10 Best Nail Gun for Hardie Siding & Trim in 2024

Across the US government, more than 8 million homes are built with Hardie siding. That’s to tell you this type of siding is extremely popular, and do you know why?

Made from cement and wood fibers, Hardie siding is extremely resilient. It is fire-proof, waterproof, and resistant to bugs and weather changes. As a matter of fact, you needn’t change it for up to 50 years.

Hardie siding also comes in a very wide array of color options, so getting what suits you is a no-brainer. You can get it already painted or just primed so that you paint it yourself. Amazingly, the company's paint job is extremely durable, lasting up to 15 years.

If you're looking to install the material, consider getting the best nail gun for Hardie siding and trim. With the tool, it will be so much easier to nail effectively and finish the work quickly and with less effort.

This article recommends the nailers worth trying and gives you an in-depth guide to help you choose.

Why Should You Use Nail Gun for Hardie Trim and Siding?

Installing Hardie board and trim is a quite involving task. Moreover, it has to be done meticulously to bring out that fine, professional outlook. If you’re to finish it fast and get aesthetically pleasing results, then you need a tool that combines power with accuracy and speed.

That tool is not a hammer, but a Hardie board nail gun. Here are the benefits:

Time-Saving

The most obvious perk of using a nailer is that it saves time. As a matter of fact, you could install 5 nails over the duration that you’d use to drive one nail with a hammer.

Accuracy and Safety

Missing the target is common with a hammer. And when it happens, you can end up with crooked nails, which further slows you down.

Even worse, a miscalculated swing could land on your fingers and I don’t even need to explain the resulting pain.

However, with a nail gun, the chances of missing the target or smacking your fingers are close to none.

Professional Results

Even for experienced users, delivering a uniform amount of force with a hammer is not easy. Some nails will be overdriven and some will be underdriven and the angle will also vary.

But a quality nail gun supplies a uniform amount of power and ensures there’s a high degree of evenness.

With the power and accuracy of the best nail gun for siding, the quality of the work is superb. It is so much easier to nail cleanly and evenly and achieve a great look.

Less Effort and More Convenience

Using a hammer requires you to spend lots of elbow grease.

On the other hand, with a nail gun, the only effort you’ll need is that of supporting the weight of the gun. Pushing in the nail is as easy as pulling a trigger, which is effortless.

With a hammer, you have to drag along a container of nails. But with a gun, the nails are inside the tool already, which is a lot more convenient.

Our Recommended Best Nail Gun for Hardie Trim and Siding

1. NuMax SFR2190  Pneumatic 21 Degree Full Round Head Framing Nailer

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Numax is a brand of Prime Global Products Inc., a leading tool manufacturer based in Georgia, USA. DIYers, handymen, and small-scale contractors in the country trust this brand as a provider of professional quality pneumatic power.

Precise, lightweight, reliable, and fair-priced. These are the reasons why the NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree Full Round Head Framing Nailer is considered the best nail gun for Hardie siding. 

If you’re looking for a good nailer for siding installation, chances are that you’ll not want to get a tool that costs an arm and leg. After all, you’ll use it only once in a while unless you’re doing lots of repairs from time to time.

The air-powered Numax is a bargain. While it goes for less than a hundred bucks, a cordless unit with the same power could cost you well over a hundred.

When installing siding or trim or doing other construction works around the home, you'll inevitably come across several tight spaces. If you’re using a straight nailer, getting into the spaces and deploying the nails successfully will be a bit of a challenge.

However, with an angled nailer such as this 21-degree unit from Numax, getting into tight spaces and nailing is a hitch.

Do you have some leftover nails from your previous projects? Tell you what? You don’t have to throw them away. You can use them with this gun as long as they are 2 ½ to 3 ½ inches. The nailer takes plastic-collated nails of the said sizes. The brand of the nails doesn't matter. 

Power is an important aspect to mull over when shopping for a nailer. You don’t want a unit that shoots the nails right through the material, yet you don’t want one that requires you to go over the nails with a hammer afterward.

The NuMax SFR2190 working with pressures of 70 to 115 PSI, happens to be really powerful. You can rely on it for tasks ranging from nailing trim to more involving jobs like building a new room.

The only downside is that the unit is relatively sizeable, which can leave you a bit exhausted after hours of work.

Highlighted Features:

• Angled – gets into tight spaces efficiently
• Drives 2 ½ to 3 ½ inch nails
• Made of magnesium with heat-treated steel parts for durability
• Easy disassembly for cleaning, oiling, and adjustment
• Changing the triggers is a cinch
• Adjustable exhaust – put it away from your face or set it to blow debris
• Great craftsmanship – no-mar tip to protect your surfaces from dents
• Ergonomic handle that provides a secure grip
• Shoots flawlessly intermittently or continuously
• Pressure limits are compatible with a portable compressor – 70 to 115 psi

2. PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer Kit

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Porter-Cable is one of the most popular firms in the US. The brand is well-known for its innovative contributions to the portable power tools industry, such as introducing the portable belt sander.

