Best Siding Nailer: Siding Nailer Reviews & Buying Guide

Siding nailer reviews can be misleading, and today, we’re going to provide you with the absolute best siding nailer options on the market.

But you’ll also learn when it’s best to use one of these nailers, how to choose the right model and how to determine what type of nail gun you actually need.

WHAT IS A SIDING NAILER?

If you’re looking for a nail gun, you’ll come across finishing nailers. A finishing nailer looks a lot like a siding nailer, and this is designed to finish trim. These models may be hard to distinguish from a framing nailer, but there’s a big difference.

We’ll be going into the differences between the two more in-depth at the end of this article, but in general, a siding nailer has a nail size meant for siding.

Typically, the fasteners used with a siding nailer will be 1-1/4″ to 2-1/2″ in length.

In general, as the name suggests, a siding nailer is going to be used when nailing in siding. You may find others using these nail guns for other purposes, but it’s truly a tool that is meant, and works best for, siding projects.

Some will use a siding nailer for smaller home projects, but just make sure that the fastener provides enough support for the project.

BEST SIDING NAILER REVIEWS

1. BOSTITCH N66C-1 COIL SIDING NAILER

BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nailer, 1-1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch…

Key Features:

• Adjustable depth guide
• Lightweight aluminium design
• Rubber foot to prevent soft wood damage
• Tool-free exhaust adjustment
• Wire and plastic nail driving options
• 515 in/lbs driving power

Last update on 2022-07-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bostitch’s N66C-1 coil siding nailer is lightweight at just 4.7 pounds and offers soft rubber feet to protect soft wood from being damaged. The N66C-1 is designed to work with most forms of siding, and this is done with the industry’s best features.

Bostitch N66C-1 Specifications:

• Dimensions: L: 11.25” x W: 3.25” x H: 12”
• Degree: 15
• Magazine Capacity: 300
• Magazine Loading Type: Canister Loading
• Operating Pressure: 70 – 120 PSI
• Fastener Collation: Wire Weld / Plastic
• Nail Size: 1-1/4″ to 2-1/2″ length with .080” – .092” diameter
• Air Inlet Size: 1/4″
• Firing Modes/Actuation: Contact / Sequential
• Weight: 4.7 lbs.

When working with different types of siding, the rubber foot will prevent damage to softer woods. But the model can also be used on tougher siding, including: light-gauge steel, fencing, clapboard and cement.

The unit’s 300 capacity magazine allows for rapid nailing, and nails of 1-1/4″to 2-1/2″ in length. Contact and sequential nailing options are offered, and every unit is backed by a 7 year warranty.

Powerful and lightweight, this is a great tool for any home repair or small project. And it’s a powerful siding nailer that offers an operating pressure of 70 to 120 PSI.

Ideal for any DIYer, this model offers the Bostitch brand’s best features. We did want to mention that the trigger needs to be switched out to change firing modes, so it’s not as easy to use as a push-button model where it takes just a second to move from one firing mode to the next.

Aside from this small quirk, the 15-degree design with 300 nail capacity allows this unit to be used for a variety of projects using multiple mediums.

2. HITACHI NV65AH2 COIL SIDING NAILER

Metabo HPT Coil Siding Nailer, Siding Nails 1-1/2 inch To…

Key Features:

• Selective actuation switch
• Tilt-bottom magazine
• Tool-less depth drive adjustment
• Plastic safety shield
• Side-load magazine
• Contact or sequential actuation

Last update on 2022-07-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Hitachi’s NV65AH2 is a siding nailer that’s feature-rich with a side-loading design. The unit’s lightweight and compact design makes it a nailer that’s easy to position, and there’s also a tilt-bottom magazine that’s easy and fast to reload.

Hitachi NV65AH2 Specifications:

• Dimensions: L: 11-27/64” x W: 5-3/64” x H: 11-3/16”
• Degree: 16-degree (wire), 15-degree (plastic)
• Magazine Capacity: 200 – 300
• Magazine Loading Type: Side Load
• Operating Pressure: 70 – 120 PSI
• Fastener Collation: Wire / Plastic
• Nail Size: 1-1/2″ to 2-1/2″ length with .090” – .099” diameter
• Air Inlet Size: 3/8”
• Firing Modes/Actuation: Contact / Sequential
• Weight: 4.8 lbs.

