By The Roofing Brief Team. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Collated roofing nails are roofing nails joined into a coil, almost always a 15-degree wire-weld coil of 120 nails, so a roofing nailer can feed them without reloading every few shingles. The standard spec is a .120 inch shank with a 3/8 inch round head in lengths from 3/4 inch to 1-3/4 inch, sold 7,200 to a box in electro-galvanized, hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel. This guide covers how to buy them: collation, length, shank, coating, nailer fit, code, box counts and current prices.
Key numbers at a glance
| Figure | Typical value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Collation angle and type | 15 degree wire weld (Metabo HPT lists 16 degree for its own nails and NV45AB2) | Grip-Rite product page; Metabo HPT NV45AB2 page |
| Nails per coil / per box | 120 per coil; 60 coils = 7,200 per box (3,600, 600 and 480 packs also sold) | Best Materials listing; Grip-Rite SKU table |
| Shank and head | .120 inch shank, 3/8 inch full round head | Grip-Rite SKU table; Best Materials listing |
| Code minimum | 12 gauge (0.105 inch) shank, 3/8 inch head, ASTM F1667, 3/4 inch into deck or through it | 2021 and 2024 IRC R905.2.5 |
| Nailer length range | 3/4 to 1-3/4 inch on most roofing nailers (7/8 inch minimum on Metabo HPT NV45AB2) | Bostitch, DeWalt and Metabo HPT manuals |
| Price, 1-1/4 inch galvanized, 7,200 box | About $50 to $55 (hot-dip about $107 to $115) | Retailer listings checked October 12, 2026 |
What are collated roofing nails, and how is the coil held together?
Collated roofing nails are loose roofing nails bound in a fixed spacing and angle so a nailer can advance one nail per shot. For roofing, the binding is almost always two thin welded wires. Grip-Rite describes its coils as nails arranged in a circle and connected with two thin pieces of wire, set at a 15-degree angle to match coil roofing nailers.
Plastic sheet collation exists, but in the 15-degree market it shows up mainly in siding and fencing sizes, such as Grip-Rite’s 2-1/4 inch by .092 inch plastic sheet coil nail. Grip-Rite’s tool and fastener compatibility guide lists the major roofing nailers (Bostitch RN46, DeWalt DW45RN and DCN45RN, Metabo HPT NV45AB2, Makita AN454, MAX CN445R3 and others) under 15-degree coil roofing nails, and lists 15-degree plastic sheet nails under siding tools. For shingles, buy wire-weld coils unless your nailer’s manual names plastic sheet.
| Collation | Where you see it | What to know | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 degree wire weld coil | Shingle and underlayment roofing nails, .120 inch shank | The default for every roofing nailer checked for this guide; bent or broken weld wire causes misfeeds | Grip-Rite; Bostitch RN46-1 manual |
| 16 degree wire coil | Metabo HPT branded roofing nails and the NV45AB2 | Metabo HPT says its 16 degree nails fit most full round head wire coil roofing nailers | Metabo HPT 12112HPT listing |
| 15 degree plastic sheet coil | Mostly siding and fencing nails (.092 inch class) | Use only in tools whose manual lists plastic sheet collation | Grip-Rite compatibility guide |
Coil roofing nail sizes: which length for which job?
Coil roofing nails are sold in 3/4, 7/8, 1, 1-1/4, 1-1/2 and 1-3/4 inch lengths, all with a .120 inch shank in Grip-Rite’s catalog. A few suppliers add 2 inch. Pick the length that clears the shingle layers and still gets 3/4 inch into the deck, or passes fully through a deck thinner than 3/4 inch, as 2021 IRC R905.2.5 requires.