Well, cords can be a bother when installing nails around the house. First, the cord might fail to reach the place where you’re working. Again, moving around with a compressor is not always convenient. It is exhausting.

If you're looking to drive nails without having to deal with a cord, a good cordless nail gun such as the one from Porter-Cable will be a good pick.

The PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer is a straight electric model that is powered by a battery. You don’t need a compressor, hoses, or costly gas cartridges.

When getting a cordless unit, one question you might ask is – will I need to charge it now and then? I know how inconvenient that can be, and that’s why I chose to tell you about this model.

The tool operates on a 20V 4.0 Ah battery, so when fully charged, you can shoot up to 1300 nails before needing to recharge it.

Power is a major consideration when looking for a nail gun for Hardie siding. Concerning that, Porter-Cable offers you a tool that is powerful enough for not only siding but also trim and planks of wood. You could even use it to repair your fence. It's an awesome gun that fires 5/8 to 2-inch nails.

When working with a nailer, you might come across places that are a little too dark. But that’s not much of an issue. At the front, the gun is installed with LED lights that illuminate those dark areas very well to help you see.

Battery-powered nailers, albeit being portable, are known to be rather bulky. What makes this model special is that it is the lightest in its class. Weighing in at just 5.9 pounds, the gadget is not too hard to manage.

Furthermore, the unit feels pretty balanced and the grip is well-designed. All these features provide comfort for a protracted duration of use.

Highlighted Features:

• Battery-powered – 20V 4.0Ah battery for reliable power
• Excellent maneuverability – no hoses, no compressors, no cartridges
• Works with nails up to 18-gauge nails that are 5/8 to 2 inch in size
• LED lights for easier nailing in low-lit areas
• Comes with a hook for belt hanging
• Up to 1300 nails per charge
• Tool-free depth adjuster
• Tool-free jam/stall release
• 100-nail magazine capacity

3. Dewalt DW66C-1R Coil Nail Gun for Hardie Siding

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Dewalt is a brand we’re all familiar with, which is virtually synonymous with power tools. It’s a household name almost everywhere you go. And if you ask most DIYers, they’ll tell you they have at least one Dewalt power tool in the store.

Well, if you find yourself doing lots of building or repair work, the Dewalt DW66C-1R Coil Siding Nailer is a great choice. The reason is simple – it can hold lots of nails.

Before I tell you more, the device is air-powered (pneumatic), and operates with pressures between 70 and 120 PSI.

As a coil nailer, the unit has a massive capacity. While framing units such as the ones I’ve discussed above can only accept up to 100 nails, this one takes up to 300 nails. Thus, you can complete an entire project without having to reload as many times.

As an added versatile feature, the unit takes both plastic and wire collated nails.

As suggested by the diagram, the unit features an angled magazine. The 15° angle puts the magazine out of the way, letting you reach those tight spaces more easily.

A crucial question to ask when looking for a Hardie board nail gun is the size of nails you can load. You will be happy to discover the unit's versatility, in that it accepts a wide range of sizes, going from 1 ¼ inch to 2 ½ inches.

The supported diameter is 0.080 to 0.092 inches.

If you're building a whole structure or doing lots of repairs, you may find yourself handling the nailer for long hours. That's why you got to consider how easy it is to handle the tool, a question who answer rests on the weight of the device.

The Dewalt DW66C-1R, though being a coil model, happens to be pretty lightweight. It weighs just 4.9 pounds.

How that is possible is that the tool is made of aluminum. It is lightweight to reduce fatigue but sturdy enough to last you years of use.

Highlighted Features:

• Pneumatic power gun – pressures between 70 and 120 PSI
• 300 nails magazine capacity
• Lightweight (4.9 pounds) – for fatigue reduction
• Wide nail compatibility – 1 ¼ to 2 ½
• Angled at 15° for easier access
• The air exhaust port is adjustable

4. Freeman P4FRFNCB Hardie Board Nail Gun

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Are you planning to do major renovations or even construct new structures in your home? A nailer kit would be really helpful.

For many DIYers, the one kit that stands out is the Freeman P4FRFNCB Pneumatic Nailer Combo Kit. It offers great functionality and the price is budget-friendly.

So what does it include?

The kit comes with four crucial types of nailers – a framing unit, a finish unit, a brad nailer, and a small crown staple gun.

Let’s briefly see what each of these has to offer.

The framing nailer is massive and heavy-duty and perfect for big projects like roof decking, doing subfloors, pallet building, and fencing.

