Roofing nailers are a vital addition to roofers’ toolboxes. They are valuable for driving fasteners into shingles—a crucial aspect of a roofer’s daily job—and significantly determine the speed at which a project is completed.
Considering the multiple types of roofing nailers on the market, we’ve taken the time to curate a list of the top ten roofing nailers used by roofers we’ve spoken to.
We’ll describe each tool, including its pros and cons, using the reviews from roofing professionals. Then, we’ll show you how roofing companies use ServiceTitan to manage and grow their business.
Top 10 Roofing Nailers for 2024
Below are ten roofing nailers across various price ranges, arranged in no particular order.
1. Bostitch RN46-1
This pneumatic roofing nailer is designed to assist roofers working in high-pressure areas and on roofs. It’s very durable, with some roofers reporting that it still performs optimally even after 15 years of use.
The Bostitch RN46-1 works on roofing and siding materials such as shingles, insulation boards, and decking.
Here are its key features.
Adjustable nail depth button with six different settings.
A trigger lockout feature prevents dry firing (the activation of the tool when there’s no nail in the chamber).
Rubber-covered handle to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome.
Adjustable knob for setting the spacing between shingles.
Skid guards that prevent it from slipping down a roof.
The pros:
The nailer's rounded head and flat nose allow the nail to be driven accurately into the roofing material.
Its frame is made of very strong aluminum, increasing the nailer’s durability and reducing its weight.
The tool is durable and can be easily repaired when necessary.
The loading chamber has a single door which can be opened completely. This makes it easy to load the magazine whenever it's empty.
The cons:
Jams may occur after prolonged usage, extending the project's time frame.
The firing mechanism may release more than one nail at a time, damaging the roofing material.
Ideal for: Large-scale roofing projects
Price: $237
2. Metabo HPT NR90AES1
The Metabo HPT NR90AES1 is a roundhead, lightweight framing nailer that can drive plastic-coated nails into hard or soft woods. It is fully powered by air pressure, and the nailer’s frame and nail track are constructed of aluminum to ensure durability.
Some of its key features include:
Metal back cap that prevents damage to the framing nailer.
A simple button for switching between bump firing and contact nailing modes.
A depth adjustment dial for varying nail depth without changing the air pressure.
An over-molded rubber handle that provides a firm grip and ensures secure control.
It can hold about 80 nails of two to three-and-a-half inches.
The pros:
The design and weight make it ergonomically compliant and perfect for all-day framing.
The recoil is minimal, even to an apprentice.
It weighs just 7.5 pounds, preventing fatigue, especially when used for long periods.
Because of the head design, you can disassemble and assemble the tool.
The cons:
There’s no feature to prevent dry firing.
Ideal for: Framing and flooring
Price: $159-$190
3. Senco RoofPro 455XP
Senco RoofPro 455XP is a pneumatic, coil roofing nailer fully encased in an aluminum sheathing, which reduces weight and ensures durability.
This framing gun has the following basic features.
Fully adjustable shingle placement guide that can be easily removed.
A transparent magazine door for viewing the nails left in the magazine.
Rubber over-molded handle that provides a secure grip.
Unique valve design that limits the amount of air consumed without impairing the tool’s performance.
The pros:
It has extra accessories, including a case, wrenches, and tool oil.
The tool is easily serviceable due to its unique design. You can access all the parts by uncapping the top.
Weighing just over five pounds, roofers can work with the nailer for long hours without experiencing muscle strain or fatigue.
The cons:
It lacks a button for switching between nailing modes. You have to change the trigger to do so.
The gun can’t survive falls from ladders, as it lacks slip guards.
Ideal for: Fiberglass and asphalt shingles, insulation boards, and aluminum or vinyl siding.
Price: $329-$360
4. Max CN565S3
This roofing nail gun is a powerful pneumatic roofing coil nailer. It’s commonly used to drive 1.5 to 2.5-inch nails (plastic-coated or wire-wielded) into siding underlayments. Here are its key features.
A transparent magazine chamber that enables users to see the number of nails left and know when to reload.
A twistable air deflector that can rotate 360 degrees to redirect exhaust fumes from users’ faces.
A self-cleaning filter at the tip of the air hose connection that blocks dirt, dust, and other foreign substances from entering the tool.
An anti-double fire trigger mechanism that prevents the nailer from firing more than one nail with one shot.
Rafter hooks.
A depth-adjustment dial for varying nail depth.
The pros:
The narrow contact arm accurately drives nails into roofing materials, even if the area is hard to reach. It also prevents drive marks from appearing on nail heads and roofing materials.
It comes with free safety goggles and a carry case.
Roofers can use it for extended periods since it’s lightweight (weighs only 5.2 pounds)
The magazine’s unique design allows roofers to load nails quickly.
