Siding boards are very sensitive to handle and install. Specialized siding nailers have been developed for installing the siding boards to the studs of the main framework of the house.
It expresses the personality and preciseness of the construction work. Power nailers are very expensive to buy and maintain. You may have asked yourself can I use a framing nailer for siding.
You can conveniently use a framing nailer for siding installations. It uses 2-½” nails that are required for siding installation like siding nailers. It also offers superior power like a siding nailer. You can even reduce the hassle of working with air compressors like siding nailers. This similarity allows the framing nailer to be used as a proxy for the siding nailer.
Benefits Of Using A Framing Nailer For Siding
Raming nailers have a lot of usage and compatibility to drive different types of nails. Thus there are many benefits to using a framing nailer for siding installation.
Saves Constructional Budget
Power nailers are mandatory for modern house construction works. There are different power nailers for different types of work. Among those, the framing nailers, roofing nailers, siding nailers, and Finish nailers are noteworthy.
But Framing nailers are compatible with the fastener types required for siding installation. That is why you do not have to buy a separate Siding nailer if you already possess a Framing nailer. Considering your budget is tight for the construction work, then you can save upto $250 – $300 using a framing nailer for siding.
Uses similar types of Nails
You can design your house frame and siding works to use similar types of nails. Studs used for house frames can be installed using a minimum of 2-½” nails.
Again, siding installation works require a maximum of 2-¼” to 2-½” size of nails. For example, some 21 degree framing nail guns use 2-½” nails to make them perfect siding works.
Therefore, while ordering, you can only order a similar type of nails for both siding and framing work. This will save your time and money as well.
Avoids different hassles at work
Framing nailers are available in both Pneumatic and battery-operated versions. But, siding nailers are only found in the Pneumatic version. Thus you must have an air compressor for using the siding nailer.
You can easily avoid this situation by owning a battery-powered Framing nailer. Again, considering you have both siding and framing nailer. You have to either change the connection with air compressors while changing the type of work or own a different air compressor.
This type of extra hassles can be easily avoided if you use a single setup of framing nailer for siding works.
Best Framing Nailer For Siding – Metabo HPT Framing Nailer
The former famous power tool producing company Hitachi has been rebranded to METABO HPT without compromising its qualities. The Metabo HPT NV75A5 model possesses twin features of both siding nailer and framing nailer.
Fastener Compatibility
This tool has the ability to drive dual-purpose nails. You can load 16º wire coil nails from 1-3/4″ – 3″. These are favorable for framing purposes. Moreover 15º plastic coil nails from 1-3/4″ – 2-1/4″ are also supported by this tool. Hence, siding installation works can also be done using this nailer.
Build Quality and Weight
As a heavy-duty power tool, it weighs only 5.7 lbs. This is because the housing compartment is made of Aluminum. This ensures both the durability and lightweight capability of the tool. It allows you to carry it conveniently and drive nails for a longer period of time without causing any fatigue.
Magazine and Capability
The magazine is a canister system. This is a common feature for both framing and siding nailers. You can load both 16º and 15º plastic and wire collated nails. Being a coil nailer it can load more nails at a time and reduces the work time. Besides, the side loading capability ensures minimal time required to reload and drive nails.
Dual Actuation Modes
This tool possesses a simple flip switch to easily and quickly switch between the sequential and bump action firing mode. This feature is required for both frame and siding installation work. Because accuracy and precision of the nailing can be maintained by the dual actuation modes.
Multi-Depth Adjuster
Using the simple dial system you can easily select the required depth of drive of the nails. All you need to do is rotated the dial to the requirement of depth in inches. It is an important feature for siding installation.
Non-marring Tip
The Metabo HPT NV75A5 comes with a soft non-marring tip on the nose. It is beneficial for siding installation as no damage to the surface of the board is done. Besides, a plastic covering is found just above the tip to reflect the popping wires hitting the user.
Adjustable Exhaust
You can deflect the rear exhaust away from your face and body. All you have to do is rotate the 360-degree air-deflector cap to change the direction of the exhaust.
If you want to know more about siding nailers, we have a complete guideline for the best siding nailer. Check it out.
Siding nailer vs Finish nailer
| Siding Nailer | Finish Nailer |
| It uses a 15 degree angled coiled nails | Angled paper or plastic collated nails are used |
| Canister is used as a nail holder | Stick type magazine is used to hold nails |
| Available in only Pneumatic version | Available in Pneumatic and Battery operated version |
| Uses nails with a length range of 1-1/2-in to 2-1/2-in | Uses with a length range of 1-1/4-in Up to 2-1/2-in |
| Very expensive | Comparatively less expensive |
FAQ
Stille have some questions? Let’s check the section below.
You can use some specific Framing nailers for effective Fiber cement siding installation works. A coiled framing nailer with a 15-degree angled canister with compatibility of 1-½” to 2-½” nails can be used conveniently. Moreover, 15 degrees stick magazine-type framing nailer can also be used for Fiber cement siding works.
Brad nailers use 18 GA brad nails as the fasteners. These nails have 0.0475 of an inch of thickness, which is very low compared to standard siding nails. As a result, brad nails have lower holding capability and strength than siding nails. Therefore, Brad nailers cannot be used for siding works.
Hardie siding was installed using a hammer and nail in the past. But nowadays, air or motor powered nail guns are used for installing siding boards to the frame. You can use the specialized siding nail gun to install Hardie siding boards with maximum effectiveness and lee damage.
Time to wrap up
Siding nailers have been introduced only for siding installation works. The mechanism to install siding boards to the studs of the frame and join the studs of the frame is quite similar. By book, you may need to buy two different nailers for framing and siding work.
But if you already possess a framing nailer, then you may have asked yourself can I use a framing nailer for siding? It is possible and viable to use a framing nailer for siding installation work.
It is because framing nailers have the capability to load and drive the siding nailers as well.