Best Overall
Bostitch 1¼-to-2½-Inch Coil Siding Nailer
Best Bang for the Buck
Freeman Pneumatic 2½-Inch Coil Siding Nailer
Upgrade Pick
Hitachi Metabo 2½-Inch Coil Siding Nailer
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sidetrack help protect the structure of your home , adds an extra stratum of insulation that can lower your energy bill , and adds curb appeal to raise the value . you’re able to use an average hammer when establish or repairing turnout , but a siding nailer is undeniably quicker . It stick in each nail to the same depth with a single gust so the siding is properly secured .
At first glance , the stipulation and capabilities of siding nailers can be confusing . This guide will clarify the difference between type of nailers and help you receive the best siding nailer for your projects .
Before You Buy a Siding Nailer
There are a widevariety of nailers(or nail gun ) available to fulfill dissimilar job . They straddle from compactbrad nailersfor detailed study to heavily - dutyframing nailers , some of which are up to of force nail over 6 column inch long .
A siding nailer is a very function - specific tool . The best siding nailer will aid you finish the chore quickly , but first cerebrate about the project for which you are using it . If you have a lot of siding to fit , a sidetrack nailer is what you need , but if you only have modest repair work to do — and you ’re torn between a side nailer and a frame nailer — then a midsize translation of the latter should be able of doing the job .
How We Chose the Best Siding Nailers
I am an engineer by business deal , and I have completed soil - up renovations of two rest home , so I have experience with a variety of nail gunman . To add on my own noesis , we did in - astuteness market enquiry to make certain we knew the range that was presently available .
strength and dependableness are key issue . It ’s important to know that the tool will hammer in nails all day , with as little fuss as potential , and then do it all again tomorrow . All nailers jam sometimes ( often because of small flaws in the nail ) , so tool - costless release makes life a lot easier , especially if you ’re up a run . system of weights and balance are also important factor . A cloggy sidetrack nailer can soon become wearing .
in conclusion , there ’s economic value for money . Mostly we wedge with brands that have a rise reputation , but we did find a couple of budget - favorable models that are worth take .
Our Top Picks
The watch list was collated with a combination of personal experience and securities industry research . It factors in manufacturer repute , lastingness , feature , and monetary value . The best siding nailer in each category has been chosen to help you focus on the right tool for your specific need .
This Bostitch coil siding nailer delivers all the feature you need in a well - balanced tool that weigh just 4.7 pound . It rent either telegram dyer’s mignonette or plastic insert nails from 1¼ to 2½ inch in length . Its magazine capacitance is 300 . Operating range is 70 to 120 pounds per solid in ( psi ) with tool - free depth scope , a no - mar foot , and an sluttish - to - aline exhaust system .
The Bostitch is supplied with contact firing enable — the professional ’s preference — though it can be converted to sequent firing by vary the induction .
Get the Bostitch side nailer atAmazon , Acme Tools , orWalmart .
Freeman tools are recognized for their combining of strength and value . Despite the modest cost of the Freeman siding nailer , it offer a characteristic place that rivals those of more expensive competitors .
The use of magnesium keep the weighting down to a accomplishable 5.5 pound . The 400 - nail magazine accept common sizes of both charge card and wire collated nails , which are fire at adjustable depths via a no - mar summit . Operating pressure is 70 to 110 pounds per square inch and fumes can be rotate 360 degree . Freeman also include a couple of safety goggles .
Photo: depositphotos.com
This nailer is a little more prone to jams than some models and might misfire from time to time . These are unlikely to be problem that unduly put out a DIY user . However , it does not offer sequential firing .
Get the Freeman side nailer atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
At just 4.8 pounds , the Hitachi Metabo is among the lightest in its class . It ’s physically heavyset , too , making it comfortable to work with . The shaft will handle the usual scope of side nail , both wire and charge plate , from 1½ to 2½ inches in a quick - loading magazine . It can fire them at up to three nails per secondly .
Photo: depositphotos.com
The Hitachi Metabo offers both sequential and contact fire , commute at the picture of a substitution . Depth adjustment is by dim-witted telephone dial and exhaust direction is puppet - free . There ’s also a shield to ward off conducting wire debris off from the substance abuser and a no - mar tip . lock pressure is 70 to 120 psi .
This comprehensive range of substance abuser - well-disposed feature comes at a premium price , but for the demanding pro , the investment will likely be deserving it .
Get the Hitachi side nailer atLowe’sorAcme Tools .
Photo: amazon.com
Best Kit
Metabo HPT The Tank 6-Gallon Pancake Air Compressor
All pneumatic siding nailer need an zephyr compressor to run , but finding the right role model at an low-priced Mary Leontyne Price is not always straight . Metabo work out the trouble by offering a siding nailer and matching compressor as a pair . It ’s a commodious alternative — and both are high - quality particular — but for the contractor , the kit offer more than might be obvious at first glance .