This angled (21°) unit shoots full round head nails of between 2 and 3 ½ inches long. What I like about it is that it fires very well with rare blanks or doubles.

It comes with a rubberized tip so that your delicate surfaces are protected from the teeth. However, when working in scenarios where you need the nailer to grip the subject, you can remove the rubber to expose the teeth.

Lastly, this tool has a tool-free depth of shot adjuster.

The second item is the finish nailer. It is angled at 34 degrees to help you access the obstructed areas. The unit shoots 15/16 gauge nails of 1 up to 2 ½ inches long. It has a rubberized tip and a shot depth adjuster as well.

This tool also fires fine and you can use it for projects involving baseboards, trim, and window casings. 

Thirdly, there is the straight brad nailer. The little device shoots 18 gauge nails of up to 1 ¼ inches long. For joining little pieces of wood, such as when doing cabinetry, you’ll find the brad gun handy.

And lastly, there is the narrow crown stapler, which shoots little crown staples beautifully. You’ll find it helpful for doing light-duty tasks like upholstery attachment and crown molding.

If you want a truly valuable set in terms of performance and durability, get the Freeman P4FRFNCB Pneumatic Nailer Combo Kit. I should mention that it comes with a canvas bag for easy transportation.

Highlighted Features:

• 4 different nailers for heavy-duty to light-duty DIY tasks
• Suits projects ranging from fencing and decking to crown molding
• Heavy-gauge 21° framing gun – 2 to 3 ½ inch nails
• 34° finish nailer – 15/16 gauge nails of up to 2 ½ inches
• Nice and handy brad nailer – 18 gauge nails of up to 1 ¼ inches
• Comes with a crown stapler
• The guns have a removable rubber on the tip for subject protection
• Free canvas carry bag

5. BOSTITCH N66C Coil Siding Nailer

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Founded in 1896, Bostitch is one of the oldest fastening tools brands in the world. The US company is popular among contractors and DIYers and is trusted for high-quality glue guns, riveters, nailers, and other fasteners.

If you’re seeking the best nail gun for Hardie trim, the BOSTITCH N66C is a great tool to consider. This tool is fantastic for smaller projects and light framing such as siding and fencing.

The first thing you need to know about this is that it is a pneumatic gun. You’ll need a compressor that can supply pressure of between 70 and 120 psi.

That, of course, means you can use your regular portable compressor.

The unit itself looks very well-made and it’s definitely going to last. Besides, the seven-year warranty that accompanies the device provides the peace of mind that in case of anything, you’ll not lose your money.

Operating a nail gun used to present lots of issues in the past especially with the air blowing back in your face at certain angles.

The Bostitch is designed with an adjustable vent, allowing you to put the air out of your face’s way depending on the angle from which you’re working.

Opening the magazine is a piece of cake. The nails are wire-weld, which is a robust and durable setup, though plastic-collated nails are also compatible. You can adjust the mechanism to fit in nails with sizes running between 1 ¼ and 2 ½.

If you don’t like having to keep loading your gun, this model will be a great selection. It allows you to load a pack of up to 300 nails. For DIY needs, you can even finish the project without having to reload.

Depending on the project you’re working on, you will need the nail to go up to a certain depth. Thankfully, the device comes with a knob for easy shot depth adjustment.

For a versatile Hardie board siding nail gun that you can use to shoot thousands of nails with almost no jams or misfires, get the BOSTITCH N66C Coil Siding Nailer.

Highlighted Features:

• Pneumatic nailer – uses 70 to 120 psi
• Coil model that loads up to 300 wire or plastic-collated nails
• Well-made with a lightweight (4 pounds) aluminum body
• Adjustable vent – put the air stream away from your face
• Depth of shot adjustment knob
• Rubberized foot – prevents damage to delicate subjects
• Accepts nails of 1 ¼ to 2 ½ inches long

6. 3PLUS HCN45SP 11 Gauge Coil Roofing Nailer

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Do you know why so many people love Hardie siding? It is a colorful and versatile weatherboard material that offers the aesthetics and natural texture of good wood.

If you’re looking to install it, then you’ll likely need to drive lots of nails to make the installation secure. 

During the process, you’ll have to climb the ladder to install the siding to the higher levels.

But imagine having to climb down now and then to reload the gun. Or carrying a huge box of nails up there for frequent reloading. Not very convenient, right?

Well, 3Plus is here to help you avoid that issue. Their device is a coil model that holds up to 120 nails at a time. That’s not very large, but for DIY tasks, it might be sufficient for helping you avoid very frequent reloads.

You’ll rarely need to climb down for a reload.

If you’re looking for a tool that will last, the 3PLUS HCN45SP is it. Constructed from die-cast aluminum, the tool is pretty heavy-duty, and yet, as the material is only aluminum, it is not too heavy to manage.

Apart from being a nail gun for Hardie siding, the unit is optimized for shingle installation.

