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A roofing nailer is a power tool that enables
the user to fix nails into the roof to ensure that all the roofing
panels are firmly positioned into place. Since the roof forms one of
the main protections for any household, saving the residents from the
vagaries of nature, such as sunlight and rain, a tight water proof roof
is of utmost importance. Some common applications of roofing Nailers
include framing, roof decking, sheathing, subflooring, finishing,
composite shingle roofing, house wrapping, and Vapor Barrier
implementation. Roofing nailers save both time and energy for the
worker, by automating a task that would otherwise take a much longer
time if performed manually. Considering the fact that an average house
would have a roof fastened with around 50,000 nails, the roofing
nailers would increase both productivity and efficiency. Additionally,
the nailer would increase accuracy and also enable nails to be driven
into relatively inaccessible areas. Also, chances of any surface
marring would be minimized, which could happen due to a missed aim or
the hammer sliding off the nail, when the nail is driven in manually.
These tools are used by carpenters, plumbers, masons, electricians, and
other building contractors. In addition to the above skilled workers,
this tool is also handy to have around the household and is often seen
in domestic tool kits. The Roofing Nailer can also be used for nailing
insulation boards, metal drip edges, and waterproof tar paper.
Features and working of a roofing nailer
A roofing nailer is mostly powered through
air compression. The actual body of the tool is linked to an air tank
in which air is stored under high pressure. When the trigger is pressed
the air is allowed to flow towards the front of the tool, providing the
propelling force to shoot the nail out of the nozzle at great velocity.
The user can control the speed and power of the tool with a built-in
air regulator. The nailers that work on air pressure are called
pneumatic roofing nailers. These tools have an operating pressure of
around 70-120 pounds per Square inch (PSI), enabling the tool to drive
nails into even the densest materials. The nails are normally driven
into the material in a straight line with minimal play, thus ensuring
rigidity. It is a known fact that nailers provide a higher fastener
withdrawal resistance as compared to nails hammered in manually.
The body of the nailer has Magnesium
construction to combine sturdiness with light weight, making the tool
more maneuverable in narrow areas. Consistent performance is enhanced
through the incorporation of a compression spring feed pawl support
feature and a pneumatic bias feed piston. A tool free depth adjustment
enables the user to control the depth-of-drive of the nail. The nose
door jam clearance feature prevents any impediment in the usage of the
tool due to a nail jamming the pathway. An intrinsic shingle guard is
adjustable through just one button manipulation.
The nails used by the tool range from around
7/8 to around 1-3/4 inch, with the average Magazine capacity ranging
from around 120 to 150 nails. Some nailers incorporate a magnet to hold
the nails firmly in the magazine. A side loading canister eases the
reloading of nails into the tool. A nail height adjustment facility
enables the height of the nail to be controlled.
What to look for in a roofing nailer
As with any nailer from which nails are
emitted at high speeds, the safety factor cannot be ignored. Most
nailers have a safety valve that does not get released unless the
nozzle is pressed against a solid surface. This prevents nails from
being shot into the air. The handle of the nailer has an ergonomic
shape and is rubber-coated to enhance the comfort of the user and also
reduce fatigue during prolonged usage. The location of the trigger and
the other controls should be accessible during use, enabling
single-handed usage of the nailer. A trigger lock disables the trigger
when the tool is idle.
A self cleaning air filter prevents dust from
clogging the inner components of the nailer, prolonging the life of the
tool. Another benefit for the operator is the adjustable air deflector
that blows the exhaust away from the work area, with an intrinsic
muffler that keeps the noise Level of the tool down.
Higher the cycle rate of the tool, the better
the performance as the downtime is minimized. Generally, the tool has a
no-mar tip to prevent scarring of the surface. A selectable trigger
enables the user to quickly change between restrictive and contact
modes. Rubberized steel skid plates keep the tool from skidding.
Some
reputed manufacturers of roofing nailers include Dewalt, Milwaukee,
Porter-Cable, Stanley-Bostitch, and Senco.
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