Top 5 Best Siding Nailer Reviews In 2024
Whether you are interested to do a small siding project or get some home renovation done without a contractor, you need to know your equipment.
Is it your first time doing a DIY siding project? Either way, you’ll need the specific power tools to have the job done properly.
For any kind of siding project, siding nailers are a staple tool. There’s no way around it.
In that sense, when hanging fiber cement materials or wooden sidings, it’s better to use this type of nailer instead of roofing ones. But which ones are the best? Here is where our list comes into play.
We’ve put together a list of the best siding nailers and their reviews to help you choose the right equipment.
Why Should You Buy This?
For professionals, owning a siding nailer is a must. While you can obviously find many nailers that can work for siding projects, none of them will do the trick as well as this tool. Siding nailers are lightweight and easier to control. So, if you’re just a beginner to siding works, it’s a great way to start.
At the same time, it’s a good investment since these tools can do more than just install sidings. After all, what’s the point of getting a device that has no versatility in its functions?
In this regard, you can use siding nailers for fencing, sheathing, framing, bridging, or repairing. Even if your DIY project is a one-time thing, your siding nailer surely won’t be, and you can use it for many other projects in the future.
5 Best Siding Nailer Reviews
For choosing any product, checking the reviews and ratings is a smart move. After all, you need to know what you are paying for. The reviews here will let you know just that.
Let’s take a look.
1. BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nailer –N66C-1
This is a good pick since BOSTITCH is a very good company with awesome tools that serve well. If this is your first time buying a siding nailer, you should check this out. It works well with a range of siding materials. From cement and clapboard to softwoods, this nailer can get the job done.
One of the main pros of this product is that it is very durable. The construction material is aluminum, which can withstand rough uses and full-day workloads. Aluminum is a very good metal and helps increase the lifespan of the tool. It weighs around 4.9 pounds.
However, since it’s so lightweight, you can wield it easily, and the maneuvering doesn’t become a struggle. Another key feature of this nailer is that it has an adjustable nail depth. That means you can adjust the intensity as required and work faster.
Besides, you can use it easily with an air compressor since it is air powered. For anyone looking to use nails up to 2½ inch length, we highly recommend this nailer.
As this product comes with an adjustable exhaust system, you don’t need to worry about getting harmed by any of the exhaust materials. The soft rubber footing also plays a role in preventing damage to the tool because it’s good to use on soft materials.
Since it is a versatile product, it can drive both plastic inserted nails and wire nails. So you can switch from one to the other according to your use. It’s worth a mention that the high magazine capacity of this nailer is an absolute plus point given you don’t have to refill it again and again.
It can finish a lot of work in a single load as its magazine capacity is 350. You’ll be able to use this easily because of its depth adjustment, tool-free exhaust adjustment, and soft-foot feature.
On top of that, it’s powerful, and its driving power is equal to 515 in-lbs. It operates at the range of 70-120 PSI, and this allows you to dial in the correct depth according to the job.
- Depth-adjustment feature
- Aluminum housing makes it durable
- Large magazine capacity
- Works well on soft material
- Can’t flush the nails
2. Makita AN611 2-1/2″ Siding Coil Nailer
Although this is a high-end nailer with a price higher than most, it’s worth every penny. This is, without a doubt, one of Makita’s most ground-breaking products.
Apart from being power-packed, this nailer has special features that take it to a whole new level. If you’re looking for something unique, add this to your toolbox without second thoughts.
This has three different modes you can choose from when working with it. There’s the contact mode, the lock mode, and the sequential mode- perfect to get any job done easily.
Likewise, its built-in air filter makes sure it doesn’t get jammed because of dust and debris. So, if you’re someone who rarely cleans the tools, this would be a better choice since it won’t get that dirty to begin with.
It also has tool-less 9 depth adjustment features, which make it a versatile tool to use. This increases the accuracy of the nail driving and makes it suitable for delicate jobs. But just check that it’s not sitting around without any work for a long time as you can get a variety of jobs done by simply adjusting its depth at times.
