Roofing Nailer (Coil Nailer)

A roofing nailer is a power nailer designed for fastening asphalt shingles, underlayments and similar materials. Most are pneumatic, powered by compressed air from a portable compressor, though cordless models exist. They hold nails collated on a wire or plastic coil in a round magazine, which carries far more fasteners than a stick magazine and suits the rapid, repetitive nailing of shingling. Common models drive 15-degree coil roofing nails, and typical product specifications list nail lengths from 3/4 in to 1-3/4 in (about 19 to 44 mm).

Features

• Depth adjustment to set how deeply the nail head is driven. Correct depth leaves the head flush with the shingle surface; overdriven nails cut into the shingle and underdriven nails stand proud, which can cause nail pops and affect wind resistance.
• Shingle guide to help space nails or courses on some models.
• Lightweight frames and non-marring or carbide-tipped noses for working on slopes.
• Trigger modes: contact (bump) firing, which drives a nail each time the nose is pressed with the trigger held, and sequential firing, which requires the nose to be pressed before each trigger pull. The joint NIOSH and OSHA guide Nail Gun Safety: A Guide for Construction Contractors (2011) lists using full sequential trigger tools as its first prevention step, citing research that injury risk roughly doubles with contact triggers.

Correct use

Shingle manufacturers specify nail type, length, head size and the nailing zone on each shingle; following these instructions affects both performance and warranty coverage. Nails must penetrate the deck sufficiently, and nailing outside the specified zone is a common cause of blow-offs. Air pressure should be adjusted to the material and temperature, since cold shingles and hard decks change how far nails drive. Hand nailing with a roofing hammer or hatchet remains in use for detail work, repairs and some materials.

Safety

Nail guns cause many construction injuries, including puncture wounds and nails ricocheting off hard surfaces. Basic practice includes eye protection, keeping fingers off the trigger when moving, disconnecting the air supply before clearing jams, and managing the air hose so it does not become a trip hazard on the roof.