DeWalt vs Milwaukee Cordless Roofing Nailer
Both DeWalt and Milwaukee make a current, mainstream cordless coil roofing nailer: the DeWalt DCN45RN (20V MAX) and the Milwaukee 2909-20 (M18 FUEL). They drive the same nails, so the real question is which battery platform you're on. Starting fresh, the DeWalt is lighter and cheaper; the Milwaukee runs longer per charge and adds an attachable vinyl siding tip.
DeWalt DCN45RN — lighter and cheaper
The DeWalt DCN45RN runs on the huge 20V MAX platform, drives standard 3/4″–1¾″ coil roofing nails, and delivers consistent, hose-free power for repairs and small jobs. It's the lighter and cheaper of the two (about 7 lb with battery, and priced below the Milwaukee), and the value is strongest if you already own DeWalt 20V batteries. See our best cordless roofing nailer guide.
Milwaukee 2909-20 — heavier, pricier, more runtime
The Milwaukee 2909-20 (bare tool) / 2909-21 (kit) M18 FUEL Coil Roofing Nailer runs the same 15° wire coil roofing nails, 3/4″–1¾″. It weighs 7.3 lb, drives up to 6 nails per second, and gets up to ~1,100 nails per charge on an M18 REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT CP3.0 battery. It adds tool-free depth of drive, dry-fire lockout, a pivoting belt/scaffolding hook, and an attachable vinyl siding tip the DeWalt doesn't include. It's heavier and pricier than the DeWalt, but for an M18 owner it's the obvious pick.
How to choose
- On DeWalt 20V? Buy the DCN45RN — you skip a second battery ecosystem.
- On Milwaukee M18? Buy the 2909-20 — likewise, stay on your platform.
- Starting fresh? DeWalt for the lower price and lighter weight; Milwaukee for the longer runtime and the attachable vinyl siding tip.
- Cheaper and lighter than either: a pneumatic like the Bostitch RN46 plus a compact compressor — see cordless vs pneumatic.
The bottom line
There's no wrong answer here — both are proven cordless coil roofing nailers. Match the tool to the batteries you already own; choosing from scratch, the DeWalt wins on price and weight, the Milwaukee on runtime and the vinyl-siding-tip versatility. And for all-day production roofing, a light pneumatic is still cheaper and lighter than either.
Frequently asked questions
Does Milwaukee make a cordless roofing nailer?
Yes — the Milwaukee 2909-20 (bare) / 2909-21 (kit) M18 FUEL Coil Roofing Nailer. It runs 3/4″–1¾″ coil nails, weighs 7.3 lb, and gets up to ~1,100 nails per charge, with an attachable vinyl siding tip.
Is the DeWalt cordless roofing nailer worth it?
For repairs and small jobs, yes — especially if you own DeWalt 20V batteries. For full production roofing, a pneumatic is still lighter and cheaper.
Should I switch platforms for a roofing nailer?
No need — both major platforms have one now (DeWalt DCN45RN, Milwaukee 2909-20), so buy the one matching your batteries. Don't re-buy a whole battery ecosystem for one gun.
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