6 Best Siding Nailer Reviews and Buying Guide
Introduction
Siding increases the value of your home by adding curb appeal, providing an additional layer of insulation that can reduce energy costs, and protecting the structure of your home. A regular hammer can be used to install or repair siding, but a siding nailer is unquestionably more efficient. It drives each nail into the same depth with a single strike to secure the siding. So, we have compiled a list of the 6 best siding nailer in this article.
WHAT IS A SIDING NAILER?
If you’re looking for a nail gun, you’ll come across finishing nailers. A finishing nailer, which is used to finish trim, looks similar to a siding nailer. Although distinguishing these models from framing nailers can be difficult, there is a significant difference.
We’ll go into more detail about the differences between the two at the end of this article, but in general, a siding nailer has nails that are specifically designed for siding.
Fasteners used with a siding nailer are typically 1-1/4′′ to 2-1/2′′ in length.
A siding nailer, as the name implies, is frequently used to install the siding. These nail guns are most commonly used for siding jobs, though you may see them used for other purposes.
Some people will use a siding nailer for minor housework, but make sure the fastener is properly supported.
When compared to a regular hammer, a siding nailer is a useful tool that speeds up the completion of the task. They use shank nails to keep the material in place for a longer period of time. This useful instrument is expensive, but it is also strong, portable, and easy to use.
The soft tip of the siding nailer protects the siding material and provides the necessary power for siding on both soft and hard siding materials, such as oak (like cedar).
Many different types and sizes of nailers are available to work on projects such as siding, decking, fencing, surrounds, and sledding.
We recommend that you consider the following critical factors when selecting the best siding nailer for your needs.
Nail Size
You can use a nailer to work on a variety of projects that require different fasteners (or sizes). This siding nailer typically uses nails ranging in length from 1 14 to 2 12 inches. Use nails that are twice as long as the surface being worked on.
Operating Pressure
There are numerous pneumatic siding nailer alternatives that run on an air compressor. As a result, before purchasing and using a model, check its working pressure. The pressure range, which is how pressure is measured, will be between 70 and 120 pounds per square inch (PSI).
We conducted extensive research on a number of them and shortlisted several Best Siding Nailers to reduce the amount of time spent looking for and purchasing them. In addition, we provided a comprehensive buying guide to help you make the best decision for your siding needs.
Best Siding Nailers of 2023
BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nailer
Freeman Pneumatic Siding Nailer
Metabo HPT Coil Siding Nailer
MAX CN565S3 Siding Coil Nailer
Hitachi Coil Siding Nailer
DEWALT DW66C-1 Fencing Nailer
There are numerous options for Bostitch’s robust and heavy-duty power equipment. They also make the excellent siding nailer for construction that we have provided in this text.
The Bostitch N66C siding nailer is listed first in this post because it is an excellent, dependable, and powerful siding nailer. If you’re familiar with Bostitch power tools, you’re probably aware of their 7-year warranty. Because this is also the case with this durable, well-made siding nailer from Bostitch, you can rely on it for a long time.
Despite its sturdy construction, it is light and portable. It is made possible by the aluminum structure, which strikes a balance between strength and weight.
In terms of performance, you get results that are fairly comparable to the other options available. This provides support for nails that are between 1 14 and 2 12 inches long. These nails can also be used for siding with the help of an air compressor.
To use it effectively, set the air pressure range to 70 to 120 PSI. This siding nailer has an excellent magazine that can hold up to 300 nails at a time, which is ideal for the majority of people.
Freeman is another well-known manufacturer of power tools, but it offers far more reasonably priced goods when compared to other prominent manufacturers. A fantastic Freeman siding nailer option is also available for use in construction.
The Freemans PCN65 pneumatic siding nailer is ranked second in this article due to its high level of dependability. However, when compared to other solutions that include a 7-year warranty, this one is significantly less expensive and offers the user good value for money.
The construction quality of this siding nailer is also quite good for the price. Siding nails between 1 and 2 inches long can also be used when building a house. These nails can be adjusted to a 15-degree angle with the help of their adjustable and inclined head.
This siding nailer is as comfortable and light as its name suggests. The grip handle, which allows for prolonged use, makes this possible. To use this siding nailer, however, your air compressor must maintain an air pressure of 70 to 120 PSI.
Even for heavy-duty or industrial applications, its nail magazine has a capacity of up to 400 nails at a time. These nails can be used for a variety of purposes, such as fencing, sheathing, and cement siding.
Metabo HPT is the brand name of a company that primarily manufactures heavy-duty power tools and equipment. As a result, its consumer-grade siding nailer is both reasonably powerful and dependable.
