Replies

1. 
   Hackinatit | May 25, 2006 01:04pm | #1

   Roofing nailer with 1 1/2" bostich double galv or stainless roofing nails for blind or face nailing  is my preferred method, but have used the Bostich stick nailer with galvinized 8d.

   I don't like ring shank nails for this app because trying to remove them for repairs will destroy the siding.

   Troy Sprout

   "Don't forget the screws"

1. 
   Door Man | May 26, 2006 02:40am | #6

   Thanks for all the suggestions, and I know all about the ring shank nails. The siding is nailed with them.  Dan

1. 
   Mark | May 26, 2006 04:36am | #7

   One other thing regarding whether or not you need to buy another nailer.

   The Hardie rep im my area carrys around a paslode framing nailer and uses special siding nails designed specifically for hardi siding that fit that nailer.  They are 2 1/2" ring shank galvanised siding nails.  And it is just a basic paslode framing gun, nothing special or diffferent about it.

    

   So you might be able to get siding nails that will fit in the framing nailer you already have.   It's worth a few inquiries at the ol' supply house.

   If it works out you at least will have the option of either blind nailing or face nailing.

   Now,  let's talk about that electric  shears you'll be buying..." If I were a carpenter"

1. 
   JohnSprung | May 26, 2006 09:51pm | #11

   > Now,  let's talk about that electric  shears you'll be buying...

   For a small one-time job, perhaps look into the accessory type of shears that are powered by a drill motor.   

    

   -- J.S.

    

2. 
   Door Man | May 28, 2006 12:00am | #17

   Thanks again for all the replies. This internet thing is pretty neat. Decided to go with 8p Galv's and see how that goes. Now its on to the siding shears. Dan

2. 
   Jer | May 25, 2006 01:42pm | #2

   Exactly what Hack said.

3. 
   fingers | May 25, 2006 05:33pm | #3

   I tried to hand nail some.  It was a pain so I bought a Max siding nailer and used ring shank stainless nails.  Worked very well.  I'm sure a roofing nailer would work fine too.

4. 
   DDay | May 25, 2006 05:37pm | #4

   I like the 8's run from a siding nailer best, you need to be more careful with roofing nails because of the head size.  It's easier to keep the 8's head under when blind nailing.  If you have access to a roofing nailer or siding nailer, go that route.  Doing siding with a stick nailer will work fine (make sure you get the depth set right, do not over drive) but the weight of the nailer and the limited capacity of the nailer will slow you down.  Roofing nails will save you some money over the 8's.

   Don't bother pre drilling and hand nailing, you will go absolutely cazy.

   If you don't have a roofing or siding nailer, you could probably get a used on on ebay or other for cheap money (not really for a sider in good shape though) then you could resell it after you finished and recoup the money.

   FC is nice but do a search cutting it, the dust is a killer.  The shears work great.  http://www.pactool.us/snappershear/index.htm

    

5. 
   TJK | May 25, 2006 08:11pm | #5

   I'm not a "real builder" and don't even play one on TV. But I did hang 15 squares of Hardi using SST screws. Every nailer I tried (Hitachi, Paslode, Porter) was too unpredictable and would either overshoot or undershoot depending on the air pressure, wood density, or phase of the moon. It takes a bit longer to run screws, but they are far easier to control. Buy the screws intended for Hardi -- they are self-drilling and have ridges under the head to cut a countersink.

6. 
   WoodWolf | May 26, 2006 05:01am | #8

   I use a Duofast coil siding gun that shoots plastic collated ringshank galvanized (I hear stainless are available also) 1 3/4" and 2 1/4" nails for Hardi and Cemplank sidings,  but I have heard of others using the coil roofing guns, I like the smaller heads on the nails from my gun though.

1. 
   DDay | May 26, 2006 05:34am | #9

   To me, if your blind nailing, the ss are a waste.  The wire coil galv's in my area are $35 and SS plastic collated coils are $98.  Not worth the extra money.  Anything exposed is SS though.

1. 
   WoodWolf | May 27, 2006 05:30am | #12

   "

    

   To me, if your blind nailing, the ss are a waste.  The wire coil galv's in my area are $35 and SS plastic collated coils are $98.  Not worth the extra money.  Anything exposed is SS though."

    

   I agree with the blind nailing-galvanized, exposed-stainless, but I really like the light weight of my plastic collated coil gun (Duo-Fast RCN-60/225ADJ) for ease and maneuverability.

   What model Paslode do you use JRuss?

   I like the Kett KC-193 fiber cement siding shears.

   Edited 5/26/2006 10:31 pm ET by WoodWolf

1. 
   DDay | May 27, 2006 06:24am | #13

   I have a Makita An611 siding nailer, it will run both the plastic and wire collated.  I only use the plastic when doing trim and decking, those little wire burrs are a PITA.

   Will the duofast run the wire too?

1. 
   JasonPharez | May 27, 2006 04:29pm | #14

   I use a roofing coil gun for blind nailing Hardi lap siding...try to get some Maze HDG coil nails, as I just don't trust EG roofing nails to last as long as the Hardi under any exposure.

   For face nailing, I have a Max siding gun that shoots both 15 degree wire-weld and plastic-collated siding nails. It works equally well for both Hardi and wood products (as well as PVC).

   For nailing the 3/4" and 1" Hardi trim, use a framing gun with HDG or SS nails...the siding nails are just too thin and bend too easily...even the 8d framing nails bend occasionally.Jason Pharez Construction

       Framing Contractor

2. 
   RRooster | May 27, 2006 07:50pm | #15

   For the small amount of money, go with the stainless.  It won't break the bank. 

   http://grungefm.com

    

7. 
   JRuss | May 26, 2006 06:14am | #10

   6d galvanize ring shanks out of a Paslode.

   Never serious, but always right.
8. 
   hasbeen | May 27, 2006 11:40pm | #16

   I blind nail it with my Hitachi roofing gun. It requires that some nails be smacked again with a hammer, but most go right in.

   +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

   "Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." Voltaire