Hitachi offers a 5-year warranty, and this is important because you want to protect your investment. But Hitachi also offers a solid design that features a side-loading nail gun with 16-degree or 15-degree options, depending on the fastener used.

Operating pressure is a standard 70 to 120 PSI, and the diameter is 0.90” to 0.99.”

Depth adjustment is available with a tool-less design, and actuation is a lot easier with this nail gun than with our previous review. We found that you can flip a switch from sequential to contact driving – much easier than switching triggers.

Take the time to read through the manual and oil up the unit before the first usage. Oiling up the unit allows for faster adjustments with depth and firing modes.

Easy to use, this tool has infrequent jams, and it’s backed by a five-year warranty. For projects big and large, the NV65AH2 is powerful enough to drive nails through a variety of surfaces, but be sure to check the pressure setting recommendations in the manual.

3. BOSTITCH N66BC-1 NAILER

Bostitch Cap Nailer Model N66BC-1

Key Features:

• Dial-a-depth adjustment
• Quick-load option
• 500-inch lbs. at 100 PSI
• Adjustable exhaust
• Contact and sequential fastener driving

Last update on 2022-07-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bostitch’s N66BC-1 is a cap nailer, and its tool-free adjustment is a welcomed addition to the list. Lightweight and made from magnesium, this model weighs just 5.8 pounds and has an operating pressure of 70 – 120 PSI.

Bostitch N66BC-1 Specifications:

• Dimensions: L: 10” x W: 6.5” x H: 12”
• Degree: 15-degree
• Magazine Capacity: 300
• Magazine Loading Type: Canister
• Operating Pressure: 70 – 120 PSI
• Fastener Collation: Wire Weld / Plastic
• Nail Size: 1-1/4″ to 2-1/2″ length with .080” – .092” diameter
• Air Inlet Size: 1/4″
• Firing Modes/Actuation: Contact/Sequential
• Weight: 5.8 lbs.

The N66BC-1 is the ideal choice for installing insulation board, house wrap and felt paper. Non-marring tips allow for surface protection, and the open nose design allows for jams to be cleared quickly.

The 300-fastener capacity works well with wire and plastic fasteners, and contact or sequential actuation allows for refined driving to meet the project’s needs. Wire fasteners hold much better than the plastic fasteners, and the quick nailing speed allows for faster project completion.

Jams are almost non-existent, and misfires are uncommon.

For wrapping projects, this is one of the industry’s leading cap nailers. A minor complaint with this nail gun is that it doesn’t have a lockout feature when on the last nail. While not a major issue, we feel this feature would have made this model even better.

Otherwise, it works well for projects big and small.

4. FREEMAN PCN65 COIL SIDING FENCING NAILER

Freeman PCN65 Coil Siding Fencing Nailer Ergonomic &…

Key Features:

• Belt hook
• 360-degree exhaust
• Safety trigger lock
• Depth adjustment
• Anti-dust cap

Last update on 2022-07-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Freeman’s PCN65 is different than other nail guns on our list, and it’s due to the model’s rich features. We enjoy the transparent side load magazine, which makes it easy to see how many fasteners are left in the magazine. There’s also an anti-dust cap along with a belt hook and safety trigger lock to round out this durable construction.

Freeman PCN65 Specifications:

• Dimensions: L: 11” x W: 5” x H: 13.25”
• Degree: 15-degree
• Magazine Capacity: 200 – 400
• Magazine Loading Type: Side Load
• Operating Pressure: 70 – 110 PSI
• Fastener Collation: Plastic / Wire
• Nail Size: 1-1/4″ to 2-1/2″ length with .090” – .113” diameter
• Air Inlet Size: 1/4″
• Firing Modes/Actuation: Contact
• Weight: 5.3 lbs.

The PCN65 offers 70 – 110 PSI with 15-degree coil siding nails and a side-loading magazine that’s transparent. Capacity of the magazine is 200 to 400 fasteners, and users can choose between plastic and wire fasteners.

Depth adjustment is a button away, and it allows users to adjust the depth to their project’s needs.

Durable, this model is made with aluminium to keep it lightweight yet durable enough to withstand drops. Ergonomic in design, the unit fits well in the user’s hand and also offers anti-vibration comfort.

When it comes time to drive nails, the unit will drive nails on contact.

A no mar contact also allows for added protection against surface damage. Freeman also backs their product with a 7-year warranty, so it’s an investment that is protected for years to come. The exhaust can be turned 360 degrees, but the exhaust is difficult to turn – a good and bad aspect.