This Metabo HPT NV65AH2 siding nailer is ranked third in this article if you’re looking for extremely powerful pneumatic siding nailers. This siding nailer is suitable for siding with nails ranging in length from 12 to 2 12 inches. These nails can be wire or plastic sheet collated, depending on your needs and specifications.
Another great feature of this siding nailer is the tool-free adjustment mechanism, which allows you to easily change the depth. When used for siding, 16-degree wire collated coil nails can be quite useful.
Because Hitachi is a well-known and dependable brand, its power tool products come with a 5-year warranty. The build quality of this pneumatic siding nailer is also excellent. Furthermore, because it is a pneumatic siding nailer, it must be powered by an air compressor.
It can easily function between 70 PSI and 120 PSI in terms of air pressure. When you run out of siding nails, there is a magazine on the bottom for quick and easy reloading.
Max is a lesser-known brand of power tools in comparison to other brands on the market. Nonetheless, many customers will find its siding nailer to be an excellent choice due to its high performance and long-lasting construction.
When compared to other siding nailers, the Max CN565S3 is one of the more upscale or expensive options. Even so, many users may find that the performance and build quality outweigh the price. You can use 1 1/2-inch to 2 1/2-inch long siding nails with this nailer, just like the other options listed in this article.
You can easily and accurately drive these siding nails with the help of an air compressor. To ensure that you do not encounter any performance issues while using this siding coil nailer, keep your air compressor between 70 and 120 PSI.
Because the Max power tool brand is one of the more expensive ones, you get a 5-year warranty, which is reasonable given the price. When combined with its maintenance-free end cap filter, you should have no problems with it in the future.
Another useful feature is the siding nailers’ 360-degree twist-adjustable exhaust deflector. It allows you to blow air out of yourself without interfering with your task.
As previously stated, Hitachi and Metabo HPT manufacture a variety of pneumatic siding nailers for use in buildings. As a result, Hitachi has given us yet another siding nailer.
This Hitachi NV65AH2 siding nailer and the Metabo HPT option mentioned in this post are fairly comparable. When using this siding nailer for construction, you get the same support for nails ranging in length from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches.
It can easily drive these nails because it is a pneumatic tool. The user must always connect an air compressor with a working air pressure range of 70 PSI to 120 PSI. After it is finished, you can drive 2 1/2 inch nails quickly—up to three nails per second—saving the user a significant amount of time.
This Metabo siding nailer, like the previous HPT siding nailer, comes with a 5-year warranty. In addition, it has a fantastic build quality, which is always a plus. Despite being extremely strong and durable, it only weighs 4.8 pounds, which is reasonable given the capabilities it provides.
A tool-free depth adjustment system is also included to ensure high operational precision. It has an adjustable air deflector to keep pressured air away from you.
If you’re familiar with power tools, you’ve probably heard of Dewalt. Dewalt manufactures a wide range of electric tools, as well as a fantastic pneumatic siding nailer alternative.
The Dewalt DW66C siding nailer, as the name suggests, has a 15-degree angle adjustment. This can be extremely useful for a wide range of applications. It can easily accommodate siding nails ranging in length from 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches.
Depending on your needs, these nails can also be wire or plastic sheet collated. This siding nailer includes a nail magazine that holds 300 of these nails. This means you won’t have to keep replacing nails while working at 70 PSI to 120 PSI operational air pressure.
Dewalt, like Makita, offers a 3-year warranty with its tools. Despite the fact that it only weighs 4.9 pounds, the aluminum body provides adequate strength. To protect the work area, this siding nailer employs rubber in addition to metal in a number of locations. Its toolless adjustment concept may be useful for a variety of work requirements and desires.
What is the difference between a siding nailer and a framing nail gun?
The primary distinction between a framing nailer and a siding nailer is that roofing nailers use longer nails. Framing nailers must penetrate deeper and have greater holding power than siding nail guns. A siding nailer, on the other hand, uses nails ranging from 1 1/4 inches to 2 1/2 inches in length.
Framing nailers are the heaviest duty nail guns and, as a result, weigh significantly more than siding nailers, approximately 9 lbs versus 5 lbs. This type of nail gun is suitable for Hardie siding. However, attempting to use a framing nailer instead of a siding nailer for siding work would quickly tire you out. You will also notice that the finish is not as neat because a framing nailer is designed to join 2X4s together rather than a thin siding for your house.
What is the difference between a siding nailer and a roofing nail gun?
