Siding Nailer Reviews – Your Guide for Finding the Best Models
Which home improvement should be next on your to-do list? There’s many options but the best ones include siding for homes whether it’s vinyl, aluminum, wood, stone, or fiber cement. This upgrade to the house’s exterior can provide many benefits including protection from the elements, curbside value, and increased value. It’s important to have the right tools like a siding nailer.
This is one of many types of nail guns on the market. Why should you consider it? You could technically use other types of air nailers to install siding but a big issue is the large nails that are required for the installation. If you don’t have the right nailing gun it could result in sub-par results. That’s definitely something you’ll want to avoid when you’re trying to upgrade your home.
The big question is: which nail gun should you select? The number of options can seem unlimited based on factors like the weight, size, durability, reliability, comfort, features, etc. Making a bad choice can result in the siding job taking more time and effort than it should.
We 100% understand your particular situation. That’s why we’ve compiled some of the top models of nailer guns for siding on the market. This includes their features, benefits, and drawbacks. You’ll have all the info you need in order to make the best decision.
A big plus is you can get all the information you need from one location. There’s no need to surf the Internet for hours to find the best model for siding installation jobs. The time you save can be spent for other activities like putting up siding.
We’ll evaluate some of the top siding nail guns on the market and provide you with the pros/cons of each of them. You can also find out which one is our pick for the best overall model. Then you can pick a unit that most effectively meets your needs whether it’s for work or home. Without further ado let’s get to it!
Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Nailer
This siding nailer can be used for installing different types like cement and fiber concrete, as well as fencing, decking, sheathing, etc. It fires 15-degree wire/plastic nails that include a range of lengths. The unit includes an adjustable depth for different fasteners and applications. Other features include contact to provide safe/precise fastening, no-mar tip to prevent work surface damage, and safety lock for trigger.
NV65AH2 Coil Siding Nailer 2.5-Inch by Hitachi
The Hitachi nailer is lightweight at 4.8 pounds and is compact so it can be maneuvered easily when installing siding. This unit drives wire/plastic collated nails to provide more options. It includes an actuation switch so you can toggle between sequential/contact nailing by flipping the switch. The magazine is a tilt-bottom and side-load unit so reloads can be done quickly and easily. The adjustment for depth of drive is tool-less to provide the right depth for different applications. A no-mar nose-piece cap helps protect your work piece from getting marked accidentally. The air deflector can be adjusted to direct air exhaust away from the operator. Finally, the plastic shield can deflect wire collation to boost safety.
N66C-1 1.25-inch to 2.5-inch Coil Siding Nailer by Bostitch
This siding nail gun from Bostitch drives wire and plastic coil nails. It’s durable/lightweight with an aluminum design. The depth guide is adjustable and set nails to the depths you need quickly/easily. The adjustable exhaust is tool-free to let you direct exhaust easily away from users. The rubber foot is soft so it prevents damage to soft woods.
Makita AN611 1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch Coil Siding Nailer
Here’s another airless paint sprayer you should put on your list without delay. Yes, this one’s very particular about its prowess. And that confidence should shine on you. Price-wise this is very attainable. Not the cheapest but it’s also within reach.
The 1/2-horsepower more you get here gives you a powerful pressure of 2800 PSI, that’s telling you you’d be getting all the power you need to have that clean spray. And yes, you should have faith this won’t fall over. Thanks to those sturdy legs. You have power in here with as much as 24/100 of a galloon paint output per minute. Imagine that!
Let's Compare the Best Siding Nailer
Detailed Comparison List
Product Name | Product Weight | Product Dimensions | Price | Total Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Freeman PCN65 Siding Fencing Nailer | 0.16 ounces | 13.2 x 11 x 5 inches | ||
NV65AH2 Coil Siding Nailer 2.5-Inch by Hitachi | 6.4 pounds | 11.4 x 5.1 x 11.1 inches | ||
N66C-1 1.25-inch to 2.5-inch Coil Siding Nailer by Bostitch
| 9.5 pounds | 11 x 5 x 12 inches | ||
Makita AN611 1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch Coil Siding Nailer | 5 pounds | 13.2 x 5 x 12.5 inches |
Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Fencing Nailer
Short review
The Freeman PCN65 includes a lot of features that make it a good option for a sliding/fencing nailer. It’s very durable with an aluminum body/cylinder. Other features include a drive blade that includes 1 piece, and O-rings made of rubber to provide more durability.
