The Bostitch 438S2R-1 roofing stapler is a pneumatic staple gun that drives 16 gauge, 1" crown S2 staples for roofing and sheathing. A shingle guide, carbide nose and wear guards make it built for the roof.
*THIS PRODUCT QUALIFIES FOR FREE SHIPPING! SELECT 'GROUND' SHIPPING IN CHECKOUT FOR FREE SHIPPING*
Key Features
- 1" wide crown: holds shingles, felt and sheathing over a large area.
- Adjustable shingle guide: quick, even shingle spacing.
- Carbide nose inserts: long life on rough roofing surfaces.
- Wear guards and skid pads: protect the tool on abrasive shingles.
- Power control valve: adjusts power by about 30% so you can set depth.
- AntiJam magazine: fewer stops to clear staples.
- Rubber grip: comfortable on long days.
Specifications
- Model: 438S2R-1
- Staples: Bostitch 16S2 series, 16 gauge, 1" crown
- Leg length: up to 1-1/2" (Bostitch lists 3/4" to 1-1/2")
- Weight: 4.7 lbs
- Power: pneumatic roofing stapler
- Operating pressure: 60 to 100 psi (Bostitch spec sheet)
- Air inlet: 1/4"
- Firing: contact trip
- Sold as: bare tool
- Warranty: Bostitch 7-year limited on pneumatic staplers
What This Roof Stapler Is Used For
- Asphalt shingles
- Roofing felt and underlayment
- Roof and wall sheathing
- Cover board and house wrap
Always follow the shingle maker's fastening guide and local code. Some shingles and areas require nails instead of staples.
Choosing the Right Staples
This roofing staple gun uses Bostitch 16S2 staples: 16 gauge with a 1" crown. Pick a leg that goes through the shingle or panel and well into the deck below. A stapler for roofing works best with the right leg, so add a box to your order:
How to Load and Use the 438S2R-1
- Disconnect the air hose.
- Open the magazine, load a strip of 16S2 staples with the legs pointing toward the nose, and close it.
- Set the shingle guide to your exposure.
- Set your regulator in the 60 to 100 psi range and connect the hose.
- Test on scrap and use the power control to set the depth.
- Press the nose to the shingle and fire.
Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Add a few drops of pneumatic tool oil to the air inlet each day, use clean, dry air, and drain your compressor tank. Brush grit off the nose and magazine at the end of the day.
- Clearing a jam: disconnect the air, open the magazine, remove the strip and pull the bent staple out of the nose.
- Staples breaking the shingle: lower the pressure or turn down the power control.
- Staples standing up: raise the pressure a little or use a shorter leg.
Roofing Stapler vs Roofing Nailer
A roof staple gun is light and quick for felt, underlayment, sheathing and shingles where staples are allowed. Many shingle makers and codes call for nails, so check before you buy. If you need a nail gun, see the Bostitch RN46-1. Review your shingle's install guide to choose.
Why Buy From Ample Supply
Ample Supply has worked in fastening for more than 40 years and carries 55+ brands from our home in Sycamore, Illinois. Orders placed by 4:00 PM EST ship the same day. We also repair tools in-house, with free estimates and a 2-3 day turnaround, so your nailer or stapler gets back to work fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What staples does the Bostitch roofing stapler use?
Bostitch 16S2 series staples: 16 gauge, 1" crown, up to 1-1/2" long.
What's the difference between the 438S2-1 and the 438S2R-1?
The "R" model adds roofing features: a shingle guide, wear guards and skid pads.
Does this roofing stapler gun come with a case?
No. It's sold as a bare tool. Review your setup and add a hose or oil if you need them.
Can I use a staple gun for roofing shingles?
Not always. Check the shingle maker's instructions and your local code first.
