Address
304 North Cardinal
St. Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Work Hours
Monday to Friday: 7AM - 7PM
Weekend: 10AM - 5PM
7 Best Roofing Nails for 2026
If you’re re-roofing a garage and the nails start backing out after the first storm, you’ll want a better option quickly.
You can compare Hillman galvanized roofing nails, Grip-Rite plastic cap nails, Hotop siding nails, and coil roofing nails to find the right fit for your job, tool, and budget.
The best choice depends on shank type, coating, and length, and a few small details can make a big difference.
More Details on Our Top Picks
Hillman Group Galvanized Roofing Nails 1-Inch (100 Count)
[zw asin=”B00PHHM4B4″ alt=”Hillman Group Galvanized Roofing Nails 1-Inch (100 Count)”]Best Hand-Sewn
View Latest PriceIf you are looking for a simple, dependable option for roofing repairs or shingle installation, the Hillman Group Galvanized Roofing Nails, 1-Inch, are a solid pick. You get 100 galvanized steel nails with a flat, large head that helps hold shingles and roof boards securely. A hammer drives them in easily, and the heavy-gauge build adds strength for common roofing jobs. They measure 1 inch, weigh 5.9 ounces, and come in a single pack. The Hillman Group 42041 is not discontinued, so you can count on continued availability and straightforward support through Amazon’s return policy.
- Nail Type:Roofing nail
- Length:1 inch
- Quantity:100 count
- Head Style:Flat head
- Shank Type:Heavy gauge
- Finish:Galvanized
- Additional Feature:Hammer installation
- Additional Feature:Large head
- Additional Feature:Heavy gauge
Grip-Rite Plastic Cap Nails 1-1/2″ (207 Count)
[zw asin=”B000B4N3OK” alt=”Grip-Rite Plastic Cap Nails 1-1/2 (207 Count)”]Best Underlayment
View Latest PriceGrip-Rite Plastic Cap Nails, 1-1/2″ (207 Count) are a smart choice when you need dependable fastening for felt, underlayment, housewrap, or foam board. The wide plastic cap helps prevent tearing, while the ringed shank improves pull-out resistance. The sharp point drives cleanly, and the steel body with an electro-galvanized finish adds rust protection for outdoor use. They install quickly and consistently, and they hold synthetic underlayment, rigid insulation, plastic sheeting, and tarps securely. Grip-Rite has delivered trusted roofing solutions since 1975.
- Nail Type:Plastic cap nail
- Length:1-1/2 inch
- Quantity:207 count
- Head Style:Plastic cap
- Shank Type:Ring shank
- Finish:Electro-galvanized
- Additional Feature:Wide plastic cap
- Additional Feature:Rust resistance
- Additional Feature:Clean penetration
Grip-Rite Plastic Cap Nails for Roofing Underlayments
[zw asin=”B002YGNAM8″ alt=”Grip-Rite Plastic Cap Nails for Roofing Underlayments”]Best for Roofing
View Latest PriceIf you need roofing underlayment fasteners that hold securely and install cleanly, these Grip-Rite plastic cap nails are a strong fit. They feature #12 x 1 steel nails with a wide round plastic cap, ring shank, and sharp diamond point for easy driving. The electrogalvanized, polished finish helps resist rust and corrosion, while the ringed shank increases pull-out resistance. Use them on roofing underlayments, housewrap, synthetic underlayment, foam board, rigid insulation, plastic sheeting, and tarps. The 280 count pack works well for quick, consistent installs for professionals and homeowners.
- Nail Type:Plastic cap nail
- Length:1 inch
- Quantity:280 count
- Head Style:Plastic cap
- Shank Type:Ring shank
- Finish:Electro-galvanized
- Additional Feature:Diamond point
- Additional Feature:Outdoor use
- Additional Feature:Pull-out resistance
Hotop 3600 Count 1 3/4 Inch Siding Nails
[zw asin=”B0CLD3WVTB” alt=”Hotop 3600 Count 1 3/4 Inch Siding Nails”]Best for Siding
View Latest PriceHotop’s 3,600-count pack of 1 3/4-inch siding nails is a smart choice when you need a large supply for frequent fastening jobs, especially with 15-degree wire collated coil siding and fencing nailers. It includes 12 rolls with 300 nails each, so you will not run short quickly. The full round-head mild steel design works well for siding, fencing, plywood, decking, and fiber concrete work. It fits many nailers, including NV65AH2 and PCN65. Store it in a dry place, since rust can still form over time.