There’s an adjustable exhaust that’s 360-degree. This helps to blow dust/debris off the workspace and keep air off the operator’s face. This makes the unit more effective when operating it for siding/fencing jobs.
There’s also a depth adjustment. What’s it about? This lets you set the firing depth for various projects at work or home. The result is a driving depth that’s consistent so the nailer works more efficiently.
The PCN65 also includes a side-loading magazine. The cover can be moved away by flipping it so you can load nails fast and efficiently. This will boost the overall efficiently of the nail gun. The magazine is also covered by a transparent cover. This lets you easily observe how many fasteners are left in the magazine, which results in more efficient operation.
This nailer includes an ergonomic grip that helps to provide a secure grip. It also delivers comfort via the anti-vibration feature. The trigger lock is a safety feature that lets you lock the piece when you want to avoid the unit firing accidentally. An example is when the nailer is hanging from your belt.
This nailing gun also includes a 0.25-inch NPT fitting and anti-dust cap. The standard fitting means you won’t have to invest in other accessories. Meanwhile, the dust cap will help to keep the parts inside the air nailer clean and operational.
This power nailer also includes a safety contact that’s no-mar. This prevents the unit from firing until the nosepiece contacts the work surface. The tip also helps to prevent dents/dings, which in turn helps to protect your work surface.
The unit’s belt hook helps to free up the operator’s hands. It’s adjustable and hangs over fencing or the operator’s belt. This provides easy access to the power tool when you’re ready to do fencing or siding work.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
NV65AH2 Coil Siding Nailer 2.5-Inch by Hitachi
Short review
This Hitachi siding nailer is a 2.5-inch coil nailer. The Japanese conglomerate is headquartered in the capital city of Japan and is under the umbrella company Hitachi Group. The multi-national company was founded over a century ago in 1910 by Namihei Odaira. It’s been ranked by Forbes and Fortune as being among the world’s largest companies.
Hitachi’s first product was an induction motor with 5 horsepower that was designed originally for the copper mining industry. As time passed the company became Japan’s leader in electric power/motors. The company’s name combines two Japanese characters that mean “sun” and “rise.” The company transferred its headquarters to Tokyo exactly one century ago in 1918.
The NV65AH2 offers power, convenience, and precision to a jobsite whether it’s for work or home. It weighs just 4.8 pounds so is easy to operate during siding jobs. This gun can drive nails up to 2.5-inch x 0.099-inch at 3 nails/second. This makes the unit powerful/efficient.
The Hitachi nailer gun also includes various other features. They include side loading, actuation switch with selections, depth of drive dial that’s been re-positioned, and tilt-bottom magazine. All these features explain why the unit is a popular option among professional siding installers.
The unit also provides flexibility due to other features. They include an air deflector that’s adjustable, wire/plastic nails, and plastic shield/no-mar nose cap. These are all key features that provide more options for the power nailer’s operator.
The unit fires wire/plastic nails ranging from 1.5-inch to 2.-5inch and with a diameter ranging from 0.090 to 0.099. The magazine is side-loading and the compartment stores 200 to 300 nails.
The unit also includes various accessories. They include hex bar wrenches of different sizes, and safety glasses. This increases the value of the nailer gun since you would need to purchase those items separately. Spend money to save money!
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
N66C-1 1.25-inch to 2.5-inch Coil Siding Nailer by Bostitch
Short review
Bostitch is an American company whose name combines the words “Boston” and “Stitch.” It’s officially known as Stanley Bostitch and manufactures various fastening tools like nail, staple, and glue guns. It’s under the umbrella company Stanley Black & Decker.
Bostitch was originally founded by Thomas Briggs in 1896. The company was known as the Boston Wire Stitcher Company. It was based on Brigg’s invention of a machine that used wire to stitch books. It later started to make other types of staplers for commercial use. In 1914 Briggs’ company unveiled its first stapling machine that was portable.
