Roofing Nailer Coil vs Strip: Essential Guide

Quick Summary:
Choosing between a coil and strip roofing nailer depends on your project’s scale and preference. Coil nailers are faster and hold more nails, ideal for large jobs, while strip nailers are lighter and easier to maneuver but require more frequent reloading. Both are powerful tools for securing roofing materials efficiently.

Hey there, fellow DIYers and tool enthusiasts! Jack Shaffer here, your go-to guy for all things nailers at Nailerguy. We’ve all been there, standing in the aisles of the hardware store, staring at rows of powerful tools, and wondering, “Which one is right for me?” When it comes to roofing nailers, one of the most common head-scratchers is the difference between coil and strip models. It might seem like a small detail, but picking the right one can dramatically affect your project’s speed, your comfort, and your overall success. Don’t sweat it; we’re going to break down exactly what makes a coil nailer different from a strip nailer, and by the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident choosing the perfect tool for your next roofing adventure!

Coil vs. Strip Roofing Nailer: What’s the Big Deal?

So, what’s the fundamental difference between these two types of roofing nailers? It all comes down to their design, specifically how they hold and feed nails. Think of it like a spool of thread versus a box of individual pins. A coil roofing nailer uses nails that are collated together in a wire, forming a “coil” that wraps around the magazine. A strip roofing nailer, on the other hand, uses nails that are collated in straight “strips,” often held together with paper or plastic. This basic difference in how the nails are presented to the firing mechanism leads to a cascade of other distinctions that matter on the job site.

Both types are designed to drive specialized roofing nails quickly and efficiently, making roof shingle installation much faster than using a hammer. However, their capacities, weight, handling, and even the types of fasteners they can accept vary significantly. Understanding these distinctions is key to selecting the tool that best suits your needs, whether you’re a seasoned pro tackling a full roof replacement or a determined homeowner re-shingling a shed.

The Coil Roofing Nailer: Speed and Capacity for Big Jobs

Coil roofing nailers are the workhorses for large-scale roofing projects. Their defining feature is the coil magazine, which can hold a substantial number of nails – often 100 to 120 nails at a time. This means fewer interruptions to reload, which translates directly into increased speed and efficiency, especially when you’re installing thousands of shingles.

Imagine being on a steep roof, holding a nailer, and needing to reach for another coil of nails versus reaching for something much smaller. The coil design dramatically reduces the downtime associated with reloading. This is a massive advantage when you’re on a tight schedule or working in less-than-ideal weather conditions. The powerful pneumatic systems in most coil nailers can easily drive these nails through shingles and into the roof decking, providing a secure hold.

How Coil Nailers Work

The nails in a coil roofing nailer are essentially wired together in a circular fashion. As the tool fires, the mechanism rotates and feeds the next nail into position. When the magazine is empty, you simply attach a new coil, and you’re back in business.

The nailer has a mechanism that, when you press it against the shingle and pull the trigger, grips the nail head, drives it through the shingle, and into the roof deck. The subsequent nail is automatically fed into place, ready for the next shot.

Pros of Coil Roofing Nailers:

• High Capacity: Holds significantly more nails than strip nailers, leading to fewer reloads.
• Faster Workflow: Reduced reloading time means you can cover more area in less time.
• Built for Volume: Excellent for large residential roofs, commercial buildings, or any project with a high number of shingle courses.
• Durable Construction: Often built for heavy-duty, daily use.

Cons of Coil Roofing Nailers:

• Heavier and Bulkier: The coil magazine adds weight and can make maneuvering in tight spaces more challenging.
• Nails Can Be More Expensive: While they hold more, individual coils might have a higher upfront cost than a strip, though the price per nail is often competitive.
• Nail Variation: Some older or less common coil nailers might have specific requirements for nail collation, so always check compatibility.

The Strip Roofing Nailer: Lightweight and Maneuverable

Strip roofing nailers offer a different set of advantages, primarily focused on ease of use and maneuverability. These nailers use nails that are arranged in straight strips, usually held together by paper or plastic. The capacity of a strip nailer is typically lower than a coil nailer, often holding around 100 to 120 nails per strip.

