LP smartside, or Louisiana Pacific smartside, is lightweight and delicate, which requires extra attention during installation and nailing.
You need the best siding nailer for LP smartside to handle this subtle work. Rough handling and nailing can damage the board’s surface, creating cracks or breaking apart.
The best one should drive the exact nails that a siding project requires. It is wise to double-check the features like driving force adjustment, dept adjustment, fastener compatibility, etc., before buying the Nailer for LP Smartside installation.
But I know it is tough to consider while buying anything. That is why we have compiled the list and point out the goods and bads for each one.
Quick overview
| Best overall | Metabo HPT NV65AH2 | Check Price on Amazon |
| Budget-friendly | Freeman PCN65 | Check Price on Amazon |
| Best value | Bostitch N66C | Check Price on Amazon |
Llp Smart Siding nails or screws- Which is suitable?
Nails are a better option for LP smartside. Try to use .113-inch hot-dipped galvanized nails with at least 0.27-inch head diameter since they can ensure enough holding power without chipping off the coating. Using screws can damage the finish or coating, though they can offer better holding power.
Top 5 Best siding nailers For LP smartside
Some mandatory specifications of the best siding nailer required for LP smartside installation have been walked through for picking up the Best 5 Nailers:
Overall Best Siding Nailer For LP Smartside – Metabo NV65AH2 HPT Coil Siding Nailer
Hitachi Power Tools(HPT) is a worldwide renowned heavy-duty power tool manufacturing company. Hitachi developed and rebranded its Hitachi NV65AH2 to Metabo HPT NV65AH2 with the same power and quality.
Metabo HPT NV65AH2 is a standard-size siding nailer with a dimension of only 11-27/64″ x 5-3/64″ x 11-3/16″, making it a relatively compact tool.
It has a magazine designed for loading 300 nails allowing it to work longer. You can load plastic/wire collated siding nails from 1½” to 2½” and diameters .09” to.099″, which is compatible with LP smartside installation manual.
This tool has a tilt-bottom magazine with a side-way loading feature for quick reloading. You can conveniently use the tool for long shifts because of the lightweight Aluminium housing(4.8 lbs). It has a No-mar tip with an additional nose cap, ensuring markless nailing.
You can easily direct away the exhaust using the 360-degree air deflector. The flip-switch helps in quickly switching between contact and sequential lactation mode. This tool also has a toolless dial system for determining the depth of nail penetration.
Metabo HPT NV65AH2 is a high-grade siding nailer specifically made for Hardie siding, LP smartside, and Fibre cement siding. Moreover, fencing, exterior trimming, and decking can also be done using this nailer. Professional builders use this tool for siding.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| The plastic shield on the nose gives protection | Not suitable for buyers having a low budget. |
| The Rafter hook is not installed. | The remaining nail in the magazine can be detected. |
| A well-balanced tool with a decent weight ratio. | |
| Comfortable to hold the rubberized grip. | |
| Remaining nail in the magazine can be detected. |
Budget-friendly – Freeman PCN65 Pneumatic 15 Degree 2-1/2″ Coil Siding Nailer
Freeman PCN65 is a specialized siding nailer from Freeman Tools. Freeman tools is a worldwide famous power tool-producing company.
This tool has a dimension of 14.63″ x 5.78″, 13.38″, making it a relatively bulky tool. Its magazine can load 200-400 nails, lessening the reloading of nails.
You can load plastic collated 1-1/4″–2-1/2″ nails or wire collated 1-3/4″–2-1/2″ nails that ensure maximum compatibility with siding projects.
This tool has a depth adjuster to select the required penetration depth in the LP smartside without using any tool. You can deflect the exhaust by rotating the rear exhaust cap 360 degrees.
It also has a No-mar tip feature that allows nailing leaving no impact marks on the surface. You will find the air filter handy, which keeps the tool dust-free.
It can detect remaining nails in the magazine and stop working automatically to prevent dry firing and damage to the tool.
