7/8-inch coil roofing nails are short, collated fasteners designed for roofing nailers and certain roofing applications. They can be a good fit when the roof deck and shingle specifications call for that length, but they are not automatically right for every roof. Nail length, shank type, head diameter, collation, and local code all matter. Knowing how to check those details helps prevent loose shingles, leaks, tool jams, and costly rework.
What Are 7/8-Inch Coil Roofing Nails?
A 7/8-inch coil roofing nail is a roofing fastener with a nail body measuring seven-eighths of an inch long, generally measured from the underside of the head to the point. The nail is assembled in a coil so a compatible roofing nailer can feed and drive it rapidly. Coil-fed tools are common on roofing jobs because they reduce the need to load individual nails.
These nails are often considered for asphalt-shingle work on relatively thin roof decks, but the correct application depends on the full roof assembly. A nail that is too short may not penetrate the deck far enough to hold securely. A nail that is too long may pass through the deck and create an unwanted protrusion beneath it. Neither outcome should be decided by the nail length alone.
The term “coil roofing nails” describes how the fasteners are collated, not a universal size or tool standard. Nail coils differ in wire diameter, head style, spacing, collation angle, and material. A coil that looks similar to another may still be incompatible with a particular nailer.
Where 7/8-Inch Roofing Nails May Be Used
Roofing nail length should be selected for the shingles, roof deck, underlayment assembly, and manufacturer’s installation instructions. In some circumstances, 7/8-inch nails are specified for thin wood decking or other assemblies where a longer nail could protrude excessively. In other circumstances, a longer fastener is necessary to achieve the required penetration. The shingle maker’s instructions and applicable building requirements take priority over a general rule of thumb.
Asphalt shingles are typically fastened through the shingle and into a suitable roof deck. The fastener must reach the deck and hold as specified; it should not be assumed that a nail is adequate merely because it passes through the shingle. For laminated or thicker shingles, multiple layers at the fastening area can affect the nail length needed. Valleys, starter strips, ridge caps, and other details may have their own fastening instructions.
Coil roofing nails are also used for some roofing felt, underlayment, and other roofing materials when the product directions allow them. The recommended fastener can vary by product and substrate. A nail appropriate for one layer or roof type may not be appropriate for another, so installers should consult the product documentation rather than treating all roofing nails as interchangeable.
How to Choose the Right Nail Length
The goal is to select a nail that passes through the roofing material and meets the required embedment or penetration into the deck. The precise requirement depends on the material, construction, code, and installation method. Before buying 7/8-inch coil roofing nails, identify the roof deck thickness and check the shingle manufacturer’s current instructions for the specified fastener length.
A practical selection process includes these checks:
- Identify the deck: Determine whether the roof has plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), solid wood boards, or another substrate. Deck thickness and condition affect fastening.
- Check the product instructions: Confirm the required nail length, diameter, head size, placement, and number of fasteners for the specific shingle or roofing material.
- Check applicable code: Local building requirements may address roof coverings and fastening. The locally adopted code and the authority having jurisdiction determine what applies at a particular property.
- Account for layers: Consider shingle thickness, overlapping courses, starter materials, and any other layers the nail must pass through.
- Verify the tool: Match the coil’s collation, nail dimensions, and fastener type to the roofing nailer manual.
If the instructions call for a different length, a 7/8-inch nail is not a substitute just because it fits the tool. Likewise, changing to a longer nail without checking the deck can create protruding points or interfere with materials below the roof deck. When the deck construction is uncertain, a qualified roofing professional can inspect it and identify an appropriate fastener.
Important Nail Specifications
Length is only one part of the specification. Roofing nails are manufactured with different shank designs, head diameters, materials, and coil configurations. Each affects the fastener’s holding performance, corrosion resistance, or compatibility with the nailer.
| Specification | Why It Matters | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Determines how far the nail passes through roofing layers and into the deck. | Shingle instructions, deck thickness, and required penetration. |
| Shank diameter | Affects holding capacity and whether the nail matches the tool. | Product packaging and nailer specifications. |
| Head diameter | Helps hold the shingle in place without tearing through it when properly installed. | Manufacturer requirements for the roofing material. |
| Shank style | Smooth, ring-shank, or other designs can differ in withdrawal resistance. | Use the style specified for the roof system and substrate. |
| Material or coating | Influences resistance to corrosion and compatibility with the roof environment. | Exposure conditions and product guidance. |
| Collation and angle | Determines whether the coil feeds correctly through a roofing nailer. | Tool manual and fastener packaging. |
Smooth-Shank and Ring-Shank Nails
A smooth-shank nail has a relatively plain body, while a ring-shank nail has ridges around part or all of the shank. Those ridges are designed to increase resistance to withdrawal in suitable materials. The best choice depends on the roofing system, deck, and manufacturer’s specification; a ring-shank nail should not be treated as a universal upgrade or as permission to use a shorter nail.