The lighter weight and more compact design of strip nailers make them a favorite for detailed work, smaller projects, or for roofers who prioritize agility on the roof. Navigating around vents, valleys, and hip edges can be easier when you’re not carrying as much bulk. They are also generally less intimidating for DIYers tackling their first roofing project.

How Strip Nailers Work

In a strip roofing nailer, the nails are fed sequentially from a straight magazine. When you load a new strip, each nail is pushed forward by a spring until it reaches the firing position. The mechanism drives the nail, and the spring then advances the next nail in the strip.

Similar to the coil nailer, the nose of the tool is placed against the shingle, and when the trigger is pulled, the nail is driven into the roof deck. When you run out of nails, you simply slide in a new strip.

Pros of Strip Roofing Nailers:

• Lighter and More Compact: Easier to handle, maneuver, and carry, especially on complex roof layouts or for DIYers with less physical strength.
• Easier to Load: Loading a strip can sometimes feel more intuitive for beginners.
• Often More Affordable: The initial purchase price of a strip nailer can sometimes be lower than a comparable coil model.
• Good for Smaller Projects: Perfect for sheds, carports, small additions, or repairs where sheer volume isn’t the main concern.

Cons of Strip Roofing Nailers:

• Lower Capacity: Requires more frequent reloading compared to coil nailers, which can slow down larger projects.
• Nail Strips Can Be Flimsy: The paper or plastic collation on nail strips can sometimes break, leading to jams.
• Less Efficient for Large Scale: The constant reloading can become a significant bottleneck on extensive roofing jobs.

Coil vs. Strip Magazine: A Direct Comparison

To make things crystal clear, let’s put the key differences side-by-side. Understanding these distinctions will help you visualize how each nailer performs on the job.

Feature	Coil Roofing Nailer	Strip Roofing Nailer
Nail Collation	Nails wired together in a circular coil.	Nails collated in straight strips (paper or plastic).
Magazine Capacity	High (typically 100-120 nails per coil).	Lower (typically 100-120 nails per strip).
Reload Frequency	Low; fewer reloads needed for large jobs.	High; requires more frequent reloading.
Weight & Size	Generally heavier and bulkier.	Generally lighter and more compact.
Maneuverability	Can be more challenging in tight spaces.	Easier to maneuver for detailed work and tight spots.
Best For	Large residential roofs, commercial projects, high-volume work.	Smaller roofs, DIY projects, repairs, detailed work, maneuverability needs.
Speed Advantage	Higher overall speed due to fewer reloads.	Momentary speed is similar, but overall project speed can be slower on large jobs.
Potential for Jams	Fewer reloads mean potentially fewer jam opportunities related to loading. Collation is generally robust.	Paper/plastic collation can sometimes break, leading to jams.

What Kind of Nails Do They Use?

Both coil and strip roofing nailers use specialized roofing nails. These aren’t your standard framing nails! Roofing nails are designed with a broad, flat head – much larger than a framing nail head – to effectively secure shingles and prevent them from tearing or lifting. They also typically have a galvanized coating for corrosion resistance, which is crucial since they’ll be exposed to the elements.

The key difference is their collation method.

• Coil Nails: These nails are held together by a wire that is typically embedded into the shank of the nail. When you unload them from the coil, you’ll notice these small wire remnants.
• Strip Nails: These nails are held together by either paper or plastic. The collation material breaks away as the nail is driven.

It’s absolutely vital to use the correct type and size of nail for your specific nailer model and for the roofing material you’re installing. Always check your nailer’s manual and consult with your roofing material manufacturer for recommended fastener specifications. For example, the Owens Corning roofing underlayment requirements specify type and placement of fasteners, which will guide your nail selection. Using the wrong fastener can lead to leaks, shingle damage, or voided warranties.

Which One is Right for You? Making the Choice

The “best” roofing nailer truly depends on your specific situation. Let’s break down a few scenarios:

Scenario 1: You’re a DIYer re-shingling your garage roof.

