Can You Reuse Roofing Nails
If you take off a shingle for repairs or take off the whole roof in preparation for a reroofing job, youll have a ton of roofing nails on hand. You may be tempted to reuse these to save on costs. Thats a bad idea. Not only is it tedious to yank these nails out, but their zinc coating will also be worn. Plus, they may have been otherwise damaged. Its not wise to attempt to reuse them, as they may cause problems on the new roof.
What To Look For In A Pro Roofing Nailer
Its a safe bet that most nails driven on modern construction sites arent put there by a hammer. Framing and roofing nailers have made the job faster and easier, so its no surprise they get put in the game while hammers ride the benchat least for the bulk of the work. We compared the best framing nailers to see which tool performed the best. Now, were focusing on what to look for in a Pro roofing nailer.
Quick Article Summary
- Depth of drive should be easy to set
- Dry fire lockout reduces wear and wasted time
- Look for tool- and trigger-free mode adjustment
- Check the trigger pull force
- Does it include an NPT connector?
Do All Roofing Nail Guns Require Air Hoses
No, some roofing nail guns do not run on compressed air. They don’t need an air hose.
The particular gun I used did not require an air hose or a noisy air compressor on the ground. My roofing nail gun had a small lithium-ion rechargeable battery and a tiny canister of propane gas that powered the tool. Inside the nail gun was a small internal combustion engine that produced the instant burst of power to drive each roofing nail.
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Runner Up: 3plus Hcn 15 Degree Coil Roofing Nailer
What do we really know about 3Plus?
After this, we know that theyve found a way to make nailers meet the true budget needs of most DIYers out there, because this budget-friendly coil roofing nailer comes in with enough power to get the job done without robbing your wallet in the process.
Its our second best roofing nail gun because of the sheer power it produces in a 70-110 psi range. Thats a bit lower than what Bostitch can provide, but many times, you arent going to use the full 120 psi in your nailer. Youll be able to get away with about 90 in most cases.
Despite the lower range, this is still a great nailer for contractors and commercial carpenters, not just the DIY crowd.
Stash up to 120 nails in the drum, but prepare to wear a wrist brace while you use this.
Its heavy at 7.2 lbs, which can be a bit of a game changer for many people out there. 7.2 lbs doesnt sound like a lot until you have to hold this thing for three hours straight, at an angle, trying to make sure that every single nail is driving down as deep as you need them to.
We know the price is awesome, but whats the other benefits for 3Plus? For one, they have a full 360° tool-free air exhaust, so this wont build up too much heat.
Theres also an interchangeable trigger in place for single shot or bumper fire functioning, as 3Plus puts it, so you can change it based on what your needs are.
Do I Need A Nail Gun Benefits Of Nailer
You dont need a nail gun to drive a nail occasionally to hang pictures on your wall. A hammer would work perfectly fine. But, if you are interested in DIY, home improvement and repair jobs then a nail gun is an excellent power tool. It is a necessary power tool for professionals such as carpenters, construction and roofing specialists, builders, etc.
Below are some of the advantages of using a power nail gun.
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Bostitch Rn46 Coil Roofing Nailer
This roofing nailer uses a special lockout system that makes it impossible to fire when it is empty, a key safety feature that can prevent serious accidents. The easy-to-adjust depth control gives you much more versatility in the long run, and the side-load canister can easily be reloaded in a single step. It can use a 3/4-inch to 1-3/4-inch coil for dealing with varied roof types, and the lightweight magnesium design combined with the durable carbide tips makes it very simple to use for both small and big jobs. Even better, the 70-120 psi range gives you a little more control over its exact power.
This nailer is a very straightforward tool that doesn’t make itself too complicated, giving you a great piece of equipment for all kinds of roofing tasks.
Power Source Capacity Weight
What Size Nail Gun Do I Need
A typical brad nailer, for example, shoots nails that are 3/8 inch to 1 1/4 inches in length, while a larger framing nailer typically shoots nails from 2 to 3 1/2 inches in length.
For woodworking projects, a brad nailer is a good choice.
If you’re constructing a fence, a framing nailer is a good option..
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References On Roofing Nail Type Nail Life Requirements Vs Roof Life & Warranty
- Walsh, J, Predicting the service life of natural roofing slates in a Scottish environment In 9th international conference on durability of building materials and components, CSIRO Australia, Brisbane, Paper, vol. 216. 2002. Original source: www.irbnet.de/daten/iconda/CIB10044.pdf
- WIND DAMAGE to ROOFS – describes asphalt shingle damage and shingle loss where improperly-stapled shingles were installed on roofs
- Zelinka, Samuel L., and Douglas R. Rammer. “Corrosion rates of fasteners in treated wood exposed to 100% relative humidity.” Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering 21, no. 12 : 758-763.Abstract Excerpt:In ACA and ACQ treated wood, the electroplated galvanized fastener had a lower corrosion rate than the hot-dip galvanized fastener.