- Nail Type:Siding nail
- Length:1-3/4 inch
- Quantity:3600 count
- Head Style:Full round head
- Shank Type:Wire collated
- Finish:Iron stick paint
- Additional Feature:15-degree collation
- Additional Feature:Fits coil nailers
- Additional Feature:Anti-rust coating
600 Count Coil Roofing Nails 1-1/4 Inch
BHTOP’s 600 count coil roofing nails are a smart choice when you need a compact, ready to use supply for roofing jobs. These 1-1/4 inch, .120 inch nails feature a 15 degree round head, smooth shank, and wire weld collation for fast loading. The electro galvanized iron finish helps protect against corrosion, especially on pressure treated lumber. Each box includes five rolls with 120 nails per roll, so you can work efficiently with less handling. At 3.03 pounds, they are easy to carry, and you will not need batteries or power to use them on rough roofing materials.
- Nail Type:Coil roofing nail
- Length:1-1/4 inch
- Quantity:600 count
- Head Style:Round head
- Shank Type:Smooth shank
- Finish:Electro galvanized
- Additional Feature:Pressure-treated lumber
- Additional Feature:Rough nailing
- Additional Feature:Five rolls
1200 Count Coil Roofing Nails for Roofing Gun
[zw asin=”B0CLDBZXWP” alt=”1200 Count Coil Roofing Nails for Roofing Gun”]Bulk Pack
View Latest PriceBuilt for roofing crews and DIYers who want a reliable, gun-ready fastener, these BHTOP 1200 count coil roofing nails deliver 1-1/4 inch x .120 inch smooth-shank performance in a 15-degree wire-weld collated format. You get 10 rolls per box, with 120 nails in each roll, so your roofing nail gun keeps moving efficiently. The electro-galvanized iron finish helps resist corrosion, even on pressure-treated lumber. The round-head design provides holding power, while the smooth feed supports consistent use. At 5.52 pounds, they are easy to store, carry, and use on roofs.
- Nail Type:Coil roofing nail
- Length:1-1/4 inch
- Quantity:1200 count
- Head Style:Round head
- Shank Type:Smooth shank
- Finish:Electro galvanized
- Additional Feature:Roofing gun use
- Additional Feature:Pressure-treated lumber
- Additional Feature:Ten rolls
3600 Count Coil Roofing Nails 3/4-Inch x .120-Inch
[zw asin=”B0BYVCLP74″ alt=”3600 Count Coil Roofing Nails 3/4-Inch x .120-Inch”]Heavy-Duty Pick
View Latest PriceIf you need a reliable roofing nail for air nailers, BHTOP’s 3600 count coil roofing nails are a solid fit. You get 3/4 inch x .120 inch nails with 15 degree round heads, smooth shanks, and wire welded collation for easy feeding in your nail gun. The electro galvanized iron finish helps resist corrosion, so you can use them on roofs, fencing, and rough nailing jobs. Each box includes 30 rolls with 120 nails per roll, giving you 3,600 pieces total. They also work well with pressure treated lumber and support long term use.
- Nail Type:Coil roofing nail
- Length:3/4 inch
- Quantity:3600 count
- Head Style:Round head
- Shank Type:Smooth shank
- Finish:Electro galvanized
- Additional Feature:Roofing gun use
- Additional Feature:Fencing applications
- Additional Feature:Thirty rolls
Factors to Consider When Choosing Roofing Nails
When you choose roofing nails, match the nail length to your roofing material and decking for a secure hold. Also compare shank type, head style, material and coating, and nail gauge strength, because each one affects grip, corrosion resistance, and durability. Choosing the right combination helps your roof stay fastened and perform well over time.
Nail Length Matters
Nail length plays a big role in how well a roof holds together, so you need to match the fastener to the roofing material and the thickness of the base beneath it. When working with thinner shingles or underlayment, shorter nails usually do the job. For thicker layers or multiple materials, longer nails provide better holding power because they reach deeper into the roof deck. Roofing nail lengths commonly range from 1 inch to 1-3/4 inches, and each size serves a specific purpose. Choose the wrong length, and you can reduce pull-out resistance, which leaves the roof more vulnerable to wind and weather. When using coil or collated nails, make sure the length fits your nail gun and the application before you buy.
Shank Type Choice
The shank type you choose affects how well roofing nails hold and how easy they are to install. For quick driving and jobs that do not require maximum pull-out resistance, choose smooth shank nails. They drive fast and work well for many basic fastening tasks. If you need more grip, choose ringed shank nails. They resist pull-out better and stay secure on underlayments and similar layers. When you are using a nail gun, wire-collated shanks make installation faster and more consistent than hand-driving. For outdoor roofing, pair the shank with galvanized or electro galvanized coating to help resist rust. When fastening underlayment, housewrap, or foam board, a sharp diamond or sharp point helps you penetrate cleanly and reduce tearing.