The Metabo railroad siding nailer is a fully have model that takes all standard side nail types and size and offers sequential or contact discharge . It control at up to 120 psi and features shaft - free adjustment of depth and exhaust . It ’s a very in force tool , but it ’s the compressor that stands out . With its 200 psi capability , it could power two siding nailers at the same time , or instead , two unlike types of nailer . For partners or pocket-sized teams , that provide tremendous versatility .
Get the Metabo HPT side nailer atAmazon .
Photo: amazon.com
Also Consider
HBT HBCN65P 15-Degree Coil Siding Nailer
Many coil side nailer seem like , so it ’s not until examining the specifications that you find what single out professional - standard tools from their budget counterparts . However , with the blanket features offered by the HBT sidetrack nailer , those differences are not comfortable to see .
At 6.4 Ezra Loomis Pound , this siding nailer is among the light models , though it offer up to 120 pounds per square inch of operating pressure . The clip accepts both charge card and wire collated nail from 1¼ to 2½ inches and is gauze-like , so you’re able to see when nails are campaign gloomy . deepness adjustment is tool - costless , as is the speedy jam - passing mechanics . It has a no - mar tip and a 360 - degree swivel for the exhaust . A dim-witted shift change it from serial to tangency firing .
All of this comes in at importantly lower cost than similarly delimit competitors . It might not have the farseeing - terminus durability of some , but few DIY users will find that to be a problem .
Photo: amazon.com
Get the HBT siding nailer atAmazon .
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Siding Nailer
There are many different siding nailers to pick out from . Some are more suited to low - volume DIY use , while others are heavy - obligation professional model . When settle which will be the best siding nailer for the jobs you require to undertake , count for one that is eminent - timbre and offers the right combining of feature film .
Size and Weight
Balance and exercising weight are key features of siding nailers . If a prick is top - heavy , it will stress your carpus , which will chop-chop become uncomfortable . Much of the time , fitting side necessitates being up a run where a bulky tool could be difficult to control . Siding nailers are n’t particularly heavy—4½ to 6½ pound ( framing nailers can be twice that)—but a single pound can make a big remainder when you ’re using the tool for extended period .
To combat both of these problems , aluminum and Mg alloys are frequently used for things like motor trapping instead of steel . This reduces system of weights at the top of the nailer where it most affects treat but does n’t cut durability or carrying into action . It ’s also deserving checking the bridge player handgrip . A textured , rubberized handle grant for a unfaltering , confident hold .
Nail Type and Length
The frame of the house and the turnout often move somewhat as time of year vary , so side nails have a pear-shaped head to keep the sidetrack from pulling free . The waist of the nail is usually textured , either with rings or a spiral , to improve handle on the wood .
The most vulgar cloth is galvanized blade . Electroplated is the more economical case , though hot - dip galvanizing provides a duncish , more undestroyable coating . Wood for shingles orclapboard sidingsthat contain instinctive tannins will assail ordinary blade , so aluminum nail may be used alternatively . unstained sword is another option — particularly in coastal areas — because it ’s more resistant to the salt in the air .
Length varies from 1½ to 2½ inches , with longer nail loosely being employ when a liner , championship display board , or battens are position between systema skeletale and sidetrack .
Photo: amazon.com
Magazine Capacity
Siding nails are provided in a long curl , almost always set at a 15 - level provender angle , and are collated ( go for together ) either by welded wire or charge card laurel wreath . The former is less expensive , whereas the latter provides a neater finish . This ringlet fit into the magazine on the nailer and feeds mechanically . Some siding nailers can expend either collation type , but it ’s not always the case .
clip capacitance vary from 300 to 500 nail bet on model and nail size of it . It ’s tempting to cogitate that the best framing nailer has the largest capacity . It will for certain mean the gun can be operated for long before needing to be reloaded , but 500 nails of any size weigh importantly more than 300 . That could tire the user more quickly . Most magazines are side payload , which is degenerate and easy .
Operating Pressure
Some type of nailers extend a choice of power generator . They may be battery , corded , or pneumatic powered . That ’s not truthful of siding nailers , which presently are all pneumatic . This stand for you need an air compressor to melt down them . There are many different mannikin available , and lightweight portable compressors have their advantage , but it ’s important that the one you choose can supply adequate operating pressure . Generally speaking , that will be somewhere between 70 psi and 120 psi .
It ’s also of import to have a sufficient high - pressure hose to reach from the compressor sitting on the ground to the highest peak where the siding will be fitted . This usually has to be purchase severally , so it ’s vital the specification and type of fitting are checked before ordering .
Firing Mode
A turnout nailer can fire the nail in one of two ways : either successive or contact ( also call “ bump ” ) . Anyone who has used a nail gun of any character will have descend across sequent discharge , which but means the nail is fired when the induction is pressed .
middleman lighting works with the initiation continually depressed . The mechanics is then activate as before long as the olfactory organ of the nailer is bumped against the sidetrack material . In the hand of an experienced declarer , the proficiency can look very impressive , with nail being fire several time a s . However , skill is necessitate for consistent nail positioning , and it consider sentence to watch . DIY user will see serial firing much more controllable . Some siding nailer are switchable between modes .