The Bostitch N66C-1 is a siding nail gun that is powerful and precise. The tool is lightweight and features a housing made of aluminum that’s also strong enough to be used continuously during a workday. Other features include a rubber foot and nail depth that’s adjustable, which lets you use a wide variety of siding materials like soft woods.
This nailer gun can help you complete siding jobs easily. It’s made from aluminum so it’s light enough to do wielding jobs throughout the day. The nailer weighs a little under 5 pounds so it’s easy to operate for siding jobs. It’s still strong enough to deal with the wear/tear of jobsites. The N66C-1 is also protected with the carrying case you can store it in when it’s not in use.
You can also use the Bostitch nailer with all air compressors. It provides extra safety with the adjustable exhaust that is tool-free. This helps to direct hot air away from the operator and work surface when the nailing gun is being operated.
The N66C-1 works with several types of siding materials ranging from wood to steel. You can use the air nailer for just about all types of siding. It accepts plastic-inserted and wire-weld coil nails. There’s also a rubber foot that’s soft enough to work safely on soft wood without causing any damage to the surface. You can also use the Hitachi nailer for hard materials like cement, fencing, clapboard, and steel that’s light-gauge.
The N66C-1 includes a guide that’s adjustable as well as an operating range from 70 psi to 120 psi. This lets you use the dial to pick the correct depth for the particular job you’re doing. There’s also enough power due to the 515 in/lbs so you can set it for nails ranging from 1.25-inch to 2.5-inch.
The unit also has a nail magazine that stores 350 nails. It allows you to do lots of work with a single load. This is critical since it reduces the time you’ll have to spend reloading the nailer. Less reloading time means more nailing time.
Another key feature of this power nailer is it covered by a limited warranty that’s valid for 7 years. It’s valid starting from the purchase date and helps to protect your investment in case repairs/replacement parts are needed.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
Makita AN611 1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch Coil Siding Nailer
Short review
Makita is a Japanese company that produces power tools. It was founded over a century ago in 1915 and is based in Anjo. The company operates factories in countries like Japan, China, Germany, UK, and US. The company assembles a large number of tools in a North America factory located in the US state of Georgia.
The siding nailer company was founded as Makita Electric Works. The company started selling various products like motors, transformers, and lighting equipment. Makita introduced its first rechargeable power tool, which was a battery-powered drill. The power tool company later released the first tool powered by a nickel-cadmium battery in 1978. Another game-changer was its first tool powered by a lithium-ion battery released in 2005.
The AN611 is a 2.5-inch coil nailer. It offers sturdy construction with easy to use features, which results in a high-performance power tool.
This nailing gun uses nails ranging from 1.25-inch to 2.5-inch and with a shank diameter ranging from 0.080 to 0.099. The magazine capacity is 300 to 400 nails, which is quite high based on industry standards. It also features a canister that’s easy to load and adjust for nail size.
The Makita nailer also includes a selector switch with 3 modes including contact, sequential, and lock. This is designed to provide the nailer’s user with more control/convenience. It also operates with an air pressure ranging from 65 psi to 120 psi.
The AN611 also includes other features. They include sharp spurs that can grip wood effectively to boost control at angles. There’s also a depth adjustment that has 9 depth settings, which requires no tools.
The nailer kit includes several items:
· AN611 nailer
· Air fitting
· Hex wrench
· Safety goggles
· Tool case
· Nailer oil
This nail gun also includes a guarantee and warranty. You can return any Makita nailer within 30 days after you purchase it to get a refund or replacement.
There’s more. All pneumatic nailers from Makita are also covered with a 3-year warranty that include defects due to materials/workmanship. If an inspection at an authorized service center or Makita factory shows these are the causes of the power tool’s problems the company will repair or replace the unit free of charge.
Things We Liked
Things We Didn't Like
VALUE SECTION
Top Benefits of Siding
Here are some of the top benefits of adding siding to your home:
Curb Appeal
This is among the most important issues to consider if you wish to improve the appearance of your home. It’s an X-factor because it’s not directly related to your house’s value. However, let’s say that all the houses on your block have siding. If your house is the only one that doesn’t have it the house will stick out like a sore thumb. It will also likely be tougher to resell.
