Top 12 Best Wood Siding Nails Of 2024

Size and Weight

A siding nailer's balance and weight are essential features. Top-heavy tools put a lot of strain on your wrist, which can lead to discomfort. There is a lot of ladder work involved in installing siding. A heavy tool could be difficult to control. With a weight range between 412 and 612 pounds (framing nailers can be twice that), siding nailers aren't particularly heavy, but even a few extra pounds can add up when you're using the tool frequently.

Motor housings are frequently made of aluminum or magnesium alloys rather than steel in order to address these two issues. In order to improve handling, this design removes excess weight from the nailer's top, but it has no effect on the nailer's overall performance or durability. It's also a good idea to check the grip on the hand. This tool's rubberized grip provides a secure and sure grip.

Nail Type and Length

A round-headed siding nail helps prevent the siding from pulling away from the house frame when the seasons change. Rings or a spiral can be found on the shank of a nail to help it grip into the wood.

Galvanized steel is the most commonly used material. Hot-dipped galvanizing offers a thicker, more durable finish than electro-plated, but it is more expensive. Aluminum nails can be used in place of steel nails in wood that contains natural tannins. Another option is stainless steel, which is more resistant to salt in the air in coastal areas.

When a liner, backing board, or battens are placed between the frame and the siding, longer nails are typically used. Nail lengths range from 11.2 to 21.2 inches.

Magazine Capacity

It is common practice to have siding nails arranged in a long coil, with a 15-degree feed angle, welded wire or plastic ribbon holding them together. While the first option is less expensive, the second is more polished. The nailer automatically feeds this coil into the magazine. However, this isn't always the case with siding nailers, which can only use one of two collation types.

Depending on the model and the size of the nails, the magazine capacity can range from 300 to 500 nails. Most people assume that the best framing nailer will have the largest capacity, and this may be true. The gun will be able to operate for longer before it needs to be reloaded, but 500 nails of any size are significantly heavier than 300. That could put a strain on the user's body. Magazines are typically sideloaded, which is convenient and time-saving.

Operating Pressure

Nailers with multiple power options are available. Batteries, cords or pneumatic power are all options. In the case of siding nailers, which are currently only available in pneumatic form, this statement is false. So, in order to use them, you'll need an air compressor. With a variety of models to choose from and lightweight portable compressors that can be taken anywhere, it's important to make sure you get the right one for the job. Between 70 and 120 pounds per square inch (psi) is the most common range.

 

Additionally, a long high-pressure hose from the compressor to the highest point on the building where the siding will be installed is required. Prior to making a purchase, it's important to verify the specifications and type of fitting.

Shanks and Points

You should avoid using nails with smooth shanks because siding expands and contracts with temperature changes. Constant shrinking and expanding will eventually loosen them. A spiral or ring shank is preferable for siding nails because it increases the nail's holding power. Additionally, the point of the nail is critical. Keep an eye out for needle-point nails, which have the potential to split the wood. Diamond- or blunt-point nails should be used instead.

Materials to Avoid

Various fasteners can be used to secure siding, but corrosion-resistant fasteners should be avoided. They will eventually stain your wood with copper, which is prone to corroding over time. Nails and staples coated with electroplated metals may also have this impact.

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Why Do Nails Pop Out Of Siding?

There's a good chance the nails in your siding aren't the right kind if they're constantly poking out. With their ribbed texture, siding nails are designed to avoid this issue. Pull out your nails if they won't stay in place and inspect the problem. Because there are no ribs, they keep popping out of the body. The best course of action at this point is to buy some new siding nails and redo the nailing on all of the siding, or at least in the areas where the problem is most severe.

How Long Should Nails Be for Siding?

Structural framing should be taken into consideration when determining ideal siding nail length. L.P. SmartSide engineered wood products recommend that the nails be long enough to penetrate structural framing, as well as panels and framing made of wood structural panels. An additional attachment option can be found in APA Product Report PR-N124.

Make sure to set the nail gun so that the head of the nail is flush with the siding surface and avoid overdriving nails when nailing siding in.

Can You Use Brad Nails for Siding?

As a rule, lap siding should not be fastened with Brad nails. Because of their smaller heads and thinner construction compared to standard nails, these nails aren't recommended for use with thicker materials where a strong grip is needed. In addition, they are rarely galvanized. To ensure a long-lasting siding installation, you should use hot-dip galvanized nails, which have the strength and durability to do so.

Can you use a siding nailer for framing?

This is not a good idea. A siding nailer's maximum nail length is 2 12 inches. Framing necessitates a stronger grip. From 312 inches and up, framing nailers typically use nails.

Can you use a siding nailer for roofing?

Could be done, but it depends on the application. The main difference is in the type of nail that is used. " Because a siding nailer isn't designed to handle shorter roofing nails, you can't use them.

What size nails do you use for siding?

With a diameter of either 0.080-inch or 0.092-inch, and a minimum head of 3/8-inch, the most common length is between 112 and 212 inches. Before placing an order for nails, be sure to double-check the project's specifications, including the type of siding and other materials that will be used.

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Make sure you use the right nails if you plan to install siding on your home. If you follow these steps, the siding on your home will appear neat and tidy. In addition, siding nails provide a long-lasting hold on the siding. No more worrying about the wrong type or thickness of smooth-bodied finish or brad nails coming out.

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