The cons:
It lacks a jam-clearing feature. This means you have to completely disassemble the nailer whenever it jams.
There's no button to switch between nailing modes.
Ideal for: Siding installation, strapping, fencing, sheathing, furring, and exterior rim.
Price: $399
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5. Dewalt DW45RN
The Dewalt DW45RN pneumatic nailer drives coil nails that are three-quarter-inch and one to three inches long into roofing materials. It has a maximum fastener capacity of 145, operates with an air pressure of 70-120 PSI, and supports 15-gauge roofing nails.
Its other features include:
Anti-slide steel plates to prevent it from falling off a roof.
Numbered depth-adjustment knob for defining the exact nail depth.
A special valve mechanism that gives the nailer a drive rate of 10 nails per second.
Slender-shaped shingle adjustment guide for defining shingle spacing.
Seals and filters that protect internal components from foreign substances.
Durable nail feed system that stops jams.
Sequential and bump firing modes.
The pros:
Weighing just 5.2 pounds, roofers can use it all day without experiencing fatigue.
The engine can operate efficiently for extended periods.
The latch jam clearance mechanism lets you clear jammed nails without disassembling the entire tool.
The cons:
It lacks a dry-fire lockout mechanism. Therefore, it can be activated when there’s no nail in the magazine, causing potential damage to the nailer.
The tool may sometimes experience jams after extended usage.
The tool sometimes double fires, releasing multiple nails in one shot.
The nailer lacks a single-fire mode.
Ideal for: Installing siding, house wraps, and shingles
6. Dewalt DCN45RN
The Dewalt DCN45RN is our list's first cordless, battery-operated roofing nailer. With a drive rate of 3 nails per second, it runs on a 2A power battery and delivers up to 500 nail shots when fully charged.
Just as one would expect, it's heavier than most pneumatic roofing nailers due to the battery compartment.
Its basic features include:
Depth adjustment wheel with five dials for varying drive depth.
Blade release lever for returning driver blades in the event of a jam.
Adjustable nail trays that accommodate different sizes of roofing nails.
A belt hook that attaches to work belts.
Battery indicator that blinks wherever the power is running low.
The pros:
It eliminates the hassle of setting up air compressors and struggling with air hoses when climbing roofing ladders. You can get to work immediately after reaching the job site.
It uses a brushless motor, which increases its runtime.
The battery delivers sufficient power to drive nails at precise depths when fully charged.
The depth adjustment knob is easily accessible at the top of the nailer.
It comes with a free kit bag.
The cons:
Unlike pneumatic nailers, this battery-powered tool isn’t built for large roofing projects.
There’s a delay in the firing cycle due to its flywheel-based firing system. This means the system delays a bit before releasing the first nail.
The magazine cover pops open mid-usage.
It only has a bump-fire nailing mode.
Ideal for: Small roofing remodel, framing, and renovation projects.
Price: $352
7. Metabo HPT NR1890DR
Manufactured by Hitachi, a popular tool manufacturer, this tool is one of the few battery-powered framing nailers on the market. It runs on a 3.0Ah lithium-ion battery and fires 400 nails per charge.
The tool-less depth adjustment dial is located near the nose to control drive depth precisely.
Dry-fire lockout feature prevents firing when insufficient fasteners are left in the magazine.
Metal rafter hook that attaches to roof rafters.
Power conservation feature that automatically shuts down the nailer after 30 minutes of inactivity.
Side Lock trigger switch that acts as a manual safety button and helps roofers toggle between bump-fire and single-shot modes.
Unique air-spring firing system that delivers drive power and speed like a pneumatic nailer.
Ergonomic rubber handle.
The pros:
It has a drive speed of up to two nails per second.
It arrives with safety goggles and a contractor bag.
It’s one of the few battery-operated roofing nailers that simulate the power and speed of pneumatic guns.
The battery charge indicator makes it easy to monitor the amount of power available.
The tool has a button for switching between sequential and contact nailing modes.
The cons:
It weighs almost 11 pounds, causing fatigue and soreness after extended use.
The controls are placed in a hidden area (below the grip).
Ideal for: Roofing framing
Price: $302
8. Paslode CR175C
The Paslode CR175C is a low-cost cordless roofing nail gun powered by fuel and battery cells. It delivers over 2,000 and 1,000 shots per battery and fuel charge, respectively.
The manufacturer of this nailer does well in including the following features.
An adjustable depth-of-drive dial on the nose.
A belt hook
Anti-slip grips with rubber inlets prevent the nailer from falling to the ground from rooftops.
Toolless mode-change switch.
The pros:
The tool's cordless nature eliminates the need to set up compressors and connect hoses at the beginning of every workday, reducing the time it takes to complete roofing projects.
The nail guard shuts tightly and is less likely to break as it's not made of plastic.
It’s packaged inside a padded backpack that contains a nail pack, safety tether, fuel pack, battery, and goggles.
