That’s a tough lesson, but honestly, I think most of us have been there at some point. It’s tempting to grab a bargain tool, especially when you’re just starting out or trying to keep costs down. But yeah, nothing kills momentum on a roof faster than a nailer that keeps jamming—especially if you’re up against the weather or working on a steep pitch. I’ve found that investing in reliable gear pays off in the long run, even if it stings up front. Peace of mind and steady progress are worth a lot when you’re hanging off the edge of a roof...
nothing kills momentum on a roof faster than a nailer that keeps jamming—especially if you’re up against the weather or working on a steep pitch.
Been there, and it’s brutal. I tried to cheap out with a no-name coil nailer last summer, thinking I’d save a few bucks. Ended up cursing at it more than actually using it. Lost half a day clearing jams and reloading. Honestly, if I had to do it again, I’d just buy the Hitachi (now Metabo) from the start. It’s not flashy, but it just works—no drama, no wasted time. Sometimes you really do get what you pay for.
I get trying to save money—trust me, I’ve done the same. Bought a bargain nailer thinking it’d be “good enough” for a small patch job on my old asphalt roof. It jammed constantly, and I ended up borrowing my neighbor’s Bostitch just to finish before rain hit. Lesson learned: sometimes paying more upfront saves you a lot of hassle (and swearing) later.
That’s basically my luck too—thought I could get away with a cheapo nailer for my first real “homeowner project.” It made more noise than progress, and I spent half the afternoon untangling jams. Ended up caving and renting a Hitachi from the hardware store. Not cheap, but at least it actually worked. Guess sometimes you really do get what you pay for... especially when rain clouds are rolling in.
It made more noise than progress, and I spent half the afternoon untangling jams.
- Been there. Tried to save a few bucks with a bargain nailer—regretted it fast.
- My roof’s got a steep pitch and those jams were a nightmare up there.
- Ended up borrowing a Bostitch from my neighbor. Not fancy, but zero jams and way less swearing.
- Honestly, I’m skeptical about “you get what you pay for” sometimes, but with nailers? Yeah, seems true.
- If I had to pick one, I’d go mid-range pro brand. Not the cheapest, not the priciest. Just something that won’t quit when the weather turns.