IKO’s nail guide gives two anchors: typical architectural shingles over 3/8 inch sheathing need 1 inch nails, and thicker code-required sheathing moves you to 1-1/4 inch. IKO also says hip and ridge shingles need nails about a half inch longer because they stack more layers. Our roofing nail sizes and code guide covers loose nails and other roofing materials.
| Coil nail length | Typical roofing use | Fits a standard 1-3/4 inch roofing nailer? | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4 in | Thin materials only; too short to clear a shingle and still bite 3/4 inch into a deck | Yes, except Metabo HPT NV45AB2 (7/8 inch minimum) | IRC R905.2.5; Metabo HPT |
| 7/8 in and 1 in | Shingles over thin 3/8 inch sheathing, where the nail must pass through (IKO pairs 1 inch nails with 3/8 inch sheathing) | Yes | IKO nail guide |
| 1-1/4 in | The common default for one layer of shingles on 7/16 to 1/2 inch OSB or plywood | Yes | IKO nail guide |
| 1-1/2 in | Thicker decks and heavier laminated shingles | Yes | IRC R905.2.5 length rule |
| 1-3/4 in | Hip and ridge caps, overlays where allowed, plank decks | Yes (maximum) | IKO; nailer manuals |
| 2 in | Thick ridge caps and multi-layer buildups | No; exceeds every roofing nailer in the compatibility table below | Nail Gun Depot CR50-50 listing |
What does the IRC require of a collated roofing nail?
The IRC does not care how a nail is collated, only what the nail is. Section R905.2.5 of the 2021 IRC, unchanged in the 2024 edition, reads: “Fasteners for asphalt shingles shall be galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum or copper roofing nails, minimum 12-gage [0.105 inch (3 mm)] shank with a minimum 3/8-inch-diameter (9.5 mm) head, complying with ASTM F1667, of a length to penetrate through the roofing materials and not less than 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) into the roof sheathing. Where the roof sheathing is less than 3/4 inch (19.1 mm) thick, the fasteners shall penetrate through the sheathing.”
Section R905.2.6 sets the count: at least four fasteners per strip shingle or two per individual shingle, or more if the manufacturer’s approved instructions require it. A standard .120 inch coil nail is thicker than the 0.105 inch minimum, so shank size is rarely the problem; length, coating and head seating are. Local amendments can be stricter, so check the code your jurisdiction adopted. Deck nailing is a separate rule set, covered in our guide to IRC roof deck fastening requirements.
What do GAF, Owens Corning and IKO require?
Shingle makers repeat the code minimums and add their own limits, and their instructions govern the warranty. The differences that matter for coil nails are allowed materials, head size range and how far the nail must poke through a thin deck.
| Maker and document | Nail material | Gauge and head | Penetration | Nails per shingle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAF Timberline instructions (HDZ, UHDZ, AS II and others) | Zinc-coated steel or aluminum | 10 to 12 gauge; barbed, deformed or smooth shank; head 3/8 to 7/16 inch | At least 3/4 inch into wood decks or just through plywood decks | 4 standard; 6 enhanced pattern |
| Owens Corning Duration Series instructions | Galvanized steel, stainless steel or aluminum | Minimum 12 gauge shank, 3/8 inch head; recommends ASTM F1667 | At least 3/4 inch into the deck or through it by at least 1/4 inch | Standard pattern in the SureNail zone; 6-nail pattern; 6 plus cement above 21:12 |
| IKO roofing nail guide | Hot-dip galvanized preferred; stainless for coastal asphalt roofs | 12 gauge or thicker; 3/8 inch head typical | Through the decking with the full tip past the wood | Per product instructions |
Two details are easy to miss. GAF’s Timberline sheet names zinc-coated steel or aluminum, not stainless, so confirm with GAF before switching a GAF roof to stainless coils. Owens Corning’s 1/4 inch through-the-deck rule is stricter than the IRC’s “penetrate through,” which can push a job on thin sheathing to a longer coil. GAF also states that fasteners must be driven flush, that overdriving damages the shingle, and that raised fasteners interfere with sealing and can back out.
Smooth shank or ring shank coil nails?
