By The Roofing Brief Team. Last reviewed: October 2026.
A coil roofing nailer is a pneumatic (or cordless) nail gun that feeds wire-collated nails from a round coil magazine, built specifically to drive short, large-head roofing nails fast on asphalt shingle work. For roofing there is effectively one choice: coil. The Metabo HPT NV45AB2 and Senco RoofPro 445XP both hold 120 nails per coil and run on 70 to 120 PSI, per their manufacturers, against roughly 30 to 40 nails in a straight stick. A 2,000 sq ft roof of GAF Timberline HDZ shingles at 4 nails each takes about 5,200 nails, or roughly 44 coils, so magazine size decides how often the roofer stops to reload.
Coil vs stick: why roofing nailers are always coil-fed
Roofing nailers are coil-fed because roofing is a high-volume, small-nail job, and coil magazines carry 3 to 4 times the fasteners of a stick. A coil roofing nailer winds about 120 wire-collated nails into a flat spiral that drops into a round canister; Senco lists a 120-fastener capacity for the RoofPro 445XP and Metabo HPT lists 120 nails (one coil) for the NV45AB2. A stick (strip) nailer holds 30 to 40 nails in a straight cartridge. There are no serious stick-fed roofing nailers on the market, so for shingles the practical question is never coil vs stick, it is which coil nailer.
The distinction still matters because “coil nailer” is a broader category. Coil siding and framing nailers also exist and take longer, thinner nails. A roofing-specific coil nailer is tuned for short 3/4-inch to 1-3/4-inch nails with wide heads, and it typically fires at a 15-degree magazine angle. Do not buy a coil siding nailer for shingle work: the nail range and head size are wrong. Our comparison of a siding nailer vs roofing nailer covers when one can stand in for the other.
| Feature | Coil roofing nailer | Stick (strip) nailer |
|---|---|---|
| Magazine capacity | ~120 nails | 30 to 40 nails |
| Reload frequency (per 4,000 nails) | ~33 reloads | ~100 to 130 reloads |
| Collation | Wire, wound coil | Paper or plastic strip |
| Magazine angle | Typically 15 degrees | Straight or angled |
| Right tool for shingles | Yes | Not made for it |
What PSI should a roofing nailer run at?
Most coil roofing nailers are rated for 70 to 120 PSI: the Bostitch RN46-1 manual gives 70 to 120 psig, and the Metabo HPT NV45AB2 manual gives 70 to 120 psi and says the correct pressure is the lowest pressure that does the job, because extra pressure over-stresses the tool. Start near the bottom of the range, fire a test nail into scrap shingle over the same decking, and raise pressure in small steps until the head sits flush with the shingle surface, not sunk into it and not standing proud. Both makers say never to exceed 120 PSI at the tool.
Compressor output and hose length change what reaches the gun. Set the regulator by what the test nail shows at the tool, not by the tank gauge, and never connect a roofing nailer to a source that can exceed 200 PSI if a regulator fails, a limit both the Bostitch and Metabo HPT manuals state. Long hose runs and cold mornings drop delivered pressure, so re-check your test nail after any change in hose length, temperature, or when a second nailer comes onto the same compressor.
Compressor sizing: how much air a coil roofing nailer uses
Bostitch rates the RN46 at 3.9 cubic feet per minute of free air to drive 100 nails per minute at 80 PSI, and Metabo HPT rates the NV45AB2 at 0.046 cubic feet per cycle at 100 PSI. The table scales those published figures to common nailing rates, so add the rows together when two or three guns share one compressor.
| Nails per minute (one gun) | Bostitch RN46 at 80 PSI | Metabo HPT NV45AB2 at 100 PSI | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 1.0 CFM | 1.2 CFM | Computed from maker manuals |
| 50 | 2.0 CFM | 2.3 CFM | Computed from maker manuals |
| 100 | 3.9 CFM | 4.6 CFM | Bostitch RN46 manual; Metabo HPT NV45AB2 manual |
| Two guns at 50 each | 3.9 CFM | 4.6 CFM | Computed from maker manuals |
Depth setting and overdrive: the flush-nail rule
Set depth so the nail head sits flush with the shingle: not overdriven (cutting into or through the mat) and not underdriven (standing above the surface). This is the single most consequential setting on a coil roofing nailer, because an incorrect drive depth repeats on every fastener. GAF’s Timberline HDZ coverage is 3 bundles (64 shingles) per 98.4 sq ft, so a 2,000 sq ft roof takes about 1,300 shingles: roughly 5,200 nails at 4 per shingle or 7,800 at 6, each one a chance to get it wrong the same way.
