House construction is composed of many small structural frame constructions. Such as the mainframe and side frame. These works require different types of nail guns which uses different types of nail type. You may ask yourself can I use a Framing nailer for Hardie siding?
You can use a framing nailer for Hardie siding installation purposes. Hardie siding installation requires nails having a size range of 1-½” to 2-½”. Framing nailers can easily operate and drive these types of nails. Hence you would not require a siding nailer if you already have a framing nailer.
Though framing and siding nailer looks identical, there are a lot of structural and operational differences. It is better to understand the likeness and differences for taking better decisions while housing construction.
What kind of nailer do you use for Hardie siding?
Hardie siding uses different materials such as Fiber, Vinyl, etc for structural support. To install Hardie siding you require a specific type of nails with a specific length and diameter. These are known as the Siding nails.
The siding nails can be of size varying from 1-½” to 2-½”. To drive these nails you require a specialized nail gun which is pneumatic. Therefore, you require Siding Nail guns for installing Hardie Siding installation. Framing Nail Guns compatible with siding nails can also get the job done.
We have a complete guide for the nailer best for Hardie siding. Check it out now.
Can I use a framing nailer for Hardie siding?
It is possible to use a framing nailer for Hardie siding. Siding installation requires siding nails. If you can use 21-degree framing nailers, they might use siding nails.
These types of nails are quite different and smaller than the Framing nails. There are a lot of variations in framing nail guns. The most important variations lie within the collation angle and collation type-based framing nail guns.
Not all types of framing nailers can be compatible with driving the siding nails. But most the framing nailer can drive siding nails easily. The stick magazine type with a 15-degree angle collation can drive the siding nails easily. Hence you can use a Framing Nailer for Hardie siding installation.
Will you get any advantage if you use a Framing nailer for Hardie siding?
Though Framing nailers and siding nailers have different purposes of action they have a similar code of operation. Thus, there are a few advantages of using a Framing nailer for Hardie siding installation.
More options for fastener selection
Framing nailers have a wide range of compatibility with the fastener types. Although Hardie siding requires nails between 1.5-2.5 inches in length. But using the Framing nailer you can also use longer or shorter nails for Hardie siding.
Saves Time and Energy
Using two completely different nailers for almost similar types of work can be tedious and time-consuming. If you possess a single air-compressor then you have to switch the nailers several times while doing work.
But, if you use a framing nailer for Hardie siding work, you do not have to change the nailers. That is why changing the connections with the air-compressor several times is also not required. This will save you time while working.
Saves Money
The siding nailer is a specialized nail gun for Siding installation. But its work can be done by the framing nailers easily. Especially if you have a framing nailer compatible with using the siding ails. Then you do not have to further buy a siding nailer.
Power tools such as nail guns do not come cheap. The price varies from a minimum of $100-$200. Thus you can save the amount of money required for buying a setup for a siding nailer. All you have to do is use the framing nailer you have with the most compatible siding nails.
The differences between a Siding nailer and a Framing nailer
The Framing nailer and Siding nailer may be similar in the operative action. But there are many major and minor differences in structural engineering and working mechanism.
| Framing Nailer | Siding Nailer |
| Specialized in wooden stud and frame nailing | Specialized in different siding board nailing |
| Uses nails of 2-½”, 3”, 3-½” and 3-¼” | Uses nails from 1-½” to 2-½” |
| Compatible with a round-headed and clipped headed nails | Compatible with only round-headed nails |
| Uses different angles of collation for the nails such as 15 degrees, 21 degrees, 28 degrees, 30 degrees, and 34 degrees | Only 15 degree collated nails can be used |
| Paper, Glue and Wire collated nails can be used | Only wire collated nails are used |
| Stick magazine and canister magazine variations are available | Only 15 degree angled canister based variation is available |
| Heavy in weight | Comparatively low in weight |
| Battery operated and pneumatic versions are available | Only pneumatic version of siding nailers are available |
| Tips have sharp teeth and are not non-marring | Non-marring tips are available |
| Highly expensive | Comparatively less expensive |
Can you use a hammer instead of a nail gun?
Nail guns are modern innovation for driving nails into very hard surfaces such as studs, timber, and boards. But, previously only hammers of different sizes were used to drive nails of different types.
You can use a hammer instead of a nail gun. It may be less expensive but can be very tedious and energy-consuming. Besides, sensitive surfaces such as Hardie siding boards, floor beds, etc get damaged using the hammer instead of a nail gun.
What size nails should I use for Hardie siding?
Hardie siding boards require a minimum of ½” to 1” of extra space. Therefore to get perfect for the target surface or frames of studs, Hardie siding requires 2” to 2-1/4” of siding nails. Some siding boards have thicker width than usual. These types of boards require longer and thicker siding nails. Siding nails having lengths around 2-½” are good for such siding boards.
FAQ
Still have some questions? Check the FAQs below.
Roofing nailers are not compatible with the fastener types required for Hardie siding installation. Usual roofing nailers can load and drive nails below 2” of size. This length is not enough for strong and stable Hardie boards installation. For this reason, Roofing Nailer can not be used for Hardie siding.
Hardie boards are compatible with both Screws and nails. For nailing at least 2” to 2-½” of siding nails are required. The siding nails have to be round-headed, for better stability. Again, corrosion-resistant or Galvanized screws can also be used for installing Hardie siding.
Finish nailers use comparatively small fasteners such as 15 and 16 Ga nails. These types of nails have variations in length and width. The usual size range of the finish nails is from 1-¼” to 2-½”. Hence Hardie siding can be installed using the finish nailers as well.
But the head of the Finish nails is very thin and small in diameter. That is why it is recommended to use a finish nailer for Hardie siding.
Conclusion
Hardie siding boards are made in such a manner that they can be installed using flexible means. Power nailers are way much more expensive than all the construction tools. You may not want to spend money on different types of power nailers which have a similar operative function.
Considering you have a framing nailer but you have to install Hardie siding boards. In such a situation, you may ask yourself can I use a framing nailer for Hardie siding?
Though siding nailers are developed especially for installing siding boards. But it can be done using the framing nailers. Because framing nailers can easily drive siding nails effectively.