Best Cap Nails of 2025

Brian Howie Avatar
Brian Howie
Last Updated: Jan 2, 2025

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Cap Nails are a versatile and essential tool for any construction or DIY project. These nails are specially designed with a round cap that provides superior holding power and prevents the nail from being easily pulled out. The cap also helps to distribute the load, reducing the risk of damage to the material. Whether you're installing roofing materials, insulation, or building a deck, Cap Nails are the perfect choice for secure and long-lasting results. With various sizes and materials available, they offer a reliable solution for all your fastening needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

STINGER 0136260 NailPac® Cap Nails Cover #TOP 1
STINGER 0136260 NailPac® Cap Nails
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Grip-Rite GCB1 1-Inch Cap Nails Cover #TOP 2
Grip-Rite GCB1 1-Inch Cap Nails
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Grip-Rite 3PRCAP1 Cover #TOP 3
Grip-Rite 3PRCAP1
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Cap Nails

#TOP 1

STINGER 0136260 NailPac® Cap Nails

136260
STINGER 0136260 NailPac® Cap Nails Cover
STINGER 0136260 NailPac® Cap Nails - 1" Electro Galvanized Nails with 1" Plastic Collated Caps (0136260) for use with CN100B & CN100 Cap Nailers

The STINGER Cap Nails offer exceptional holding power with their 1-inch plastic caps and full round head ring shank nails, ensuring your underlayment stays securely in place. You will appreciate the easy reload feature, as each package comes with 10 reels of caps and nails, covering a substantial area. Designed for durability, these electro galvanized nails resist corrosion, making them ideal for locations far from saltwater. Additionally, they meet strict ASTM standards for wind and UV resistance, ensuring reliability in various weather conditions.

What We Like
Strong holding power
Easy to reload
Corrosion-resistant
Meets ASTM standards
#TOP 2

Grip-Rite GCB1 1-Inch Cap Nails

Grip-Rite
GCB1
No Color
No Size
Grip-Rite GCB1 1-Inch Cap Nails Cover
Grip Rite GCB1 1-Inch Round Plastic Cap, 3,000 Count, No Size, No Color

The Grip-Rite Cap Nails are designed with a 1-inch diameter, making them versatile for various projects. The electro-galvanized finish helps protect against rust, ensuring durability and longevity in your applications. Packaged in a clear, resealable bucket, you’ll find it easy to store and access the 3,000 nails whenever you need them. These cap nails also meet or exceed ASTM and UBC specifications, giving you confidence in their quality and performance for your construction or DIY tasks.

What We Like
Durable electro-galvanized finish
Convenient resealable bucket
Large quantity in one pack
Meets industry specifications
#TOP 3

Grip-Rite 3PRCAP1

Grip-Rite
3PRCAP1
No Color
3 Inch
Grip-Rite 3PRCAP1 Cover
Grip Rite 3PRCAP1 1.150 lb Electro Galvanized Round Plastic Grip-Cap Nail, 3"

Grip-Rite Cap Nail is a versatile and reliable solution for anchoring house wrap, sheathing, and felt. With its wide head and ringed shank, this 3" size nail offers greater holding power, ensuring a secure and durable installation. The barbed shank further enhances the grip, preventing the nail from loosening over time. Whether you are working on a construction project or a DIY home improvement task, Grip-Rite Cap Nail provides the convenience and confidence you need. Its anchoring capabilities make it suitable for various applications, while the sturdy construction ensures long-lasting performance. Trust Grip-Rite Cap Nail to deliver exceptional holding power and reliability for your projects.

What We Like
Versatile
Secure installation
Durable
#TOP 4

Hillman 461441 Plastic Cap Nails

461441
Hillman 461441 Plastic Cap Nails Cover
HILLMAN FASTENERS 461441 250CT 1.25" Plastic Cap Nail

The Hillman Cap Nails are a convenient 250-count kit of 1.25-inch plastic nails. These nails are designed for easy application, making your projects simpler and quicker. You’ll appreciate the straightforward usability, which means you can spend less time struggling with tools and more time enjoying your work. Manufactured in China, this product ensures a reliable quality that you can trust. Whether you are working on crafts or home improvement, these cap nails provide a versatile option for securing materials effectively.

What We Like
Easy to use
Reliable quality
Versatile applications
Convenient 250-count kit
#TOP 5

Grip-Rite 1-1/4" Plastic Cap Roofing Nails

Grip-Rite
114PRCAP1
Silver
1-1/4 "
Grip-Rite 1-1/4" Plastic Cap Roofing Nails Cover
Grip-Rite 1 Lb 1-1/4" Plastic Cap Roofing Nails 114PRCAP1

Grip-Rite Cap Roofing Nails are designed to offer superior protection for your roofing projects. The plastic cap prevents moisture from seeping in, which helps safeguard your roof from damage and ensures durability. You’ll appreciate the reliability these nails provide, especially in harsh weather conditions. They are lightweight, making them easy for you to handle and reducing fatigue during installation. Plus, they work well with various roofing materials, giving you the flexibility you need for small to medium projects. With this ample supply, you can confidently secure your roofing materials.

What We Like
Moisture protection
Lightweight and easy to handle
Compatible with various materials
Durable and reliable
#TOP 6

STINGER 0135131 2" Plastic Cap Ring Shank Nails

135131
2 Inch
STINGER 0135131 2" Plastic Cap Ring Shank Nails Cover
STINGER 0135131 2" Plastic Cap Ring Shank Nails - Electro Galvanized (2000 ct)

STINGER Plastic Cap Ring Shank Nails are a convenient and efficient choice for various roofing applications. With a 2000 ct pail of 2" (51mm) plastic cap ring shank nails, these nails are perfect for hand drive installation of roofing underlayment, felt, foamboard, and housewrap. The electro galvanized coating ensures that the nails are corrosion-resistant, providing long-lasting durability. The plastic cap design enhances the secureness of the nails, offering better stability compared to regular nails. The STINGER Plastic Cap Ring Shank Nails are a reliable option for any roofing project, providing convenience and peace of mind.