Most nailers have a tool-mounted depth-of-drive adjuster so you can fine-tune without touching the compressor; the Bostitch RN46-1 manual calls its knob DIAL-A-DEPTH and says to set air pressure for consistent drive first, then use the knob for the final depth. Use the depth adjuster for small corrections and the PSI regulator for larger ones. GAF’s Timberline HDZ instructions say fasteners must be driven flush, that overdriving damages the shingle, and that raised fasteners interfere with sealing and can back out.
How to dial in a coil roofing nailer (test-nail procedure)
- Set the regulator near the low end of the tool’s 70 to 120 PSI range and the depth adjuster to the middle of its range.
- Fire 2 to 3 nails into scrap shingle over the same decking you will roof (plywood or OSB).
- Check the heads: flush and snug is the target.
- If overdriven (sunk, mat torn), drop 5 to 10 PSI or back off the depth adjuster, then retest.
- If underdriven (standing proud), add 5 to 10 PSI or increase depth, then retest.
- Re-test after any change in hose length, air temperature, decking thickness, or when adding a second gun to the compressor.
| Nail result | What it means | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Flush, head snug on shingle | Correct drive | Keep firing, spot-check hourly |
| Sunk below surface, mat cut | Overdriven | Lower PSI 5 to 10 or reduce depth |
| Head standing proud | Underdriven | Raise PSI 5 to 10 or increase depth |
| Nail tilted or angled | Gun not held square | Hold the nose flat, retest |
How to load a coil roofing nailer
The steps below follow the loading section of the Metabo HPT NV45AB2 manual; other coil roofing nailers load the same way with a different latch.
- Point the nailer down, keep your finger off the trigger and the push lever untouched; disconnect the air hose first.
- Press the knob and swing the nail guide open, then open the magazine cover.
- Set the nail holder for the nail length: turn it about 90 degrees counterclockwise, slide it to the mark for 7/8 to 1-1/4 inch, 1-1/2 inch or 1-3/4 inch nails, and turn it 90 degrees clockwise until it clicks.
- Drop the coil into the magazine and feed the first nail into the magazine opening, without bending the collation wires.
- Close the magazine cover, uncoil enough nails to reach the driving hole, and seat the first nail in the driving hole.
- Close the nail guide, lock the knob, reconnect air and fire a test nail into scrap.
Nail specs and code: what your coil nailer must fire
A roofing coil nailer must fire nails that meet code, not just whatever fits the magazine. Under IRC R905.2.5, asphalt shingle fasteners are galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum or copper roofing nails complying with ASTM F1667, minimum 12-gauge shank with a head at least 3/8 inch in diameter, long enough to penetrate through the roofing and at least 3/4 inch into the deck (or fully through decking thinner than 3/4 inch). Coil roofing nailers commonly run 11-gauge (0.120-inch) wire-collated nails from 3/4 inch to 1-3/4 inch, which covers new shingles over most decks and typical re-roof buildups. For collation types, coil angles and box counts, see our guide to collated roofing nails.
Length is chosen by total thickness. For a single layer of asphalt shingles on 3/4-inch decking, 1-1/4 inch is a common pick; go longer (1-1/2 to 1-3/4 inch) over an existing layer or thicker buildup so the shank still bites 3/4 inch into the deck. For the full breakdown of gauge, head size, and length by application, see our guide to roofing nail sizes, types, and code requirements.