Smooth shank coil nails are the cheapest and most common, and both GAF and the IRC accept them. Ring shank coil nails add rings along the shaft that resist withdrawal. IKO reports that in its testing ring shank nails showed 300 percent more strength than smooth shank, and it recommends ring shank where wind resistance is a priority.
Ring shank options are widely stocked: Grip-Rite lists ring shank coils in electro-galvanized, hot-dip and stainless versions from 3/4 to 1-3/4 inch, and DeWalt’s DCN45RN manual lists both smooth and ring shank as compatible. If your roof qualifies for an enhanced wind warranty, read the shingle instructions first; the nail pattern and placement usually matter more than shank type alone.
Electro-galvanized, hot-dip or stainless: which coating?
Electro-galvanized (EG) coil nails carry a thin plated zinc layer and are the cheapest. Hot-dip galvanized (HDG) nails are dipped in molten zinc for a much thicker coat; IKO says that thicker layer lasts longer and is preferred. Stainless steel (304, or 316 for harsher salt exposure) does not rely on a coating at all.
For hot-dip nails the usual reference is ASTM A153 Class D, the class covering nails and small fasteners. Per the American Galvanizers Association’s summary of A153, Class D calls for at least 1.00 oz/ft² of zinc on average (about 1.7 mils), with no single specimen below 0.85 oz/ft². The IRC itself only says “galvanized steel” complying with ASTM F1667, so electro-galvanized nails that meet F1667 can satisfy the base code; coastal amendments, shingle instructions and good sense near salt water may not.
| Coating | Corrosion protection | Best fit | Price per 1,000 (Oct 2026 listings) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electro-galvanized | Thin plated zinc | Inland asphalt shingle roofs where code and maker allow it | About $3.40 (pallet) to $7.55 (single box) | Best Materials; Nail Gun Depot |
| Hot-dip galvanized | Thick zinc, commonly to ASTM A153 Class D | Most roofs; humid, high-wind and near-coastal areas | About $14.90 to $16 | Google Shopping listings (FBI Supply, Arbor) |
| 304 stainless, ring shank | No coating to wear through | Coastal salt air, long-life roofs | About $48.85 | Nail Gun Depot JARR3DSS |
| 316 stainless, ring shank | Higher chloride resistance than 304 | Oceanfront and spray zones | About $75.25 | Nail Gun Depot JARR3DSSX |
Which roofing nailers take which collated roofing nails?
Nearly every coil roofing nailer takes .120 inch, 15-degree wire-weld coils from 3/4 to 1-3/4 inch. The exceptions are at the edges: Metabo HPT’s NV45AB2 starts at 7/8 inch and is listed for 16-degree coils, and no nailer below accepts 2 inch roofing coils. The manuals also warn about damaged collation. Bostitch’s RN46-1 troubleshooting chart says to remove a coil with broken weld wires and use another, and Metabo HPT warns that dropped coils can have cut wires that cause misfeeding and jamming.
| Nailer | Nail lengths | Shank and collation | Capacity | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bostitch RN46-1 (pneumatic) | 3/4 to 1-3/4 in | .120 in coil roofing nails, wire weld | 120 | Bostitch RN46-1 manual; Lowe’s spec listing |
| Metabo HPT NV45AB2 (pneumatic, formerly Hitachi) | 7/8 to 1-3/4 in | 16 degree wire coil; manual says use genuine Metabo HPT nails | 120 (1 coil) | Metabo HPT product page and manual |
| Makita AN454 (pneumatic) | 3/4 to 1-3/4 in | Standard .120 in coil roofing nails | Not verified | Makita USA product page |
| DeWalt DW45RN (pneumatic) | 3/4 to 1-3/4 in | .120 in, 15 degree | 120 | Pro Tool Reviews; Grip-Rite compatibility guide |
| DeWalt DCN45RN (20V cordless) | 3/4 to 1-3/4 in | 0.12 in, 15 degree, smooth or ring, wire collated | 120 | DeWalt manual and product page |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2909-20 (cordless) | 3/4 to 1-3/4 in | 15 degree wire coil roofing nails | Not verified | Nail Gun Depot listing |
For hands-on detail on each tool, read our Bostitch RN46 review, Makita AN454 review, DeWalt 20V roofing nailer review and Milwaukee M18 roofing nailer review. The full field is ranked in our best roofing nailer roundup.