Continue reading at ASPHALT SHINGLE INSTALLATION – best practices, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
Or see ASBESTOS CEMENT ROOF REPAIR – more about the stapled asbestos cement roof shown in this article
The Importance Of Nails In Roofing
Every time there is a gust of wind, we rely on the nails weve chosen to hold new shingles in place. Choosing the right roofing nails and driving them properly is essential for getting the best performance out of your roof. For more tips on roof installation and tools, read our article about choosing between a nail gun and a roofing hammer.
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What Is The Difference Between Framing And Roofing Nailers
Weve looked at coil roofing nailer reviews, and in all of them, I didnt mention the gauging of the nails.
Framing nails are typically called 16-penny nails, which are 3 ½ long. Youre not going to see that in roofing nails, not in a million years. Depending on the shingle brand and their installation instructions, youre probably going to see 1 ¼ up to 2 at the most. Thats a big 1 ½ jump.
Youcan look at roofing gun reviews anywhere, and youre going to see that people only use them for roofing. Thatsbecause the typical 12 gauge nails in these guns arent really used for muchelse. Theyre very specific.
Roofing nailers are pretty big and bulky, but theyre nothing compared to a framing nailer. Some of those things are absolute beats and actually require that you use your free hand to hold it in place during nail driving just to keep things steady.
Framing nailers are more powerful and may require a higher psi, though in most cases you can get away with a cap of 120.
Framing nailers are used to build the frame of your home, which eventually your roof will rest on, which you will use a roofing nailer to do. You just dont get more powerful than framing nailers unless were talking about commercial-grade equipment here.
Makita An454 Roofing Nailer
Count on precise control and flush nailing with this reasonably-priced roofing nailer. The Makita AN454 uses 120 shank diameter coil roofing nails from 3/4 to 1-3/4 nails in length. This long-lasting tools lightweight aluminum housing reduces fatigue, but its steel wear plates reduce abrasion damage to the tool.
This is an excellent tool works perfectly. I have only done one roof with it so far but very impressed, it makes a job go very quickly. This was also the best price I could find for a name-brand coil roofing nailer. Real User Review
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What Does A Roofing Nail Gun Do
With so many different types of nail guns out there you might be wondering what makes a roofing nailer so different from other nail guns? Well, it is designed specifically to be able to drive nails through the materials which are frequently found on a roof. Roofing nailers can frequently drive nails through insulation board, different types of asphalt, and fiberglass so that they can help to either build or repair a broken roof. Using a hammer and nails can be both slow, unsafe and lack precision when repairing a roof which is why a roofing nail gun can really come in handy.
What Is The Best Nailer For Plywood Sheathing
If you want to nail plywood sheathing, then you are going to need a heavy duty nailer. In this case, you should look into getting a Framing Nailer.
This particular type of nailer can nail long nails, up to 16d common nails.
They are quite versatile too, and can be used on wood siding, decking, fencing and more.
One of the best framing nailers on the market is the surprisingly lightweight Bostitch Framing Nailer .
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Can You Use A Nail Gun On Cedar Shingles
Of course, yes. Its going to be pretty faster than hand nailing.
That said, keep an eye on the air pressure and depth setting otherwise youll have tons of jams and misfiring not to mention you could overdrive nails and splitting everything.
Also, shooting the fasteners too quickly can make you miss the skip-sheathing beneath shingles .
You also want to use the approved corrosion-resistant fasteners as the wrong fasteners could lead to bleeding issues an ugly streak triggered by the chemical reactions between fasteners and woods natural acids.
What Kind Of Nailer Is Used Forroofing
The best coil roofing nailer, of course, but what are the differences between a roofing nailer and a framing nailer, or brad nailer, or any other type?
It all comes down to gauges. Roofing nails are 12 gauge, and a finish nailer is going to pump out 15s and 16s, and a brad nailer pumps out 18s, just for some quick reference.
Because nail heads have heavier shanks and are designed very, very specifically , they need a special kind of nailer.
Roofing nailers can be a bit heavy, but theyre also versatile. You have a foot on the bottom of your coil, which is sometimes removable, and it lines up with the head of your nailer.
This means you can rest it at the angle of your roof, and it will just sit there. Line up your shots if you arent 100% confident, and pull the trigger.
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Can I Sell The Nail Gun After Using It On One Job
If you care for the tool, you can sell it online at one of the free classified websites in just a matter of days. Contractors are always looking for great deals on tools like this, especially tools that have all the original paperwork in the tool case.
If you do decide to start your own small business, you’ll have a great competitive edge with this tool. You’ll be far more productive which leads to higher profits.
