Best Nail Gun for Shingles: Top Roofing Nailers for Asphalt Shingles
Choosing the right nail gun for shingles can speed up roof installation and improve results. This guide highlights five reliable options suitable for roofing applications, from 16-degree and 15-degree coil nailers to cordless models. Each selection balances power, drive accuracy, and durability to handle asphalt shingles and related roofing tasks. Use our buying guide to compare features such as depth adjustment, magazine capacity, weight, and compatibility with common roofing nails. All models listed are designed to deliver consistent flush drives for a clean, long-lasting roof.
| Product | Brand | Nail Range | Angle | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metabo HPT NV45AB2 | Metabo HPT | 7/8″–1-3/4″ | 16° | Pneumatic |
| 3PLUS HCN45SP | 3PLUS | 3/4″–1-3/4″ | 11° | Pneumatic |
| BOSTITCH RN46 | Bostitch | 3/4″–1-3/4″ | Coil | Pneumatic |
| toolant Roofing Nailer | toolant | 3/4″–1-3/4″ | 15° | Pneumatic |
| DEWALT 20V MAX | DEWALT | Coil nails | 15° | Cordless |
Metabo HPT Roofing Nailer NV45AB2
The Metabo HPT NV45AB2 is a heavy-duty pneumatic roofing nailer designed for asphalt shingles and other roofing materials. It can drive up to three nails per second, operating within a 70–120 PSI range for consistent performance. A tool-less depth of drive adjustment enables precise, flush nailing, while a 16-degree magazine holds up to 120 nails for reduced reloading downtime. Weighing 5.7 pounds, the tool is balanced for simple maneuvering on sloped surfaces. The side-loading magazine supports quick nail replenishment, improving efficiency on longer roof runs.
3PLUS HCN45SP 11 Gauge 15 Degree Coil Nailer
The 3PLUS HCN45SP offers an 11-degree coil roofing nailer suitable for 3/4″ to 1-3/4″ full-head nails. Its adjustable shingle guide speeds up spacing and ensures uniform rows. An integrated side skid pad helps prevent the tool from sliding when set on its side during roof work, contributing to safer handling and more accurate placements on steep surfaces.
BOSTITCH RN46 Coil Roofing Nailer
The BOSTITCH RN46 coil roofing nailer features a lightweight aluminum housing for durability and performance on job sites. It includes a zero-nail lockout to prevent dry fires and to signal when the magazine needs reloading. The nosepiece is reinforced with carbide inserts for extended wear life, helping the tool maintain drive consistency across multiple roofing projects.
toolant Roofing Nailer
The toolant roofing nailer delivers fast, consistent nailing with up to 3 nails per second and a 120-nail coil capacity across a 70–120 PSI operating range. It is built for rugged use with a metal housing, designed for asphalt shingles, fencing, and wood siding. Its universal 3/8” air inlet makes compatibility with many compressors straightforward, and the 15-degree angle supports versatile roofing and siding projects.
Porter-Cable RN175C 15-Degree Coil Roofing Nailer
The Porter-Cable RN175C combines a 15-degree coil design with a tool-free depth of drive adjustment and detents for consistent nail setting. It features a steel contact safety and carbide inserts to minimize wear, enhancing durability over extended roofing projects and ensuring dependable performance across varying shingle thicknesses.
BOSTITCH N66C Siding Nailer
The BOSTITCH N66C siding nailer drives wire-weld and plastic-inserted coil nails with a lightweight aluminum housing. Its adjustable depth guide allows quick, convenient nail setting, making it a practical secondary tool for siding and roofing tasks where different fastener types may be used in tandem with shingles.
BOSTITCH BRN175A Roofing Nailer
The BOSTITCH BRN175A roofing nailer features an upgraded engine and feed system for improved drive quality and overall durability. Its dual-door magazine allows flexible loading, and the oversized tool-free depth adjustment ensures proper nail setting for consistent shingle installation.
DEWALT 20V MAX Brushless Roofing Nailer
The DEWALT 20V MAX cordless roofing nailer uses a brushless motor to deliver longer runtime and durability. It includes a bump mode to maximize efficiency on larger roof projects. As a cordless option, it offers mobility where air compressors are impractical, though it relies on battery power for continuous operation.
Buying Guide
- Project type: For asphalt shingles, coil nails and 15–16 degree tools are common. Pick an angle and nail type that matches your shingle thickness and nail length requirements.
- Power source: Pneumatic nailers require an air compressor; cordless models rely on batteries. Pneumatic tools generally offer steady performance, while cordless tools enhance mobility on steep roofs.
- Depth adjustment: Tool-free depth control enables flush or slightly countersunk nails, improving the roof’s water seal and appearance.
- Magazine capacity: A larger nail magazine reduces reloads on long jobs but adds weight. Consider your typical project length and reload frequency.
- Weight and balance: Lighter tools reduce fatigue on long installations. Balanced designs help maintain accuracy while navigating slopes.
- Durability: Look for metal housings, carbide inserts, and reinforced feeds to withstand job-site wear and prevent jams.
- Versatility: Some models work with multiple nail sizes or include side skid pads for safer handling when the tool rests on its side on the roof.
- Safety features: Depth control, safety triggers, and anti-dry-fire mechanisms protect both the user and the shingles.
- Warranty and support: Check warranty terms and available service networks, especially for pro-use tools on commercial projects.