Because they are designed for a single task, roofing nail guns typically lack depth-of-drive adjustment. The roofing task necessitates nails that are relatively easy to remove once installed, as this makes re-roofing or repairing the roof that much easier when the nail has not vanished into the hole it creates. As a result, roofing nails have a wider head.
Because roofing nails typically only have to go through asphalt or fiberglass, they are also shorter, making them easier to remove when the time comes. These coil siding nailers also use coil roofing nails, allowing you to go longer between refills, which is useful when you’ve climbed all the way up to your roof!
Types of siding nailer
Knowing the different types of siding nailers can help you choose the best one for the job. Do you realize that not all siding nailers are appropriate for your needs? So, here are siding nailers of various types.
Pneumatic Siding Nailers
The first type of siding nailer is a pneumatic siding nailer. As the name implies, it works on air pressure. You must use the best air compressor to achieve the best results. It is very powerful and is used for labor-intensive tasks.
Cordless siding nailer
If you need to work without a cord or wire, or if you need to work in an area with no power sources, a cordless nail gun may be your best option. It gets its power from the battery rather than the sun. As a result, it lacks the power of pneumatic nailers. It does, however, excel at delicate tasks.
Coil siding nailer
A solenoid propels the metal piston of this type of coil siding nailer. You’ll find a front rod that drives the nail with this prison. Several solenoids are drawn to its projectile. If you need maximum power, this nailer is a good choice because you can turn off individual solenoids to gradually increase power.
How to Choose the Best Siding Nailer:
To complete your task, you must choose the best quality siding nailer, whether it is for low-volume DIY use or demanding professional use. Using the wrong tool can prevent you from achieving your goals and will have a negative impact on your experience.
To help you make the best decision, we’ve put together a shopping guide filled with siding nailer information.
Let’s get into the specifics of what to look for when purchasing a siding nail gun.
Nail Sizes
Many jobs necessitate the use of a versatile instrument. In other words, by using more/different sizes of fasteners, the nailer will allow you to work on a variety of tasks. It is not only applicable to longer nails. Typically, the nail size should be twice as deep as the material you’re working with. When working with 1/2-inch material, for example, a nailer capable of firing 1-inch nails is required. Select a model that can accommodate a wide range of nail sizes.
Standard siding nailers will frequently use nails ranging in length from 1 1/4 to 2 1/2 inches to complete the job quickly, conveniently, and effectively. As a result, before making a purchase, we recommend that you confirm the siding nailer-supported nail size. Coil nailers, in particular, require this due to their limited ability to change sizes. Furthermore, nailers with a standard magazine can handle nails up to 2 1/4 inches long.
Operating Pressure
A pneumatic siding nailer powered by an air compressor is used in this power tool. The force required to fire the nail or fastener is determined by the operating pressure of the compressor. This working pressure is measured in psi, or pounds per square inch (PSI). Select a siding nailer with a portable, lightweight compressor that operates between 70 and 120 PSI.
Check that the hose connecting your nailer to the air compressor (air inlet) fits snugly and can withstand high pressure. The maximum operating pressure for some variants is 320 PSI. At higher air pressures, the siding nailer will operate more aggressively.
Nail Capacity
If you do not frequently reload a nail gun with a larger capacity, you can work for longer periods of time. As a result, with continued use, a nailer with a larger nail capacity will produce more nails. Choose a nailer that can hold 200-400 nails and accepts 1 1/2-2 1/2 inch nails (either wire or plastic nails). These nails can be stored and fired hundreds of times before needing to be replaced in the nailer.
Depth Adjustment
In general, the degree of resistance will vary from one material to the next. Concrete siding, for example, is more durable than wood siding. This means that a nailer with a different firing depth adjustment is required to complete your task flawlessly. Choose a model with depth adjustment so you can adjust it to meet your needs for nail firing depending on the material (vinyl, wood, or hard concrete surfaces).
You can also use different-length nails and adjust the firing pressure to make it work on different siding materials or surfaces. Fixed depth, on the other hand, does not require you to use the same nailer for different materials. While avoiding both undershooting (where the hole must be patched) and overshooting (using a hammer to drive exactly).
Dial-controlled, tool-free depth adjustment is available on some modern models. They allow you to quickly adjust the driving depth in accordance with the material and nail length requirements of your project. This depth can be precisely adjusted, making it easier for you to complete your work.
Jam Removal/Anti-Jam Mechanism
Jamming is a common issue for most siding nailer users. A less expensive model, an inefficient mechanism, problems with the nail coil, and small pieces of dirt are all possible causes of this jamming, which primarily occurs at the nailer’s snout. Whatever the cause of the jamming, you must choose a model that allows you to clean the internal blockage quickly and easily.