Porter Cable Rn175c Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer
This pneumatic roofing nail gun uses a compact design that allows for far greater control when you are handling tough roofing tasks, as well as an adjustable shingle guide system and depth settings that make it easier to match the roofing nailer to the current job. The special over-molded grip makes it easier to line up each roofing nail perfectly, and the exhaust can be adjusted without any extra tools to help make the entire unit more comfortable during long periods of use. Other than that, the design is similar to most other roofing nailer tools, making it easier to use no matter how much experience you have.
This adjustable roofing nail gun is perfect for handling roofing nails without having to rely on heavy and hard-to-use equipment that is uncomfortable to hold.
Power Source Capacity Weight
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Pneumatic Vs Cordless Roofing Nailers
A majority of roofing nailers are pneumatic. These work more quickly, weigh far less than cordless models, and provide reliable use. A few gas models have it the market, however. These allow for cordless or hoseless operation. The trade-off for cordless operation is often cost and a heavier nailer. However, these are helpful for smaller jobs or punch list work where dragging out the compressor and hoses is inefficient.
More recently, battery-only models have hit the scene. In particular, the DeWalt cordless roofing nailer uses a single 20V Max battery to drive hundreds of nails per charge. We dont recommend this tool for an entire roof, but it may be a great solution for punch lists or repairssaving you the hassle of a compressor and hose.
Can You Nail Into Cement Board
Fiberboard cement siding can be hand-nailed, but because its so much harder and more brittle than wood, you have to predrill holes near any edge. You can save yourself a bunch of time by using a pneumatic coil siding nail gun. Use 6d or 8d galvanized or stainless siding nails and install a single nail about 1-in.
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The Weighting Is The Hardest Part
Lets start on the ergonomics side of the equation. Talk to Pros and they will tell you that weight is the most important consideration when choosing a roofing nailer. Securing shingles and siding is an all-day or multiple-day job. With a heavy tool, the work is brutal. Its not only the tool weight, but the user also needs to pick up and hold heavy materials in place for nailing, which adds to the fatigue of the job.
Coil roofing nailers have a large fastener capacity than other nailer types, but thats a double-edged sword. On the one side, work doesnt have to stop to reload nearly as often as with a stick or framing nailer. However, these nailers typically weigh more, especially at the beginning of the coil.
For this reason, we prefer the nailer itself to be as light as possible. As long as the nailer is acceptably light and drives nails without jams, then the other features are secondary. Metabo HPT , Makita, Bostitch, Senco, DeWalt, and Max have some incredibly light roofing nailers that weigh less than 6 pounds. Look for magnesium, aluminum, and even plastic bodies to save on weight.
Alternative: Wen Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer
WEN will we learn that theyre always going to be a top pick?
Im not apologizing for the terrible pun. To be completely serious, WEN has proven to be a durable brand time and time again, which is why their roofing nailer really just hits the right spot between power, affordability, and versatility.
While figuring out how to approach this roofing nail gun review, I looked to the kit that it comes in first and foremost.
The hard plastic carrying case includes hex wrenches to adjust your nailer as you see fit, as well as oil to keep everything operating at full efficiency. That efficiency, by the way, is 70-120 psi on a rapid fire mode that allows you to really push through those nails in the drum.
Iwill say that theres a learning curve here. If youve never used a roofingnailer before, then WEN is good because its very forgiving, but it can also bebeneficial to seasoned roofers because of how rapidly you can sink nails if youhave the right settings. That brings me into its weight, which is difficult toform an opinion about.
Ideally,you want somewhere around five-and-a-half pounds so that its not too heavy,but this comes in at a flat six pounds, so youre going to feel a bit morepressure on your wrists. Theres a foot on the front of the nail drum, so whenyou go to rest this on the shingles and press it against them, you wont haveto shoulder all of that weight at once.
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Nail Gun Power & Motor Types
There are two types of firing modes for nail guns: bounce and sequential. Bounce firing allows you to hold down the trigger, and a nail will be fired every time you bounce the nose of your nail gun against the surface you are working on. Sequential firing requires you to pull the trigger every time you want to fire a nail.
As for motors, there are two common types electric and pneumatic. Pneumatic nail guns use compressed air to fire and offer the greatest level of power. However, they require air tanks/air compressors to function. Electric nail guns use cords or battery packs and are easier to move around and power but don’t offer as much power as pneumatic nailers who use air pressure.
You also have to consider whether the motor is brushed or not. A brushless motor is more powerful and durable but also much more expensive. Brushed motors are cheaper but don’t offer as much power. This means a pneumatic nail gun with a brushless motor is the most powerful option you can get.
All of these factors need to be taken into consideration when youre buying a nail gun. After finding out what type of nail gun you need, it’s all about determining exactly how powerful of a tool you need along with it. But if it comes down to it, you can always count on a brushless pneumatic nail gun to be powerful enough for any job. For the typical homeowner who just needs a standard nail gun for DIY projects, a brad nailer is the go-to choice.
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