Metabo HPT NV45AB2 vs Bostitch RN46
Short answer: buy the Bostitch RN46 for the best value and an all-around light, reliable gun; buy the Metabo HPT NV45AB2 if maximum durability under daily pro use is your top priority. Both are excellent, similarly priced coil roofing nailers — this is a close call.
Side by side
| Bostitch RN46 | Metabo HPT NV45AB2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Pneumatic coil | Pneumatic coil |
| Nail range | 3/4″–1¾″ | 7/8″–1¾″ |
| Capacity | ~120 | ~120 |
| Weight | ~4.9 lb | ~5.5 lb |
| Depth adjust | Tool-free | Tool-free |
| Durability edge | Very good | Best in class |
| Price tier | Value | Value |
Durability
This is the Metabo's category. Its carbide-tipped push lever and reputation for surviving years of daily abuse give it the edge with career roofers. The RN46 is durable too and has carbide inserts, but if you're picking the gun most likely to outlast the others, it's the NV45AB2.
Weight and feel
The RN46 is the lighter gun — around 4.9 lb with a magnesium body, versus roughly 5.5 lb for the NV45AB2 — so for all-day overhead comfort the Bostitch has the edge. The Metabo's advantage isn't weight; it's the carbide-tipped push lever and its durability reputation, with a touch smoother, lower recoil.
Reliability and feed
Both feed consistently and jam rarely. The RN46 can double-fire if you ride the trigger; the Metabo's feed is famously consistent. Advantage Metabo, narrowly.
Price and value
They land at roughly the same street price, so value comes down to use: for occasional to moderate use, the RN46 gives you everything you need for the money; for daily production, the Metabo's longevity makes it the better long-run value.
Which should you buy?
Pick the Bostitch RN46 if: you want the best value, you're a DIYer or remodeler, or you want the simplest light gun that just works. Full RN46 review →
Pick the Metabo HPT NV45AB2 if: you nail for a living, you want the most durable gun, and you value smooth, low-recoil feed. Full NV45AB2 review →
Frequently asked questions
Is the Metabo HPT worth more than the Bostitch?
They're priced about the same, so it's not about paying more — it's about durability (Metabo) vs simplicity/value (Bostitch). Both are top picks.
Do they use the same nails?
Yes — both take standard wire-collated coil roofing nails, 7/8″–1¾″. The RN46's magazine is 15°, the NV45AB2's is 16°; both run the same standard coil nails.
What about cordless?
Neither is cordless. If you want to drop the hose, see the DeWalt DCN45RN.
Related articles
Max CN445R3 SuperRoofer Roofing Nailer Review
Max CN445R3 SuperRoofer roofing nailer review — durability, recoil, weight, and whether this premium coil roof…
The Best Roofing Nailer for the Money
The best roofing nailer for the money in 2026 — the value picks that punch above their price, plus when spendi…
The Best Nailer for Cedar Shakes & Shingles
The best nailer for cedar shakes and shingles — why stainless nails are non-negotiable, the right coil gun, an…
Cordless vs Pneumatic Roofing Nailer
Cordless vs pneumatic roofing nailer — weight, cost, speed, and reliability compared, plus which one is right …
How to Use a Roofing Nailer
How to use a roofing nailer — loading the coil, setting depth and air pressure, nailing on the line, and the s…
How to Nail Cedar Shingle Siding
How to nail cedar shingle siding — the stainless nails to use, two-nail placement, keyways and exposure, and h…
Siding Nailer vs Framing Nailer
Siding nailer vs framing nailer — nail sizes, jobs, and whether you can use a framing nailer for siding (or a …