Bostitch RN46
Score: 85/100
Makita AN454
Score: 88/100Rankings
The Makita AN454 is a lightweight pneumatic coil roofing nailer designed for professional high-volume shingle and siding work. It features an aluminum housing, tool-less depth adjustment, and a 120-nail capacity magazine to maximize efficiency on job sites. While there are no major negative critiques, experts note that the contact firing mode carries ricochet risks and requires strict adherence to air pressure specifications.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
1.75 inchesbest | 1.75 inchesbest | |
120 nailsbest | 120 nailsbest | |
— | 120 PSIbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 4.9 lbsbest | 5.2 lbs |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Power & Performance(1) | ||
Air Inlet Size | 1/4 in | |
Ergonomics & Build(3) | ||
Weight (lbs) | 4.9 lbs | 5.2 lbs |
Housing Material | Aluminum/Magnesium | Aluminum |
Grip Type | Overmold | Ergonomic rubberized |
Controls & Adjustments(2) | ||
Actuation Mode | Contact | Sequential and Contact |
Dry-Fire Lockout | true | false |
Nail Compatibility & Magazine(3) | ||
Nail Gauge | 11 Gauge | 0.120 |
Collation Type | 15 Degree Wire | Coil |
Nail Type | 15 Degree Wire Coil | Coil |
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 and editors consistently praise the Makita AN454 for its pro-grade reliability and engineering focused on durability. Experts highlight the aluminum housing, carbide inserts, and tool-less adjustments as key factors extending tool life and speeding up setup.
Everyday users and professional roofers express high satisfaction with the Makita AN454, frequently citing its lightweight balance and reduced fatigue as primary benefits. Users appreciate the high nail capacity and tool-less adjustments for streamlining workflow.
“Lightweight and balanced-roofed a whole house without arm fatigue”
“Holds 120 nails; rarely jams with quality coils”
“Tool-less depth is a game-changer for shingles.”