You will easily handle the tool around the worksite because of its Magnesium housing and reduced weight(5.5 lbs). Moreover, it also has a pre-installed rafter hook present for easy maneuverability.
Freeman PCN65 is recommended for expert builders only who can use this tool in siding, wall and roof sheathing, and decking installation.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Easily movable on the workspace. | Only Bump fire actuation mode is present. |
| Comfortable to hold the rubberized ergonomic grip. | Jam clearing is not easy. |
| The hook is a handy feature to work in elevated conditions. | |
| Quick side-way nail loading reduces time. | |
| Quick side way nail loading reduces time. |
HBT HBCN65P 15 Degree 2-1/2-Inch Coil Siding Nailer
HBT HBCN65P model is new but promising in the competition of power siding nailers. Flagship features with a reasonable price make it noticeable in the market for LP smartside installation.
HBT HBCN65P is 17x16x6 inches in dimension, making it comparatively bigger. But, it has Magnesium housing which reduces overall weight to 4.9 lbs, only allowing you to work comfortably.
Its magazine is designed to hold 250-350 nails at a time, reducing reloading from time to time.
Moreover, you can load both 15-degree wire/plastic collated nails having lengths 1-¼ Inch to 2-½ Inch with a diameter of 09-.115”. So, LP smartside installation can be done easily with these nails.
The 360-degree rotatable exhaust cap will help direct exhaust away from your face. Using the depth adjuster dial, you can easily select the required depth of nails to be penetrated. Its no-mar tip keeps the surface of the board smooth and markless.
You can conveniently switch between contact and sequential actuation mode with a switch flip only. This tool features open nose jam clearing, allowing to removal of stuck nails effortlessly.
Apart from siding, HBT HBCN65P can also be used for framing, subflooring, window trimming, and wood fencing. Both professionals and home users can use this budget-friendly tool.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| Air hose does not twist due to the swivel air plug. | The Rafter hook is unavailable. |
| Nails can be reloaded in a short time. | Rafter hook is unavailable. |
| Anti-dry fire lock-out system is unavailable. | |
| Rubber molded ergonomic grip ensures less fatigue. | |
| Better maneuvering due to its lightweight design |
MAX USA CORP SUPERSIDER CN565S3 Siding Coil Nailer for LP smartside
“Max Tool” develops industrial-grade heavy-duty hand tools, power tools used for construction. MAX CN565S3 is produced specially for durable projects like Hardie siding, LP smartside, etc.
It has a quick-load magazine that can hold 400 siding nails, significantly reducing overall work time.
This tool can receive 15-degree wire/plastic collated 1-¼ to 2-½” siding nails with .083-.099” diameter, making it compatible with all siding boards. The DImension of this tool is only 11 7/8″(H) x 5″(W) x 10 7/8″(L), making it a compact tool to work with.
This tool has its housing made up of high-density plastic that reduces the weight to only 5.2 lbs. Because of its rubber molded handle, you can work with less fatigue for a long shift.
Moreover, it has a toolless depth adjusting feature for choosing the perfect depth for the stud and board.
With its anti-double fire safety mechanism, you can avoid unwanted accidents and keep the tool clean with a self-filter cleaning feature.
It has a swivel hose mechanism allowing you to move around freely without twisting the pipe. This tool has an exhaust adjuster to direct away the exhaust blow-out from your face.
MAX CN565S3 is a specialized siding tool for professionals only. Home users can also use it for other woodwork like fencing, decking, exterior trim, etc.
| Pros | Cons |
| Unwanted firing can be avoided with a safety lock system. | Single firing is not available. |
| Working for long shifts is easy due to being lightweight. | Lack of exposed nose makes jam clearing hard. |
| Depth in between stud and plank can be chosen precisely | |
| Easily maneuverable around the worksite. | |
| Cleaning and maintenance is easy. |
Best value – Bostitch N66C Coil Siding Nailer
Bostitch is a very well-known power tool-producing company in the world. This company produces quality tools for quality construction. Bostitch N66C is a power siding nail gun from Bostitch.