Aside from this, Freeman has created a durable, lightweight nail gun that offers the convenience of a transparent magazine shell for easy viewing.

5. MAKITA AN611 SIDING NAILER

Makita AN611 2-1/2″ Siding Coil Nailer

Key Features:

• Tool-less depth adjustment
• Clear loading canister
• Multi-directional exhaust
• 3-mode selector switch
• Built-in air filter
• Rubber bumper

Last update on 2022-07-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Makita is known for offering one of the best coil siding nailer models on the market. Efficient and lightweight, this model also offers three selector modes and has nine depth adjustments to further refine the unit’s depth.

A built-in air filter will minimize dust and debris from entering the internal components of the AN611.

Makita AN611 Specifications:

• Dimensions: L: 13-1/6” x W: 5” x H: 12-1/2”
• Degree: 15-degree
• Magazine Capacity: 200 – 400
• Magazine Loading Type: Side Load
• Operating Pressure: 65 – 120 PSI
• Fastener Collation: Wire / Plastic
• Nail Size: 1-1/4″ to 2-1/2″ length with .080” – .099” diameter
• Air Inlet Size: 1/4″
• Firing Modes/Actuation: Contact / Sequential / Lock
• Weight: 5.1 lbs.

Makita’s AN611 offers a multitude of firing modes from contact and sequential to lock. Rubber bumpers are present to protect the work surface, and there’s also a multi-directional exhaust to direct exhaust away from the user.

A reversible tool hook is present along with a clear loading canister and a nail size adjustment. Tool-less depth adjustment is also present, with the unit engineered to offer precise, flush nailing.

Misfires and jams are not common – many times users can go through 3,000 fasteners without an issue. Nail depth adjustments can be made on-the-fly, and the magazine is fast and easy to load.

Lightweight in design, this model also comes with a few accessories, including safety goggles, tool case, hex wrench, air fitting and oil, according to other coil siding nailer reviews.

6. HITACHI NV75AN 1-3/4 INCH TO 3-INCH COIL SIDING / FRAMING NAILER

Hitachi NV75AN 1-3/4 Inch to 3-Inch Coil Siding / Framing…

Key Features:

• Plastic safety shield
• 360-degree exhaust
• Countersink for quick depth adjustment
• Open nose design
• Contract trigger with optional sequential trigger

Last update on 2022-07-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Hitachi rounds out our list of coil siding nailers, and this model can drive nails up to 3” in length if they’re wired. Plastic fasteners are lengths up to 2-1/4.” Air-powered and offering a 360-degree adjustable exhaust and air deflector, the NV75AN-1 is a lightweight, balanced nail gun that offers less fatigue than the competition.

Hitachi NV75AN Specifications are:

• Dimensions: L: 11” x W: 5.2” x H: 12.4”
• Degree: 16 +/- 1
• Magazine Capacity: 300
• Magazine Loading Type: Side Load
• Operating Pressure: 70 – 120 PSI
• Fastener Collation: Wire / Plastic
• Nail Size: 1-3/4″ to 3″ length with .099” – .131” diameter
• Air Inlet Size: 0.375”
• Firing Modes/Actuation: Contact / Sequential
• Weight: 6.3 lbs.

Hitachi’s nail guns are top-notch, and the NV75AN is no exception. This model comes with an open nose design that makes it easy to clear jams. The model’s clear plastic shield deflects collation, and there’s a 360-degree adjustable exhaust.

The tool-less design allows for quick driver depth adjustments, and even after driving thousands of fasteners, the unit never loses performance. Proper technique is required if users want to avoid double fires.

One small complaint is that the trigger needs to be swapped if going from contact to sequential firing. Less efficient than some of the other models we mentioned previously, trigger switching would be easier with a button design.

But there’s never concern of accidentally switching trigger modes when using the nail gun.
When siding and framing are needed, the NV75AN offers a reliable, durable nail gun.

SIDING NAILER BUYING GUIDE

When it comes to siding nailers, there is a general fastener length, so this is not as much of a concern as the quality of the nail gun. Fasteners, while you may find varying magazine sizes and firing modes, are rather standard (in length at least).

The best siding nailer will help you properly drive fasteners into your siding. Period.

