7 Best Roofing Nailers of 2023

Photo: Metabo HPT

When it comes to roof maintenance, repair or installation, a roofing nailer is a must-have. Unlike the traditional roofing hammers, it gets the job done faster, more efficiently and with neater and more aesthetically appealing results.

But, not just any will do, and so as a pro roofer or DIYer, you need to focus more on getting the best roofing nailer for maximum efficiency and user convenience.

A roofing nailer will typically shoot galvanized steel roofing nails that are between 3/4 and 2-1/2 inches long which are packed in the larger capacity coil magazine to ensure roofers go longer between reloads.

To help you find that perfect roofing nailer for your projects, below we review 7 top-rated roofing nailer models and explain the vital things to consider when choosing one.

7 Best Roofing Nailers – Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. Bostitch RN46-1 (Best Overall)	Effective dry fire prevention mechanism Durable but lightweight aluminum housing Faster and more efficient side load canister Handy adjustable shingle guide
	2. Hitachi NV45AB2 (Top Notch Hitachi)	High-quality nailer by a top brand Convenient side loading canister Higher magazine capacity Lightweight and easily maneuverable
	3. Wen 61782 (Best Budget)	More budget-friendly Adjustable guide allows for quick and easy shingle spacing Quick jam release Highly powerful nailer
	4. Max CN445R3 (Perfect for Pro Roofer)	Pro woodworker-friendly design and features Easy to use depth adjustment dial Tar-resistant nose Comfortable rubberized grip
	5. Ridgid R175RNA 21163 (Excellent Buy for All Kinds of Roofers)	Versatile and highly useful all-round roofing nailer Tool-free shingle guide Easy maintenance and long tool life Quick and effortless reloading
	6. Porter-Cable RN175B (Compact & Versatile)	More compact and easy to balance design Highly versatile design for siding and roofing projects Easy depth of drive setting Convenient selectable trigger
	7. DeWalt DWFP12658 (Tough, Compact & Reliable)	Tough and durable housing Comfortable rubber grip Tool-free shingle guide adjustment Selectable trigger

1. Bostitch RN46-1 – Best Overall

Photo: Bostitch

• Power Source: Pneumatic
• Weight: 5.8 pounds
• Nail Length: 3/4” – 1-3/4”
• Magazine Capacity: 120 nails

Bostitch RN46-1 offers both power and accuracy to make roofing a quicker and more effortless task for you.

This roofing nailer has tool-less depth adjustment to ensure you always get a precise nail drive and a dry-fire lock-out to eliminate dry fires.

With the durable aluminum housing, this pneumatic roofing nailer has been designed to offer many years of service and to make this a more maneuverable tool.

Loading nails is made quicker and more effortless by the patented single-action side load canister, and this roofing nailer also has an adjustable shingle guide to make shingle spacing quick.

This Bostitch roofing nailer almost has no con at all besides the fact that it does not come with a case and the fact that it is quite loud which should be expected from such a powerful tool.

Pros:

• Dry fire lock-out mechanism
• Durable aluminum housing
• Fast, one-step loading
• Convenient tool-free depth adjustment
• Comfortable over-molded rubber grip

Cons:

• Quite a loud nailer
• Does not come with a case

2. Hitachi NV45AB2 – Top Notch Hitachi Roofing Nailer

Photo: Metabo HPT

• Power Source: Pneumatic
• Weight: 5.5 pounds
• Nail Length: 7/8” – 1-3/4” 
• Magazine Capacity: 120 nails

Hitachi will hardly ever disappoint with their power tools and their model NV45AB2 proves this as it is not only well-built but powerful and feature-rich.

This pneumatic roofing nailer offers tool-less depth adjustment for simple depth of drive adjustment and comes in a well-balanced design to make it more easily maneuverable.

Also, the side loading magazine helps to make it one of the best roofing nail guns when it comes to reloading as it will make nail replenishment faster and easier for minimal downtimes.

This roofing nailer has a comfortable non-slip rubber grip to minimize user fatigue when using it for extended periods and a quick drive capability for increased efficiency when working on larger roofing projects.

While this roofing nailer is still a little on the heavier side at 5.5 pounds, it is still manageable enough and should still give users an easy time when roofing.

Pros:

• Tool-less depth adjustment
• Well-balanced and easily maneuverable
• Easy and convenient nail loading
• Quick drive function
• Comfortable non-slip rubber grip

Cons:

• A little on the heavier side
• No carry case

3. Wen 61782 – Best Budget Roofing Nailer

Photo: Wen

• Power Source: Pneumatic
• Weight: 11.45 pounds
• Nail Length: 3/4” – 1-3/4”
• Magazine Capacity: 120 nails

For any roofer or DIYer shopping for a roofing nailer on a budget, the Wen 61782 will be a perfect choice as it is both top-notch quality and highly affordable.

