Which nail gun is the best for trim work on Hardie trim? This is a question that comes up a lot in contractor groups and online forums. While there are different brands of nail guns, they are categorized into two; pneumatic nail guns and cordless nail guns.
The pneumatic nail gun is powered by air compressors and typically has more power than cordless nail guns. This makes them ideal for larger trim pieces or when working with thicker materials. However, they can be heavier and more difficult to maneuver, making them less ideal for smaller projects.
Cordless nail guns are becoming increasingly popular as technology improves. They offer the same power as pneumatic models but are much lighter and easier to maneuver. This makes them ideal for small projects or when working in tight spaces. The downside is that they require batteries, which can add to the cost of the tool.
In this article, we will review 10 of the best nail guns for Hardie trim and help you choose the right one for your needs. The article covers both pneumatic and cordless nail guns. Let’s begin!
Top 5 Nail Guns for Hardie Siding Comparison Table
Image | Product Name | Warranty | Item Weight | Price |
  | Freeman Pneumatic Framing & Finishing Kit | 7 Year Limited | 6.38 Pounds | |
  | Metabo HPT Hardie Plank Siding Nailer | 5 Year Limited | 4.8 Pounds | |
  | PORTER-CABLE Cordless Nail Gun for Trim | 3 Year Limited | 5.9 Pounds | |
  | BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nail Gun for Hardie Board | 1 Year Limited | 4.08 Pounds | |
  | NuMax Pneumatic Framing Nailer | 1 Year Limited | 8.58 Pounds |
Best Nail Gun for Hardie Trim Reviews
1. Freeman Pneumatic Framing & Finishing Combo Kit
Whether you’re a professional carpenter or just starting on your own DIY Hardie trim project, you’ll want to have the right nail gun for the job. But what if you can get four different nailers for your project without breaking the bank? This is what the Freeman P4FRFNCB pneumatic framing & finishing combo kit offers you.
This kit comes with PFR2190 Pneumatic 21° 3½” full round head framing nailer, PFN1564 Pneumatic 15-Gauge 2½” finish nailer (34° angle), PBR32 Pneumatic 18-Gauge 1¼” brad nailer, and PST9032 Pneumatic 18-Gauge 1¼” narrow crown stapler. Each of these tools is designed with durability in mind. They are made from rugged and lightweight magnesium to make your next project a breeze.
The round head framing nailer is perfect for those heavy-duty projects. It can handle up to 120 nails per load and comes with a dry-fire lockout feature that prevents you from damaging the tool or your workpiece when nails get finished. Its large magazine accommodates 21° plastic collated full round head framing nails from 2″ to 3½”.
The finish nailer is also great for detail work like window casing, molding, trim, siding, chair rails, etc. With its narrow head, it can get into tight spaces without issue. Its anodized aluminum magazine works with 15 gauge tape or glue collated 34° finish nails from 1¼” to 2½”. Thanks to its quick jam release, you will not have any issues with jammed nails.
Put the Brad nailer to work when dealing with interior and exterior finishes and trims. It is comfortable to handle and uses 18 gauge straight brad nails from ⅜” to 1¼”. The last gun, the narrow crown stapler, is perfect for any finish work such as decorative trim, cabinetry, etc. It shoots 18 gauge ¼” narrow crown staples from ½” to 1¼”.
The Freeman P4FRFNCB tools feature a tool-free depth setting for adjusting nail depth to suit your needs and a dual-mode trigger for switching between bump and sequential firing. They have a 360° exhaust port that directs air away from you. Thanks to their quick jam release, you will not have any issues with jammed nails. The kit includes a sturdy canvas bag for transporting your tools from job to job. It also contains air tool oil and adjustment tools.
Benefits
- This kit comes with a framing nailer, a finish nailer, a brad nailer, a narrow crown stapler, a carrying bag, oil, and an adjustment tool.
- It offers extreme value for money.
- Each of the guns is very easy to use.
- The tools’ durability is top-notch.
Drawbacks
- The nail guns are quite heavy.
- You may find it hard to get compatible nails.
2. Metabo HPT Hardie Plank Siding Nailer (NV65AH2)
Do you need a coil nailer for your next project? If so, the Metabo HPT (NV65AH2) coil siding nailer might be the perfect tool for you. This coil nailer is for professional use, and it’s packed with features that make it easy to use for Hardie siding.
