The nailer diversity is formed to get better results in working areas. Framing and roofing nailers are two major types. They have major differences between them, even when they are both nailers.
If you want to choose between them you need to know the major factors between “Roofing nailer vs. framing nailer“.
The roofing nailer is perfect for roofing jobs. They provide the exact power to penetrate the roof area so you can install shingles or wood boards on the roof.
On the other hand, framing nailers are widely used for building decks or hardwood flooring. You can also use the framing nailer to build beds or fences. The framing nailer should not be used in roofing jobs or vice versa.
Comparison Chart – Roofing nailer vs. framing nailer
| Comparison Topic. | Roofing nailer | Framing nailer |
|---|---|---|
| Nail type. | Short nails. | Long nails. |
| Nail size. | 1-3/4 inches long. | 2 to 4 inches long. |
| Nail diameter. | Diameter is Ø.1″. | Diameter is between .134″ and .162″. |
| Compressor type. | Coil type. | Stick or a coil style. |
| Type of the nail head. | Wide nail heads. | Clipped and round. |
| Type of the shank. | Has a smooth or ring shank. | Has a 10d or 12d shank. |
| Weight. | Weight is not much. | Heavy nailer. |
| The type of nail that can be used in it. | Stainless steel or hot-dipped. | Common or galvanized nails. |
When should you use a roofing nailer?
There are multiple ways to use roofing nailers. They are described below.
Processing a roofing job
The main task of the roofing nailer is to complete the roofing job. If you are constructing a new house or rebuilding an older one, you can use the roofing nailer.
Attaching shingles to the roof
If you are attaching singles to the roof, you can use the roofing nailer. The roofing nailer is powerful enough to penetrate both roofs and singles at a time. They are not very heavy, so you won’t feel any hand fatigue while using them.
Attaching fibreglass to the roof
The fir trees are pretty hard objects, and you need a powerful gun to attach them to the roof. However, the roofing nailers can penetrate the fibreglass and the roof together at a time with their powerful compressor.
The penetration level of the roofing nailer can also be adjusted, so you don’t have to worry about if it can damage your roof area or not.
Pros
- Provides extra force while nailing.
- Can use them for any kind of heavy-duty job.
- Features a better head structure, so they won’t come out even if you pull them while nailing.
- Price of the roofing nailer is very affordable.
- Come in different shapes and sizes, so you don’t have to face extra pain in choosing the right one for you.
Cons
- Using a roofing nailer requires some experience.
- If you don’t adjust the power of the nailer perfectly, it can damage your work area.
When should you use a framing nailer?
There are multiple ways to use framing nailers. They are described below.
When you build a deck
A framing nailer can be used to build a deck. However, the deck is built with very thick wood, so you need to use big nails for them. The average size of the nails must be 2 to 3 and a half inches. So you have to put 1-1/4 to 3-1/2 inches of nails inside the framing nailer.
While you are doing hardwood flooring
The framing nailer can be used for hardwood flooring. Usually, hardwood flooring requires thick and hard materials, and you have to apply extra pressure to penetrate them.
The compressor of the framing nailer can produce enough force to penetrate the hard floor material. For hardwood flooring, you need to put 2-inch nails into the framing nailer.
While building a bed
You can use the framing nailer to build a bed. You need 2-3-inch nails for building a bed. As the beds are made with thin wood, you need to measure the working area perfectly first. Then you have to put the nails inside the framing nailer.
Make sure to mark the nailing areas, or you could damage the wood of the bed. Then pull the trigger to shoot the nails.
If you want to build a fence
Creating a fence is as hard as heavy-duty construction. The construction of the fence requires 2-inch nails, which can be shot with the framing nailer. Make sure to adjust the pressure of the nailer first, or you can damage the work area.
Pros
- Shoots nails very accurately.
- Comes with good durability.
- Air compressor provides perfect force to complete your task faster.
- Different types are available, so you don’t have to feel any pressure to choose the right one for you.
- Doesn’t provide any hand fatigue to your hand due to its grip
Cons
- You will need extra accessories and tools to run the framing nailer.
- It creates a lot of noise while working.
Can a framing nailer be used as a roofing nailer?
You cannot use a framing nailer as a roofing nailer. The nails you use in a framing nailer are not very big. They cannot be penetrated easily while processing roofing jobs. Also, you can’t get exact power when you use a framing nailer for roofing jobs.
The roofing jobs require a compressor powered between 70 psi and 120 psi. But as the framing nailer is more powerful, it provides 100 to 120 psi while nailing. As a result, the nailing process becomes harder.
Also, as the framing nailer is not accurate for the roofing jobs, you will need extra time to complete a task that will cause your body to fatigue and make you more tired. If somehow, the nailer damages your work area, it will cost extra money to repair it.
Wrap up
Numerous types of nailers are utilized for various applications. The desire for better results in working environments has given rise to the diversity of nailer structures. The two most common nailer kinds are framing and roofing nailers. Even though they are both nailers, they have significant differences.
So, to pick between them, you must first understand the fundamental differences between “roofing nailer vs. frame nailer.” For roofing work, the roofing nailer is ideal. They apply the right amount of force to penetrate the roof, so you can put down shingles or wood boards.
Framing nailers, on the other hand, are commonly utilized while building decks or installing hardwood floors. The framing nailer can also be used to construct beds and fences. Neither the framing nailer nor the roofing nailer should be used in roofing projects. You must use them in their respective fields or they will cost you money.