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There's a Better Way Video Tips

Coil-Nail Holster

A custom-cut length of PVC pipe makes a handy holder for your coil roofing nails.

By Official Fine Homebuilding Post

If you’re getting ready to head up on a roof to install some shingles, you’ll want to bring some extra nails with you. Although you could try to carry the neatly coiled nail in your pouch, and hope they don’t get bent out of shape, but there’s a better way.

Mike Guertin, of East Greenwich, R.I., figured out a way to use a piece of 4-in. PVC to create a holster for his coil roofing nails. The piece is 12 in. long, has a cap glued to the bottom, and a wide slot cut along one side. On the reverse side, two horizontal slots allow a strap to be threaded through so the holster can be attached to your belt. The coils of nails can be stacked inside of the tube where they’re protected from damage, and can be easily pulled out when you need a reload.

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  1. fitz1465 | Jul 24, 2016 02:09pm | #1

    These have been around for years. I was using one of these called a "coil-caddy" about 16 years ago when roofing a good portion of Ft. Leavenworth, KS. If you don't want to make one, you can find them on Amazon...they are nice but it does add more weight to you. If you wear a tool belt, you can carry 2 -4 coils at a time with the nail points together to keep the coil from crushing. Meanwhile, take your new box of nails and stack them in a 5 gallon bucket to keep on the roof. Keep reloading your tool belt every 2-3 trips at the roof line. That will keep the added weight off of you and you can lay a 1.5 squares per reload in the tool belt.

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