This nailer shoots 16° 1½” – 2½” wire collated coil siding nails and 15° 1½” – 2¼” plastic collated coil siding nails. It features a side-loading, tilt bottom magazine that can hold up to 300 nails so you can keep working without having to stop and reload as often. You can switch between bump firing or sequential firing to suit your needs. This nail gun jams and fire blanks. But thanks to the no-mar tips, your workpiece won’t get damaged from dry fires.
The NV65AH nailer also comes with a tool-less adjustable depth of drive that allows you to control how deep the nails are driven into the material. There is also an adjustable air deflector that directs spent air in any direction of your choice.
Benefits
- The nail gun is packed with features that make it easy to use for Hardie siding.
- It shoots 16-gauge 1½” – 2½” wire collated coil siding nails and 15-gauge 1½” – 2¼” plastic collated coil siding nails.
- This nail gun has an adjustable air deflector.
- You won’t have any problem using this nail gun.
Drawbacks
- It tends to jam quite often and shoot blanks.
3. PORTER-CABLE Cordless Nail Gun for Trim
The PORTER-CABLE (PCC790LA) 20V MAX* cordless brad nailer is a professional-grade tool that can handle a variety of nailing applications. With its powerful motor and long battery life, this tool can help you complete your projects quickly and easily. The motor is designed to offer consistent firing into different materials. It is a cordless nail gun that functions 100% on battery power, eliminating the need for a compressor, hose, or costly gas cartridges.
The PORTER-CABLE cordless nailer shoots 18 gauge 2” brad nails. It is user-friendly with its multiple tool-free settings such as a tool-free stall release & lever for jammed nails and a depth adjustment wheel. Moreso, it features a LED light that provides illumination in a poorly lit environment and helps with an error indication. Thanks to its lightweight and ergonomic handle, you can hold the nailer in multiple positions without experiencing user fatigue.
In addition, the kit comes with a 20V battery and a charger that make it easy to get started right away. A drawback to this nail gun is that it is inconsistent. So, only buy it if you only do small jobs or DIYer jobs.
Benefits
- It is a cordless nail gun, so you won’t need a compressor, hose, or gas cartridges.
- This nail gun has a multi-functioning LED light for illumination and error indication.
- It has multiple tool-free settings.
- It comes with a battery and a charger.
Drawbacks
- The nail gun is inconsistent.
4. BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nail Gun for Hardie Board
BOSTITCH (N66C) coil siding nailer is a professional-grade tool that can handle a variety of nailing applications. Whether you are a carpenter, woodworker, DIYer, or furniture maker, this nailer can help you get the job done quickly and easily. It is a pneumatic nailer that uses a 15° wire weld and plastic inserted coil nails. It fires nails from 1¼” to 2” with a .080″ – .092″ diameter. However, it jams.
This nailer has a magazine capacity of 300 nails, which means you can get a lot of work done before reloading. It is designed for use with wood and composite materials. It features a tool-free depth of drive adjustment that allows you to control the depth of the nails. This feature is important because it helps prevent damage to the material you are nailing.
The BOSTITCH (N66C) coil siding nailer is made from aluminum, making it lightweight and comfortable to the touch. It has a soft rubber foot to protect softwood from getting damaged from it. With the tool-free adjustable exhaust, you don’t have to worry about spent hair blowing directly on your face.
Benefits
- Its magazine holds up to 300 nails.
- It shoots 15° wire weld and plastic inserted coil nails.
- The nail gun is lightweight due to its aluminum design.
- Its tool-free adjustable exhaust directs spent hair from your face.
Drawbacks
- This nail gun does jams.
5. NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic Framing Nailer
The NuMax SFR2190 pneumatic framing nailer is a high-quality tool that is perfect for professional carpenters, woodworkers, and DIYers. Its 21° full round head design makes it the ideal choice for nailing Hardie trim, and its 3½” length gives you plenty of reach for even the most difficult jobs. Note that the recommended air delivery SCFM @ 90PSI is 2.4
The Nailer is an efficient, low-cost performance and power tool for framing, truss installation, subfloors, deck work, fencing, pallets, etc. It is compatible with 21° plastic collated full round head framing nails from 2” to 3½”. The lightweight magnesium body and one-piece drive blade increase longevity while reducing weight. Plus, the magazine is easy to load with a simple pull-back pusher.