Resell Value
Adding home improvements to your home can significantly boost the value of your home. That in turn can increase how much the house can fetch when you sell it. In fact, you might be surprised by the return on investment (ROI) you can get by adding siding.
A 20014 study showed that homeowners could recoup about two-thirds of the costs after adding fiber-cement siding. This figure was higher than other major home improvements like roofing, vinyl windows and composite decks.
That’s not all! The National Association of Realtors reported that 80% of the most cost-effective US home improvement projects in terms of the recouped value were exterior projects. The figure was even higher than No. 2 wood decks.
Efficiency
This is a top benefit of siding. The most efficient option is stucco. However, other types are also very energy efficient including vinyl, wood, and wood. It’s all about the amount of insulation the material provides so it’s critical to review the efficiency of different kinds of siding.
This is also critical since it’s related to your energy bills. If you pick a very energy-efficient material like vinyl it can help to keep your heating/cooling bills down since the interior air will be trapped inside and the exterior air will be kept away.
The energy-efficiency is a major issue in terms of recouping the cost of the siding. The more energy efficient the siding is the faster the siding can pay for itself.
Durable
This is an important issue since it can improve the energy-efficiency and appearance of your home. There’s many options to pick from. Some of the sturdiest options include aluminum, wood, and vinyl.
Aluminum siding is available in various styles/colors. It’s also much more durable now than previous versions in the past. While it’s not the most durable type of siding it provides many other benefits like value for the price.
The drawbacks of this type of siding it’s very vulnerable to damage like scratches and dents. This can be caused by various things like pebbles, hail or home-run baseballs.
Wood is also a very durable option for your home’s siding. This provides a classic look that many homeowners want to create for their house. Wood is a durable type of siding and can boost the curb appeal.
However, there are also some drawbacks to this type of siding. Wood siding must be maintained in order to prevent things like warping, rotting, and other results you’ll want to avoid after using a nailer to install the siding. This type of siding is also very vulnerable to bugs and rodents.
Vinyl siding is another type of durable siding. It’s the most popular option in the US. This type of siding is strong for various reasons. For example, it’s resistant to insects and weather so it can hold up well during harsh weather. It’s also very resistant to things like cracking, rotting, warping, expanding, and swelling.
Vinyl siding also includes another plus in terms of durability. Today’s vinyl siding includes color that’s baked into the material. This prevents the need to paint/stain the siding, which was a common requirement in the past. Who knew that vinyl could help to avoid climbing up a ladder with a paintbrush every few years?
In terms of durability/damage all types of siding have pros and cons. It’s important to research the benefits/drawbacks of different types of siding to determine which one is the best choice based on your situation. For example, if you want low-maintenance siding you should consider vinyl since you’ll just need a hose for cleaning. Meanwhile, if you live near a highway you’ll likely want to avoid aluminum siding since it could be dented by flying pebbles.
Comfort
Various types of siding like vinyl siding can actually improve the comfort level of the residents. The top benefits include providing better insulation. For example, vinyl siding is an excellent option to boost your house’s insulation.
It’s based on the laws of physics. When there’s more insulation between the house’s exterior/interior, it makes the transfer of heat slower. This can benefit you during all seasons. For example, in the summer you’ll want to prevent the sun’s heat and humidity from entering your house. Then in the winter you’ll want to keep the warm air indoors to keep your family more comfy.
An interesting study was done recently by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The study compared the amount of moisture in conventional walls. Vinyl siding had the best drying ability and that included the insulated and conventional types.
These results can provide various benefits for your household. Besides lowering your heating/cooling bills it will also help to keep your household more comfortable throughout the year.
Maintenance
Unfortunately the amount of maintenance required for the upkeep of siding varies depending on the type you pick. For example, vinyl siding is very low-maintenance. It’s not only cost-effective but can last quite a while if it’s installed properly. You also won’t have to deal with issues like scratches and dents like aluminum siding. Since the color is baked in you also won’t have to paint or stain the siding.
Meanwhile, other types of siding require different levels of maintenance. For example, metal is mostly maintenance-free. However, it can also dent easily if there’s lots of traffic or hail around your home, for example. Meanwhile, wood require little maintenance and won’t dent/break.