How many nails come in a coil and in a box?
A roofing coil holds 120 nails, and the standard contractor box holds 60 coils for 7,200 nails. Best Materials spells this out for its 1 inch EG coil nail: 120 nails per coil, 60 coils per box, 7,200 nails per box and 56 boxes per pallet. Grip-Rite’s SKU table shows the same 7,200-count box for most galvanized and stainless sizes.
Smaller and premium packs differ. Grip-Rite lists 3,600-count boxes for several stainless SKUs and retail packs of 600 and 480. Nail Gun Depot lists its 2 inch EG coil nail and its stainless coils at 3,600 per box. At 120 nails per coil, a 3,600 box works out to 30 coils (Roofing Brief arithmetic). Check the count on the label before comparing prices, because a cheap-looking box may hold half the nails.
How many coils and boxes of collated roofing nails per square?
Architectural shingles use about 260 nails per square at four nails per shingle and about 390 at six. That comes from GAF’s Timberline coverage statement, 64 shingles covering 98.4 square feet, which is 65 shingles per 100 square feet. Three-tab shingles (a 36 inch strip at a 5 inch exposure, 80 per square) use 320 and 480. The table converts those counts to coils and boxes.
| Shingle and pattern | Nails per square | 120-nail coils per square | Squares per 7,200 box | Squares per 3,600 box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural, 4 nails | 260 | 2.2 | 27.7 | 13.8 |
| Architectural, 6 nails | 390 | 3.3 | 18.5 | 9.2 |
| Three-tab, 4 nails | 320 | 2.7 | 22.5 | 11.3 |
| Three-tab, 6 nails | 480 | 4.0 | 15.0 | 7.5 |
| Source: Roofing Brief arithmetic from GAF Timberline coverage (64 shingles per 98.4 sq ft) and a 36 by 5 inch three-tab exposure. Field shingles only; starter strips (Owens Corning specifies 5 fasteners per starter shingle), hip and ridge caps, and misfires add to the total. | ||||
For waste factors, pounds per square and bundle-level counts, use our guide to how many roofing nails per square.
What do collated roofing nails cost in October 2026?
A 7,200-count box of 1-1/4 inch galvanized coil roofing nails listed for about $50 to $55 at major retailers on October 12, 2026, and hot-dip boxes listed for about $107 to $115. Stainless runs several times higher and usually ships in 3,600-count boxes. Prices move often and vary by region, so treat these as a dated snapshot.
| Product (listing) | Count | Listed price | Per 1,000 nails | Where listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 x .120 in EG smooth, pallet of 56 boxes | 403,200 | $1,359.99 sale (about $24.29 per box) | $3.37 | Best Materials |
| Grip-Rite GRCR5DGAL, 1-3/4 in EG smooth | 7,200 | $49.98 | $6.94 | Home Depot (Google Shopping) |
| Metabo HPT 12111HPT, 1-1/4 in EG | 7,200 | $49.98 | $6.94 | Lowe’s (Google Shopping) |
| RN32-S, 1-1/4 x .120 in galvanized | 7,200 | $54.29 | $7.54 | Nail Gun Depot |
| RN45-S, 1-3/4 x .120 in galvanized | 7,200 | $68.52 | $9.52 | Nail Gun Depot |
| PrimeSource 1-1/4 in hot-dip galvanized | 7,200 | $107.28 | $14.90 | Arbor (Google Shopping) |
| 1-1/4 in smooth hot-dip | 7,200 | $115.00 | $15.97 | FBI Supply (Google Shopping) |
| CR50-50, 2 x .120 in EG | 3,600 | $140.68 | $39.08 | Nail Gun Depot |
| JARR3DSS, 1-1/4 in ring 304 stainless | 3,600 | $175.87 | $48.85 | Nail Gun Depot |
| JARR3DSSX, 1-1/4 in ring 316 stainless | 3,600 | $270.89 | $75.25 | Nail Gun Depot |
| Prices checked October 12, 2026, before tax and shipping. Per-1,000 figures are Roofing Brief arithmetic. | ||||
What the coating upgrade costs per square
Nails are a small line on a roof, even in stainless. Multiplying the per-1,000 prices above by 260 or 390 nails per architectural square gives the nail cost per square. Against the site’s baseline of $5 to $8 per square foot installed for architectural shingles in our 2026 roofing cost report, or $500 to $800 per square, electro-galvanized nails come to well under 1 percent of the installed price and 316 stainless to roughly 2.4 to 5.9 percent.