Depth Adjustment
Having profoundness adjustment is authoritative for two reasons . First , it compensates for using nails of different lengths . Second , it can neuter the firing pressure to accommodate the wide smorgasbord of side textile uncommitted .
usually when you stick in a nail , whether with a hammer or a nail gunslinger , you desire that nail caput to be drive flush with the open , or even slightly below . When you ’re fit turnout , you call for to leave a minor gap to allow for the raw movement we observe sooner . forest , vinyl , concrete , etc . , all have different quantity of resistance as the nail pass along through . If the deepness were fixed , it would be impossible to employ the same hit man for unlike textile . The best sidetrack nailer can be adjusted to compensate .
Jam Removal
All nailer jam at times . With budget manakin , it may be that the chemical mechanism is n’t as well made as it might be , though faults in the nail coil or small bits of debris getting caught inside the nailer can also cause problems .
Whatever the reason , a jammed nail is frustrating at best . Being able-bodied to remove it quickly is a valuable feature . As most hole hap in or near the nozzle of the nailer , light access to this sphere should be provided . Being able to clear a hole without needing your tool kit is a definite reward , and good siding nailers make this potential .
Whatever method is pop the question , always remember to disconnect the zephyr hosepipe before seek to remove a jam-packed nail . An accidental misfire could be extremely dangerous .
Photo: amazon.com
Additional Features
While the sections above cover the fundamental constituent when choosing the dependable railroad siding nailer , there are several other feature of speech that bestow convenience .
to oust air after each strike , siding nailer have an exhaust system . If it ’s poorly directed , it puffs air straight in your face . It ’s not grievous , but it ’s nice if it can be directed elsewhere .
A no - mar rubber olfactory organ ( which oddly is called a “ foot ” on some models ) aid stop the nailer from mark the surface of the sidetrack . If you ’re using wire collated nails , the gun will eject pocket-sized pieces of conducting wire rubble as you work , so the facility to hitch or unmediated these is also utilitarian . A lock setting , which prevents accidental ignition , is an added fillip , increase base hit . Several models also incorporate a useful belt sweetener .
Tips for Using a Siding Nailer
side nailers are muscular tools , but they can be dangerous , so safety is an passing of import thoughtfulness . Here are some tips that will help you remain safe and do a top - notch chore .
FAQs
The information above will doubtless leave you better informed about which would be the full siding nailer for your project . However , it ’s perceivable that question may continue . The following answers direct some of the most vernacular concerns .
Q. Can you use a siding nailer for framing?
It ’s not urge . The maximum nail length in a railroad siding nailer is 2½ inch , and framing commonly need a more powerful hold . Framing nailers normally use nail that are 3½ inches in distance , or recollective . In most cases , the name of the tool tells you what labor it good suit . Hence , you havepin nailersfor abstemious - duty trim;palm nailersfor blotto smear ; and others specifically call turnout , framing , and roofing nailers to distinguish their role .
Q. Can you use a siding nailer for roofing?
It might be possible though it depends on the puppet , and each will involve to be face at individually . The big difference is the type of nail used . Siding nail do n’t have the grip necessary for roofing . Roofing nails typically have a larger brain than siding nails , and so the siding nailer might not be capable of take the appropriate diameter .
melodic phrase pressure might also be a broker — whether there is sufficient Irish pound per square column inch to beat back the roofing nail decently . As with the old doubtfulness , it ’s always better to utilize the appropriate nail gun for the job rather than trying to make do .
Q. What size nails do you use for siding?
The most common size is from 1½ to 2½ inch long , with a diameter of either 0.080 inch or 0.092 inch and a minimal crest ( head ) of ⅜ inch . Shank diameter may also be generate as a gauge . Between 11 and 14 gauge is common . The eccentric of side stuff and the size of sheathing will have an impact . It ’s important that the nail is long enough to provide right hold . Although it ’s fourth dimension - consume , it ’s a honorable mind to check the requirements of each task cautiously before range nails .
Q. Can I use screws for wood siding?
It is physically possible to use screw propeller for turnout , and it could be argued that screw propeller have more withstand power than nails . However , the mental process will be much slower . Even use of an automatic fuck gun ca n’t match the speed of a good siding nailer . There ’s also the cost of the screws to consider . They are considerably more expensive than nails , so over a large job , the difference could be material .
Q. What kind of nails do you use for wood siding?
The common recommendation is hot - dip galvanized nails with round heads . The galvanise physical process forbid rusting . The round forefront prevents the nail from take out through the shingle as the Natalie Wood flex with changes in temperature and humidity . They should be anchor ring cannon or twist shank to better traveling bag through sheathing and stud poker .
Stainless blade nails are often propose for cedar siding , though they are more expensive . Aluminum nails are an choice for Al or vinyl radical siding .
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