What Size Coil Roofing Nailer Do You Need?

Start with nail length range

When people ask about "size," they usually mean the length of nail the tool can drive. Coil roofing nailers are sold by the range of nail lengths they accept, not by a single size.

Many of the models on our best coil roofing nailer page accept 0.75 to 1.75 in nails. That spread works for common shingle jobs, from thin new decking to a thicker re-roof stack. Two models in the data, the Metabo HPT NV45AB2 and the HBT HBCN45P, start at 0.875 in instead.

Pick your nail length from the shingle maker's instructions and your local code. As a general rule, the nail should reach through the decking or sink well into it, so a thicker roof layer calls for a longer nail. Then confirm that the tool covers that length.

Match the collation angle

Coil nails are held together by wire at a set angle, and the coil has to match the tool. A 15 degree tool takes 15 degree coils. A 16 degree tool needs 16 degree coils. They are not interchangeable.

Most models on our page list 15 degrees. The Metabo HPT NV45AB2 is the exception at 16 degrees. If you already own a stock of nails, check the angle before you buy a tool. If you are buying fresh, a 15 degree tool is the more common match.

Compare the specs side by side

The table below shows nail length range, angle and magazine capacity for several models, using the published specifications.

A dash means the maker does not list that number in the data we have, so confirm it before you buy.

Check weight, length and capacity

Once the nail range fits, the physical size of the tool matters. You will carry it up a slope and hold it for hours.

Listed weights on our page run from 4.93 lb to 8.1 lb, and most ranked models fall between 5.5 lb and 5.95 lb. The HBT HBCN45P is the lightest at 4.93 lb, with a magnesium housing. Tool length ranges from 9.84 in to 13.38 in. The Metabo HPT is the shortest at 9.84 in, which helps in tight spots, while the Bostitch RN46 is the longest at 13.38 in.

Every ranked model that lists capacity holds 120 nails. A full coil lasts a while, but on a large roof you will still reload several times, so a feature like the Bostitch zero nail lockout can be handy.

What to check for a few common situations

Your project changes which features matter most. Use these notes as a quick guide.

• Asphalt shingles: A 15 degree tool with a 0.75 to 1.75 in range is the usual fit. A shingle spacing guide and tool-free depth adjustment help keep courses even and nails flush.
• Metal roofing: Coil roofing nailers are built for shingles and similar materials, and metal panels are normally fastened with screws or the fasteners the panel maker specifies. Do not assume a roofing nailer is approved for your panels. Check the manufacturer's instructions first.
• Cordless: The same size rules apply. Look at nail length range and collation angle first, then battery details, which vary by brand. The models in our data are pneumatic, so they need an air compressor and hose.
• Kit: If you want a case and accessories, the page lists one model that includes a blow mold case, oil and hex wrenches. Check the warranty on that kit, since it is shorter than on some other models.
• Several jobs: If you also do siding or sheathing, see our best roofing nailer and best nailer pages to compare other tool types.

Set up and use the tool safely

Roofing nailers fire fast and can drive a nail through a hand or foot. Wear safety glasses rated for impact at all times, and use hearing protection, since pneumatic tools are loud over a long day.

Keep your fingers off the trigger when you are moving across the roof, and never point the tool at anyone. Disconnect the air supply before you clear a jam, adjust the tool or walk away from it.

Run the tool within its listed pressure range. The models in our data list 70 to 120 PSI, and the AEROPRO CN45RC lists 70 to 110 PSI as its working range. Use a regulator so you do not exceed the maker's limit.

Roofs are a fall risk. Use proper fall protection, work in dry conditions and keep the hose from tangling around your feet.

A simple way to decide

Work through these steps in order and you will land on the right size.

First, find the nail length your shingles and decking need. Second, choose a tool whose range covers it. Third, match the collation angle to the nails you will buy. Fourth, compare weight and tool length for comfort. Finally, check depth adjustment and the shingle guide.

Our best coil roofing nailer page lays these specs out for every model, so you can compare them in one place.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use 16 degree nails in a 15 degree nailer?

No. The angle of the coil must match the tool. Check the angle printed on the nail box and the tool's specification before you load it.

Do I need a different tool for thick re-roof layers?

Not always. Many tools in our data reach 1.75 in, which suits longer nail needs. If you need longer nails than that, look for a tool with a higher listed maximum.

Does a bigger magazine mean a heavier tool?

Not in our data. Models with a 120-nail magazine range from 5.5 lb to 5.8 lb, while the lightest listed tool weighs 4.93 lb. Weight depends on the housing material and design as well.

Do I need a compressor?

Yes, for the pneumatic models in our data. They run on compressed air, with listed working pressures from 70 to 120 PSI. Cordless tools use a battery instead.