How many nails: 4 vs 6 and where the nailer fits
The nailer sets each fastener, but the shingle maker and the code set how many per shingle. IRC R905.2.6 in the 2021 and 2024 editions requires the number of fasteners in the manufacturer’s approved installation instructions, but not less than 4 per strip shingle, and it has no wind-speed trigger for 6 nails. Wind speed enters the code through the shingle’s tested wind classification (R905.2.4.1), not the nail count. Six-nail patterns come from manufacturers and warranties: GAF’s Timberline HDZ instructions, for example, describe a 6-nail enhanced pattern about 6-7/8 inches from the bottom of the shingle, as required by some local codes and for enhanced wind coverage on certain products, and call for hand-sealing on mansards of 21:12 and steeper. Because the IRC defers to the manufacturer’s count, skipping a 6-nail pattern the instructions require can still fail inspection, and coastal states and cities may amend the code, so check with the local building department. Your coil nailer makes hitting 6 nails fast, but placement still has to land in the manufacturer’s nail zone, so speed does not replace aiming at the line.
Pneumatic vs cordless coil roofing nailers
Pneumatic coil roofing nailers remain the production standard: light in the hand, cheap per tool, and fast, but tethered to a compressor and hose. Cordless coil roofing nailers, such as Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL 15-degree model, remove the hose and compressor entirely, which speeds setup on small jobs, steep pitches, and repairs where dragging air is a hassle.
The trade-offs are weight, cost, and sustained speed. The pneumatic guns in the model table weigh 4.8 to 5.7 lb, while Milwaukee rates its M18 FUEL coil roofing nailer at up to 6 nails per second and up to 1,100 nails per charge and pitches it at small roofing jobs and repairs. At 1,100 nails per charge, the 5,200-nail roof above needs about five battery charges. Many crews carry a cordless for tear-off patches, ridge, and detail work and run pneumatics for the field.
| Factor | Pneumatic coil nailer | Cordless coil nailer |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Compressor plus hose | Grab and go, battery only |
| Weight | Lighter at the nose | Heavier (motor plus battery) |
| Up-front cost | Lower per gun | Higher |
| Best for | High-volume field nailing | Repairs, ridge, steep or remote work |
Proven coil roofing nailer models
The table compares four coil roofing nailers using the makers’ published specs, not a hands-on test.
| Model | Power | Operating pressure | Nail length | Coil capacity | Weight | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bostitch RN46-1 | Pneumatic | 70 to 120 psig | 3/4 to 1-3/4 in, 0.120 in shank | Not stated in manual | 4.8 lb | Bostitch RN46-1 manual |
| Metabo HPT NV45AB2 | Pneumatic | 70 to 120 psi | 7/8 to 1-3/4 in | 120 nails | 5.7 lb | Metabo HPT manual |
| Senco RoofPro 445XP | Pneumatic | 70 to 120 psi | 3/4 to 1-3/4 in, 11 gauge | 120 | 5.2 lb | Senco release |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2909-20 | 18V cordless | Battery | 15-degree wire coil | Up to 1,100 nails per charge | See maker page | Milwaukee product page |
Whichever you pick, the specs to confirm are the same: 15-degree magazine, roughly 120-nail coil capacity, an 11-gauge nail range of about 3/4 inch to 1-3/4 inch, a tool-side depth-of-drive adjuster, and selectable bump-fire versus sequential trigger. The depth adjuster and trigger mode matter more day to day than brand badge.