One useful feature that is meant for that application is the shingle guide. With simple adjustments to this feature, you’re able to skip across shingles without a hitch.

Once you're on the roof, you don't have to keep going up and down to adjust the psi on your compressor based on the size of what you're nailing. Just adjust the depth drive and the nail will go up to the depth you want.

Often, while working on the roof, you have to put your nailer down to adjust the shingles or even take a break. If it’s a regular device, it will slide right to the ground, which could damage the unit or even injure someone.

But this 3Plus model, designed with an antiskid pad on the side, stays where you put it.

Highlighted Features:

• Strong and durable – made of die-cast aluminum
• Coil model – holds up to 120 nails per load
• A pneumatic unit that works with 80 to 110 psi pressure
• Adjustable shingle guide for skipping across shingles
• Adjustable depth drive – no need to adjust the compressor
• 360° adjustable vent – easily keep the air from blowing into your face
• Interchangeable trigger – use it in contact or full sequential mode

7. Metabo HPT 21-degree Hardie Aoard Siding Nail Gun

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If you’re on a budget, you might feel like a finish nailer is the best option you have. But did you know you can get a nice framing nailer that is a snip?

The Metabo HPT Framing Nailer is an amazingly affordable model that comes in handy for building a shed, or constructing a fence, doing a deck, installing wall studs, and doing all sorts of large projects.

Aside from the affordability, something that people love a lot about this model is that it works with portable compressors as the minimum psi supported is 80 psi.

If you have a pancake compressor unit at home, you can be almost certain that you’ll not need to purchase a new unit.

Whether you’re installing studs or joining the frames of a window, tight corners are unavoidable. A straight nailer may not be very easy to use in such areas, but with an angled model such as the 21° Metabo HPT, things will be simple and quick.

For someone that is experienced, speed comes before safety. In that regard, the tool features a contact/bump firing mode, which is great for flooring, roofing, decking, and other applications where speed matters more than precision.

What about the inexperienced operator? The manufacturer paid attention to your needs as well.

You can switch from contact to full sequential firing mode where you have to go from pressing the trigger to pushing the tip to fire a fastener. You have to release the trigger and repeat the process to fire the next nail.

The Metabo HPT Framing Nailer is a bit on the heavier side, weighing in at around 7 pounds. That is something you want to consider before buying, but if you’re not planning to use it for roofing, it shouldn’t be a problem.

Secondly, the tip is a little pointy. It will often leave a small dent at the point of entry, so you don't want to use it on any delicate surfaces such as Hardie trim or siding.

For wall studs and other concealed areas, that shouldn’t be a problem.

Highlighted Features:

• 21-degree framing nailer – for easier maneuverability
• A pneumatic unit that needs a pressure of 80 to 110 PSI
• Accepts nails that are 2 to 3 ½ inches long
• Compatible with plastic collated nails
• Interchangeable trigger for contact or sequential firing

8. Hitachi Coil Siding Nailer

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In the DIY realm, not a lot of models can be used for driving siding into fiber cement siding. And the reason is simple – power. Most models only supply enough power to shoot nails into wood, vinyl, and other materials that are not extremely tough.

Well, Hitachi, a familiar power tools brand to most folks, now brings you a tool with enough power to work as a cement siding nail gun.

Though it is awfully powerful, and can even be used for professional needs, the device is still within the reach of DIYers with regard to the cost.

The Hitachi NV65AH2 Coil Siding Nailer is designed to drive siding nails into a range of material including cellular PVC, wood, plywood, and fiber cement.

Plenty of nail guns out there offer you only one of two options when it comes to nail collation – wire or plastic. A unique feature of this model is that it offers you both.

You can load either plastic or wire weld nails. This is user-convenient, allowing you to pick up the nail type available or what you find preferable.

If the nails are wire collated, you get a chance to load 16 degrees nails going from 1 ½ to 2 ½ inches. And if the collation is plastic, then you can work with 15° nails from 1 ½ to 2 ¼ inches.

For both collation types, the accepted thickness is 0.090 to 0.099.

If you’re an experienced DIYer or a professional, chances are that speed matters to you. To support this need, the gun drives nails at a max rate of 3 per second. That means you get to finish your project quickly.

An extremely important feature for nailers is the depth of drive. With a tool-less adjustment feature for that, the unit allows you to avoid either overdriving or underdriving the nails.

For precision and flush driving, this feature comes in really helpful.

If you want a powerful pneumatic nailer for Hardie siding, try the Hitachi NV65AH2.