Galvanized and Other Corrosion-Resistant Finishes
Roof fasteners are exposed to moisture and changing temperatures, so corrosion resistance matters. Galvanized nails are common, but coatings and requirements vary. Some roof materials or environments may require a particular coating or material. Incompatible metal combinations can also create corrosion concerns. Check the roofing product documentation and fastener packaging, especially for coastal locations, treated wood, or specialty roofing materials.
Coil Compatibility With Roofing Nailers
A coil of 7/8-inch roofing nails must match the tool, not merely the general category of “roofing nailer.” Manufacturers specify acceptable nail lengths, diameters, coil angles, and collation materials for each model. Using the wrong coil can cause misfeeds, double firing, jams, or improper nail placement. In some cases, an incompatible fastener can damage the tool or create a safety hazard.
Before loading a coil, check the nailer’s manual or the manufacturer’s compatibility chart. Confirm that the fasteners are designed for roofing use and that their dimensions and collation match the tool. Do not alter a coil, force it into the magazine, or remove guards to make an incompatible product fit. If a nailer repeatedly jams, stop work and inspect the tool and fasteners according to the manual.
Roofing nailers are typically pneumatic or cordless. Pneumatic models require an appropriate air supply and pressure setting; cordless models rely on a charged battery and the tool’s specified fasteners. For either type, the driver depth should be adjusted and tested on scrap material or an appropriate test area before production work. Tool instructions govern setup and safe operation.
Correct Installation and Nail Placement
A properly chosen nail can still fail if it is installed incorrectly. Roofing shingles generally have a designated nailing zone, and the required nail count and placement depend on the specific product and roof conditions. The installer should follow the shingle manufacturer’s pattern rather than placing nails wherever they are convenient.
For many asphalt-shingle systems, nails are driven straight and flush with the shingle surface. A nail that is underdriven may stand proud and interfere with the course above. An overdriven nail can cut through the shingle and reduce its ability to hold. A crooked nail may not secure the shingle as intended. These are common reasons to test the nailer’s depth setting and inspect the first fasteners before continuing.
Proper installation also requires the correct number of nails per shingle and consistent alignment. Wind-related requirements can vary by location, roof slope, and product. Some areas or roof designs require enhanced fastening. The current installation instructions and local requirements should guide the pattern, particularly at roof edges, hips, ridges, and other vulnerable areas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing by length alone: A 7/8-inch nail may not meet the required penetration for a particular deck or shingle.
- Using an incompatible coil: A nail can be the right length but the wrong diameter, angle, or collation for the nailer.
- Driving nails too deep: Overdriven fasteners may cut through shingles and weaken the hold.
- Leaving nails proud: Underdriven nails can prevent shingles from lying flat and may affect the course above.
- Ignoring corrosion exposure: The wrong material or coating can deteriorate in demanding conditions.
- Skipping product instructions: Nail patterns, counts, and lengths can differ among roofing products.
- Reusing damaged fasteners: Bent, corroded, or deformed nails should not be loaded or installed.
Buying 7/8-Inch Coil Roofing Nails
When comparing products, read the package rather than relying on a shelf label or product photo. Confirm the stated nail length, shank diameter, head diameter, shank design, finish, coil angle, and quantity. Check that the package identifies the nails as roofing fasteners and that the coil is compatible with the intended nailer. Manufacturer product data is useful when a retailer’s listing omits a specification.
For larger jobs, estimate the number of fasteners from the roofing product’s installation directions and the roof’s layout. The count can vary with shingle design, fastening pattern, roof details, and any enhanced fastening requirements. Purchasing a small amount of extra material can help account for damaged fasteners, but excess should be stored dry and kept in its original packaging when possible.
Do not assume that a lower price indicates an equivalent fastener. A product that does not meet the roofing system’s requirements can lead to repairs that cost far more than the difference between nail boxes. If the package does not clearly identify the dimensions and compatibility, check the manufacturer’s documentation before purchase.
Roofing Safety and Quality Checks
Roof work carries serious fall and tool-injury risks. Use fall protection appropriate to the job, follow the tool manual, wear eye and hearing protection as recommended, and keep hands clear of the nailer’s contact area. Disconnect the air supply or remove the battery before clearing a jam or performing maintenance, following the manufacturer’s procedure. Never point a loaded nailer at a person.
After installation, inspect the roof for visible defects such as exposed or proud nails, torn shingles, misplaced fasteners, and loose edges. A visual check does not replace compliance with the product instructions or local code, but it can help identify problems before they lead to water intrusion. If a nail has missed the designated fastening area, the repair method should follow the shingle maker’s instructions; simply adding another nail may not correct the issue.
Sources and Further Guidance
Fastener selection is product- and jurisdiction-specific. Useful primary references include the shingle manufacturer’s installation instructions, the roofing nailer’s operating manual, and the locally adopted building code. The Owens Corning roofing installation instructions provide product-specific guidance, while the International Code Council’s code resources can help identify model-code provisions. Local adoption and amendments vary, so the local building department should be consulted for requirements in force at the property.