Which coil roofing nailer setup fits the job
| If your situation is | Choose or set | Rule or source |
|---|---|---|
| One layer of shingles on 3/4 in decking | 1-1/4 in nails | IRC R905.2.5: at least 3/4 in into the deck |
| Re-roof over one existing layer | 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 in nails | IRC R905.2.5; R908.3.1.1 bars a third layer |
| Deck thinner than 3/4 in (for example 7/16 in OSB) | A nail long enough to exit the underside of the sheathing | IRC R905.2.5 |
| Shingle wrapper or local code calls for 6 nails | 6-nail enhanced pattern in the nail zone | Maker instructions; IRC R905.2.6 minimum is 4 |
| Two guns on one compressor | A compressor delivering about 4 to 5 CFM at working pressure | Bostitch and Metabo HPT air figures above |
| Heads standing proud after the test nail | Raise pressure 5 PSI, stay at or under 120 PSI | Maker manuals |
| Repair, ridge or no compressor on site | Cordless coil nailer | Milwaukee: up to 1,100 nails per charge |
Maintenance and safe operation
Oil the nailer through the air fitting: the Bostitch RN46-1 manual calls for a few drops once or twice a day when no airline lubricator is used, and the Metabo HPT NV45AB2 manual calls for 5 to 10 drops of its pneumatic tool lubricant twice a day, plus draining the compressor tank petcock after work. Keep the magazine clean so the coil feeds without jams, blow out grit, keep the driver channel clear, and check the no-mar nose and depth shoe for wear.
Run the gun in sequential trigger mode where accurate single placement matters, and reserve bump-fire for open field runs. Keep the muzzle pointed at the deck, never bump-fire while repositioning, and set the compressor pressure before you climb. OSHA 1926.501(b)(13) requires guardrails, safety nets or personal fall arrest for residential roof work 6 feet or more above a lower level; see our roof safety guide for harness and anchor rules.
For where the nailer fits in a full shingle job, see the residential roof installation process and how to install ridge cap shingles.
If nails have already backed out, our guide to nail pops on shingles explains why drive depth is usually the culprit.
Frequently asked questions
What PSI should I set a coil roofing nailer to?
Use the lowest pressure that sets the nail flush, inside the tool’s rated range: 70 to 120 PSI for the Bostitch RN46-1, Metabo HPT NV45AB2 and Senco RoofPro 445XP. Start near the low end, fire a test nail into scrap, and raise pressure if nails stand proud or lower it if they sink and cut the mat. Never exceed 120 PSI at the tool, and re-check after hose, temperature, or decking changes.
Is a coil nailer better than a stick nailer for roofing?
For roofing, yes. A coil roofing nailer holds about 120 nails versus 30 to 40 in a stick, and a 2,000 sq ft shingle roof takes about 5,200 nails at 4 per shingle, so you reload far less. There are no production stick-fed roofing nailers, so coil is the standard for shingle work.
What size nails does a coil roofing nailer use?
Most fire 11-gauge (0.120-inch) wire-collated roofing nails from 3/4 inch to 1-3/4 inch, with heads at least 3/8 inch. IRC R905.2.5 requires the nail to reach at least 3/4 inch into the deck, so length is chosen by total roof thickness: about 1-1/4 inch for a single layer on 3/4-inch decking, longer over buildup.
How do you load a coil roofing nailer?
Point the tool down with your finger off the trigger, open the nail guide and magazine cover, set the nail holder to the mark for your nail length (7/8 to 1-1/4, 1-1/2 or 1-3/4 inch on the Metabo HPT NV45AB2), drop in the coil, feed the first nail into the driving hole, then close the cover and nail guide and lock the knob. Fire a test nail into scrap before you go to the roof.
How deep should a roofing nail be driven?
Flush with the shingle surface: not overdriven (sunk in or cutting the mat) and not underdriven (standing proud). GAF’s Timberline HDZ instructions say overdriving damages the shingle and raised fasteners interfere with sealing and can back out. Use the tool depth adjuster for fine tuning and PSI for larger changes.
How many nails per shingle does code require?
IRC R905.2.6 (2021 and 2024) requires at least 4 nails per strip shingle, or more if the manufacturer’s installation instructions call for more. The IRC text has no wind-speed trigger for 6 nails. Six-nail patterns come from manufacturer instructions, enhanced wind warranties and some local amendments, so check the shingle wrapper and the local building department.
Pneumatic or cordless coil roofing nailer?
Pneumatics weigh 4.8 to 5.7 lb in the models above, cost less per gun, and suit high-volume field nailing, but need a compressor and hose. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL coil roofing nailer skips the hose and is rated at up to 1,100 nails per charge, which suits repairs, ridge, and steep or remote work. Many crews run both.