To succeed as a contractor, you need the best tools. You’ll need several pieces of equipment to complete a job, from roofing shoes to roofing gloves. However, one of the most essential and integral tools you need is a roofing nailer.
While you can still hand nail roofs, using a roofing nailer for larger projects is much more efficient. Choosing the right roofing nailer can be daunting. We’ve rounded up the best roofing nailers to help you decide.
Qualities to Look for in Roofing Nailers
Before you purchase a roofing nailer, let’s first consider the qualities to look for in the tool. First, choosing the type of roofing nailer you want is crucial. Let’s look at the differences between pneumatic and cordless roofing nailers.
Pneumatic
A pneumatic roofing nailer is powered by compressed air to drive nails down.
Cordless
Unlike pneumatic roofing nailers, cordless roofing nailers don’t need an attached air compressor hose. Most cordless roofing nailers are battery-operated.
Regardless of whether it’s cordless or pneumatic, here are a few factors you’ll want to consider as you shop for your roofing nailer:
- Misfires
- Jams
- Reliability
- Durability
- Nail capacity
- Nail size
- Operating type
8 of the Best Roofing Nailers Available
Choosing the right roofing nailer for your business depends on your needs. Here are eight of the best roofing nailers.
Note: Our editorial team has independently selected and reviewed all products we feature. We may earn a commission if you purchase nailers using the included links. The prices listed below are subject to change and are up-to-date at the time of publication.
1. Metabo HPT Finish Nailer
Type: Pneumatic
Price: $179
Rating: 4.7/5 Stars
The Metabo HPT Finish Nailer uses 15-gauge angled nails up to 2.5 inches long. The lightweight tool is easy to handle. Metabo HPT has been rated the “Pro Preferred Nailer” by Builder and Developer Magazine for 10 years.
One user said, “[This] nailer has been problem-free—no jams, no dead shots, seems easy to load. Well constructed, lightweight, and good balance!”
Get the Metabo HPT Finish Nailer on Amazon.
2. WEN Pneumatic Roofing Nailer
Type: Pneumatic
Price: $106
Rating: 4.7/5 Stars
The WEN 1.75-in 11-Gauge Pneumatic Roofing Nailer can fire 11-gauge nails up to 1 and ¾ of an inch long. It has a maximum capacity of 120 nails with a quick release that fixes jams efficiently.
One user said, “This nail gun performed flawlessly at about 80 psi pressure. I only had 3 or 4 misfires the entire time I used it. It is lightweight and easy to use.”
3. DeWALT Cordless Coil Roofing Nailer
Type: Cordless
Price: $353
Rating: 4.6/5 Stars
The DeWALT DCN45RNB 20V Max 15 Degree Cordless Coil Roofing Nailer is a well-reviewed, reliable cordless nailer. This roofing nailer is a convenient tool for smaller jobs.
One user said, “I’ve been roofing for 30 years. I’ve always wanted something like this to work…The use for me is repairs or other jobs where I have a small amount of shingles to put on and don’t want to pack out the compressor, but it’s more than I want to hand nail.”
Get the DeWALT Cordless Coil Roofing Nailer on Amazon.
4. Bostitch Coil Roofing Nailer
Type: Pneumatic
Price: $299
Rating: 4.6/5 Stars
The Bostitch Coil Roofing Nailer has a zero nail lockout feature that prevents dry firing and lets you know when to reload.
One user said, “The gun is well-balanced in the hand and comfortable to hold. It is also very lightweight and does not feel cumbersome at all in use.”
Get the Bostitch Coil Roofing Nailer on Amazon.
5. Husky Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer
Type: Pneumatic
Price: $149
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
The Husky Pneumatic 15-Degree 1-3/4 in. Coil Roofing Nailer holds up to 120 nails, helping roofers nail more shingles without stopping to reload. It’s designed with an ergonomic handle to help prevent fatigue from use.
One user said, “Works great! Good value! We’ve been using it for a while now, and it works perfect every time, no jams or misfires!”
6. Valu-Air Coil Roofing Nailer
Type: Pneumatic
Price: $119
Rating: 4.2/5 Stars
This roofing nailer holds up to 120 coil nails, and users say it works well for smaller projects without jamming easily. One user said, “I was pleasantly surprised at how well this nail gun performed! What a great value!!!”
Get the Valu-Air Coil Roofing Nailer on Amazon.
7. AeroPro Professional Roofing Nailer
Type: Pneumatic
Price: $199
Rating: 4.2/5 Stars
The AeroPro Professional Roofing Nailer is designed to work quicker and fires three nails per second. It can also hold up to 120 nails, helping roofers finish the job without as many breaks to reload. Reviews say the tool is durable, and you can expect to use it for years.
One user said, “Almost 2½ yrs of constant use and 3 40ft falls, this gun keeps nailing shingles with ease.”
Get the AeroPro Professional Roofing Nailer on Amazon.
8. Makita Coil Roofing Nailer
Type: Pneumatic
Price: $250
Rating: 4.3/5 Stars
The Makita AN454 1-3/4″ Coil Roofing Nailer is a lightweight tool known for its precision when nailing shingles. Reviewers also say it’s easy to reload the tool, and it’s built to last.
One user said, “Lightweight, rapid-fire, easy to handle, made my day on the roof easy.”
Buy the Makita Coil Roofing Nailer on Amazon.
Using the Best Tools for the Job
When it comes to roofing, using the right tools can significantly enhance efficiency and ensure quality results. Finding the best roofing nailer for your business can help you nail every project—pun intended.
Roofing software is another tool your business can use to reach success. JobNimbus roofer software can help roofing contractors with project management, customer relationship management, and job proposals.
Embrace these tools to enhance your productivity and stay competitive in your market. To learn more, start a free 14-day trial of JobNimbus today.
