Bostitch RN46
Score: 85/100
DeWalt 20V MAX Brushless Cordless Roofing Nailer
Score: 82/100Rankings
The Bostitch RN46-1 is a lightweight pneumatic coil roofing nailer designed for high-volume professional tasks, featuring a patented side-load canister for fast reloading. It delivers exceptional power-to-weight ratio and includes a dry-fire lockout to prevent damage. However, it requires perfect perpendicular alignment to avoid angled nail sets and may cause accidental discharges in tight spaces.
The DeWalt DCN45RN is a cordless 15-degree coil roofing nailer designed for portability and quick setup on small jobs. Its tool-free adjustments and brushless motor are key strengths, though the nail door clip mechanism has been criticized for being sluggish. It is best suited for roofing professionals needing portability for service repairs or touch-ups.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1.75 inchesbest | 1.75 inchesbest | |
120 nailsbest | 120 nailsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 4.9 lbsbest | 6.7 lbs |
— | 180 nails/minbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Power & Performance(2) | ||
Power Source | Pneumatic | Battery |
Firing Rate (nails/min) | nails/min | 180 nails/min |
Ergonomics & Build(2) | ||
Weight (lbs) | 4.9 lbs | 6.7 lbs |
Housing Material | Aluminum/Magnesium | Plastic/Aluminum |
Controls & Adjustments(1) | ||
Actuation Mode | Contact | Bump |
Nail Compatibility & Magazine(2) | ||
Nail Gauge | 11 Gauge | 15 Degree |
Nail Type | 15 Degree Wire Coil | 15 Degree Wire Collated |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers, including Fine Homebuilding, praise the Bostitch RN46-1 for its exceptional power-to-weight ratio and low recoil. Experts highlight its ability to drive nails flush through thick materials and appreciate job-site features like the zero lockout and precise shingle guide.
Everyday users and contractors generally praise the tool for being lightweight, durable, and fast-reloading. Common themes include time savings from the lockout feature and consistent performance on shingles and insulation.
Professional reviewers praise the DeWalt DCN45RN as a practical cordless upgrade for small jobs and service repairs, highlighting its strong firing rate and tool-free adjustments, but criticize the metal nail door clip for being sticky.
Feedback is limited to pro-oriented sources, with common praise inferred for cordless convenience and efficient bump mode usage.
