I wonder if a simple insulated lunchbox or cooler bag could do the trick without extra hassle... might test that next winter.
Honestly, I get where you're coming from. Heated jackets sound cool in theory, but the battery thing is a pain—especially when you’re already juggling nailers, compressors, and whatever else. I’ve tried the “rotate batteries from the truck” method too, and it’s just one more thing to remember when your hands are freezing.
The lunchbox idea could work for keeping gloves or small tools warm, but I’m not sure it’d help much with body heat unless you’re taking breaks inside it (which would be a sight). Maybe if you toss in a couple of those chemical hand warmers? Still, seems like more stuff to carry.
Curious though—if you had to pick between a heated jacket or just better layering with old-school wool and thermal gear, which would you actually trust on a long, cold shift? I keep thinking about how much gear we already haul up ladders...
Heated jackets sound cool in theory, but the battery thing is a pain—especially when you’re already juggling nailers, compressors, and whatever else.
Man, I’ve been there—nothing like realizing your jacket’s dead halfway through a tear-off. Honestly, I trust layering more. Old wool and thermals never quit on you, and you don’t have to remember to charge ‘em. Heated gear’s nice for short stints, but on a 10-hour shift? Give me the classics.
Old wool and thermals never quit on you, and you don’t have to remember to charge ‘em.
Exactly. I’ve tried the heated stuff and, yeah, it’s cozy for about two hours—then you’re just wearing a heavy dead jacket. Layers are king. As for nailers, I’ll take a coil roofing nailer every time, even if it’s a bit heavier. Less reloading, more work done. Batteries are great until you forget to charge one... then it’s back to basics anyway.
Batteries are great until you forget to charge one... then it’s back to basics anyway.
Man, that hits home. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been halfway through a job and realized the backup battery’s still sitting in the garage, stone cold. Coil nailers might weigh more, but not having to reload every five minutes is worth it. Plus, if you’re up on a steep roof, less fiddling around is always better. I’ll take a little extra weight over running out of juice any day.
You nailed it—pun intended. There’s nothing worse than being halfway through a run and realizing your battery’s tapped out, especially when you’re already up on a roof and the backup’s nowhere close. I’ve been there more times than I care to admit. The coil nailers are definitely heavier, but I agree, not having to reload constantly is a huge plus. It’s just one less thing to worry about when you’re trying to keep your footing and focus on the job.
That said, I do like the convenience of cordless tools for smaller repairs or punch-list stuff. But for a full day of roofing, I’d rather deal with a bit of extra weight than risk losing momentum because of a dead battery. It’s a trade-off, but reliability wins out for me most days. Funny how the “old school” tools still have their place, even with all the new tech out there.