The fact that it has a non-slipping nose for exact driving makes it even better. However, while working with nailers like this that require air compressors and air power to run, the noise becomes an issue. But with this product, you get a silent sheet for noise reduction.
Moreover, you can say goodbye to the old air-powered products that make your ears hurt from the annoying sound. It’s also easier to handle as the weight is just 5 pounds. Since this item has a magazine capacity of 200-400, you can get the right amount of work done in one go.
Additionally, it has a tool-less loading canister that makes it easy and convenient to use. Besides, it can work with air pressure as low as 65, and you can even raise it to 120 PSI and get it powered up.
Furthermore, you’ll be impressed to see how easily this drives nails into dry redwood without splitting it at all. It’s no exaggeration to say that this product picks up on all the loose ends and the gaps that other products have while siding.
Regardless of that, you can work on fencing and sheathing with this device anytime.
- Has 9 depth adjustment features
- The exhaust port is multidimensional
- Lightweight and easy to load
- Protective air-filter to minimize dust
- Price is high
3. Freeman PCN65 Pneumatic 15 Degree 2-1/2″ Coil Siding Nailer
If you want to buy something at a reasonable price and you won’t be using it daily, this is your nailer. As this is larger than most other nailers, its balance is a bit off. It’s a good choice for small repairs or touch-ups around the house.
In case you’re looking for a heavy-duty product that can handle hardwood and fiber cement, steer clear of this. As this product has an issue with double firing, there’s a good chance of splitting hardwood or cracking the fiber cement.
Accordingly, when your air compressor doesn’t have enough air and runs short on power, this product will double fire. So the compressor won’t be able to keep up. The best thing to do in order to avoid this issue is to use a 25 or 60-gallon air compressor.
In case you use something like pancakes or engine-driven 6 gallons, it will double fire. However, the jamming is moderate, considering the lower price. And all nailers get jammed from time to time. This is no exception.
Nevertheless, this nailer is certified frustration-free. It’s made of heat-treated steel parts and comes with a multi-position tray magazine. You can adjust this to hold both plastic-collated nails and wire-collated ones easily.
Since the sideload magazine actually comes in a transparent box, you can keep an eye on how much you have left while working. It flips out, and thus reloading is simple and efficient.
Similarly, a soft plastic nose bumper comes with this product, so it’s good for accuracy. There are depth adjustment features too. You can use it for a long time, given you maintain it properly.
Moreover, this nailer has a 360-degree adjustable exhaust that can prevent any of the exhaust from pointing your way. It also comes with a handy belt hook that makes sure you can get your hands free while working to control the machine.
Also, it initially weighs 0.16 ounces but does get heavier when loaded. Hence, you need your hands to be free to control it.
- Can shoot nails ranging from 1-1/4 inch to 2-1/2 inch
- Magnesium body that makes it durable
- Adjustable exhaust
- High-quality rubber O-rings
- Heavier than other products
4. Bostitch Cap Nailer N66BC-1
This nailer is perfect for heavy-duty and long hours of use. It’s easier to carry and handle for long periods as it was constructed by lightweight magnesium. This Bostitch is air-powered and works fast. It is the perfect combo of good design and function that will satisfy the need of any DIY rookie or professional worker alike.
Likewise, this nailer comes with a tool-free Dial-A-Depth adjustment feature that helps maintain whatever depth you want while working. The exhaust is adjustable and can be steered away from your body while working. It has got what it takes to work well on sturdy materials like old asbestos siding.
Therefore, you can use this for fanfold insulation, Tyvek installs, or roofing applications as well. Notably, this gun comes with a “bump-action” feature that requires a bit of care while using. That means, it can fire anytime the contact tip gets pressed- be it with your leg or arm.
Nevertheless, there’s always the option of installing a two-step fire sequence by yourself if you want to take more safety measures.