The pneumatic roofing nailer offers features you would expect to get on the more expensive model such as simple and precise nail depth adjustment and quick jam release.

This inexpensive roofing nailer includes an adjustable shingle glide that makes shingle spacing quicker and easier and a comfortable rubber grip handle that will help minimize fatigue and make the nailer easily maneuverable.

Also, many users will love the adjustable exhaust valve as it makes it a safer tool to use by allowing them to direct the output air away.

This Wen roofing nailer is the heaviest on our list, and the weight might be a problem for those using it for extended periods, but for quick and occasional jobs it is still perfect.

Pros:

• Relatively more affordable
• Quick and easy jam release
• Easy shingle spacing
• Comfortable rubber grip handle
• Convenient carry case included

Cons:

• Convenient carry case included

4. Max CN445R3 – Perfect Tool for a Pro Roofer

Photo: Max

• Power Source: Pneumatic
• Weight: 5.2 pounds
• Nail Length: 3/4” – 1-3/4”
• Magazine Capacity: 120 nails

As a pro roofer shopping for a reliable roofing nailer but do not want to go for the expensive top brand models, the Max CN445R3 is a good buy as it can handle the heavy use and it comes at a great price tag.

The top-rated roofing nailer offers a maintenance-free end cap filter to give users an easier time, a unique tangle-free swivel joint and a dial adjustable depth control for more precise nail sinking.

With this nailer, you get a simple nail reloading to ensure minimal downtimes, and it is also a relatively more lightweight and well-balanced roofing nailer that will be super easy to maneuver and comfortable to operate.

The absence of a belt hook and the fact that this roofing nailer does not come with a carry case can be quite inconvenient, but they should not be the dealbreakers as they will not affect its performance in any way.

Pros:

• Lightweight and well-balanced for extended use by professionals
• Simple depth control 
• Maintenance-free filter
• Easy nail loading

Cons:

• Carry case not included
• No belt hook

5. Ridgid R175RNA 21163 – An Excellent Buy for All Kinds of Roofers

Photo: Ridgid

• Power Source: Pneumatic
• Weight: 5 pounds
• Nail Length: 3/4” – 1-3/4”
• Magazine Capacity: 120 nails

If you prefer a lightweight roofing nailer that will be ideal for extended use, the Ridgid R175RNA will be a perfect choice as it is the lightest option on our list.

Besides being lightweight, it is also a well-built nailer with a solid housing and with a replaceable nosepiece that makes maintenance easy and extends the tool life.

With this roofing nailer, reloads will take less time as it has an EZ load feature with an offset magazine for easy reloading to minimize downtimes.

The tool-free shingle guide is another great feature as it allows for more precise shingle adjustment while the selectable trigger makes it possible to choose between sequential and bump firing depending on your project.

And you will never have to worry about dry fires as this nailer also includes a dry fire lock-out mechanism.

Given that it is the priciest option among our roofing nailer review, some roofers might be discouraged from buying it. But if you want something powerful that will almost never disappoint you when roofing, it is worth paying the few extra bucks.

Pros:

• Great all-round nailer
• Relatively lightweight
• Super quick reloading
• Tool-free shingle guide
• Convenient selectable trigger

Cons:

• Relatively more expensive
• Not very ideal for rapid firing

6. Porter-Cable RN175B – Compact & Versatile

Photo: Porter-Cable

• Power Source: Pneumatic
• Weight: 5.7 pounds
• Nail Length: 3/4” – 1-3/4”
• Magazine Capacity: 120 nails

With this compact and versatile Porter-Cable roofing nailer, no roofing or siding project will be too hard to handle as it has the power and features to handle most of them.

It is also a convenient roofing nailer made with the user in mind, and it features quick drive depth setting feature, tool-free shingle guide adjustment for simple shingle placement and dual door magazine that makes reloading quick and easy.

This easy to use roofing nailer comes with a more compact body and allows the user to choose between sequential and bump firing mode depending on the project. And with the rounded body and soft rubber grip, it will be comfortable to operate even for extended periods.

This Porter-Cable roofing nailer seems quite prone to jamming, but the best element about it is that the jams are super easy to clean and will not cause significant downtimes.

Pros:

• Quick depth drive setting
• Tool-free shingle guide adjustment
• Simple and quick nail reloading
• Convenient selectable trigger

Cons:

• Quite prone to jams
• Air hose coupler not included

7. DeWalt DWFP12658 – Tough, Compact & Reliable Roofing Nailer

Photo: DeWalt

• Power Source: Pneumatic
• Weight: 6.25 lbs
• Nail Length: 3/4” – 1-3/4”
• Magazine Capacity: 120 nails

Given the reputation of the company, one can rightfully expect nothing short of the best from a DeWalt roofing nailer, and the good news is that their DWFP12658 model exceeds this expectation.

For an under $500 roofing nailer, it is hard to get anything better than this, and this is regardless of the fact that it is among the heaviest on our roofing nailer review.