Highlighted Features:

• Pneumatic – works with a pressure of between 70 and 120 psi
• Large nail capacity for few reloads – up to 300 nails
• Tool-free depth of drive adjustment
• High nailing speeds – up to 3 nails per second
• Versatile collation – wire or plastic
• Weighs only 4.8 pounds – lightweight for less fatigue
• Goes from sequential to contact nailing with the flip of a switch

9. WEN 61783 Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer

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Have you ever bought a product for a low price only because you were on a tight budget, but the product ended up surpassing your expectations?

That’s exactly what the WEN 61783 Pneumatic Coil Roofing Nailer is. Lots of people buy it for its affordable price, only to get amazed at its performance and durability.

You can fire a thousand nails without more than 2 or 3 misfires. Jamming is rare too.

Want a nailer that allows you to finish a DIY project without needing to reload many times? This one might be exactly the thing for you. It is a coil nail gun with a capacity of 120 nails.

The machine takes 11-gauge nails with a length of between ¾ and 1 ¾ inch.

As a pneumatic model, it obviously uses air, operating with pressures of between 70 and 120 psi.

Ever had to keep going back to the compressor to change the pressure to get the right depth? It is not convenient especially when trying to complete the project quickly.

With this consideration, WEN makes adjusting the depth of drive easy for you. At the head, a wheel is fitted that you can turn to set your preferred firing depth.

If you want to keep your pneumatic nail gun working great, you got to keep it oiled up. When you purchase this product, you get a free bottle of oil to get you started.

Another truly amazing gift that comes with the product is the carry case.

I call it a gift because other units of the product’s price level don’t usually come with a case, and when they do, it is just a canvas bag. But this one offers you a free blow-molded carry and storage case.

Highlighted Features:

• Pneumatic – works with 70 to 120 PSI pressure
• Great power – 430-inch pound at 100 psi
• Large magazine that holds up to 120 nails
• Takes 11-gauge nails of ¾ to 1 ¾ inch length
• Firing depth adjustment wheel
• Quick-release lever for clearing jams
• Comes with a robust blow-molded carry case
• Free bottle of oil

10. MAX CN445R3 USA CORP. Roofing Nailer

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If you live in an area that receives lots of showers, it is essential to have extra protection from the water other than what shingles provide. A material that can offer this protection reliably is the roofing felt, which you install beneath the shingles.

A quick way to install roofing felt is to nail it on with a nail gun. But while that completes the work speedily, it also presents a major issue. Tar accumulation in the nose of the gun.

The problem with tar accumulation is that it reduces the shooting efficiency and slows you down. Ever faced this issue?

Well, USA Corp has the solution for you. They have designed a gun with a nose that has 8 times as much tar resistance as other nailers.

The contact foot is easy to remove in case you want to clean material off of it. Also, replacement is easy and cheap.

Apart from the tar resistance, the MAX CN445R3 is designed to make nailing shingles, siding, decks, fence blocks, and other material effortlessly.

This is a pneumatic model that uses a pressure of between 70 and 120 PSI. USA Corp designed this one with a tangle-free swivel. The swivel doesn’t tangle no matter the direction you’re holding the tool, which in turn makes operation a breeze.

You know how some models jam often when trying to shoot the last nail? No more of that with this model. The unit is installed with a powerful magnet that holds even the last nail securely to prevent jamming.

Another perk of this is that there is reduced nail waste.

Speaking of nails, this unit is a coil model with a good capacity for DIY needs. It holds up to 120 nails in the magazine and it comes with the benefit of tool-free depth control.

Highlighted Features:

• Innovative nose design with high tar resistance
• Powerful magnet that holds nails securely to prevent jamming
• Depth control wheel
• Large coil capacity – up to 120 nails
• Contact foot is removable for effortless cleaning
• Tangle-free swivel for less bother no matter the direction

Best Nail Gun for Hardie Siding and Trim Comparison Table

Nail Gun for Hardie Trim and Siding : Buyer's Guide

To find the right nailer, the first thing you need to do is consider the job that you need it for. A staple nailer would be an excellent choice for attaching upholstery to your furniture, but for siding and trim, it would be a bad choice.

The truth is, there is an endless assortment of tasks that you can accomplish with a nail gun. You could do roofing or crown molding, install windows or decks, build a fence, and so on. As each task requires a specific type of gun, you got to make your selection carefully.

In this article, we're focusing on finding the best nail gun for siding and Hardie trim. What criterion was used to choose? Well, here are the factors to consider.

1. Type of Nail Gun

There are 4 major types of nailers, and whatever DIY project you have in mind, the right model will fall under one of them.

The 4 are:

• Framing nailers
• Finishing nailers
• Brad nailer
• Pin/staple nailer

Let’s see what each of these has to offer.

Framing Nailers

These are big nailers designed to handle large projects. Let’s say, for instance, you want to build a shed and you’re installing 2x4’s hardwood studs. In that case, you’re better off with a framing nailer.

A framing nailer can shoot big nails that are up to 3 ½ inches long.