At the same time, for people who face trouble with cap staples on roofs because of high winds, this nailer can solve the problem. It’s great for roofing projects since the cap loader for this is easy to use, and the nails hold on stronger in winds. The magazine capacity is 300 of pretty standard nails.
Apart from that, it’s possible to drive both wire weld and plastic coils with this machine. The operating pressure ranges from 70 to 120 PSI. With all the features combined, it’s said to be ten times faster than nailing by hand.
Unlike other nailers, jamming isn’t an issue with this product. With enough care, this can last more than 3 years easily and will give a variety of services. Compares to cap staplers that just get pulled out under high winds, this nailer can help adjust nails to withstand just that.
So, despite being bulky, you can rely on this tool to get the job done.
- Depth adjustment is quick and easy
- A lot faster (10x) than hand nailing
- Doesn’t jam easily
- Adjustable tool-free exhaust that directs away from the user
- The adjustment knob’s depth keeps constant fixing
5. MAX USA CORP SuperSider CN565S3 Siding Coil Nailer
Besides being very eye-catching, this tool performs well for a Thai brand product. Coming in close with its Japanese rival, this nailer is an excellent choice for anyone looking to get some proper siding done around the house. Since it is certified frustration-free, you don’t need to worry about durability either.
This weighs around 6.8 pounds and is made of steel. It can shoot nails as big as 2.5 inches. Commercial builders love this item for its flawless performance and quality design. Although the design might be off-putting for some, with the right compressor and regulator, this nailer can perform with excellence.
It has a slim contact arm, which is compact and reduces the possibilities of the nail bending or driver marks while working. Unlike certain other nailers, you don’t need to worry about double firing because it has an anti-double fire feature that prevents it from happening.
Accordingly, as the siding nailer market is growing, the more versatile the features, the better are the products. That makes products like this the absolute go-to for anyone looking to amp up their toolshed with some well-functioning items.
You can use this product for exterior trimming, subfloor, fencing, sheathing, exterior decking, and even roof decking.
Investing in this is a smart move because it has a maintenance-free cap-end filter to prevent dust and debris. It’s easy to load, and the magazine capacity is also good. You can carry it around for work since it weighs just 5 pounds.
In contrast to the bump-action trigger, this has a trigger-lock system that makes it safer to use. The trigger-lock lever is a unique feature of this product. Also, the exhaust is adjustable, and you can deflect it elsewhere. Similarly, depth control is easy to adjust.
- Has trigger lock lever
- Adjustable depth control
- Adjustable exhaust deflector
- Has anti-double fire mechanism
- Removable nose falls off easily
Things to Consider Before Buying
While looking for a good siding nailer in the market, you need to ask yourself some questions. Is it durable? Can I control it? What’s the construction material? How much versatility does it provide?
A tool that you buy needs to be worth its price. You should look for a nailer that can be used in multiple types of materials or has useful features to get the best use out of it. After all, you don’t want to have it sit in your toolshed forever after just one project.
Therefore, some key factors you must consider while selecting your siding nailer are as follows:
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Durability
There’s no telling for sure how long a product will last, but it is always good to take a look at what materials it is made of and what are the functioning capacities. You can’t expect to use a cheaper tool for heavier works often and then have it last for decades. Take a look at whether it has a housing of aluminum or magnesium.
Another feature that you need to check is the built-in system. Built-in air filters can help prevent dust and debris accumulation in the tool’s interior. This makes any product low-maintenance.
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Control and Balance
A significant factor when using these tools is proper manipulation and balance. If you’re a beginner, try out a lightweight one. Heavier ones are harder to maneuver, sometimes even for professionals. The ones with magnesium housing usually have a lighter weight.
If you can’t control your tool properly, there’s a chance of misfiring and clumsy work output. In worst-case scenarios, you might even get hurt. In this regard, lightweight ones with ergonomic designs are easier to handle. These can be operated easily without getting fatigued.