The cons:
It’s far heavier and bulkier than conventional pneumatic nailers, and roofers may suffer from sore arms after using it for long periods.
The Quicklode fuel kit that powers the nailer is sometimes hard to find.
Ideal for: Small roofing repairs and remodeling projects.
Price: $98
9. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21° Framing Nailer
This cordless framing nailer is completely powered by 5Ah batteries and has a drive speed of three nails per second. It enables roofers to work without struggling to connect air compressors or drag hoses while working.
The framing nailer supports sequential and contact firing modes, fires three nails per second, and has the following features.
A belt clip on the side.
A strong pivoting rafter.
Dry fire lockout trigger.
Tool-free nail depth adjustment knob.
Powerful LED light that enhances visibility for precise nail placement.
A built-in compartment that holds a hex key.
Pivoting rafter hook.
The pros:
It has zero ramp-up time, which means there’s no time lag between pressing the trigger and the nail coming out.
It uses sealed, compressed nitrogen and the power produced by a special REDLITHIUM battery to drive in nails at a consistent depth and with power comparable to pneumatic nailers.
It works without gas cartridges.
The cons:
The magazine can only hold 51 nails (unless you buy the extended capacity magazine separately), so you’ll have to spend time reloading it after every 51 shots.
It’s very heavy, weighing 11.1 pounds.
Ideal for: Framing, roof sheathing, decking, and sub-flooring.
Price: $379
10. Makita AN454
The Makita AN454 is a powerful coil roofing nailer that weighs only 5.2 pounds. It is encased in aluminum and has steel plates designed to withstand frequent usage and falls.
Here are the tool’s main features.
Sequential and bump fire modes
Nail depth adjustment dial with six settings
Shingle guide
Removable cap for clearing jams and debris
Special trigger valve design that boosts nail drive speed when using bump fire mode
The Pros
It’s packaged with a free hex wrench, safety goggles, and tool oil.
The nailer has a unique magnet that prevents the gun from firing nails whenever only one is left in the chamber.
The nailer’s rubberized grip and lightweight design prevent fatigue during extended use.
You can attach the nailer to your belt using its adjustable hook.
The Cons
The tool sometimes double-fires independently, especially when set in single-fire mode.
The nose design makes it difficult to drive nails directly into specific areas.
Ideal for: Roofing projects
Price: $239
Some honorable mentions
Here are some other great nailing guns that have not been included on our list but are equally competent.
Porter Cable Coil Roofing Gun
Makita AN54
Brad Nailer
Dewalt 20v Max
Stinger
Metabo NV45AB2
Max CN445R3 SuperRoofer
What Are the Different Types of Roofing Nailers?
Roofing nailers are broadly classified into two categories based on the power source.
Pneumatic roofing nailers
These roofing nailers are powered by compressed air delivered by a hose via an inlet. Essentially, they convert pressurized air into mechanical energy to drive nails into roofing materials.
Here’s a simplified version of how the tool works.
Once pressure is applied to the trigger, an internal valve opens, letting compressed air into the magazine chamber. The air pushes against a piston, forcing fasteners out from the tool’s nose in preset quantities.
Roofers prefer pneumatic roofing nailers because of the speed and power at which they deliver nails, thanks to the compressed air pressure. However, that pressure comes at a price.
The compressor, hose, and fittings significantly increase the cost of pneumatic nail guns. Roofers also have to struggle with dragging the hose and compressor as they work to avoid tripping, which can cause significant discomfort.
Additionally, the time it takes to offload, set up, and take down the hose and compressor eats into the time for roofing projects.
Cordless roofing nailers
As the name suggests, this category of roofing nailer works without a cord and is instead powered by batteries. That means chemical energy is converted into mechanical energy to shoot out the fastener.
Cordless roofing nailers are divided into two types based on their firing mechanisms: flywheel-based and nitrogen cylinder-based.
Flywheel-based cordless roofing nailers have high-speed flywheels that must spin for a while before firing the first nail, which can be frustrating.
Conversely, nitrogen cylinder-based cordless nailers use pressurized cylinders. They are usually portable and smaller than flywheel-based cordless nailers.
Cordless nailers are more convenient because they do not have hoses and compressors, which often restrict movement. Roofers can work at awkward angles and considerable heights.
Additionally, these nailers cost less than pneumatic guns, making money available to purchase other tools.
However, cordless nailers weigh two to three pounds more than pneumatic nailers, which causes fatigue after extended use. Plus, the battery may lose the ability to hold power for long periods after a while.
While both roofing gun categories have pros and cons, we advise roofers to buy both as they are valuable in different settings. Pneumatic guns can be used for large projects, while cordless ones are perfect for small projects and situations where you wish to avoid using the truck.
What Are the Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roofing Nailer?
