Bostitch coil roofing nails are designed for fastening shingles and other roofing materials with compatible coil nailers. Choosing the right nail involves more than matching a brand: length, shank, head, finish, collation, and roofing-material requirements all matter. This guide explains how to identify compatible Bostitch nails, compare common options, avoid installation problems, and check local code and manufacturer instructions before starting a roofing project.
What Are Bostitch Coil Roofing Nails?
Bostitch coil roofing nails are collated fasteners supplied in connected coils for use in compatible pneumatic roofing nailers. Instead of loading individual nails, a roofer loads a coil into the tool, allowing repeated fastening with fewer reloads. The format is useful for roofing work, where many fasteners may be required across a large surface.
“Bostitch” identifies a tool and fastener brand, but the brand name alone does not establish compatibility. A roofing nail must match the nailer’s specifications, including collation angle, coil design, nail length, and shank diameter. The nail must also suit the roofing material and follow its installation instructions.
Coil roofing nails are commonly used with asphalt shingles, but a nail suitable for one roofing product may not be suitable for another. Metal roofing, underlayment, and specialty shingles can call for different fasteners or fastening patterns. The roofing-product manufacturer’s instructions take priority over general guidance.
How to Check Bostitch Nail Compatibility
Before buying nails, identify the exact Bostitch nailer model. The model number is usually printed on the tool’s body or listed in its manual. Check the manual or official product documentation for the accepted nail specifications; do not assume that every coil roofing nail will fit every Bostitch roofing nailer.
Compare the nail packaging with the tool’s requirements in these areas:
- Collation angle: The angle at which nails are connected in the coil must match the nailer.
- Collation type: Nails may be joined with wire or another specified material. The tool must accept that format.
- Length range: The nail must fall within the nailer’s approved range and meet the roofing product’s requirements.
- Shank diameter and head size: These dimensions affect tool fit and holding performance.
- Coil capacity and design: A compatible coil must load and feed correctly in the magazine.
For example, Bostitch’s RN46-1 roofing nailer documentation specifies the fastener range and format accepted by that model. Specifications can differ among models, so verify the manual for the actual tool rather than relying on a general product listing or an assumption based on brand.
Common Bostitch Coil Roofing Nail Options
Roofing nails differ in several ways. The best choice depends on the roofing material, exposure conditions, local requirements, and the nailer. Product names and availability can change, so confirm the current package label and product documentation before purchase.
Nail Length
Length is measured from the underside of the nail head to the point. The correct length must penetrate the roof deck as required by the roofing manufacturer and applicable code. A nail that is too short may not provide the required holding; one that is too long may protrude through the deck or cause other installation issues.
Roofing systems may require longer fasteners when shingles are installed over existing layers or thicker decking conditions. Rather than selecting a length by habit, check the shingle instructions and determine the deck thickness and layer arrangement. The nailer must also be approved for that length.
Smooth and Ring-Shank Nails
A smooth-shank nail has a straight, untextured shank. A ring-shank nail has ridges that can increase resistance to withdrawal. Whether a ring-shank nail is appropriate depends on the roofing product’s requirements and the conditions at the site. It should not be treated as a universal upgrade: the shank type must be permitted by the manufacturer and compatible with the nailer.
Head Design
Roofing nails generally use a broad head to help hold shingles in place. Head diameter and shape are product specifications, not interchangeable details. A nail with an unsuitable head may fail to meet the roofing manufacturer’s fastening requirements even if its length appears correct.
Coating and Corrosion Resistance
Roofing nails may have different protective finishes, including galvanized coatings. The level and type of corrosion resistance matter because fasteners are exposed to moisture and weather conditions. Coastal locations, treated materials, and other demanding environments may require a particular corrosion-resistant fastener. Follow the roofing-system documentation and applicable building code when selecting a finish.
“Galvanized” alone does not tell the whole story. Coating methods and performance can vary, and a product’s suitability depends on the exposure and roofing materials. Where corrosion resistance is important, use the specified fastener rather than substituting based only on appearance or price.
How to Select the Right Nail for a Roofing Project
- Identify the roofing product. Find the installation guide for the exact shingle or roofing material. Note its required nail type, length, head dimensions, and fastening pattern.
- Check the roof assembly. Consider the deck material and thickness, existing roofing layers, and any underlayment or other components that affect the required penetration.
- Read the nailer manual. Confirm that the tool accepts the nail’s length, collation angle, collation type, and dimensions.