For a smaller project like this, aiming for ease of use and maneuverability might be best. A strip roofing nailer could be a great choice. It’s likely lighter, making it easier to handle for someone less experienced, and the lower capacity is perfectly fine for a small area.

Scenario 2: You’re a contractor taking on multiple large residential roofs this season.

If you’re working quickly to make a living, efficiency is paramount. A coil roofing nailer is almost certainly the way to go. The higher capacity means you’ll spend less time fiddling with reloads and more time covering square footage, maximizing your productivity and profitability.

Scenario 3: You have a complex roof with many dormers and angles.

Even on a larger home, if maneuverability is a significant concern due to the roof’s complexity, a lighter strip roofing nailer might offer an advantage in those tricky spots. You might reload more often, but the ease of handling in tight areas could be worth it. Alternatively, a skilled user can adapt to a coil nailer, but it’s something to consider.

Scenario 4: You’re a serious hobbyist building multiple outdoor structures.

If you’re building several sheds, a playhouse, or a covered patio, you’ll be driving a lot of nails. A coil roofing nailer would likely be a sound investment for the sheer volume of work. However, if your projects are smaller and more scattered, a strip nailer might suffice.

Consider the following questions when making your decision:

• How large is the roofing area? Big jobs favor coil, small jobs can use strip.
• How much experience do you have with power tools? Strip nailers can be more beginner-friendly due to weight.
• What’s your budget? Prices can vary, but sometimes strip nailers are entry-level more affordable.
• Do you often work in confined or difficult-to-reach areas? Lighter strip nailers might be easier.
• How important is speed? For professionals or those on a tight timeline, coil nailers offer a notable speed advantage.

Remember, both types are powerful tools. The key is to match the tool’s strengths to your project’s demands.

Safety First: Always Important with Nailers!

No matter which type of roofing nailer you choose, safety should always be your top priority. These tools are designed to drive sharpened metal nails with significant force. A moment of carelessness can lead to serious injury.

Here are some essential safety tips:

• Always Wear Safety Glasses: This is non-negotiable. Protect your eyes from flying debris or accidental nail ricochets.
• Wear Work Gloves: Protect your hands while loading and handling nails and the tool.
• Wear Appropriate Footwear: Sturdy, slip-resistant boots are crucial for working on sloped surfaces.
• Keep Others Away: Ensure no one is in the path of where you are nailing or in the general vicinity of the tool’s operation.
• Never Point the Nailer at Yourself or Others: Treat it like a firearm; it’s ready to discharge.
• Ensure the Tool is Unloaded When Not in Use: Disconnect the air hose (for pneumatic models) and remove any remaining nails when the tool is idle, being moved, or when performing maintenance.
• Regularly Inspect Your Tool and Air Hose: Ensure there are no leaks or damage that could cause malfunctions. You can find additional safety guidelines from organizations like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
• Understand Depth Adjustment: Make sure your nailer is set to drive nails to the correct depth – not too shallow (which compromises holding power) and not too deep (which can damage the shingle or decking).

Proper training and adherence to these safety precautions will ensure that you complete your roofing project successfully and, most importantly, without injury.

Maintenance for Longevity

To keep your roofing nailer in top shape, regular maintenance is key. This applies to both coil and strip models.

• Lubrication: For pneumatic nailers, a few drops of specialized air tool oil in the air inlet before each use is essential for keeping internal parts lubricated and moving smoothly. Follow your manufacturer’s recommendations for oil type and frequency.
• Cleaning: Keep the tool clean, especially the nose piece and any air vents. Dust and debris can interfere with operation. Wipe it down after each use.
• Listen for Strange Noises: Grinding, squealing, or a weak drive could indicate a problem that needs addressing before it gets worse.
• Check O-rings and Seals: Over time, rubber components can wear out. Inspect them periodically and replace them if they look cracked or worn, especially if you notice air leaks.
• Magazine Inspection: Ensure the magazine is clean and free of debris that could obstruct nail feeding. For strip nailers, check the spring mechanism to ensure it’s advancing nails properly.

A well-maintained nailer will perform better, last longer, and operate more safely. It’s an investment in your tools and your ability to tackle projects efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)