This top-notch nailer includes an easily adjustable shingle guide that will help make shingle placement effortless and quick depth of drive setting for precise nailing.

Also, the roofing nailer has a selectable trigger to allow the user to choose between sequential and bump firing depending on the projects. And with the over-molded grip and compact body, it will be more comfortable to use and easy to control.

This roofing nailer does not have an adjustable vent, but you will hardly even notice it as its design minimizes the risk of the exhaust air ending up on your face.

Pros:

• Easily adjustable shingle guide
• Comfortable overmold grip
• More compact body design
• Easy change selectable trigger
• Quick drive depth settings

Cons:

• Does not have an adjustable vent
• Jams a little too easily

How to Buy the Best Roofing Nailer

Photo: Bostitch

To make sure you get a roofing nailer that is safe to use, fast and efficient and also offers you great value for money, you need to watch out for the following things when shopping.

1. Pneumatic vs. Cordless Roofing Nailer

The first decision you need to make when choosing a roofing nailer is the types to buy and here you get to choose from two main types which are pneumatic and cordless. Choosing between the two should be easy once you know what sets them apart.

Pneumatic Roofing Nailers

Pneumatic roofing nailers are the most popular and most powerful type, and they are the kinds that use compressed air to drive the nails.

These roofing nailers need an air compressor and a hose to connect them to the compressor. Many of these roofing nailers will have an operating pressure of 70-120 PSI which means they will be compatible with most portable air compressors.

Lack of electric components makes the pneumatic roofing nailers easier to maintain, but their main shortcoming is that they need an air compressor, couplers, and a hose which are an extra cost.

Cordless Roofing Nailers

Cordless roofing nailer can be used to describe either the small portable types that use butane gas canisters or the battery-powered models.

But, regardless of which cordless roofing nailer you refer to, what comes out clear is that these are more portable nailers that will not require an air compressor and hose to drive nails.

These nailers can be used from almost anywhere provided the battery is charged or you have a full gas canister.

However, these roofing nailers are not as powerful as the pneumatic types, and they also have limited run time and more downtimes as you have to swap out gas canisters or recharge batteries.

2. Balance and Weight

A good roofing nailer should be well-balanced from the head through the handle to make it comfortable to use. If the nailer is too forward or back-leaning, it will give you a hard time when using it for extended periods.

Besides being well-balanced, the nailer needs to have the right weight because working when standing on the roof is never easy. A lightweight nailer is always more preferable as it allows you to maintain balance and nail more comfortably.

All in all, the best coil roofing nailer is one that comes in an easy-to-handle weight and with excellent weight distribution and well-balanced handle.

3. Nailing Speed

Roofing might be a time-consuming job, but you still need to make sure that the roofing nailer that you buy is designed to speed it up.

Some roofing nailers will fire up to 100 nails per minute to help you finish the job fast. However, the nailing speed will depend on several factors such as the roofing material, nail type, firing mode, and the nail gun’s power.

And because sometimes you might not always need a fast nailing speed, the best idea is to go for a nailer that allows you to alternate between fast and slower nailing speed such as those with dual firing modes (bump and sequential).

4. Nail Size

As you choose a roofing nailer, it is also important to consider the nail size it can accommodate as it will determine the projects you can use it for.

A nailer that can shoot nails that are between 3/4 and 1-3/4 inches like Ridgid R175RNA 21163 and Wen 61782 is often versatile enough as it can be used for multiple applications.

Nail size is even more important for professional roofing contractors as they often have to deal with different projects that require the use of different materials which means different hold power is required.

5. Magazine Design

Most roofing nailers will use a coil magazine as it offers a larger nail capacity than the stick magazines, and they are also less likely to jam.

But, besides going for a nailer with a coil magazine, it is important to consider the design of the specific magazine on the roofing nailer.

When it comes to the magazine design, you will need to choose between the back and side loading magazines.

While the side loading magazine will give you an easier time when reloading the nailer when on the roof, it might still not work well for some users. Hence, the wise idea is always to choose a magazine design that you find most comfortable and convenient to use.

6. Brand

Brand always matters a lot when choosing any power tool, and the roofing nailer is no exception. And this is because the brand will affect important things from the quality of the nailer, features, included accessories and even the warranty length.

Some reputable roofing nailer brands include Bostitch, DeWalt, Hitachi, and Wen. Most of these top brands will have several models of roofing nailers in the market and also offer products in different price ranges and for different kinds of users.

The best roofing nailer brand for you will ultimately depend on you, but to increase the likelihood of ending up with something top-notch, you should buy from a reputable power tool brand.

Conclusion

With the many options in the market, finding the best roofing nailer can be a daunting task, but it should not be if you know what to look for.

To make it even easier to get something high-quality, we also provide recommendations with our top 7 roofing nailer reviews. And from this recommendation, the Bostitch RN46-1 is our best overall product as it will offer both power and accuracy.