Do I really need a coil nailer for certainteed lap siding over OSB?
Fellows I need some expert advice on fasteners for Certainteed. Installing 12″ lap over OSB which is over an older layer of 1″x8″ cedar boards. The cedar was attracting too many woodpeckers.
Do I really need to use a coil nailer like the directions call for? I dont own one and cant find one to buy used or rent at my remote cabin location. Can I use my Porter Cable Framing gun with ring shank nails? Screws seem too slow.
Other question is how critical are those cutters vs using a saw with diamond blade? How many diamond blades would I use installing 600 sqft of Certainteed with 3 doors and 5 windows?
I am trying to keep costs down, I am not a pro and wont reuse either of the tools very often.
If you think I need the gun will the 1″3/4 model be enough or do I need 2″1/2?
Thanks for the help.
KC
Replies
>>>Can I use my Porter Cable
>>>Can I use my Porter Cable Framing gun with ring shank nails?
Is it a stick nailer? Can you get HD Galv ring shank nails for it? If so, I'd say it's OK. The real issue may be depth-of-drive. Framing nailers tend to be crude beasts, and you may have a problem with the nails crushing the siding, or standing proud of the surface.
>>>how critical are those cutters vs using a saw with diamond blade?
You mean the shears? I think they're worth every penny. I use the Malco ones that you can attach to any drill, cordless or corded.
Perhaps you could buy it new and sell it after the job.
The other thing I have found super useful is the carbide tooth jigsaw blades. They're awesome for fine work. Too bad I had to use my good Bosch jigsaw, which will probably need a rebuild. I'm kicking myself for not keeping that crappy old jigsaw that I gave away a few years ago.
Assuming you are talking about fiber cement.....
Are you blind nailing? Personally, If I was doing my own house, I would face nail it with a coil siding nailer and then paint it after it was up. I haven't been impressed with the pre-painted fiber cement lap siding blind nailed. I'm just going what I see in the field versus listening to the sales pitch.
If you are talking about using 12" lap siding, have fun cutting around windows (or rather, have fun cutting around windows and then getting the piece on the wall without breaking it.).
If you are blind nailing, I'd agree that a framing gun might and might not work depending on whether you can control depth of drive. A roofing gun would probably be a better choice if you can find one.
Shears are nice but not essential for a small job. You can purchase saw blades made to cut Hardi (not diamond blades) that fit in a standard 7 1/4" circular saw. They are somewhat pricey--around $50 IIRC. The dust is hard on tools, so don't put it in your brand new saw. An abrasive masonry blade or diamond blade works, but creates clouds of dust.
I have had good luck cutting it with a utility knife. You have to score both sides of the cut. Might not work so well with 12".
Thanks for the help folks. I am going to buy whatever coil nailer I can find at the big box on my way up to the cabin. The local lumber yard has the sheers from Dewalt that seem to be popular. Hopefully I can sell both after I finish the job. I will face nail the 12" and paint after its up. Hope it goes well. Will post pics after we finish.
Rusting nails on FC
I found some "galv" nails weren't as rust resistant as I thought. After 6 months I saw some stains coming through the paint. Perhaps HD galv would work, but if I had the choice next time, I'd use SS if I could get 'em to facenail FC siding.
Are you sure that the woodpeckers aren't going to find the Certainteed just as irresistable?
They will hammer on anythng that sounds hollow.