Roofing nailers are a high-ticket purchase, with an average cost of $250. Therefore, some thought is required to get the best bang for your buck. Besides, no one would like to buy a roofing nailer and be forced to abandon it in the garage because it stopped working after two days.
With that in mind, here are key factors to consider when picking a roofing nailer:
Power Source: If it’s battery-powered, check the power rating and the nail count per charge. For pneumatic nailers, ensure the compressor’s horsepower rating is sufficient to power the tool.
Nail Size and Type: Pick a nailer that can accommodate the nail size and type your roofing project’s demand.
Durability and Build Quality: The quality of a nailer’s frame says a lot about its durability—aluminum and magnesium frames typically last longer than plastic ones, which break easily.
Weight and Ergonomics: Purchase lightweight nailers to prevent fatigue and sore arms. However, if the nailer’s other features compensate for the weight, purchase it for small projects. Additionally, ensure the nailer has great ergonomics—a well-balanced and comfortable over-molded grip.
Features: Before shopping for a nailer, know what features you’d like it to have. This will shorten the list of roofing guns you have to pick from.
Price and Value: Pick nailers whose price matches the value and features they possess.
User Reviews and Ratings: Read online reviews to hear from people who have used the product. Check both negative and positive reviews to get a complete product picture.
How Can I Choose the Right Roofing Nailer?
Follow these steps to pick the right roofing nailer that fits your needs.
Step 1: Match the nailer to your typical project types. For example, you would need a specific roofing nailer if most projects involve asphalt shingles.
Step 2: Consider your budget. Pick the nailer with the best price-value combination.
Step 3: Prioritize specific features based on your needs. This will reduce the shortlist of roofing nailers you have to choose from.
Step 4: Weigh the pros and cons of different power sources. You can use the information we’ve provided under the different types of roofing nailers.
Step 5: Research where to buy roofing nailers. We’ll cover them in the next section.
Where Can You Buy Roofing Nailers?
Roofing nailers can be purchased online or offline. If you prefer the latter, visit a nearby hardware store or check the manufacturer’s website to find the contact person in your region.
Here are some online platforms that sell roofing nailers:
Beyond Just Tools: Streamline your Roofing Business with ServiceTitan
Roofing nailers and other tools, though important, are only one part of running a successful roofing company. Investing in the right digital tools to efficiently manage business operations and marketing initiatives is equally important to maximize resources and maintain profitability.
ServiceTitan is an all-in-one software built for the trades, including roofing companies. The tool's many features help companies such as Guardian Roofing scale by eliminating inefficient processes and providing visibility into their entire business.
According to Matt Swanson, co-founder of Guardian Roofing, scaling was difficult due to the volume of administrative work they had to handle.
However, after joining ServiceTitan, the company tripled its size—generated almost $30 million in revenue in 2023—and is on the way to growing even more.
“There’s no way we could have done that without the operational efficiencies introduced by the software,” Matt says.
Here are some key features enjoyed by roofing companies that use ServiceTitan:
Job Costing and Estimating: Discover the exact profitability of each roofing project so you can price your services correctly, including the payroll and timesheet costs. You can also use this to create service agreements tailored to each customer’s needs without running at a loss.
Scheduling and Dispatching: Grant dispatchers visibility into each technician’s workload and progress so they can schedule jobs appropriately. The software also allows dispatchers to optimize schedules to ensure technicians arrive on time and avoid wasting time on no-shows.
Customer Management (CRM): Centralize customer data into one system that technicians and back-office staff can access at will. The software can also boost customer satisfaction by providing multiple payment methods, personalized payment portals, tech location tracking, and direct communication tools.
Mobile App: Empower technicians to access customer data from the field, which they can use to close sales and deliver personalized service.
Reporting and Analytics: Monitor business performance using intuitive reports accessible from anywhere worldwide. This allows you to monitor marketing performance, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to grow your company.
Back to You
Roofing nailers are roofers’ greatest asset. Therefore, research to purchase one that’s good quality and has the features required to resolve customers’ roofing problems efficiently.
If you’re looking for a way to grow your roofing business, check out these valuable resources.
Top roofing trade shows for connecting with suppliers, customers, and other business owners.
An exhaustive guide on roofing pay-per-click (PPC) advertising.
Additionally, invest in roofing software like ServiceTitan to say goodbye to inefficient processes and mountains of paperwork.
ServiceTitan is software built to streamline the operations of roofing companies, automate key processes, increase employee productivity, and deliver positive customer experiences. Thousands of service companies nationwide have increased their revenue by an average of 25 percent in just their first year of working with us.
ServiceTitan Software
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and substantially elevate the trajectory of their business. Our comprehensive, cloud-based platform is used by thousands of electrical, HVAC, plumbing, garage door, and chimney sweep shops across the country—and has increased their revenue by an average of 25% in just their first year with us.