Versatility
In terms of versatility some of the best options are vinyl and engineering wood. For example, you can find vinyl siding with a wide range in terms of color, texture, and plank size. Aluminum siding can be painted, which helps to protect it from the elements. Wood siding can also be detailed in various styles including planks, singles, tone-and-groove, and logs. You can also stain this type of siding virtually any color, which provides more flexibility.
Installation
The installation of siding is quite easy. Many home improvement companies can install various types including vinyl and aluminum siding. This can save homeowners a lot of time and effort and can also help to make sure the work is done properly. That might be less likely if they try to tackle the job themselves.
However, if you’re a DIYer it’s possible to install the vinyl yourself. It’s important to have the now-how and right tools like a nail gun for siding. This can save you a lot of money that you’d normally have to spend by hiring a professional company.
The key is to pick the right nail gun to install the siding. This is among the most important steps to take in order to get the best results. Even if you have the skills to install siding it will be hard as nails if you don’t have the right nailer to do the job.
Cost
Siding can help to improve your home’s appearance and lower your utility bills but you’re likely concerned about the price tag. There’s some good news. Vinyl siding is the cheapest option and is also available in a wide range of styles and colors. The other best options in terms of price include wood and stucco.
The prices will vary based on several factors. However, it’s common for hardwood siding to be 2x the cost of vinyl in terms of square foot. The key is to do comparison shopping to find the siding you want at the best price and it can help you to save a small fortune. Shop around!
Top Features of a Siding Nailer
When selecting a siding nail gun here are some of the most critical issues to take up:
Unit/Kit
Like other types of power nailers you can pick from a single unit or kit. The nailer kit includes the nail gun as well as other items such as hex wrench, safety goggles, and even oil. These are all valuable items that you’d likely purchase anyway. It’s certainly a plus when you can start using the nailer to install siding right out of the box.
Meanwhile, there are other situations when you might just want to purchase the nailer. If you already have items like hex wrenches then it’s more practical to purchase just the nailer itself.
Safety
There’s many components that can improve the safety of the nail gun. For example, an adjustable exhaust that’s 360-degree can help to keep hot air/fumes off your face while you’re working. You can also use it to blow away debris that’s on your workspace. This in turn will make your work safer since you’ll have a clear sight of your work, which is important.
There’s other components that can also help to provide safety. For example, a trigger lock can protect accidental firing. That includes situations like when the nailer hangs from the operator’s belt.
Another important component in terms of safety is a plastic shield that offers protection like Captain America’s. This is for deflecting wire collation, which is important to provide added protection of the nailing gun’s operator.
Protection
This involves protection of the work surface and the unit itself. For example, you should consider a safety contact hat’s no-mar. This helps to prevent the nail gun from firing until the nosepiece contacts the user’s work surface. A no-mar tip can also help to prevent damage to the work surface like dents.
Then there’s also features like a cap that provides anti-dust protection. This helps to keep the unit’s internal parts as clean as possible. In turn that will help to improve the nail gun’s functionality, which is certainly critical when operating any power tool.
Magazine
There’s various issues to take up when considering the nailer gun’s magazine. It starts with the design/construction. You should consider magazines made of durable materials like aluminum. This will help to boost the durability and lifespan of the magazine and nailing gun itself.
There’s various types of loading like side-loading. What’s most important is the system makes the process and quick and easy as possible. That in turn will prevent you from spending valuable time loading the magazine.
Another important issue is the magazine’ capacity. It’s generally better if the magazine has a capacity of hundreds of nails. This will make your life easier since it can boost productivity and reduce the number of reloads you have to do.
You can also find some other features like a transparent bucket. This lets you see how many nails are left in the magazine. That will give you a sense of how soon you’ll have to resupply the magazine. This in turn can help to make your projects more efficient so you can plan how many nails you’ll have left when putting up siding on a house, for example.
Applications
A “siding” nailer gun is by definition designed specifically for that purpose. However, you can find such units that can also be used for other applications like plywood, decking, sheathing, and oriented strand board (OSB).