You should also check the magazine and loading system. A magazine with a higher capacity will help save time and make it easier to load, which will make it convenient to use.
However, to understand the control of the nailer, mainly two things need to be critically checked- the weight and magazine loading.
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Versatility
Nailers available in the market nowadays can be used for more than just siding. Siding nailers can sometimes be alternatives to roofing or framing nailers as well. Besides, since you’re investing money on a product, it’s better to get one with multipurpose features than a mainstream one.
You should look for a product that you can use for roofing applications, fencing, framing, sheathing, and siding. The more use, the better. The benefit is that you can use these for simple DIYs or professional works and get just as good results.
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Accessories
Many brands supply products without any accessories and ones that come bare. While those cost less, you can add to your working experience by simply increasing your budget a bit.
Good brands often provide accessories like safety glasses, gloves, carrying cases, and lubricating oils. These make working a lot easier.
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Trigger-Lock
Firstly, you need to decide whether or not you need a product with trigger-lock features. If you are a careful user and used to working with siding nailers that have bump-action triggers, it might seem useless to have this feature. But for beginners, especially, this is a lifesaver.
Triggers without the lock system usually have bump-action modes that work whenever it bumps with anything. This might cause accidents. So, it’s best to get one with the lock system if you’re afraid of being clumsy.
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The Nose
Many times, people complain that the nose of the nailer keeps falling off and needs constant repairing. To avoid getting into a similar situation, check the nose of the nailer and how well it’s attached beforehand.
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Double Fire Mechanism and Power Source
An important part of choosing the right tool is to know how it’s powered. There’s no point in buying an air-powered nailing tool when you don’t have an air compressor or have no intention of buying one for your project.
Again, if you’re looking for free movement and don’t like wires restraining you, batteries are the way to go. Even after you select what type of siding nailer you’re getting, issues like double firing are something you need to consider.
Many times the air-powered tools get jammed or double fire when the air compressor lacks in power supply. In this case, remember to match your product with the capacity of your air compressor and regulator.
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Nail Capacity
If you go to an expert to know which siding nailer you should buy, one of the first things they’ll suggest is to get one that has functional nail capacity. Usually, a product will have nail capacity ranging from 200 to 400.
Most of you will agree that reloading is a pain that slows down the entire work process. So if you want to save time, get a product with more nail capacity.
Also, remember to check what sizes of nails the product can drive. If it can fire both wire-collated and plastic-collated ones, it’s a better choice than others.
In case you already have nails at home, match the sizes while purchasing the tool. Some products even come with a pack of nails from the start, and that makes things much easier.
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Exhaust
You’ve probably heard of cases where the exhaust wasn’t directed away from the user, and it stained clothes or ruined a pair of new shoes. If the exhaust is pointing your way while working, it might cause harm, or your clothes might get stained.
This is why you should get a nailer that has an adjustable exhaust system. Besides, the materials that are used for siding aren’t always soft, and you might get hurt from the exhaust residue while working. Better safe than sorry, right?
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Safety
While nailers might seem harmless, there are certain safety measures you need to take while using them. Even while buying one, you should remember whether the product is safe enough for someone of your level of experience to use.
Does the product have a safety lock? What material is it made of? Can it stand high power supplied to it, or will it catch fire or burst?
Always keep the magazine empty when you are done with your work. It’s a basic safety hack to point the nailer to the surface so as not to hurt anyone.
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Foot/Bumper
Unless you want your product to get damaged and break down quickly, you better look for one with a rubber footing. It might seem pointless, but trust us, it isn’t. Nailers without rubber bumpers can get damaged while firing and won’t last very long. So always get one with a rubber foot.
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Ergonomics
The ergonomics of a nailer means that it is capable of performing well and reducing strain on the user. The more ergonomic your nailer, the less strain on your hand. Factors that ultimately decide the nailer’s ergonomics include, lifespan, usage levels, weight, and design.
