What screw gun do I need for metal roofing?

A screw gun with an adjustable depth-sensing nose and variable speed. Top picks are the Makita XSF03, Milwaukee M18 Fuel screwdriver with metal-roof nose, and DeWalt DCF620 — all let you seat the EPDM washer without crushing it.

Can I use an impact driver instead?

For small repairs, yes — set the impact's clutch low and use a magnetic socket. For full panel installs, a dedicated screw gun with a depth nose is far faster and gives more consistent washer compression.

How fast does a metal roofing screw gun need to be?

Aim for 0–2,500 RPM with electronic torque control. Too fast and you crush washers; too slow and you can't keep up. Most metal-roof-specific screw guns run 0–2,500 RPM.

Screw Gun for Metal Roofing: Top Picks & How to Set It Up

Use the wrong screw gun on a metal roof and the leaks are guaranteed — just a question of when. The right gun seats every EPDM washer to the same depth, every time, with no thinking required. Here's what to buy and how to set it.

Why metal roofing needs a special screw gun

A standard impact driver hammers the screw home with no feel and no stop. On metal roofing, that means crushed EPDM washers, distorted panel cap heads, and screws that strip out. A proper metal-roofing screw gun has two features that make it leak-proof: an adjustable depth nose that physically stops the bit when the washer hits the right compression, and electronic torque control that backs off before stripping.

What to look for

0–2,500 RPM variable speed: fast enough for production, slow enough for control
Adjustable depth-sensing nose: non-negotiable for production work
Brushless motor: longer runtime, less maintenance
Quick-release magnetic socket holder: swap from 1/4" to 5/16" hex without tools
LED light + belt clip: small things that matter on a roof

Top picks for metal roofing

Makita XSF03 / XSF03Z

The roofer's favorite. Brushless 18V LXT, 0–2,500 RPM, smooth depth-stop nose, and the Makita batteries hold up to all-day shooting. Pair it with the panel-screw nose attachment.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Drywall Screwdriver (with metal-roof nose)

Originally a drywall screw gun, but with the right nose it's a metal-roofing workhorse. M18 batteries are everywhere and runtime is excellent.

DeWalt DCF620 / DCF622

DeWalt's adjustable-depth screw gun. Rock-solid depth control, fits the 20V MAX battery platform you probably already own.

Hitachi/Metabo HPT W6V4

Corded option for heavy commercial work. Cheap, durable, and never runs out of battery.

Setting depth — the only step that really matters

Grab a scrap of the same panel material you're installing
Set the depth nose to its deepest setting
Drive a panel screw and inspect — the EPDM washer should bulge slightly past the metal cap, not crushed flat
Adjust the nose collar one click at a time until you nail the right compression
Drive 3 or 4 more on the scrap to confirm consistency, then start the roof

Recheck the depth setting whenever you switch between panel thicknesses or move from purlin to deck.

Pneumatic alternatives

Air-powered screw guns exist but are rare on metal roofing. They tie you to a hose, and modern brushless cordless tools have closed the speed gap. Skip pneumatic unless you already own one for a specific reason.

Sealant pairing

Even the best screw gun won't save a roof if the sealant choice is wrong. Read the metal roof screw & sealant gun guide for the matched sealant and applicator picks.

Browse the lineup

Roofing screw guns sit in our tools catalog alongside collated screwgun systems for production decking and metal-roof work.