Best Roofing Staples and Nails for Tar Paper Installation
Choosing the right fasteners for tar paper, roofing felt, and house wrap is essential for a durable, weatherproof roof. This guide highlights top staples and plastic cap nails commonly used with tar paper, insulation, and underlayment. Each product is evaluated for material quality, corrosion resistance, and ease of use to help homeowners and pros make informed choices. A quick buying guide follows with practical considerations to compare options side by side.
Product Snapshot
The table below compares five selected products commonly used in tar paper installations. It covers nail type, size, and intended applications to help you choose quickly.
| Product | Brand | Type | Size / Count | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (500 Pack) Round Plastic Cap Nail 1 Inch | One Stop Outdoor | Plastic cap nail | 1 inch, 500 nails | Tar paper, house wrap, foam board |
| 250 Pack Lime Green Round Plastic Cap Nail 1 Inch | One Stop Outdoor | Plastic cap nail | 1 inch, 250 nails | House wrap, roofing felt, insulation film |
| 500 Pack Round Plastic Cap Nail 1 Inch | One Stop Outdoor | Plastic cap nail | 1 inch, 500 nails | Roofing felt, sheathing, foam board |
| Freeman 16-Gauge Glue Collated Staples | Freeman | Glue coiled staples | 2″ leg, 7/16″ crown, 1,000 count | Insulation, roofing felt, underlayment |
| Metabo HPT 16-Gauge Roofing Staples | Metabo HPT | Galvanized roofing staples | 1″ x 1-1/2″ (various counts) | Roofing felt, underlayment, sheathing |
(500 Pack) Round Plastic Cap Nail 1 Inch
The 500-pack round plastic cap nails are designed for fast, water-resistant installations. The caps are molded from quality plastic to resist deformation, while the nails feature electro-galvanized treatment to resist rust and corrosion. The flexible round heads help prevent water ingress under the cap, providing an integrated design that saves time during tar paper, house wrap, and foam board fastening. Suitable for securing roofing felt and related products, these caps improve durability in typical attic and roofline environments.
250 Pack Lime Green Round Plastic Cap Nail 1 Inch
These lime green plastic cap nails offer the same protective and water-sealing benefits as standard caps with a visibility advantage on darker roofs. The nails are electro galvanized to resist rust, making them suitable for long-term use in tar paper and house wrap projects. The integrated cap design helps keep moisture out and reduces installation time by limiting cap loosening during fastening. Ideal for lightweight sheathing and foam board applications where quick, dependable fastening is needed.
500 Pack Round Plastic Cap Nail 1 Inch
This 500-pack round plastic cap nail set emphasizes durability with a sturdy plastic cap and galvanized steel nail. The round cap head helps seal the load more effectively and minimize water seepage at the fastener point. It is well-suited for tar paper, roofing felt, sheathing, and house wrap, providing a reliable fastening solution for both residential and small commercial roofing projects. The integrated design saves time and helps maintain clean, consistent installations.
Freeman 16-Gauge Glue Collated Construction Staples
These Freeman staples are glue-collated for smooth feeding and jam-free operation in 16-gauge staplers. With a 2″ leg length and 7/16″ crown, they are designed for heavy-duty applications such as insulation, roofing felt, sheathing, and underlayment. The galvanized coating enhances corrosion resistance, making them suitable for exposure to moisture commonly encountered during tar paper installation. They pair well with wider roofing projects that require strong, consistent fastening across large areas.
Metabo HPT 16-Gauge Roofing Staples (N5024A2)
Metabo HPT offers galvanized 16-gauge roofing staples in a practical 1″ x 1-1/2″ size, designed for reliable fastening of roofing felt, underlayment, and related materials. The galvanized finish provides dependable corrosion resistance in roofline environments. With a large-count package option, these staples are well-suited for extensive tar paper installation projects where consistent penetration and holding power are required across many fasteners.
Metabo HPT Roofing Staples 1″ x 1″
This Metabo HPT offering, renamed from Hitachi, features 16-gauge galvanized roofing staples that are widely compatible with common staplers. The 1″ x 1″ size is versatile for roofing felt, insulation, and lightweight sheathing. Galvanized steel helps resist rust in damp attic and exterior settings, providing dependable performance for tar paper installations and related roofing projects.
Metabo HPT 11300HPT 16 Gauge Roofing Staples
Another Metabo HPT option, the 11300HPT line provides 16-gauge galvanized roofing staples with a 1″ x 5/8″ profile. These staples are suitable for roofing paper, underlayment, and related applications, offering reliable fastening across larger surface areas. The galvanized finish delivers corrosion resistance essential for outdoor and attic environments encountered during tar paper work.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations help ensure you select the right fasteners for tar paper and related underlayment tasks:
- Material and coating: Galvanized steel staples and nails resist rust, extending life in moisture-prone roof areas. Plastic cap nails add water-sealing benefits at the head, reducing water seepage under caps.
- Fastener type and size: Choose nails for thin, flexible applications like tar paper and house wrap. Opt for staples for larger, stiffer underlayment sections or where a continuous strip is preferred. Crown width and leg length affect holding power and installation compatibility with tools.
- Tool compatibility: Confirm your stapler or hammer-type tool supports the chosen fastener gauge and length. Glue-collated staples require compatible glue systems and may reduce jams when used with appropriate tools.
- Durability vs. ease of use: Plastic caps simplify handling and reduce water infiltration at the fastener, but metal nails offer robust long-term holding for heavier materials. Consider project scale and exposure when deciding.
- Color and visibility: Colored plastic caps help visualize fastener placement on dark roofing surfaces, aiding accuracy and reducing missed spots during installation.
- Count and packaging: For larger projects, bulk counts (e.g., 10000-count staples) reduce frequent reordering and improve project consistency. For small repairs, smaller packs offer flexibility without waste.
In choosing between nails and staples, consider the specific tar paper or house wrap product you’re using, as some underlayment materials respond differently to various fasteners. For high-wind zones or exposed exterior roofs, prioritize corrosion resistance and fastener depth control to maintain a reliable roof seal. When in doubt, consult the tar paper or underlayment manufacturer’s guidance for recommended fasteners and installation practices.