| Coating (price per 1,000) | 4 nails (260 per square) | 6 nails (390 per square) |
|---|---|---|
| Electro-galvanized ($7.54) | $1.96 | $2.94 |
| Hot-dip galvanized ($15.97) | $4.15 | $6.23 |
| 304 stainless ring ($48.85) | $12.70 | $19.05 |
| 316 stainless ring ($75.25) | $19.57 | $29.35 |
| Source: Roofing Brief estimate from the October 12, 2026 listings above; field shingles only. | ||
How to choose collated roofing nails, step by step
- Read the shingle instructions first. Note the allowed nail materials, head size range, penetration rule and nail count. GAF, Owens Corning and IKO differ on each.
- Check your nailer’s manual. Confirm length range, shank diameter and collation angle. Most take 3/4 to 1-3/4 inch at .120 inch; the Metabo HPT NV45AB2 starts at 7/8 inch and is listed for 16-degree coils.
- Measure the buildup. Add shingle layers at the nail line to the deck thickness, then pick the shortest length that gets 3/4 inch into the deck or fully through a thinner deck (through by 1/4 inch on Owens Corning roofs).
- Pick the coating for the site. Electro-galvanized only where code and the shingle maker allow it, hot-dip as the safer default, stainless near salt water if the shingle maker permits it.
- Choose the shank. Smooth meets code; ring shank adds withdrawal resistance for high-wind exposure.
- Count by box, not by price. Confirm 7,200 versus 3,600 versus retail packs, then size the order from the per-square table above.
- Store and load with care. Keep coils boxed and dry, do not drop them, and discard any coil with bent or broken weld wire rather than forcing it into the magazine.
Which collated roofing nail should you pick?
| Your situation | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Inland reroof, architectural shingles on 7/16 or 1/2 inch OSB | 1-1/4 in, .120 in, hot-dip or EG (if allowed), smooth or ring, 7,200 box | Meets IRC R905.2.5 length logic; EG only where the shingle maker and code accept it |
| High-wind county or enhanced wind warranty | 1-1/4 in ring shank, hot-dip | Higher withdrawal resistance; check the 6-nail pattern in the instructions |
| Within sight of salt water | 304 or 316 stainless ring shank, 3,600 box | No coating to wear away; confirm the shingle maker allows stainless |
| Hip and ridge caps | 1-3/4 in, same coating as the field | Extra layers need about a half inch more length (IKO); 1-3/4 in is the nailer maximum |
| Thin 3/8 inch sheathing | 1 in (or longer for Owens Corning’s 1/4 inch through-the-deck rule) | Nail must pass through decks under 3/4 inch |
| Metabo HPT NV45AB2 owner | Metabo HPT 16 degree coils, 7/8 to 1-3/4 in | Matches the tool listing and the manual’s nail warning |
| Small repair, no nailer | Loose roofing nails, same length and coating | Hand-nailing is acceptable when the nail meets the spec and sits flush |
If shingles already show raised heads or bumps, the problem is usually drive depth or deck holding, covered in our guide to nail pops on shingles.
