Quick Overview & First Impressions
For decades, the sound of a roofing job site has been defined by the roar of air compressors. The DeWalt DCN45RN 20V MAX 15° Cordless Coil Roofing Nailer aims to change that. It promises the freedom of a hose-free experience without the recurring cost of fuel cells (like Paslode). But can a battery-powered flywheel system really keep up with the rapid-fire pace of a professional roofer?
First Impressions: It looks like a beast. It is significantly larger and heavier than a standard pneumatic coil nailer. However, the build quality feels undeniable. It sports the classic DeWalt yellow and black, with a robust canister and a brushless motor housing that looks ready to take a fall off a ladder (though we don’t recommend it). Ideally, this tool is positioned for repair work, punch lists, and smaller jobs where dragging a compressor and hose is a hassle.
What’s in the Box
DeWalt typically sells this in two configurations: the Bare Tool (DCN45RNB) and the Kit (DCN45RND1). If you are already on the DeWalt 20V platform, the bare tool is the economical choice.
The Kit (DCN45RND1) Includes:
- 1x DCN45RN Roofing Nailer
- 1x 2.0Ah 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Battery (We recommend upgrading to a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah for serious work)
- 1x Charger (DCB112)
- Belt Hook (Reversible)
- Kit Bag
The absence of a hard case is a slight letdown for a tool at this price point, but the soft bag is durable enough for truck storage.
DeWalt 20V MAX Roofing Nailer (Tool Only)
Ditch the hose. Drive up to 3 nails per second with zero ramp-up time. The ultimate tool for roofing repairs and flashing.
Check PriceDesign and Build Quality
This tool utilizes a brushless motor paired with a flywheel system. Unlike pneumatic guns that use air pressure to drive a piston, the DeWalt spins up a flywheel to generate kinetic energy. This design choice eliminates the need for gas cartridges, making it cheaper to run in the long term.
The canister is easy to load, accepting standard 15-degree coil roofing nails ranging from 3/4″ to 1-3/4″. The feed tray adjusts easily between nail lengths with a simple locking plate mechanism. The overall plastic housing is high-grade polymer reinforced with rubber over-molds at impact points.
Battery and Power Performance
The biggest fear with cordless nailers is “ramp-up time”—that annoying delay between pulling the trigger and the nail firing. DeWalt has largely solved this. The DCN45RN fires almost instantly in Bump Mode. It can supposedly drive 3 nails per second.
In our testing, it kept up with a moderate pace. However, for a production roofer who “bounces” the gun across a shingle at lightning speed, you might outrun the flywheel reset time. For 95% of users, and especially for repair work, it is plenty fast.
Driving Accuracy and Depth
Power means nothing without control. A roofing nailer must set the nail head flush with the shingle without breaking the mat (overdriving) or leaving it proud (underdriving).
The DeWalt features a tool-free depth adjustment wheel located near the nose. It is precise and has detents to hold your setting. Once dialed in, the consistency is impressive. Unlike pneumatic guns where depth can fluctuate if the compressor pressure drops, the battery delivers consistent force shot after shot until the battery is nearly dead.
When working on repairs, accuracy is vital. See our guide on how to repair wind damaged shingles to see exactly how this tool fits into the workflow.
Handling and Ergonomics
Here is the elephant in the room: Weight.
At 6.7 lbs (tool only) plus a battery, you are looking at nearly 8 lbs hanging off your arm. A standard pneumatic coil nailer weighs about 5 lbs. While 3 lbs might not sound like much, over the course of a day, it adds up to significant fatigue.
The balance is good—the battery counterweights the motor well—but it is top-heavy. This tool is fantastic for a few hours of flashing work or a repair job, but we would hesitate to use it to shingle a 40-square roof in one go. You will need a sturdy belt hook (included) and good gear.
To manage the weight, investing in a supportive rig is mandatory. Check out our review of the best roofing tool belts to distribute the load.