How long it’s been used and how much workload it can stand at a time is essential to consider while buying it. Anywhere that you’re investing your money in, you need to check out its key features and the reviews of the previous users.
Always remember that quality costs. So if you go for a cheaper one, you’ll need to let go of some part of the quality almost every time.
Siding Nailer vs. Framing Nailer
By now, you might be wondering which is better- a siding nailer or a framing one? The main similarity between these two nailers is that both are pneumatic. They use air pressure to run. So a lot of time gets saved. But they are different in their weight, design, nail type, functionality, and cost.
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Fasteners
Although they look the same, framing nailers drive fasteners that are longer. As these are meant for framing installations, they can drive nails of 3 to half an inch. This provides more support and security, whereas siding nailers can only drive smaller fasteners of lengths ranging from 1-1/4 or 2-1/2 inches.
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Support
Likewise, you can use siding nailers for framing, but it won’t be as supportive. Siding nailers are meant to provide finishing to the jobs. If you are working on a building and need to fasten thick boards of 2×4, using a framing nailer will make the job faster and more convenient.
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Weight
In terms of weight, siding nailers are more user-friendly. They are usually lighter than framed ones. Framing nailers can weigh up to 10 or 9 pounds, but a mid-range siding nailer will only weigh 5-6 pounds. This makes it easier to carry and control.
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Sturdiness
At the same time, framing nailers use longer nails so they can be used for most siding projects easily. But siding nailers can’t be used as often for framing projects as the nails are too short for adequate sturdiness.
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The Thickness of Installation Material
These nailers are meant to attach thinner wood pieces or non-wood materials to a wooden mount. As these are supposed to be used for installing siding outside the house, they aren’t the ideal tools to frame a building.
You need to keep in mind that cross-application is possible for these two tools. It’s best to buy the tool that is designed specifically for the designated use rather than going for something else.
Siding Nailer vs. Roofing Nailer
Oftentimes, when you want to buy a budget-friendly siding nailer, you might get suggested a roofing one instead. Getting a roofing nailer when you want a siding one, will prove to be a big mistake in the long run. Wondering why?
Attachments
Well, roofing nailers are designed to drive fasteners that you can remove easily. When you attach shingles to a roof with this product, you’ll need to remove it later on as it wears out. Usually, the shingles need replacement within 20 years. You can’t use it to do siding jobs as it won’t attach the sidings properly.
Nail Size and Material
If you want to work on the rooftop of your house and your roofing material is fiberglass, roofing nailers will excel in this job. However, as these nail guns can only drive nails as short as 1 to 3/4 inches, they aren’t any good for siding.
Depth Adjustment
With siding nailers, you get a variety of depth adjustment options that increases its use. Roofing nailers, on the other hand, have limitations since depth-adjustment features don’t get included. They have broader heads and smoother shanks compared to other types of nailers. Most of them are coil nailers, and they work reasonably well under a moderate workload.
Loading
Consequently, a key feature of roofing nailers is that they have easy loading of the hard plastic canister. So, comparing these two, it’s safe to say that spending your cash on a siding nailer is better than getting a roofing one though it’s cheaper.
That’s because siding ones provide multiple uses and features that are absent in roofing ones.
Types of Siding Nailers
Based on power source and functionality, you’ll get the following categories of siding nailers in your local hardware store:
Pneumatic Siding Nailers
As the name suggests, a pneumatic siding nailer is one that runs on air power. So you need an air compressor to work with it. This means you don’t need to worry about batteries running out or the power not being sufficient.
Since this tool is pneumatic, it’s no surprise that these types of tools are superior in terms of power performance.
You can control better the tools that run on-air pressure. This provides more versatility and allows better accuracy. Besides, you can use pneumatic siding nailers for both delicate and hard siding projects. No matter the material, with the right regulator, you can always adjust the pressure to meet your demands.