Common applications:

• Constructing a roof
• Framing a new structure
• Attaching wood or Hardie siding
• Building a deck
• Fencing

Finish Nailers

Just as implied by the name, these are nail guns that are applied for detailed works. Often, they’re used for final touches after doing the major construction.

Finish nailers usually shoot 15- and 16-gauge nails of up to 2 ½ inches length.

• Crown molding
• Wood paneling
• Installing hardie trim
• Installing baseboards

Brad Nailer

People often confuse brad nailers with finish nailers. The difference is that while finish nailers shoot 15/16-gauge nails, brad nailers shoot 18-gauge nails. These are really little nails that you'd have a difficult time trying to drive with a hammer.

Common applications:

• Attaching delicate Hardie trim
• Light molding installation
• Furniture construction

Pin/staple Nailers

If you’re attaching upholstery to a piece of furniture you don’t need large nails. Staple nails will do.

Again, if you’re working with a delicate piece of wood and there is the risk of splintering, breaking, or cracking, pin nails may be the viable option.

Pin/staple nailers work with 23-gauge nails, which are tiny. 

Common applications:

• Cabinetry
• Upholstery attachment
• Installing fine trim
• Temporarily holding pieces of wood instead of clamping them together.

2. Trigger Options and Firing Mode

To fire a fastener with a nailer, you have to use two features – the trigger and the safety contact tip attached to the nose.

But there are variations. Some are optimized for speed while others are specialized for safety.

Nailers come in two basic types depending on the trigger/firing options:

• Bump/contact nailers
• Full-sequential nailers

Contact/Bump Trigger

A contact  or bump trigger is whereby you can pull the trigger and bump the tip of the gun as you go to release nails.

You don’t have to release the trigger and pull it again, you only have to bump the nose. That is what makes the bump trigger a great choice for speed.

However, there are downsides. First, with the increase in speed comes the decrease in precision. Secondly, safety is not optimal as you don’t have to follow a specific sequence to fire the nails.

Contact triggers are ideal for experienced users who are looking to complete the project quickly. Also, they’re suited for projects where precision is not more crucial than speed.

Common applications:

• Pallet making
• Roofing
• Flooring

Sequential

Are you a novice in nailing? A full sequential trigger gun is exactly what you need.

With this type of trigger, you have to activate the controls in a certain series to fire a nail. Firstly, you have to press the tip into the surface. Then, to release the nail, you’re needed to pull the trigger. To fire the next nail, you’re required to let go of the trigger and repeat the process all over.

As you can see, everything is deliberate with this mode, and thus firing by accident is not common. That is what makes the full sequential trigger a safer option. Moreover, the process supports precision.

But you have to understand, this type of trigger/firing mode slows you down. That is why I’d recommend it only for cases where safety or precision is more important than speed.

Common applications:

• Carpentry
• Framing
• Trim installation
• Hardie siding installation

3. Power Source

There two major sources for a nail gun’s juice:

• A battery
• An air compressor

Each of these power sources has its pros and cons. Let’s go over each briefly.

Battery-Powered Nailers

These use robust 18 or 20V Li-ion batteries that charge speedily and last long. The advantage is that they’re a lot more portable than air-powered units as you don’t have to drag a compressor along.

However, a nailer that uses a battery is not as powerful as one that uses an air compressor. Also, even though you can take them anywhere, these units are typically heavier than pneumatic (air) models. That’s because they have a battery attached.

• Portable – you can take them anywhere/not limited to the length of a cord
• Convenient – you’re not dragging a compressor along
• Quieter than air-powered models

Cons:

• Heavier than pneumatic units
• Not as powerful as pneumatic nailers

Pneumatic/Air-Powered Nailers

If you’re on a budget, consider going for a pneumatic model. However, realize that to operate it, you will need an air compressor. So, if you don’t already have a compressor, the cost will be higher as you will be getting both a nailer and a compressor.

Pneumatic nail guns come with several other perks. For instance, they are lighter in weight that battery-powered units. If you have a problem that doesn’t let you lift heavy objects, an air-powered gun might be the better option.

Again, they supply greater power than battery units.

If, for example, you’re building a new structure and you need a nailer that is adequately robust to put up the frames, a pneumatic model will be more applicable.

On the flip side, these are not very portable. You are limited to the length of the hose and to move farther, you have to drag the compressor closer. Moreover, the whole thing about dealing with hoses is not very convenient.

• More Powerful
• Lighter in weight
• Budget-friendly if you have a compressor already

Cons:

• Higher initial cost if you have to buy a compressor as well
• Not much portable – the hose length limits you

4. Angle

I don’t know if you have noted this, but some nailers have a straight magazine while others have theirs placed at an angle.

What is the significance of an angled magazine? Ever wondered?

