Replies

1. 
   DaveMason2 | Sep 26, 2003 08:35pm | #1

   I use it on the siding and soffit where the nails are hidden, but anywhere the nails are exposed I use 6d siding nails.

   Dave

1. 
   TKnipp | Sep 28, 2003 07:25pm | #4

   Thanks. Just what I wanted to hear.

2. 
   etfink | Sep 26, 2003 08:54pm | #2

   I've done it by hand using 6d galvanized. I found that if the panels are damp (I stored them exposed to the summer rains) that they tend to break and puncture easier. At least that is my perception. So I would opt for hand fastening in that case. Otherwise, from Hardie's website, http://www.jameshardie.com/architect/installation/hardiplank_installation.php towards the bottom states:

   Hardiplank siding can be hand nailed or fastened with the use of a pneumatic tool. Set your air pressure so that the fastener is driven snug with the siding surface.

   RECOMMENDED:

   Use a flush mount attachment on pneumatic tool. This will help control the depth that the nail is driven. This will be especially helpful when more than one pneumatic tool is driven off the same compressor.

   FASTENING REQUIREMENTS:

   * Drive fasteners perpendicular to siding and framing.

   * Fastener heads should fit snug against siding (no air space). (Fig. A and B)

   * Do not over-drive nail heads or drive nails at an angle.

   * If nail is countersunk, caulk nail hole and add a nail. (Fig. C)

1. 
   TKnipp | Sep 28, 2003 07:27pm | #5

   Thanks for the feedback. The Hardie wed site didn't give me enough info about the cabability of the roofing nailers and their respective perfomance. Good heads up about keeping the soffit material dry.

3. 
   ANDYSZ2 | Sep 27, 2003 01:13am | #3

   I have shot thousands of roofing nails into concrete siding 2 things use the longest nail your gun will shoot and test out to see if your gun will actually seat the nails my hitachi won,t quite do it but my max will bury them.

          ANDYSZ2

   I MAY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOUR SAYING BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT.

1. 
   TKnipp | Sep 28, 2003 07:30pm | #6

   Thanks Andy. Which Hitachi do you have. I've been noodling over buying the latest-greatest Hitachi roofing nailer but if it can't sink 'em flush I guess I'll have to switch brands.

1. 
   ANDYSZ2 | Sep 29, 2003 12:00am | #7

   I would go to a fastener company and ask to try out several guns to find what works well and feels ergonomically correct for you but I do like my max gun over the hitachi .Make sure to take a CSB (concrete siding board) piece with you.Also find out if they do repairs and which guns seem to hold up the best.

   ANDYSZ2I MAY DISAGREE WITH WHAT YOUR SAYING BUT I WILL DEFEND TO THE DEATH YOUR RIGHT TO SAY IT.

2. 
   sjmerrette | Sep 29, 2003 12:02am | #8

   We're doing a hardie siding job right now and we have the Hitachi 2 1/2" siding gun shooting plastic coallated 2 1/4" galvies.

   The gun is lite, and sinks 'em just fine. there is a tool less depth adjustment that works fine.

   Hell we had to back it off pretty good so the nails wouldn't blow right through. compressor is at about 110 lbs.

   The gun's a NV65AH I believe. they also have a framer/siding gun that's a little more expensive. Steve

   S.J.MERRETTE Carpentry & Construction • Robesonia, PA

   Nothing is impossible...It just hasn't been done yet.

1. 
   TKnipp | Sep 29, 2003 04:01am | #9

   Thanks Steve. I'm a dedicated blind-nailer and have just a gut feeling that the 1 3/4" x .120 roofing nail will provide better hold. I know Hardie states that both a siding nail and the roofing nail are approved but...

   I guess I was just hoping to not have to buy another "specialty" tool. My wife is hoping that too.

   TK

1. 
   jimblodgett | Sep 29, 2003 05:10am | #10

   I've only done 4 or 5 buildings with Hardi siding, but my old Makita roofing gun works great. I set the depth a little light and finish driving maybe 1/2 of the nails by hand anyway. I guess if I nailed siding for a living it would pay to have a dedicated siding nailer, but for the once or twice a year I'd use it, I can't see investing that kind of dough - rather buy a flight to Maui.

4. 
   byoung0454 | Sep 29, 2003 07:37am | #11

   That's the way I do all my siding now, if you go this rout try using regulator attached directly to the nail gun, I have found this saves time rather than adjusting my depth control.