Frequently asked questions
What are collated roofing nails?
Collated roofing nails are short, wide-head roofing nails joined into a coil so a pneumatic or cordless roofing nailer can feed them automatically. The standard format is a 15-degree wire-weld coil of 120 nails with a .120 inch shank and a 3/8 inch full round head, sold in lengths from 3/4 inch to 1-3/4 inch and packed 7,200 to a box.
How many roofing nails are in a coil?
A standard coil holds 120 roofing nails. Best Materials lists its 1 inch electro-galvanized coils as 120 nails per coil and 60 coils per box, which is where the common 7,200-count box comes from. Roofing nailer magazines are sized to match: Metabo HPT rates the NV45AB2 at 120 nails, one coil, and DeWalt says the DCN45RN canister holds up to 120.
How many squares does a box of coil roofing nails cover?
A 7,200-count box covers about 27 squares of architectural shingles at four nails per shingle, or about 18 squares at six nails. For three-tab shingles the figures are about 22 and 15 squares. These are field-shingle counts from Roofing Brief arithmetic, so hold back extra for starter strips, hip and ridge caps, and jams.
What size coil nails are used for roofing?
Most shingle work uses 1-1/4 inch coil nails, with 1-1/2 to 1-3/4 inch for thicker decks, overlays and ridge caps. The rule under 2021 and 2024 IRC R905.2.5 is penetration: at least 3/4 inch into the sheathing, or all the way through sheathing thinner than 3/4 inch. Major roofing nailers top out at 1-3/4 inch, so 2 inch coils need a different tool.
Are hot-dip galvanized coil roofing nails worth the extra cost?
Often, yes, near salt air or where a shingle maker or local code asks for heavier zinc. Hot-dip nails carry a thicker zinc coat than electro-galvanized nails, and IKO says that coat lasts longer. In October 2026 listings the upgrade cost about $2.20 to $3.30 more per square of architectural shingles, which is small against a $500 to $800 installed square.
Why do roofers use nails and not screws for shingles?
Codes and shingle makers call for nails. 2021 IRC R905.2.5 specifies roofing nails for asphalt shingles, and Owens Corning’s Duration instructions state that it requires nails to attach shingles to wood decking. IKO says screws are not an approved shingle fastener and suggests ring shank nails when more holding power is the goal.
Can I hammer in roofing nails instead of using a coil nailer?
Yes. The code and shingle instructions set the nail spec and placement, not the driving method, so hand-nailing with loose roofing nails is acceptable when the nail meets the spec and sits flush. Collated coils are built for nailers. For a small repair, buy a box of loose roofing nails of the same length and coating rather than picking nails off a coil.
What type of roofing nails are the strongest?
Ring shank nails hold best against pull-out. IKO reports that in its testing ring shank nails showed 300 percent more strength than smooth shank nails, and it recommends ring shank, hot-dip galvanized nails of 12 gauge or thicker for best performance. For corrosion life near the coast, stainless steel coil nails last longest but cost the most.
Sources
- International Code Council, 2021 and 2024 International Residential Code, Sections R905.2.5 and R905.2.6 (codes.iccsafe.org).
- GAF, Timberline installation instructions (RESTL622), fasteners, coverage and nailing patterns.
- Owens Corning, Duration Series shingles installation instructions, fastener requirement and fastening patterns.
- IKO, A Guide to Roofing Nails for Shingles.
- American Galvanizers Association, ASTM A153 for hardware (Class D coating weights).
- Grip-Rite, Coil Roofing Nails SKU table and Tool/Fastener Compatibility Guide.
- Metabo HPT, NV45AB2 product page and instruction manual; 12112HPT roofing nail listing.
- Bostitch, RN46-1 instruction manual. DeWalt, DCN45RN instruction manual and product page. Makita USA, AN454 product page.
- Retail listings checked October 12, 2026: Nail Gun Depot, Best Materials, and Home Depot, Lowe’s, Arbor and FBI Supply via Google Shopping.