Needles for unjamming are included in some types. Because this jam typically occurs close to the nose of a nailer, choose a model that has easy access to this part and can quickly remove the jam without the use of a tool kit.
Firing Modes
A siding nailer typically operates in two modes: sequential and contact (Bump). Contact mode provides greater safety and superior results. They only start firing when you press down on the nailer’s head. As a result, the best shooting mode for experts or professionals is. While the sequential mode is easy to use and convenient, it is not recommended for beginners. However, the ending is quite good. Furthermore, they constantly discharge like a rapid-fire to expedite your task.
Choose a model with multiple firing modes to expedite the project and use in a variety of settings; even standard is a good choice. Furthermore, its selectable trigger makes switching between shooting modes a breeze. a design that includes a lock mode setting as an added safety precaution to prevent unintentional fires
Magazine
The type of magazine a nailer has will influence how easy it is to use. You can load the nailer’s magazine in two ways: side loading or tilting the bottom magazine. Choosing a nailer with a translucent or clear magazine compartment, on the other hand, will allow you to see when you run out of nails or what size you are loading into the nailer. In its maximum magazine capacity, the nailer can hold up to 400 fasteners. If the nails are small, it may store and drive hundreds of nails before you refill the magazine.
Weight & Size
The size and weight of a siding nailer will affect its balance, which will determine how well it performs. As a result, the ideal nailer is one that is compact, lightweight, and well-balanced. When the top or bottom of the siding nailer feels heavier, it causes discomfort and immediately stresses the hand or wrist, especially when used for an extended period of time.
Siding nailers typically weigh between 4 1/2 and 6 1/2 pounds. Remember that we use ladders to get to higher or more uncomfortable places; thus, a massive unit or heavy instrument will not provide the proper balance and will be difficult to control. As a result, choose a nailer that is portable, lightweight, and easy to use.
Ergonomics
Holding a siding nailer for an extended period of time, regardless of size, shape, or weight will cause hand fatigue. To avoid fatigue, we recommend that you choose a model with ergonomic, easy-to-grasp handles (not too thick or thin). It should also provide a strong handgrip and properly fit into your palm to avoid sliding and fatigue when working on long projects.
Adjustable Exhaust
Another feature that eliminates potentially harmful bursts of air blowing on the face, particularly on pneumatic siding nailers, is a standard exhaust vent. They shoot the nails with compressed air, and this air must escape for the nailer to function properly. Choose a nailer with a 360° adjustable multi-directional exhaust to direct exhaust away from you and other project participants.
Durability & Build Quality
Everyone wants their tool or product to last as long as possible without having to be repaired or replaced with new parts. To make it happen, make sure the siding nailer you buy is long-lasting. Its construction quality, which is determined by the type of material used for its housing, determines how long it will last.
Aluminum and magnesium are the two primary materials used in the manufacture of these siding nailers. These are strong, long-lasting materials that are resistant to corrosion and rust. In some models, an integrated filter protects the internal components from dust and particles from the outside world. This increases the tool’s durability.
Furthermore, both of these housing materials feel solid and light in your hands, allowing you to hold the tool comfortably and without any loose ends for a longer period of time.
Performance & Speed
A product’s performance is influenced by a variety of factors, including the operator’s skill, the model’s structure, and design, and its features. Choose a siding nail gun with a perfect finish, precision, control, consistency, and efficiency while driving the nail precisely without going too deep or too shallow. Make sure your nailer has a selectable trigger and a dual firing mechanism (bump fire or single fire mode) that can be used in any situation (equitably on any surface).
Siding installation requires careful planning and a moderately fast nailer. Choose the speed based on the type of material you’re working with and the needs of the job. Avoid damaging the material by using too much force when nailing, but use enough force to ensure a solid attachment. Most models provide an excellent balance of power and speed to ensure optimal siding.
Collation
Collation is the process of carefully aligning the nails so that they fit inside the magazine. It is also known as organization or assembly. Wire-collated and plastic-collated nails are commonly used by siding nailers. This will affect a variety of factors, including nailing speed and jamming frequency.
Plastic collated nails are less reliable and less expensive, breaking easily (both outside and inside the magazine) and causing lockups and jams. Plastic holds these in place.
Wire (or weld-wire) collated nails are made by welding thin metal strips into nails. a solid alternative that feeds the nailer effectively to avoid jams These nails are parallel to one another, similar to plastic collated nails.
You can choose the collation that best suits your needs (or look for a nailer that supports both collations, such as the Boston N66C-1), which makes it more adaptable and useful for a wide range of applications.