Why are these cross-over units good option? It will help to add value to your nailing gun. You won’t have to use a different nailer for installing various kinds of siding like fiber concrete and cement. This feature is especially important for siding professionals.
Adjustability
As when selecting other types of nail guns it’s important to consider the various components that can be adjusted. One example is depth adjustment. This lets you change the firing depth for various types of projects. This will help to make sure you use effective driving depths for various kinds of siding, for example. You can find units with several sittings to provide more versatility.
Another important type of adjustment is based on the types of nails the nailer uses. For example, you can find nail guns that operate with different lengths of nails. The adjustments can be either manual or automatic. For example, this can include wire/plastic nails.
Another important adjustment is selective actuation. This includes a switch for different types of nailing like contact or sequential. If you can flip a switch you can make the adjustment.
Weight/Size
These are both important issues related to the ergonomics of the unit. Make sure the nailer is durable yet lightweight enough to operate for several hours if that’s necessary.
The size of the nailer is also critical. This will make it easier to maneuver when operating the power tool. Like the weight it’s important not to sacrifice the power you need for your siding work.
Durability
This issue generally starts with the nailer’s manufacturer. If you pick an established brand you’ll be more likely to end up with a durable unit. However, that will be less likely if you pick a startup company, for example.
The next issue is the actual construction of the nailer. For example, look for features like an aluminum body/cylinder, O-rings made of rubber, and 1-piece drive blade. These help to provide you with a siding nail gun that will be more durable.
Belt Hook
If you’d like to free up your hands when installing siding then this is a feature you should look for. The adjustable hooks can hang on the user’s belt or over fencing. This provides more convenience since it will be easier to install siding.
Brand
There’s many different brands to select from. It’s generally a good idea to pick well-known manufacturers like Bostitch, Hitachi, and Makita. These companies have many decades of experience in the industry, which can provide you with a better product and service.
Should you pick an off brand? It’s generally a crap shot for various reasons. It starts with the lower quality of the unit, which can have a negative effect when operating the nailer gun. That’s likely a situation you’ll want to avoid since it can affect the installation job.
Picking an off brand can also cause issues in terms of customer support. For example, such companies might provide slow or no customer service. The warranty will also likely be limited if there is one and only available for a year or so.
CONCLUSION
Which nailer for siding installation is the best choice? We’ve reviewed some of the top units on the market. They all include features, benefits, and drawbacks that must be considered when selecting a particular model.
As always there’s no “perfect” unit in the world. It’s important to select a model that includes the features/benefits that will deliver the best results. There’s many options to consider. Are you a professional or DIYer? What kind(s) of siding will you be installing with the nailer? What are your priorities in terms of factors like quality, reliability, speed, capacity and comfort?
At the end of the day the main goal should be to pick the right nailer for your needs. We’ve carefully and objectively reviewed some of the best units on the market. These nail guns have received many positive online reviews so they’re all generally considered the best of the best nailers.
Our pick for the top overall nailer for siding is the N66C-1 1.25-inch to 2.5-inch Coil Siding Nailer by Bostitch. It all starts with the manufacturer itself. It was founded in 1896 and has developed many game-changing products during its history including the world’s first collated staple.
This is important because it helps to ensure you’ll be getting a nailer made by a company with tons of experience and know-how in the business. Meanwhile, if you picked a startup tool company, for example, you’d be likely to get an inferior product and service.
The USA-made nailer provides many key benefits. It’s very durable with an aluminum design but is also lightweight to make it easier to operate. This is especially important when operating the nailer for several hours at a time or for big siding jobs.
The depth guide is adjustable so you can quickly and easily change the nail depth you want. This provides more flexibility since you can use one tool for multiple jobs. Another adjustable feature is the exhaust, which is a tool-free feature. It lets you direct exhaust away from the user, which is both a safety and comfort issue.
You also won’t have to worry about scratching your work surface with the N66C-1. The rubber foot is soft so it helps to keep softer woods protected. This is critical when adding wood siding to a home.
So when selecting a power nailer for siding we highly recommend the N66C-1 coil siding nailer by Bostitch. It’s manufactured by a leading power tool company in the world and offers a wide range of features in terms of quality, reliability, and comfort. The best choice is Bostitch!