Also, working with heavy tools on a slope requires excellent traction. Don’t overlook footwear—read about the best roofing shoes for maximum grip.
Roof Materials Compatibility
The DCN45RN excels with:
- Asphalt Shingles: The standard nose tip grabs shingles well.
- Waterproof Paper/Felt: Excellent for tacking down underlayment without dragging a hose.
- Vinyl Siding: With a siding adapter (often sold separately), the depth control allows you to hang siding loosely as required.
- Metal Connectors: While not a positive placement nailer, it can be used for flashing attachment if code permits roofing nails.
Safety Features
DeWalt includes a Dry Fire Lockout. The tool will not fire when the canister is empty (or has only a few nails left). This prevents you from firing the driver blade into the shingle material, which can damage the surface.
The contact trip (safety nose) must be depressed to fire. It’s stiff enough to be safe but smooth enough not to require excessive force. There is also a mechanical trigger lock-off switch for when you are climbing ladders.
Safety extends beyond the tool. Always ensure you are tied off properly. See our guide to the best roof harnesses for fall protection.
Battery Life & Charging
DeWalt claims up to 500 nails per charge on a 2.0Ah battery. In practice, we found this to be accurate for warm weather. In cold weather, lithium-ion performance drops. We strongly recommend using a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah XR battery. With a 5.0Ah battery, you can easily shoot over a square (3 bundles) or more on a single charge.
The lack of a hose means you are not tripping over lines, which is a massive safety and productivity boost during setup and teardown.
Recommended Upgrade: DeWalt 5.0Ah Battery
Don’t get stuck on the roof with a dead tool. The 5.0Ah XR battery provides the runtime needed for professional workflows.
Check PriceMaintenance & Durability
One of the best features is the Brushless Motor. No brushes to replace, and because it’s not pneumatic, no oil is required. This eliminates the risk of oil spraying onto a finished roof.
However, the return springs on the driver blade can be a wear point over time. The “Stall Release” lever on the top of the unit allows you to manually reset the driver blade if it gets jammed or stuck in the down position—a clever feature that saves you from disassembling the tool on the roof.
Pros and Cons
- Zero Setup Time: No compressor, no hoses, no extension cords.
- Consistency: Depth of drive does not fluctuate with tank pressure.
- Service Cost: No fuel cells to buy, no oil to add.
- Noise: Significantly quieter than a compressor running all day.
- Ecosystem: Runs on the same batteries as your drill and saw.
- Weight: Much heavier than pneumatic alternatives.
- Speed: Cannot keep up with the fastest production roofers.
- Capacity: 120 nails is standard, but reloading feels frequent.
- Price: Higher upfront cost than a pneumatic gun.
Final Verdict
The DeWalt DCN45RN is a game-changer for repair technicians, remodelers, and solar installers. The ability to jump out of a truck, climb a ladder, and fix a shingle in 2 minutes without setting up a compressor is priceless. For these users, the weight is irrelevant compared to the convenience.
However, for new construction production crews slamming down 40 squares a day, the weight and speed limits make pneumatic tools the superior choice. This is a specialized tool that belongs in every roofer’s arsenal, but perhaps not as their primary daily driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but you have to be careful. The depth adjustment allows you to leave the nail head slightly proud (for expansion), but using a dedicated vinyl siding adapter (sold separately) is recommended for consistency.
Yes, it accepts standard 15-degree coil roofing nails from most major brands (Grip-Rite, Bostitch, etc.), as long as they are wire-weld collated and between 3/4″ and 1-3/4″ in length.
Better than gas (fuel cell) nailers, but lithium-ion batteries lose efficiency in extreme cold. Keep a spare battery in a warm pocket or truck cab to swap out if you notice a drop in power.
If you already own DeWalt batteries, absolutely. Renting a compressor and gun is a hassle. If you are re-roofing a shed or fixing a leak, the convenience makes the job much less intimidating.