7 Best Roofing Staples for Felt Paper for Secure Installs

Felt paper serves as the essential weather-resistant barrier between the roof deck and shingles, but its effectiveness relies entirely on a secure installation. Choosing the right tool to fasten this underlayment prevents tearing and ensures the material stays flat through varying temperatures. Selecting the proper stapler or hammer tacker turns an exhausting roofing project into a manageable task for any homeowner.

DEWALT DWHTTR510: The All-Around Workhorse

For the homeowner tackling a modest shed roof or a small porch repair, versatility is the primary goal. The DEWALT DWHTTR510 serves as a reliable middle-ground tool that handles standard roofing staples without requiring a dedicated air compressor. Its heavy-duty construction stands up to the occasional drop on a ladder without cracking.

The dual-purpose design allows for switching between different staple sizes, which adds value if the household toolbox is limited on space. While it lacks the sheer speed of pneumatic alternatives, it offers enough force to drive staples flush into standard plywood decking.

Bottom line: Choose this model when seeking a balance between affordable pricing and enough durability to last through several DIY projects over the years.

Bostitch T6-8: Best for Speed on Big Jobs

When the scope of work involves an entire garage or a larger home addition, efficiency becomes the priority. The Bostitch T6-8 is engineered for high-volume work, featuring a bottom-load mechanism that allows for quick reloading while balanced on a roof peak. The lightweight frame minimizes wrist strain during long afternoons of securing felt paper.

This tool is specifically designed to minimize jams, which often become the biggest point of frustration during a roof install. The impact-resistant handle provides a steady grip even when work environments get dusty or damp.

Bottom line: Invest in this tacker if the project involves a significant amount of square footage where time saved on reloads directly translates to an earlier finish time.

Arrow HT50: The Classic, Reliable Choice

The Arrow HT50 remains a household staple for a reason: simplicity and widespread parts availability. It requires zero electricity or air power, making it the perfect companion for remote repairs or small outbuildings where hauling a generator is impractical. The mechanism is straightforward, meaning almost anyone can pick it up and secure a section of felt in seconds.

While it lacks the modern ergonomic flourishes of newer tools, its all-steel construction is essentially indestructible. It fits easily into a standard household tool bag, leaving plenty of room for other essentials.

Bottom line: Stick with the HT50 if the priority is a budget-friendly tool that will remain functional for decades of minor home maintenance tasks.

Freeman P50MTC: Top Pneumatic for Fast Installs

For those who already own a small pancake compressor and want to professionalize their workflow, the Freeman P50MTC is the logical step up. This pneumatic hammer tacker drives staples with consistent force, eliminating the need for the physical swing required by manual tools. It creates a cleaner, more uniform installation on larger roof surfaces.

Using a pneumatic tool allows for one-handed operation, which is a major safety benefit when working from a ladder. The trigger-free design relies on contact, ensuring that each staple is placed exactly where the user intends.

Bottom line: This is the best choice for homeowners who value speed and physical comfort over the portability of a manual tool.

Paslode 501335: Pro-Level Grip for High Winds

In regions where heavy winds are a frequent concern, the quality of the fastener matters as much as the tool itself. The Paslode 501335 is designed to work with heavy-duty staples that offer superior holding power in wood decking. It provides a secure grip that prevents the felt paper from billowing or tearing before the shingles are applied.

The build quality is significantly higher than entry-level tackers, justifying the higher price point for those who prioritize long-term roof integrity. It is an excellent choice for homeowners living in open, exposed areas where roof materials are tested by the elements.

Bottom line: Spend the extra money on this model if local weather conditions demand a more robust, wind-resistant installation for the felt underlayment.

Stanley TR250: Best for Control and Accuracy

Precise installation of felt paper requires a tool that doesn’t “jump” upon impact, which can lead to torn paper or misaligned edges. The Stanley TR250 features a high-visibility, anti-jam mechanism and an easy-squeeze handle that offers great control for novices. It is particularly helpful for those who may not have the grip strength required for heavier, industrial-grade tackers.

The adjustable power setting allows for customization based on the density of the roof deck. This prevents the staple from over-driving and ripping through the thin felt material.

Bottom line: Pick this tool if accuracy and user-friendly operation are more important than sheer speed.

Surebonder 9600AK: The Best All-in-One Kit

Homeowners who are just beginning their collection of DIY tools often benefit from a kit that includes everything needed to start. The Surebonder 9600AK provides a versatile tacker along with a selection of staples to cover various repair needs. It removes the guesswork from matching the correct staple gauge to the tool.

The inclusion of a carrying case makes storage much easier in a crowded garage or utility closet. It serves as an excellent “kit-in-a-box” solution for periodic home maintenance.

Bottom line: Choose this option if the goal is a convenient, one-time purchase that covers multiple home projects beyond just roofing.

Hammer Tacker vs. Manual Gun: Which Is for You?

Understanding the difference between a hammer tacker and a manual trigger-actuated gun is vital for comfort. A hammer tacker is essentially a swinging tool; it works by driving the staple upon the impact of the swing, which is much faster for covering large horizontal spaces.

Manual trigger guns are better for vertical surfaces or tight corners where a full swing of the arm is physically impossible. Choose a hammer tacker for the open expanse of the roof and a trigger gun for flashing or trim work.

Bottom line: A hammer tacker will save your back on large jobs, while a trigger gun provides the precision needed for fine detail work.

Choosing the Right Staple Size for Your Felt

The most common mistake is choosing a staple that is too long or too thin. For standard 15-pound or 30-pound felt paper, a 3/8-inch crown staple is generally sufficient to hold the material without tearing through it.

Using staples with a wider crown provides more surface area, which helps “grab” the felt and keep it from pulling through the metal. Always verify the manufacturer’s recommendation for the specific underlayment material being used.

Bottom line: Match the staple to the thickness of the felt; a 3/8-inch staple is the industry standard for most residential asphalt roofing applications.

Proper Staple Spacing for a Secure Underlayment

Staple spacing is not just about aesthetics; it is about keeping the roof deck protected from moisture during the construction process. A safe rule of thumb is to place staples approximately 8 to 12 inches apart along the edges of the felt.

In high-wind zones, consider decreasing this distance to 6 inches to ensure the felt doesn’t lift during a storm. Never place staples so close that they cause the paper to perforate or shred under the tension of being stretched.

Bottom line: Consistent spacing is key; focus on placing staples along the overlap seams where the felt is double-layered for maximum security.

Effective roof preparation requires the right tool for the specific scale of the project, whether it is a small repair or a full roof replacement. By focusing on durability, ergonomics, and the correct fastening techniques, a secure underlayment is well within the reach of any dedicated homeowner. Matching the tool to the task ensures that the job is done once, correctly, and with confidence in the home’s long-term protection.