Head Style Options
Head style affects how securely roofing nails hold materials and how cleanly they install. You’ll usually choose a flat or round head, and the larger the head, the better it grips shingles and boards. A wide head spreads pressure across more surface area, so it helps reduce pull-through and keeps materials seated. If you’re fastening felt, underlayment, or housewrap, cap nails can be a smart pick because their wide round plastic cap improves grip without tearing soft sheet goods. For collated nails, the head is shaped to feed smoothly through a nail gun while still holding well. Consider the job first: if you need to protect delicate layers, choose a wider head; if you’re nailing shingles or boards, prioritize strong hold and clean installation.
Material And Coating
After choosing the right head style, you also need to consider what the nail is made of and how it is coated. You will usually want steel or iron roofing nails because they provide the strength needed to hold shingles and underlayment securely. Galvanized or electro galvanized coatings matter because they help keep rust and corrosion at bay, especially if you are working outdoors. That protection becomes even more important when you are fastening into pressure treated lumber or installing in damp conditions. For heavy duty roofing jobs, choose nails with corrosion resistant finishes so the metal will not deteriorate as quickly. By matching the material and coating to your roof’s environment, you can extend fastener life, preserve holding power, and achieve a more reliable installation overall.
Nail Gauge Strength
Nail gauge plays a big role in how well your roofing nails perform because it tells you how thick the shank is and how much strength it can deliver. When you choose a heavier gauge, you get better resistance to bending and pull-out, which helps keep shingles and underlayment secure in wind and weather. Thicker shanks usually grip denser materials better, while thinner nails go in more easily but may hold less firmly. If you want extra fastening strength, ring shank nails add more grip along the shaft than smooth shanks do. You should balance penetration, holding power, and the roofing material you are fastening so your nails perform well without causing installation problems.
Compatible Nailer Type
Whenever you choose roofing nails, make sure they match your nailer’s drive format, collated angle, and feed requirements so the tool can drive them cleanly and fully. Check whether you’re using hammer-driven nails or coil nails made for roofing guns, because the wrong format will not load or fire correctly. Next, verify the collated angle. Some nailers only accept specific wire-collated layouts, such as 15 degree coils. You should also confirm that the nail length and shank type fit your nailer’s specifications, since poor sizing can stop smooth feeding. Finally, match the head style and total diameter to the magazine and drive mechanism to help prevent jams. Before you buy, compare the nailer’s model requirements with the fastener packaging details.
Roofing Material Fit
For a secure, long lasting hold, match the roofing nail to the material you are fastening, since shingles, underlayment, housewrap, foam board, rigid insulation, and tarps each call for different head styles and holding power. For shingles and boards, pick a roofing nail with a large flat head so it spreads pressure and grips the surface firmly. For underlayment and felt, cap nails often work better because the wide plastic cap helps keep the sheet in place without tearing it. If you are using a nail gun, confirm the nail length and collation angle match the tool, 15 degree coil nails are common. Also, choose galvanized or electro galvanized steel so your fasteners resist outdoor moisture and stay strong longer.
Package Count Needs
A few extra boxes can save you time on the job, so choose a roofing nail package count that fits the size of your project. You will find roofing nails in packs of 100, 207, 280, 600, 1200, or 3600 pieces, so match the count to the work ahead. If you are handling a small repair, a low-count pack helps keep costs down and reduces leftovers. For a full roof, underlayment, or siding job, choose a higher count so you do not run out halfway through. Check whether the nails come in rolls or boxes, especially with collated nails for a nail gun. Make sure the total covers your entire surface, and buy a little extra for waste, mistakes, or future fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Roofing Nails Be Used for Vinyl Siding?
No, you should not use roofing nails for vinyl siding. Use siding nails with the correct shank and head so the panels can expand, contract, and stay secure without damage.
Do Roofing Nails Need Pre-Drilled Holes?
Like a key fitting a lock, you usually do not need pre drilled holes for roofing nails. Drive them straight in. You can drill pilot holes in brittle materials or dense wood to help prevent splitting.
Which Nail Head Type Resists Wind Better?
Wide, flat heads resist wind better because they spread holding force across more shingle material. They also reduce pull-through. In high-wind zones, choose oversized or capped heads and install them correctly.
Are Stainless Steel Roofing Nails Worth the Cost?
Yes, stainless steel roofing nails can be worth it when you face salty air, heavy moisture, or long-term durability needs. You will pay more, but they resist rust and help protect your roof longer.
How Do I Remove Roofing Nails Without Damaging Shingles?
You’ll lift each shingle gently, slide a flat pry bar under the nail head, and wiggle it free. Then seal any lifted tab with roofing cement so you do not loosen nearby shingles.