Versatility
If you work in a professional capacity or must manage a variety of activities, a multifunctional siding nailer is useful. Because of its ability to install various siding materials, it becomes the best choice for a variety of projects (such as aluminum, wood, or vinyl). Because it accepts various nail collations, the siding nailer is a useful tool for other projects such as fences.
The adaptability of the tool will also be determined by its power output. A powerful siding nailer can easily drive multiple nail sizes and types into a wide range of materials, making it more adaptable than a weaker one.
Control
If you use an easy-to-use and simple-to-control siding nailer, you can complete your task quickly and efficiently. Weight, size, magazine loading simplicity, selectable fire modes, jam-clearing mechanisms, and design all have an impact on the control option. If you want to work for long periods of time with minimal fatigue, choose a lightweight nailer with an ergonomic handle.
Warranty
In addition to the build quality, if you want to use the nailer for a long time with minimal wear and tear, you should look into the nailer’s guarantee. The majority of these nail guns use aluminum housing because it strikes the right balance between build quality and robustness.
It is critical to investigate the warranty period offered by a siding nailer because it ensures that the specified model is strong and dependable. While the majority of available options come with a one-, three-, or five-year warranty, some of the more dependable ones come with a seven-year warranty. A product with a longer warranty will give you peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What’s the difference between wire-collated nails and plastic-collated nails?
Plastic-collated nails are lighter than wire-collated nails but stronger and more durable. Both of these types can be used for a variety of purposes, including sheathing, framing, and fencing. Wire collated nails, in particular, are ideal for Hardie siding, whereas plastic nails are ideal for face nailing.
Are there any cordless siding nailers available?
There will be no battery-powered or cordless siding nailers on the market. Modern siding nailers are almost entirely pneumatic, driven by air compressors.
Shall we use a brad nailer instead of a siding nailer for siding work?
No, a brad nail gun is not suitable for siding installation. The brad nails we commonly use for siding projects are insufficient to hold the material. They are used to doing small jobs like upholstery.
Which one is considered the best to do the siding process?
Stainless aluminum is the most popular and best nail for wood siding applications due to its durability and resistance to corrosion.
What is the difference between framing nailer and siding nailer?
Most people compare the siding nailer and framing nailer because they look similar and are used interchangeably for similar activities and tasks. However, if you look closely, you will notice that both are distinct instruments designed for highly specialized tasks (even if siding nailers are mostly used for upright, even though nailing in limited areas).
A framing nail gun can accept nails up to 3 12 inches long, whereas a siding nailer can accept nails 1 14 to 2 12 inches long. Additionally, nails with a larger head are used during the siding procedure. Furthermore, siding nailers can weigh up to 6 pounds, while frame nailers can weigh up to 9 pounds.
What sort of nails do we regularly use for siding?
Because the siding will not be nailed tightly, the nails used for this siding will range in size from 1 to 2 1/2 inches (or 3-inch in rare cases). You must, however, insert up to 3/4-inch long nails into the base (if it is not up to the mark then the siding gets flimsy if deeper the integral might be damage). A long nail is required for the installation of an additional material layer between the foundation and the siding.
As a result, it is critical to double-check the nail measurements before using the siding nailer. All you have to remember is that each siding work or job is unique, and you must immediately select the appropriate nails based on the specific siding requirement.
Shall we use a siding nail gun to do tasks other than siding?
It is mostly dependent. You should be aware that the siding nail gun has additional applications. A siding nailer can be used for small projects such as minor home repairs (if it has adjustable pressure), but not for heavy-duty nailing tasks such as roofing.
Conclusion
If you need tools for construction, a siding nailer can come in handy. While other nailers can be used for siding, these siding nailers provide excellent precision. As a result, we’ve highlighted some of the best siding nailers in this article, along with their key features and specifications. This article also includes a detailed buying guide that walks you through the various factors to consider when purchasing a siding nailer. If you can’t decide, consider one of these suggestions:
- The Freeman PCN65 is the most dependable option in this article at an affordable price. It comes with a 7-year warranty and good build quality. You can even expect it to perform admirably.
- Consider the Bostitch N66C siding nailer, which has a high user rating due to its performance and features. It can accommodate 1 14-inch to 2 12-inch long objects. Like the Freeman nailer, it comes with a 7-year warranty, which is always nice to have.
- The Metabo HPT NV65AH2 siding nailer is another powerful and dependable option. It also provides good value for money to the user, which many users appreciate. When you use it at home or on the job, you can adjust the angle by up to 16 degrees.