Cordless Siding Nailers
These types of nailers run on batteries rather than air. While this might sound backdated, it does have its benefits. Not everyone has a power-packed air compressor lying at home. Also, using batteries means you don’t need to deal with annoying wires that reduce mobility.
In this regard, cordless nailers are better to work on delicate objects, which might break a tool run by air pressure. Keep in mind that if power performance is what you are looking for, this will not be suitable for you. For basic work that you need to get done, a cordless nailer works just as well as any other tool you might use.
Coil Siding Nailers
For any professional, this is a staple in their toolbox. Coil siding nailers work in a more sophisticated way and use solenoids to drive the nails.
A series of power solenoids are used that propel a metal piston at the front of the tool. The metal piston has a rod attached to its front. When propelled by the solenoids, this piston causes the rod to drive the nail.
Solenoids like this attract the projectile piston to the mid-portion of the solenoid. This is how power is controlled while using these nailers. You can increase the power by turning off each solenoid.
As the solenoids get switched off, the force pulling the piston back to the middle of the tool gets reduced, and the nailer gets more power.
Since these types of nailers have the potential to penetrate harder objects, they are perfect for fiber cement, brick veneer, and stucco siding.
Apart from these main types, siding nailers can be categorized based on their features and design. Some are better for DIY projects and light use, while others are more suited for professional use. Based on weight, there are two more categories of siding nailers:
Heavy-Duty Siding Nailers
These are the nailers meant to be used all day and for more significant projects. They work well on hardwood and fiber cement or sturdy materials. For working on house siding installations, you require the heavy-duty ones.
You’ll find some great brands supplying amazing heavy-duty nailers that are on the higher end of the price scale. They come with more than just the bare tool and last longer.
Lightweight Siding Nailers
If using heavier devices seems too strenuous, it’s better for you to get a lightweight nailer. While these might not function as well as the heavy-duty ones, they do work well in DIY projects or basic siding works. Just don’t expect them to handle the workloads of the entire day.
Use these carefully as they can get damaged easily. It’s notable that the companies have introduced some lightweight, low-maintenance siding nailers in the modern days for making things easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding siding nailers:
- What is a siding nailer used for?
A siding nailer is used for installing siding in the exterior of houses or on any small project like a dog-house. It’s suitable to attach thin wooden or non-wood materials to wooden mounts.
You can use siding nailers for roofing, too, depending on your tool’s features. It’s basically a nail gun that runs on either batteries or air pressure and removes the need for hand-nailing furniture or finishing works.
- For cedar siding, what nails are the best?
You can use aluminum nails for cedar siding. The best ones are those that are galvanized to prevent rusting and corrosion.
- Can I use a siding nailer for roofing?
Yes, you can use siding nailers for roofing. Since most siding nailers can drive nails of lengths 2-1/2 or 1-1/4 inches, they do work well for roofing installations.
- Which nails should I use for wood siding?
For siding on wood, anything that is sturdy and durable is suitable. Try using ones that are galvanized. Metal nails like stainless steel and aluminum are best for wood siding.
- Can I use a roofing nailer for doing siding work?
No, it’s a bad idea. Don’t try using roofing nailers on siding projects since they don’t give enough support. Not to mention, the nails driven by most roofing nailers are so small that they need to be taken out later on at some point.
- Can I use the same nails for Hardiplank siding and Hardi siding?
If you are using electro-galvanized nails, it’s a “yes.” You can use that for both materials. But for Hardiplank siding, hot-dipped galvanized nails are the best.
Conclusion
Want to install some siding? Find your perfect siding nailer right now! No need to go through several reviews. Follow this buying guide and a list of reviews of the best siding nailers to find the perfect one for you. Trust us; you won’t be disappointed in the least.
Also, Feel Free To Read Our Nail Gun Guides
- The Best Cordless Finish Nailer For House Project Work
- The Best Pin Nailer For woodworking projects
- The Best Cordless Brad Nailers Recommended For You.
- How To Find Best Flooring Nailer For Wooden Flooring Job?
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