Makita Corporation was founded in 1915 as an electric motor sales and repair company and has grown into a global power tool manufacturer with 10 plants across 8 countries. For roofing contractors, the AN454 coil roofing nailer is the workhorse product — a lightweight, tool-less depth-adjustable pneumatic nailer built for shingle installation — alongside Makita's growing cordless LXT lineup of framing nailers that eliminate the air hose on the roof.
A Motor Company That Became a Global Tool Brand
Makita's roots go back to 1915, when the company started as an electric motor sales and repair business in Japan. That motor engineering heritage still shapes the company today, with Makita operating 10 manufacturing plants across 8 countries and selling in more than 40 countries worldwide.
On the roofing side specifically, Makita is best known for the AN454 pneumatic coil roofing nailer, a fixture on shingle jobs, and has more recently expanded into cordless 18V LXT framing nailers that give crews pneumatic-level power without dragging a compressor and hose across the roof.
AN454 Roofing Nailer
Only 5.2 lbs., with a tool-less depth adjustment dial, easy-loading canister, and carbide nosepiece inserts for long tool life.
Cordless LXT Framing Nailers
18V battery-powered 21° and 30° framing nailers deliver pneumatic-level driving power without an air hose limiting mobility on the roof.
Shared Battery Platform
Makita's 18V LXT batteries are compatible across 350+ tools, so crews already on the platform can add roofing tools without new batteries.
Product Lineup
- AN454 — 1-3/4" pneumatic coil roofing nailer, .120 shank diameter nails from 3/4" to 1-3/4"
- XNB03 & XNB07 — 18V LXT cordless 21° and 30° framing nailers, 2" to 3-1/2" nails
- Compressors & pneumatic tools — supporting equipment for jobsite air-powered tool use
- Cutting & grinding tools — circular saws, grinders, and metal cutters for roofing and flashing work
Where It Fits on the Job
The AN454 covers standard shingle installation on residential re-roofs and new construction. The newer cordless LXT framing nailers are worth considering for crews that also do framing or deck repair work and want to standardize on one battery platform across trades, cutting down on the compressors and hoses that slow down roof access.
Confirm coil nail size compatibility with the AN454 before ordering fasteners in bulk, and check which Makita tools and batteries are in stock at your branch — products vary by location.
FAQ
What nail sizes does the Makita AN454 accept?
The AN454 accepts standard .120 shank diameter coil roofing nails from 3/4" to 1-3/4" in length.
Do Makita's cordless framing nailers really match pneumatic power?
Makita markets its 18V LXT framing nailers as delivering the power of pneumatic tools without an air hose, with dual firing modes and adjustable nail depth for job flexibility.
Is Makita available at Murphy's?
Yes. Makita is one of Murphy's stocked manufacturer lines. Ask our counter team which nailers and accessories are on hand at your location.
