Bostitch Roofing Nailer (RN46) Review: Specs & Verdict

Bostitch roofing nailer (RN46) verdict

The Bostitch roofing nailer sold as the RN46-1 is a pneumatic coil model built for high-volume asphalt shingle work, and it earns its long-standing reputation on two things: a 4.8 lb aircraft-aluminum body and a 120-nail side-load canister that keeps a crew moving. It is not lab-tested here. This review aggregates published Bostitch specs and buyer sentiment, so treat it as a spec-and-reputation verdict, not a bench test.

For most residential re-roofs, the RN46-1 is a safe, low-cost pneumatic pick. The trade-off is the one every air tool carries: you are tethered to a hose and compressor. For how it ranks against rival brands, see our best roofing nailer roundup; buyers who want to cut the cord should read the cordless section below before deciding.

Bostitch RN46 specs at a glance

The Bostitch RN46-1 drives 15-degree wire-collated coil roofing nails from 3/4 inch to 1-3/4 inch, runs on 70 to 120 PSI, and weighs 4.8 lb. The table below pulls the published manufacturer and retailer specs into one place so you can match it against your compressor and fastener stock before buying.

Sources: Bostitch published specifications and Nail Gun Depot product listing, verified August 2026. Figures reflect the manufacturer rating, not an independent teardown.

What the Bostitch RN46 does well

The RN46-1 wins on weight, reload speed, and durability, which are the three things that matter across a full day of shingle nailing. Buyer sentiment aggregated across retailer and trade reviews is broadly positive on handling and reliability, with the aluminum body and dry-fire lockout called out most often.

• Light in the hand. At 4.8 lb it is among the lighter coil roofing nailers, which reduces fatigue over a re-roof.
• Fast reloads. The side-load canister holds up to 120 nails and reloads without threading, so downtime per coil is minimal.
• Dry-fire lockout. The tool stops firing when the canister runs empty, which prevents the surface divots an empty nailer leaves.
• Carbide-tipped push lever. The wear point that fails first on cheaper guns is hardened here, which supports the 7-year warranty.
• Adjustable shingle guide. The tool-less gauge helps hold consistent exposure and nail placement on the shingle.

Where the RN46 falls short

The most common complaints in aggregated buyer reviews are jamming and occasional double-fire, usually tied to off-spec or dirty coil nails rather than the tool itself. It also ships bare, so plan to buy a hose fitting and case separately. None of these are dealbreakers for a maintained tool on quality fasteners, but they are worth knowing.

• Jamming on cheap nails. Reviewers report feed jams most often with bargain or bent coils; matched Bostitch-spec nails reduce it.
• Double-firing. Contact-trip guns can bounce-fire a second nail; keep the trigger discipline tight on steep pitches.
• No case or fittings included. Several buyers note the box lacks an air-hose connector and storage case.
• Pneumatic tether. You still need a compressor and hose on the roof, which cordless models remove.

Who the Bostitch RN46 is best for

The Bostitch RN46-1 is best for homeowners and small crews doing occasional to steady asphalt shingle work who already own a compressor and want a proven, low-cost coil nailer. It is a poor fit for anyone who needs to work far from an air source or wants to skip a compressor entirely. For those buyers, a cordless gun is the better spend even at a higher price.

• Good fit: DIY re-roofers, handypersons, and small contractors on composition shingle, felt, and starter course.
• Also handles: insulation board, fiber-cement and vinyl siding, and vapor-barrier work within the 3/4 to 1-3/4 inch nail range.
• Poor fit: remote repairs with no power, or crews standardizing on a battery platform.

Bostitch RN46 vs cordless roofing nailers

The core decision is pneumatic versus cordless. The RN46-1 is cheaper and lighter but needs a compressor and hose; cordless roofing nailers like the DeWalt DCN45RN and Milwaukee M18 cost more and weigh more but free you from the air line. The table frames the trade-off. For the full battery-tool breakdown, see our best cordless roofing nailer guide.

If you already run a compressor for framing or finish work, the RN46-1 is the cheaper path to a shingle gun. If you are buying tools from scratch, price the compressor into the pneumatic total before assuming it wins on cost.

How much does the Bostitch RN46 cost?

Pricing varies by retailer and is not fixed, so treat any single figure as a snapshot. As of August 2026 the RN46-1 was listed at $269 at Nail Gun Depot, and it is stocked at Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Menards where street pricing moves with promotions. Buy the matching Bostitch-spec coil nails at the same time to cut down the feed jams reviewers mention.

Renting is an option for a one-time job: Home Depot lists the RN46-1 as a rental tool, which can undercut buying if you only need it for a single weekend re-roof.

Setup and nail compatibility

The RN46-1 takes 15-degree wire-collated coil roofing nails from 3/4 inch to 1-3/4 inch and runs best at 90 to 100 PSI for standard architectural shingles. Set the depth so the nail head sits flush, not driven through the mat, and confirm your compressor keeps up with the fire rate before committing to a full course. Our guide on how to choose and set a coil roofing nailer covers the depth and pressure dial-in in detail.

1. Load a coil into the side canister and close the door until it latches.
2. Set the regulator near 90 PSI, then test-fire on scrap and adjust the quick-set depth.
3. Set the shingle guide to your exposure so nail placement stays in the common bond.
4. Match nail length to your deck and shingle stack, and estimate quantity with our how many roofing nails per square guide.

Frequently asked questions

What nails does the Bostitch RN46 use?

The Bostitch RN46-1 uses 15-degree wire-collated coil roofing nails from 3/4 inch to 1-3/4 inch, with smooth or ring shanks. Bostitch recommends its own matched coil nails, and buyer reviews link most feed jams to off-spec or bent bargain coils. Match the nail length to your deck thickness so the point does not blow through the underside.

Is the Bostitch RN46 good for beginners?

Yes, the RN46-1 is beginner-friendly for basic shingle work because it is light at 4.8 lb, reloads fast, and has a dry-fire lockout that prevents empty-gun divots. The main caution for new users is its contact-trip firing, which can double-fire if bounced, so keep steady trigger discipline and practice on scrap before working a live roof.

What compressor do I need for the Bostitch RN46?

The RN46-1 runs on 70 to 120 PSI, so most portable pancake or hot-dog compressors that hold 90 PSI will drive it for residential roofing. The limit is recovery, not pressure: a small tank may lag during rapid bump-firing. Size the compressor to your fire rate, and see our best air compressor for roofing guide for matched pairings.

Why does my Bostitch roofing nailer jam?

The most reported cause of jamming on the Bostitch RN46-1 is off-spec, dirty, or bent coil nails rather than a tool fault. Use matched Bostitch-spec coils, keep the canister and feed pawl clean, and confirm the coil is seated flat before closing the door. Persistent jams after that point may mean a worn driver or feed component under warranty.

Is the Bostitch RN46 pneumatic or cordless?

The Bostitch RN46-1 is a pneumatic (air-powered) coil roofing nailer, so it needs an air compressor and hose to operate. Bostitch does not sell a battery version of this model. If you want to skip the compressor, look at cordless coil roofing nailers such as the DeWalt DCN45RN or Milwaukee M18, covered in our cordless roofing nailer guide.

Reviewed by The Roofing Brief Team. Last reviewed August 2026.