What We Like
2000 ct pail
Corrosion-resistant
Enhanced secureness
#TOP 7

Grip-Rite 1-1/2" Cap Nail

Grip-Rite
112PRCAP1
Silver
1-1/2"
Grip-Rite 1-1/2" Cap Nail Cover
Grip Rite, 1-1/2" 112PRCAP1 1 lb Round Plastic Grip-Cap Nail, Color

The Grip-Rite Cap Nail is designed for anchoring materials like house wrap, sheathing, and felt securely. Its wide head ensures a strong grip, making it easier for you to hold your projects together without worry. The ringed shank enhances its holding power, giving you added confidence in the durability of your work. Additionally, the barbed shank helps prevent the nail from pulling out, ensuring a long-lasting hold. This combination of features makes the Grip-Rite Cap Nail a reliable choice for various building and renovation tasks.

What We Like
Strong grip
Enhanced holding power
Durable barbed shank
Versatile for different materials
#TOP 8

Hillman Fasteners 1.5" Plastic Cap Nail

461443
Hillman Fasteners 1.5" Plastic Cap Nail Cover
HILLMAN FASTENERS 461443 1.5" Plastic Cap Nail

The Hillman Fasteners 1.5" Plastic Cap Nail is a convenient and easy-to-use kit. Manufactured in China, this kit includes 185 cap nails that measure 1.5 inches in length. The plastic cap nail is designed to securely fasten materials, providing a reliable hold. With its simple design, it is easy to use for various projects. The package dimensions of 5.6" L x 4.6" W x 4.6" H make it easy to store and transport. Whether you are working on construction, carpentry, or DIY projects, the Hillman Fasteners Cap Nail is a reliable and efficient choice.

What We Like
Convenient and easy-to-use
Securely fastens materials
Reliable hold
#TOP 9

Materro Cap Nail 1-1/2 in

Materro
4NFC4
Materro Cap Nail 1-1/2 in Cover
Cap Nail, 1/2 in L, PK300

The Materro Cap Nail is designed for attaching roofing felt, insulation foam board, and house wrap securely. Made from plain steel with a durable polyethylene cap, it features a round head that measures 1 inch in diameter. The ringshank design provides enhanced grip, ensuring that your materials stay in place even under challenging conditions. With a length of 1-1/2 inches, this nail is perfect for various construction and DIY projects, helping you achieve reliable and strong connections effortlessly.

What We Like
Durable plain steel material
Secure ringshank design
Wide application versatility
Easy to use
#TOP 10

Grip-Rite 3" Nail Caps

Grip-Rite
No Color
One Size
Grip-Rite 3" Nail Caps Cover
Grip-Rite Nail Cap P/S EG 3" 2K

The Grip-Rite Nail Caps are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, making them versatile for various projects. Made from durable plastic and steel, these caps ensure long-lasting performance. With a length of 3 inches, they provide a secure fit for your nails, enhancing stability in your work. The 2K brightness feature adds visibility, which can be particularly useful in dimly lit areas. This combination of materials and design means you can rely on these nail caps for a wide range of applications, ensuring your projects are completed efficiently and effectively.

What We Like
Durable materials
Versatile for indoor/outdoor
Secure fit
Enhanced visibility
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are cap nails used for?

Cap nails are commonly used to attach roofing felt, house wrap, tar paper, and insulation foam board. They have a steel shank and a large polyethylene cap that helps prevent leaks and provides secure attachment.

2. What are cap nails used for roofing?

Cap nails, especially square and round ones, are primarily used for roof underlayment rather than shingles. The larger caps on these nails provide strong holding power, allowing for fewer nails to be used while keeping the underlayment material securely in place.

3. Do I need plastic cap roofing nails?

Plastic cap roofing nails, such as Grip-Rite® Plastic Cap Nails, are a recommended choice when securing house-wrap, rigid insulation, and felt. The round plastic cap adds strength and provides enhanced holding power for these applications.

4. Are cap nails waterproof?

Cap nails are not considered completely waterproof. While they are typically used with water-resistant synthetic roofing underlayment, they do not provide a sealed barrier around the fasteners. Therefore, they are considered water-resistant rather than truly waterproof.

5. Do you have to use cap nails for underlayment?

When it comes to underlayment, especially if it will be exposed for a while or on high-traffic roofs, it is recommended to use cap nails, crown cap staples, or roofing nails with 3/8” heads. These options provide better holding power and reduce the risk of tearing.

6. How long should cap nails be?

The length of cap nails depends on the specific roofing application. In general, for securing high definition ridge caps and a single layer of shingles, approximately two-inch nails are recommended. The nails should penetrate through or into the roof sheathing according to code requirements.

7. Do plastic cap nails leak?

Users of cap staple and cap nail systems do not experience water leakage through the underlayment or housewrap due to fastener holes. The cap nails allow the underlayment and housewrap to perform as designed without compromising their effectiveness.

Editor's Notes

During our cap nail research, we found 24 cap nail products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,102 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cap nails list. We found that most customers choose cap nails with an average price of $11.80.

The cap nails are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cap nails, including STINGER, Grip-Rite, Hillman, Materro. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Brian Howie Avatar

Brian Howie is a content writer and senior industrial designer. After graduation from Westminster College, he has been engaged in product design and manufacturing for 18 years. Brian Howie has always found great pleasure in designing industrial products and sharing his ideas and experience online.