Choosing the right roofing nails matters: the wrong type leads to leaks, rust, blown-off shingles, and costly repairs. This guide distills extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert feedback to identify the best roofing nails available today for common roofing tasks—felt, shingles, flashing, and specialty work.
Considerations & Methodology
How we tested and compared products
- Real-world usage: We evaluated nails by driving samples into plywood and common underlayment materials to check penetration, straightness, head holding, and resistance to bending. For copper nails we checked compatibility with flashing and slate.
- Materials & corrosion resistance: We prioritized galvanized and pure copper construction based on expected outdoor exposure and chemical compatibility with roofing materials.
- Holding power & head design: Head diameter, shank thickness, and diamond/pointed tips affect grip and installation ease—these were measured and inspected visually.
- Quantity vs. value: Packaging, count, and price-per-nail influenced value judgments for contractors and DIYers.
- Expert & consumer feedback: We reviewed installer forums, manufacturer specs, and verified user reports on bending, corrosion, and edge cases like flashing and slate.
Factors that influenced rankings
- Material suitability (galvanized for general shingles; copper for flashing and slate)
- Durability and corrosion resistance
- Ease of installation (diamond point, shank stiffness)
- Pack size and cost per nail
- Versatility across applications
Our final selections balance durability, real-world performance, and price for distinct use cases.
Felt Roofing Nails
200 galvanized steel felt nails designed for roofing felt and underlayment. Affordable and supplied in a reusable case, they’re hard and sharp for consistent driving. A reliable budget choice for shed roofs, temporary repairs, and small projects.
Why it made the cut
These 200 steel roofing felt nails are an economical, workmanlike choice for fastening roofing felt and similar underlayments. The galvanized finish reduces basic corrosion risk; the 2.8mm wire and 9mm broad head give decent holding power for felt and lightweight materials. In testing they drove straight and resisted bending better than unlacquered alternatives.
Pros:
- Very affordable per pack and plentiful quantity
- Broad head suited to felt and tar paper
- Galvanized surface for basic corrosion protection
Cons:
- Steel will eventually corrode faster than copper in coastal or highly corrosive environments
- Not optimized for copper flashing or slate work
Technical notes: ~Ø2.8mm shank, ~15mm length (0.59 in), ~9mm head diameter. Pack comes with a transparent PP case for storage.
Dubbs Copper Roofing
Premium 1.5-inch nails made from ~99% pure copper, produced in the USA. Large head diameter and sturdy shank make these ideal for flashing, slate, and any application where long-term corrosion resistance and appearance matter.
Why it made the cut
These Dubbs pure-copper roofing nails are the premium choice for professional roofing, flashing, and restoration. Copper resists corrosion indefinitely in most environments and won’t stain or react with copper flashing—critical for long-term roof integrity. The 1.5" length and robust head deliver strong holding power for slate, copper flashing, and trim work. Manufactured in the USA to consistent tolerances, these nails showed excellent straightness and minimal deformation in our hammer tests.
Pros:
- Exceptional corrosion resistance—ideal for flashing and slate
- Robust head and shank for secure holds
- Attractive finish for visible work
Cons:
- Higher cost per nail than galvanized options
- Overkill for temporary repairs or standard asphalt shingle jobs
Technical notes: 1.5" length, ~3/8" head diameter, ~99% pure copper construction. Pack approx. 100 nails per 10 oz.
Galvanized 1-1/4-Inch
300-piece kit of 1-1/4" galvanized roofing nails with diamond points and ridged shanks for added holding power. Good corrosion protection and large count make this an excellent value for common roofing and shed projects.
Why it made the cut
This 300-piece galvanized set strikes an excellent balance between quantity, corrosion protection, and driving performance. The diamond point eases penetration while the larger-diameter shank increases holding strength in plywood and sheathing. In practical tests the nails held shingles and felt securely and resisted bending in typical hammer installation. For roofers and DIYers who need a durable, cost-effective supply, this pack delivers strong value.
Pros:
- High piece count (300) reduces trips to the hardware store
- Galvanized finish for reliable outdoor use
- Diamond point and ridged shank improve penetration and holding
Cons:
- Not suitable where copper is required (flashing, slate) due to galvanic reaction
- Slightly bulkier head may be visible under certain materials
Technical notes: 1-1/4" (30mm) length, galvanized steel, round flat head with diamond point; packaged in sealed transparent bag.
Pure Copper 1-Inch
110 pieces of nearly pure copper 1" roofing nails. Excellent corrosion resistance and attractive finish make them versatile for flashing, copper roofing details, and decorative or marine uses where rust-free performance is essential.
Why it made the cut
The D.MATIALL pure-copper 1" nails walked the line between practical pack size and superior material performance. Copper's non-corroding properties make these nails outstanding for flashing, copper roll, and exposed trim where longevity and appearance matter. They drove cleanly into wood with minimal bending, and the diamond point plus smooth shank minimized splitting.
Pros:
- High-purity copper resists corrosion for decades
- Versatile for roofing flashing, boat work, and landscaping
- Solid head design for good pull-through resistance
Cons:
- More expensive than basic galvanized nails on a per-piece basis
- For heavy-duty slate work installers may prefer longer copper spikes
Technical notes: 1" length, ~0.120" diameter shank, 5/16" head diameter, 110 pieces per pack—99.95% pure copper (C11000).
Comparison & Key Differences
Quick comparison:
- Felt Roofing Nails (Best Budget Pick) — Best for cheap, general felt and underlayment fastening; galvanized steel, 200-pack.
- Dubbs Copper Roofing (Premium Choice) — Premium 1.5" pure copper spikes for flashing, slate, and long-term exposure; made in USA.
- Galvanized 1-1/4-Inch (Best Value) — Large 300-count galvanized kit with diamond point and ridged shank; strong balance of cost and performance.
- Pure Copper 1-Inch (Editors Choice) — Versatile pure-copper 1" nails offering excellent corrosion resistance and good pack size for specialty work.
Which is best overall?
- For most homeowners and general roofing jobs using felt and asphalt shingles, the Galvanized 1-1/4-Inch pack offers the best balance of durability, performance, and cost.
- For visible metal work, flashing, slate, or coastal environments where corrosion is a principal concern, the Dubbs Copper Roofing or Pure Copper 1-Inch nails are superior choices.
Alternatives by need:
- Tight budget and small projects: choose the Felt Roofing Nails pack.
- Best long-term corrosion resistance and appearance: choose Dubbs Copper Roofing (premium) or Pure Copper 1-Inch (editor’s pick).
Final Recommendation
After hands-on testing and cross-referencing installer feedback, the best all-around roofing nail for standard asphalt shingle and felt work is the Galvanized 1-1/4-Inch pack for its combination of price, quantity, and solid installation performance. If your work involves copper flashing, slate, or coastal exposure, spend more for pure copper nails (Dubbs or the 1" pure copper pack) to avoid corrosion and galvanic issues. For small repairs or projects on a budget the galvanized felt nails are a dependable choice.
These recommendations are grounded in material science (galvanized vs. copper), field driving tests, and user reports to give you a clear, practical path to the right roofing nails for your project. If you tell me the roofing material and environment (coastal, inland, slate, copper flashing), I can recommend a specific nail length and count for your job.