some roofing nailers feature two different firing modes and allow you to shift between contact firing and sequential firing modes.

In addition, some models have preventive lockout systems that keep you protected from accidental firing. Also, a few roofing nailers include rubberized sides as a safety feature. This function deters the problems of sliding a roof and keeps you safe during operation.

Durability and Warranty

It’s a worthwhile decision to purchase a durable roofing nailer that offers a significant warranty period. A reliable tool will serve you a seamless operation for a longer period. Various models come with a different warranty duration. You should go for one that gives you peace of mind.

Tips To Follow While Using Roofing Nailers

The following tips should be followed while using a roofing nailer to ensure a consistent and comfortable operation:

• Because they are strong equipment, choose an adequate air compressor for powering air-powered roofing nailers.
• In order to prevent contaminants from getting into your eyes, move the exhaust so that they are not facing your face.
• To make sure that all of the settings are adjusted correctly, take a practice shoot while altering the depth of the drive.
• To drive nails with equal spacing, use the convenient roofing guide.
• Before switching to contact or bump firing mode, get familiar with the roofing nailer since it’s complex and risky to use while also being a tad quicker than a single action.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who makes the best roofing nailer?

The best roofing nailer brands such as Metabo, Wen, BOSTITCH, 3PLUS, Hitachi, and DeWalt offer high-quality roofing nailers with greater efficiency and a budget-friendly range.

Q: Who makes the lightest roofing nailer?

Bostitch Coil Roofing Nailer is the lightest option available with its portable and compact design. Such a design makes it easy to use and offers greater mobility at hard-to-reach places.

Q: What’s the best roofing nailer?

In our opinion, Metabo HPT NV45AB2 Roofing Nailer is the best roofing nailer. This becomes the best due to its power capacity, portable design, and significant warranty period.

Q: What is the best roofing nailer on the market?

There are several options for roofing nailers available in the market. Among them, Metabo HPT Roofing Nailer and 3PLUS HCN45SP Roofing Nailer are our first and second-best recommendations.

Q: Can you use a nail gun for roofing?

Sure. Doing roofing construction with a hammer is much more difficult and takes a long time. But a good quality roofing nailer can get the job done easily and effortlessly in a short time.

Q: What gauge nail gun is used for roofing?

The ideal nail gauge for roofing would be 11 or 10-gauge. This nail gauge size makes the tool thick and strong and is supported by most building codes.

Q: Can a roofing nailer be used for siding?

No, siding is a different project. So, a roofing nailer can’t handle siding projects precisely. For siding projects, you should choose a good-quality siding nailer.

Q: Does anyone make a cordless roofing nailer?

DeWalt DW45RN 15° Coil Roofing Nailer makes the best cordless roofing nailer.

Q: How much is a roofing nail gun?

The roofing nail guns vary from $63 to $165 according to their quality and specifications.

Conclusion

Now that you understand that a roofing nailer is specially designed for the roofing process. The best roofing nailer can get your job easily and precisely. Yet, there are other factors to take into account before purchasing such power equipment. Hence, we have picked a few of the top roofing nailers together with key information about them.

Besides, the thorough buying guide will help narrow down your choices for roofing nailers while offering you the best bet. Best of luck with your next roofing project!