How to Buy a Roofing Nail Gun

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Confused on how to buy a roofing nail gun? There are some things to consider before you rush out to buy a nail gun to do that roofing project. Knowing what types of guns are available, the accessories you need, and safety procedures you should take are all important in purchasing a roofing nail gun.

Shingles

Types of Roofing Nail Guns

Pneumatic Nail Guns

Pneumatic nail guns pump nails through a cylinder with the help of an air compressor. These are the most common types of guns used, but can be very dangerous if not used properly. Air is built up inside the nail canister and when you pull the trigger, a "door" opens and the nail is pushed out at tremendous speed. If you are considering this type of nail gun, then make sure you also take the proper safety precautions.

Solenoid Nail Guns

These type of guns use electromagnetic polarization that shoves the nail from the solenoid into the wood. Solenoid guns have a tendency to last longer than other nail guns because there are less parts to go wrong. If you expect a project to last a long time or plan to complete more than one project, then a solenoid nail gun is the way to go.

Spring Loaded Nail Guns

As the name indicates, the nails are shot out of the gun with high-tension springs that are pulled back with electricity. These guns are simple in their architecture and can be cheap in cost. If you are on a budget but want a more efficient way to nail in the roof, then pick up one of the spring loaded kind.

How to Buy a Roofing Nail Gun

Any of the above guns will work for a roofing project, of course; it just depends on what you can afford and what equipment you already have or may need. In order to find the gun that is perfect for you, actually go to a hardware store to see the guns. Pick up the gun and see if it can be handled easily. You want a gun that you can maneuver quickly because the purpose of using a roofing nail gun is efficiency over a hammer, and being able to move the gun quickly is important. Don't buy a roofing nail gun that you can't even lift.

When in doubt on how to buy a roofing nail gun, ask someone. Of course, find someone in the hardware store who is knowledgeable in the equipment, not just someone who can read a fact card (because you can do that!). Lowes and Home Depot typically hire people who have experience in the area where they work so chances are you will be talking to someone who has actually used a nail gun.

Accessories

You can't just buy a nail gun, take it home, and start using it. There are some things you need:

  • Nails. What good is a nail gun without nails? Either check out the fact tag or the product box to see which nails you need to purchase.
  • Extension cords. Depending on which gun you buy, you may need additional extension cords for the electric guns or the air compressor if you get the pneumatic gun.
  • Air Compressor. Again, depending on the gun you buy, you may need an air compressor. This is only for the pneumatic gun.

Safety

When working with any industrial equipment, safety is always important. Some things you need to purchase if you don't have them already.

  • Safety glasses. Debris can fly up, pieces of flak can hit you in the face, and dust can get in your eyes, so cover them up with wide safety glasses.
  • Thick boots. Not shoes. Not flip-flops. Not sneakers. Get steel-toed boots if you can, but thick construction boots made from leather should protect your feet well enough.
  • Keep covered up. Wear jeans and thick socks. Also, get a hard hat, especially if more than one person is using a nail gun.

If you still have any questions about how to buy a roofing nail gun, then check out:

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Comments

Jesse, great info on particular roofing nail gun brands!

-- Contributed by: Gregorythompson
I have several years of roofing expierience and have only used the pneumatice coil guns. Most professionals prefer the Hitachi because of their performance and durability. I do very much like the Hitachi but Stanley Bostich makes a good gun too, the Stanley Ridge Runner. What I like about the Ridge Runner is even though the gun is heavier and it recoils much stronger than the Hitachi does, is that you can use the recoil to your advantage and let the gun do the work. I keep the trigger down and hold the gun sideways and shoot. The gun practically bounces from keyway to keyway by itself and is also very fast. The Hitachi is a fast nailer but since it doesn't recoil as much your arm does more work. Their is also a difference in psi. The Ridge Runner uses less (about 80 to 100) and the Hitachi runs pretty good at 125. So even though the Ridge Runner is heavier I think it's a faster gun and really doesn't leave a lot of high nails either. I do also like the Hitachis a lot and prefer them for dimensional shingles and for putting on cap and for steep work because the Ridge Runner will wear you out on a steep job, especially a mansard roof. In my opinion the Ridge Runner is the best for any pitch from 4/12 to 6/12 and for three tabs but the Hitachi is more flexible and better for dimensional, capping, and steep jobs. -- Contributed by: Jesse Jinkins

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