Milwaukee M18 Fuel Coil Roofing Nailer

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Coil Roofing Nailer is a tool that promises to make roofing and siding jobs a breeze. As someone who spends a significant amount of time on roofs, I was eager to see if this nailer could live up to the high standards set by Milwaukee's other tools. After putting it through its paces, here's my in-depth review.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing that struck me about the Milwaukee roofing nailer is its robust build quality. Weighing in at 8.3 pounds, it's relatively lightweight for a roofing nailer, making it easy to handle during extended use. The tool feels solid and well-constructed, which is reassuring when you're working at heights.

One of the standout features is the pivoting belt and scaffolding hook. This small yet thoughtful addition makes it incredibly convenient to secure the tool when you're moving around on the roof. The rubber wear pads are replaceable, which adds to the tool's longevity.

Performance

Performance-wise, this nailer is a beast. It can fire up to 6 nails per second, which is more than enough speed for most roofing tasks. I found that it consistently sank nails to the same depth, thanks to the tool-free depth of drive adjustment. This feature is a real time-saver, as it allows for quick adjustments without needing additional tools.

The single door magazine makes it easy to load nails, and I experienced zero jams during my time using the nailer. The dry fire lockout feature is another excellent addition, preventing the tool from firing when it's out of nails, which can save a lot of hassle and potential damage.

Battery Life

One of the critical aspects of any cordless tool is battery life. The Milwaukee roofing nailer uses the M18 battery system, which is known for its reliability. On a single charge, the nailer can sink up to 1100 nails. In my experience, this was more than sufficient for a day's work on a medium-sized roof. The battery life is impressive and allows for uninterrupted work, which is crucial in any roofing project.

Ease of Use

Ease of use is another area where this tool excels. The nailer is straightforward to operate, with intuitive controls and adjustments. The vinyl siding tip is a nice touch, making it versatile enough for siding jobs as well. The tool-free depth adjustment and the single door magazine are particularly user-friendly features that make the job easier and more efficient.

Durability and Maintenance

Durability is where the Milwaukee roofing nailer truly shines. The tool is built to withstand the rigors of roofing work, and the replaceable rubber wear pads add to its longevity. However, there's a significant caveat: spare parts are hard to come by. While the tool is durable, if something does go wrong, you might find it challenging to source replacement parts. This could be a deal-breaker for some, especially if you're planning to use the tool extensively.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• High Performance: Fires up to 6 nails per second and sinks up to 1100 nails per charge.
• Robust Build: Solid construction with replaceable rubber wear pads.
• Ease of Use: Tool-free depth adjustment and single door magazine.
• Battery Life: Long-lasting M18 battery system.
• Versatility: Attachable vinyl siding tip adds to its functionality.

Cons:

• Spare Parts Availability: Difficult to find replacement parts, which could be problematic for long-term use.
• Cost of Repairs: If something does go wrong, repairs can be expensive.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Coil Roofing Nailer is an impressive tool that delivers on performance, ease of use, and durability. It's well-suited for both professional roofers and DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable and efficient nailer. The ability to fire up to 6 nails per second and sink up to 1100 nails per charge means you can tackle substantial roofing projects without frequent interruptions.

However, the availability of spare parts is a significant concern. If you plan to use the tool extensively, this could be a potential drawback. The cost of repairs, if you can find someone to do them, can also be quite high.

Would I recommend the Milwaukee roofing nailer? Yes, but with reservations. If you're looking for a high-performance, reliable tool for occasional use or smaller projects, this nailer is an excellent choice. Its ease of use, robust build, and impressive battery life make it a valuable addition to any toolkit.

However, if you're a professional roofer who will be using the tool daily, the lack of readily available spare parts and the potential for high repair costs might be a deal-breaker. In that case, you might want to consider other options that offer better long-term support.

Overall, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Coil Roofing Nailer is a powerful, efficient, and user-friendly tool that excels in many areas but has some significant caveats that potential buyers should be aware of.