Well, the angled models are designed to help you nail spots at corners and other hard to reach areas more easily. By angling the magazine, you put it out of the way, allowing the tip to access the nailing spot easier.

Understand that when talking about the angle, that doesn't refer to the slant that drives the nail, but rather the collation of the nails.

So, don’t worry about the angle affecting the edge of the shot. At all times, no matter the angle, the nail is shot in a straight line from the gun’s mouth.

Well, there are 5 main angles:

• 0 degrees – Also called a straight nailer as it has no slant at all. Best for exposed areas such as the roof, floor, or fence. Mostly see in brad and finish nailers. Recommended model – PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Cordless Brad Nailer. In the review.
• 15 degrees – Slight slant. Usually seen in coil nailers that hold 200 to 300 nails. Recommended model - Dewalt DW66C-1R Coil Siding Nailer. In the review.
• 21 degrees – Drives full-round nails. Best option for large framing projects with an angle varying from 20 to 22 degrees depending on the manufacturer. Mostly uses plastic strip nails and holds 60 to 70 nails. Recommended model - NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree Full Round Head Framing Nailer.
• 28 degrees – Varies between 28 and 30 degrees. Normally utilizes wire-strip nails that are clipped, full-round, or offset. About 100 nails capacity. Recommended model - Freeman P4FRFNCB Pneumatic Nailer Combo Kit.
• 34 degrees – Usually utilizes paper strip collated nails clipped, offset, or full-round. About 80 nails capacity.

5. What Is It Made Of?

Nailers are constructed from a variety of materials. The most popular ones are aluminum and steel but realize that usually, a combination of materials is used. For Instance, a unit can be made of galvanized steel with a few plastic parts especially on the outside.

If you're looking for something exceptionally long-lasting, go for a model with parts made of galvanized steel, heat-treated steel, or die-cast aluminum.

For a lightweight model, aluminum would be the right choice.

6. Jam Release Feature

If you get a high-quality Hardie board nail gun, it is highly unlikely that you will struggle with jams. Some models, such as the Numax that is first in the review can shoot up to 1000 nails without as much as a single jam.

However, if you're nailing frequently, you will find yourself dealing with jams once in a while. For that, you might want to get a tool that comes with a jam clearing feature.

7. Adjustable Depth

Ever overshot a nail and it ended up puncturing the other side of the material and flying through? Apart from destroying the surface, an overdriven nail poses safety risks.

Or have you ever had to hammer the nail you shot with a nail gun to make it sink to the correct level? That is a case of underdriving, and it too is not desirable.

No matter what material you’re looking to nail, it is highly likely that you will encounter parts of varying thicknesses. With each thickness, you will want the nail to go up to the right level, so there is nether overdriving or underdriving.

That is where depth adjustment comes in.

There are two ways to adjust the depth. You can either have to adjust the pressure on your compressor, or you can do it on your gun if the device comes with a depth adjustment feature.

If you’re looking for hassle-free depth adjustment, get a nail gun that comes with a tool-free adjustment feature, which is usually a knob.

8. Led Light

Sometimes, you may be in a situation where the place you’re driving the nails is not well lit. In such cases, you have to take a flashlight, which is not very convenient considering it is easier to hold the gun with both hands.

With that in mind, some manufacturers have added an LED light to their nailers. That makes it much easier to nail in a place that is not adequately lit.

9. Rafter Hook

Picture these two cases. The first, where you have to put your nailer down on the ground every time you want to pause perhaps to take a glass of water, pick a phone, or align the material you’re nailing.

The second, where you can just hook the nail gun to your belt or pants from where you can conveniently pick it without having you bend your back when you want to resume.

Isn’t it obvious which case is more beneficial?

A rafter hook is, for many folks, an important addition to a nail gun.

Another feature you might find useful is an antiskid pad. Imagine this – you put your nailer on the roof to align the shingles but it goes sliding down all the way to the ground. Want to avoid that? Get a unit with an antiskid pad.

10. Carry Case

Having a reliable way to carry or store tools is something we all want.

This is not a crucial thing, but if you don’t already have a case you can use for storage or transportation, you may want to look for a nailer that comes with a carry case.

Some units come with a canvas bag and others come with a blow-molded case such as the ones from Dewalt. Obviously, a blow-molded case is better than a canvas bag in terms of protection and durability.

11. Adjustable/Directional Air Vents

Pneumatic nailers come with a vent to expel the air that is used. The vent is normally located at the back and depending on how it is made, it can pose issues or be bother-free.

If you use a model with a fixed air vent that blows right into your face, you will have a quite difficult time.

But with a unit whose exhaust is adjustable (360° rotatable), you will have an easy time. That’s because you will be able to put the air out of the way based on the angle from which you’re working.

How to Install Hardie Siding and Trim with a Nail Gun?