But when you start looking for nailers, you’ll find that while similar, the specs can make a big difference. A few of the most important features and specs to consider when making your purchase are:

BUMPER

A rubber bumper may not seem like a must-have feature, but it’s the job of the rubber bumper to ensure that the siding doesn’t become damaged when firing. Softer materials can become damaged, so the rubber bumper is a must-have for all siding nailers.

DEPTH ADJUSTMENTS

The ability to adjust the depth of the unit is essential. You may need a longer depth or you may need a shorter depth, depending on the job you plan on doing.

EXHAUST

The exhaust of a nailer needs to be out of the way of the user or anyone else working on the project. Multidirectional exhausts tend to work best because you can adjust the exhaust port so that it’s out of your way.

FIRING MODES

Different firing modes allow for fastener firing that matches the speed of the job. Contact modes offer added safety and will only fire when the head of the nailer is depressed. Sequential modes will continue firing in fasteners, allowing for rapid firing of fasteners to get a job done faster.

AIR FILTER

Some models will come with air filters that help eliminate debris and dust caused when nailing. The air filter isn’t a must-have, but it’s a nice addition when a job has a lot of dust and debris.

JAM REMOVAL

Different jam removal features may be offered, such as the Hitachi NV75AN listed above, which comes with an open nose design that makes removing jams a breeze. When or if jams occur, it’s important to be able to quickly remove the jam and get back on the job.

OPERATING PRESSURE

Required when using an air compressor to power the nail gun. The operating pressure will dictate how much force can be used to drive the fastener. The PSI of the unit will often be 70 – 120, but this range may vary. If you have a compressor, you’ll want to make sure that the air inlet will fit properly, too. This is very important when operating a nail gun.

FASTENER TYPE

There are a variety of fasteners ranging from plastic to wire, and while most will offer both fastener options, it’s important to know what type(s) may be available.

AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT YOUR POTENTIAL NAIL GUN

You’ll also want to take an in-depth look at your potential nail gun, choosing a model that has positive reviews. It’s important that the reviews are mixed, and you’ll want to look for models that have more positive than negative reviews.

When reading the reviews, you’ll also want to look for issues with:

• Frequent jams, which will slow a job down a lot
• Breaking, which will indicate the quality of the unit

The importance of warranties cannot be understated. You want a warranty with your nail gun. Some warranties will be 7 years long, and others will be less. Choose a model with an appropriate warranty for the price. Lower-end models will come with shorter warranty periods, but this is expected.

Higher-end models, such as the Bostitch, should and do come with long warranties to protect the consumer’s investment.

Customer service response, when mentioned, is also important. You want to find a company that backs their products, and if customer service is lacking, this may be a nail gun that’s not worth your time or money.

SIDING NAILER VS FRAMING NAILER

Earlier in the article, we mentioned how it’s very difficult to distinguish between a framing and siding nailer. These models look very similar, and both will be able to drive fasteners. But siding nail guns have one key difference: fastener lengths are 1-1/4″ to 2-1/2″ in length.

Framing nailers, on the other hand, must driver fasteners that are much longer to provide better overall support and security.

When using a framing nailer, the fasteners will be 3-1/2″ or greater in length. If you need to fasten thicker boards to frame a building, such as a 2×4, the framing nailer’s longer fastener will provide a much better fastening power.

SIDING NAILER VS ROOFING NAILER

A major mistake a lot of first-time nail gun owners are making is that they’re choosing the cheaper nail gun. Siding nailers cost more than roofing nailers, so a lot of people will choose a roofing nailer based on price alone.

This is a big mistake.

Roofing nailers have wider heads and smooth shanks, but they’re designed to be able to be removed easily. Picture attaching shingles to a roof, this is a job where a roofing nailer excels. Not only will you need to fasten the shingle in place, but removing the shingle is a must in the future as it wears down.

Roofing coil nail guns will drive shorter nails with a length of 1-3/4″, or so, maximum.

Again, the nail length of the siding nailer is too long for most roofing applications. The difference in the nail’s diameter and head also makes it harder to remove the nails and less of a benefit as a roofing nailer.

CONCLUSION

We’ve provided you with all of the information needed to buy the best nail gun for siding. Browse over our siding nail gun reviews, conduct your own research and find the best nail gun for your project.

Who knows, you might find that the best siding nailer isn’t for your project, and you really need a framing or roofing nailer – not a siding nailer. But if you do need a nailer for siding, our siding nailer reviews will help you choose the best nail gun for your budget.