It can easily handle all siding projects because its magazine can flexibly receive 15-degree wire weld/plastic inserted coil nails from 1-1/4″ – 2-1/2″ and diameter .080″ – .092″.
You can quickly reload nails with its bottom opening magazine, holding 300 nails at a time. This tool is only 11 x 5 x 12 inches, making it highly compact and portable.
The housing of this tool is made up of Aluminium that, reduces the overall weight to only 4.7 lbs. It also has a soft foot No-mar tip feature that nullifies the impact mark on the surface.
You can adjust the exhaust direction according to your choice in any direction. It has a dual trigger-changeable actuation mode of single and sequential firing for different purposes. This tool has a dial-knob that adjusts the nail penetration depth without using any device.
Expert carpenters use Bostitch N66C mostly for wood siding, cement siding, and fiber cement siding works. But it can also be used for framing, sheathing, subflooring, window buildup, and decking installation.
| Pros: | Cons: |
| The soft foot of the tip does not damage the surface. | Takes a lot of time to switch modes. |
| Extra switch for safety during trigger change. | Relatively expensive. |
| A Rafter hook is handy during elevated nailing. | |
| Easy maneuverability with swivel hose. | |
| Rafter hook is handy during elevated nailing. |
Should you use LP smart siding nails or screws?
You can use screws instead of nails for LP smart siding. However, make sure the screws are galvanized or stainless steel. Besides, you must drive the screws to 1.5 inches to get the power to hold the smartside.
But I will suggest using siding nails instead of screws since it is easier and time-saving. Nailing will also provide a better finish. However, screws will give you more power.
Things To Look For In the Best Siding Nailer For LP Smartside
LP smartside installation is sensitive work. You cannot use a siding nailer suitable for hardie siding in LP smartside. So following points should be noted before picking the Best Nailer For LP smartside:
What nails do you use for lp smartside?
You need 0.113-inch smooth shank diameter hot-dip galvanized nails or 7/1/4″ with 6″ reveal for the LP smartside. Now considering the nail size, pick the right nailer that can drive such nails.
Depth Adjuster
LP smartside boards are comparatively lighter and softer than cement or wood boards. Over-driven nails may cause damage to the surface of the board or the board itself.
So, you can choose siding nailers with a toolless depth adjuster feature. It will not only save the board from damage but will also increase your flexibility during work.
Fastener Compatibility
Specific siding nails with perfect length and diameter should be used for LP smartside. LP smartside installation manual recommends hot-dipped galvanized nails with ring shanks. Therefore, you may pick a siding nailer with flexible compatibility with the nail type for LP smartside installation.
No-Mar Tip
Since LP smart sides are comparatively softer and lighter, it is better to pick a nailer with a No-mar tip and an extra soft foot for the nailer tip. This keeps the surface smooth and markless after nailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should use .113-inch hot-dipped galvanized nails with at least 0.27-inch head diameter for LAP siding. They will provide enough holding power for your projects.
Try to use .113-inch hot-dipped galvanized nails. The head diameter should be at least 0.27 inches so that they can easily hold the siding.
You can use a framing nailer for LP smartside, but it is not recommended. The nails of the framing nailer are unsuitable for LP Smartside since framing nails are too powerful, which may damage the coating.
The standard thickness of LP smart siding is 9.5 and 11 mm, with a standard width of 130, 150, 180, 205, 240, and 305 mm and with lengths up to 4.9 m.
Conclusion
LP smartside installation requires the best siding nailer for LP smartside for the perfect outcome.
Metabo HPT NV65AH2 and Bostitch N66C both have decent features like a depth adjuster, are lightweight, have No-mar, etc. But this tool is exclusively designed for professionals only, so the price is very high.
On the other hand, Freeman PCN65 is a powerful siding nailer with a toolless depth adjuster, Soft-Tip, Dual firing mode, pre-installed rafter hook, etc. Both home users and expert carpenters can use it since it is budget-friendly.