Hardie board, also known as fiber cement siding, is a material that has been around forever.

This is basically a composite material that is made of wood fibers and cement. Because of that, the material is extremely strong and durable, and even resistant to fire, weather, and bugs.

Apart from these perks, other reasons why you may want to install Hardie boards is that they are extremely attractive. They come in all sorts of colors and they’re also designed to mimic natural wood. What’s more, the finish is super durable, lasting up to 15 years.

Well, if you’re looking to install this type brand of siding, some of the things you’ll need include a fiber cement siding nailer and a bunch of nails.

Before you embark on installing siding, here are a couple of things you need to know:

• Siding dust is a bit toxic as it contains high doses of silica – when cutting it, you want to have a respirator on to avoid contracting silicosis.
• To reduce the amount of dust produced, try using a saw with fewer teeth. Even better, you could use a shear, which albeit a bit slow, produced almost no dust.
• You can do the installation alone – all you need is a few siding gauges to help you hold the siding in place.
• Cutting fiber cement siding in place is a nightmare – consider cutting it on the ground before you install the siding.

Steps to Follow to Install Hardie Siding with A Nailer:

I. Load The Gun

Most of the time, the magazine opening is situated toward the back of the tool or at the bottom panel. If you don’t know how to open your gun’s magazine, go through the provided user manual. The information should be in there.

After opening the magazine, slide in the nail strip and shut the magazine. Keep in mind that Hardie siding nails for nail guns should be able to penetrate a minimum of 1 ¼ inch to go in deeply enough for a secure hold.

II. Wear Your Goggles

This is particularly important if you’re operating a plastic-collated nail gun. When the little pieces of plastic shatter, the force might send them flying in your face's direction. But if you're wearing safety glasses, that shouldn’t be much of a concern.

III. Start From the Bottom

As you probably already know, siding shingles are installed at an angle. Each shingle's lower part sits on the top part of the shingle below it.

To achieve that arrangement, start the installation from the bottom.

Get your most beat but siding pieces and cut them into narrow strips of about 1 ¼ inches wide. After that, install the strips ¼ inch from the bottom of the wall. You want to use a 15/16 finish nailer for installing them.

Next, install your first siding piece. It should hide the starter strip, going all the way to the bottom, and of course, its top part will be above the strip. This arrangement will make the first siding piece angle out and create an angled platform for the rest of the rows.

IV. Leave Gaps

Don’t install the siding pieces too tightly. You know why? If the gap joint is too tight, applying caulk will be problematic. But a gap of about 1/8 of an inch will allow easy caulking.

Once you're done installing the siding, be sure to caulk the gaps to make them water-tight. You could then paint the gaps to match your siding.

When nailing, make sure the nails are not more than 16 inches apart. More importantly, ensure they’re installed at the upper surfaces, so they’re hidden by the overlapping layout of the siding.

Remember, each nail should be driven such that it is flush to the siding, not sitting below the surface of the material. Furthermore, to avoid cracks, do not nail too close to the edge of the siding.

VI. Using the Gun

If you’re only getting started, you may want to practice with some of your wasted siding pieces beforehand.

Also, for the novice, it is best to hold the gun with both hands. One hand will support the gun while the other will operate the trigger. Be sure to hold the gun firmly as there is usually a little kick-back when the gun is fired.

To fire a fastener with your Hardie board siding nail gun, push the tip into the surface of the board. Pull the trigger and once the nail is shot, release the trigger immediately and retract the gun.

Note: with fiber cement siding, you should not nail in an angle. Thus, be sure to hold the tip straight.

People Also Asked:

1. What Types of Nail Guns are There and Which One do I Need?

Answer: The three major types available are framing, finishing, and brad nailers. For Hardie siding installation, you got to use a framing nailer. You will also need a finish unit to install the trim.

2. What is the Difference Between a Framing Nailer and a Finishing Nailer?

Answer: The difference between framing and finish nail guns is the size of nails each can shoot. While a framing nailer works with big nails between 2 ½ and 3 ½ inches, a finish nailer works with smaller nails (15 and 16 gauge) of up to 2 ½ inches.

3. Can I Use the Same Nailer for All My Projects?

Answer: Most nailers can be used for a wide range of projects. For instance, with a framing nailer, you can build a fence, install shingles on a roof, install siding, and construct a deck.

With a finish nailer, you can install trim, do light molding, construct furniture, and so on.

A brad model comes handy for cabinetry, temporary wood jointing, and fastening all sorts of delicate materials.

The trick is to understand that each type of nailer delivers a different amount of force and to consider if a certain type’s force is appropriate for your project. For instance, you cannot use a brad for framing a new structure just as you cannot use a framing nailer for fastening the sections of a kitchen cabinet.

4. Which One is Good, a Battery-Powered Gun, or a Pneumatic Gun?