- Check local requirements. Building codes and local amendments may establish fastening requirements, particularly in areas with high wind exposure.
- Match the environment. Select a finish and material suitable for expected moisture, corrosion, and chemical exposure.
- Inspect the package. Confirm the complete part description and specifications. Do not rely on a retailer’s abbreviated title alone.
If the roofing instructions and nailer specifications appear to conflict, pause before installation. Contact the roofing manufacturer or Bostitch support for clarification. A fastener that fits the tool is not automatically the correct fastener for the roof.
Loading and Using a Bostitch Roofing Nailer
Follow the tool manual for loading and operation. In general, the air supply should be disconnected before loading, clearing a jam, or performing maintenance. Use the specified air pressure and keep hands clear of the nosepiece. Wear appropriate eye and hearing protection, and follow the tool’s safety instructions.
Set the tool so nails sit correctly in the roofing material. An overdriven nail can cut or damage a shingle, while an underdriven nail may leave the head raised and interfere with the next course. A nail driven at an angle or in the wrong location can also weaken the fastening. Test settings on a suitable surface and inspect the results before continuing.
Roofing nailers can drive nails rapidly, so operators should maintain control of the tool and use the fastening pattern specified by the roofing manufacturer. Never bypass a safety feature or use a nailer for a fastener type that its manual does not approve.
Common Problems and How to Prevent Them
| Problem | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Nails will not feed | Incorrect collation, damaged coil, or an incompatible nail | Compare the coil with the nailer manual and inspect the magazine for debris or damage. |
| Frequent jams | Wrong fastener dimensions, damaged nails, or tool maintenance issues | Use the specified nails, remove damaged coils, and follow the manufacturer’s jam-clearing procedure. |
| Nails sit too high | Insufficient drive depth, tool setting, or air-supply issue | Check the manual’s operating guidance and inspect the compressor and hose setup. |
| Nails are overdriven | Excessive drive depth or unsuitable operating pressure | Adjust the tool as directed and test-drive before resuming work. |
| Shingles loosen or tear | Incorrect fastener, placement, pattern, or drive depth | Compare installation with the shingle manufacturer’s fastening instructions. |
Repeated feeding problems should not be solved by forcing a coil into the magazine. Disconnect the air supply and inspect the fasteners and tool according to the manual. If the correct nails still jam, the nailer may need cleaning, adjustment, or service.
Buying Bostitch Coil Roofing Nails
Retail listings may use different names for the same broad category, and product descriptions can omit specifications that matter. Search by the nailer model and the complete fastener requirements—not simply “Bostitch roofing nails.” Before ordering, compare the product number and package details with the manual.
Check these details on the listing or package:
- Nail length and shank diameter
- Head diameter and style
- Smooth or ring shank
- Coating or corrosion-resistance description
- Collation angle and type
- Number of nails per coil or package
- Compatibility statement for the specific nailer model
When a listing does not provide enough information, consult the manufacturer’s documentation or ask the seller to confirm the specifications. Avoid substituting a fastener solely because it has the same length or is described as a roofing nail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will any coil roofing nail work in a Bostitch nailer?
No. Compatibility depends on the nailer’s approved length range, collation angle and type, and fastener dimensions. Check the manual for the exact model before loading a coil.
Are Bostitch roofing nails suitable for all shingles?
Not necessarily. Shingle manufacturers specify acceptable fasteners and installation methods. The required nail may vary with the product, roof assembly, exposure, and local code.
Should a roofer choose smooth or ring-shank nails?
The roofing-product instructions determine which shank type is acceptable. Ring shanks can provide greater withdrawal resistance in some applications, but they should not replace a specified fastener without confirmation from the manufacturer or code requirements.
How can the correct nail length be determined?
Use the roofing manufacturer’s instructions, the roof-deck details, and applicable code requirements. Then confirm that the selected length is within the nailer’s approved range. The tool’s maximum nail length alone does not establish what the roof requires.
Reliable Sources for Specifications
For current compatibility and safety information, consult the Bostitch product and support website, including the manual for the exact nailer model. For fastening patterns and approved roofing fasteners, use the installation instructions published by the roofing manufacturer. The International Code Council provides information about building-code publications, while the locally adopted code and amendments govern requirements at a specific job site.
The key selection rule is straightforward: match the coil to the nailer, then match the fastener to the roofing system and local requirements. Verifying all three before work begins helps prevent feed problems, installation defects, and premature roof damage.