Numax equipped this nailer with an anti-dry fire mechanism that protects your workpiece from damage. If the nailer is fired without a nail in the chamber, it will not discharge any air. This safety feature is important because it can help to prevent accidents and injuries.
The NuMax SFR2190 pneumatic framing nailer has a no-mar safety contact tip that prevents damage to working surfaces. With the tool-free finger depth adjuster, you will be able to control the depth of drive. Thanks to its dual-mode trigger, you can switch between bump or sequential fire. The tool-free finger depth adjuster controls the depth of drive.
The frame nail gun also has a comfortable grip handle for greater control while working longer, as well as a 360° adjustable exhaust to direct spent air away from your face. Best of all, it comes with a one-year limited warranty.
Benefits
- This nailer is lightweight and easy to maneuver.
- Its magazine accepts different nail brands and is simple to load.
- It has all the necessary features to make you deliver superior results.
- The manufacturer has a one-year warranty on it.
Drawbacks
- It jams and misfires.
6. NEU MASTER NTC0023 Cordless Nail Gun
The NEU Master NTC0023 nail gun is a powerful and versatile tool that can be used for a variety of projects, from hardie trim to carpentry and woodworking. It comes with a 20V Max rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery, making it ideal for use on the go or in the workshop. The battery life is impressive, too, shooting up to 1100 nails per full charge. The cordless brad nailer stapler delivers more full-power shots than corded tools without the bother of a wire, gas, or compressor due to its innovative spiral-drive technology.
This nail gun/staple gun drives ¼” crown staple from ⅝” to 1” and 18 gauge brad nail from ⅝” to 1¼”, which makes it ideal for fastening lightweight decoration trim. Simply load your nails or staples into the 100 brad nails/staples magazine, and you’re ready to go. However, we don’t recommend it for heavy-duty construction projects.
The gun has a depth adjustment feature that allows you to control the depth of the nails or staples, so you can get a perfect fit every time. It also has a non-marring rubber nose to provide a professional finish always.
The NEU Master NTC0023 nail gun ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold and operate, even for extended periods. And the LED light helps you see what you’re doing, even in low-light conditions. You’ll get a charger and a battery when you buy this gun.
Benefits
- It is a brad nailer and a staple nailer.
- The gun comes with a LED light.
- It is super easy to use.
- The gun comes with a battery and charger.
Benefits
- It is not suitable for heavy-duty construction projects.
7. DEWALT DWFP12231 Finish Nailer for Trim
The DEWALT DWFP12231 18GA finish nailer comes in a kit that includes all the accessories you need to get started right away. The nailer in this kit features a powered motor that is maintenance-free to provide long service years.
Note that it is not electric like Amazon advertises. Instead, it has a ¼” inlet for connecting to an air compressor. With its integrated rubber grip and 0.334 pounds weight, it’s easy to handle and comfortable to use, even for extended periods. Best of all, it is worth less than $100.
One of the things that set the DEWALT DWFP12231 apart from other finish nailers is its ability to handle a wide range of nail sizes. From ⅝” to 2″, this tool can do it all–and do it well. That makes it perfect for everything from trim work to cabinets and furniture making. No matter what your project, this nailer is up to the task.
But size isn’t everything. The DWFP12231 also features a removable non-marring tip that ensures accurate placement of nails, even in tight spaces. Its tool-free depth adjustment means you can customize your nailing to get the perfect finish every time.
This nailer has a tool-free jam release mechanism that helps for easy nail removal. Thanks to the rear exhaust, you can also use it in close quarters without worrying about blowing sawdust and debris all over the place. The kit comes with a carrying case and user manual.
Benefits
- This nailer is lightweight and easy to handle.
- It has a rear exhaust to keep sawdust and debris.
- It is inexpensive and offers excellent value for money.
- The kit comes with a carrying case and user manual.
Drawbacks
- It is not electrically powered but pneumatically powered.
8. WEN 61783 Pneumatic Coil Nailer
The WEN 61783 ¾” to 1¾” pneumatic coil nailer is the perfect tool for installing Hardie trim on the roof. It is easy to use and has a variety of safety features that make it a great choice for both professionals and DIYers.
Capable of driving nails from ¾” up to 1¾”, this nailer makes it easy to put Hardie trim together quickly and efficiently. It uses compressed air (anywhere from 70 to 120 PSI) to drive nails into even the hardest woods. And it has a turnable exhaust valve to dispense spent air in any direction.
Furthermore, the depth adjustment knob allows you to control how far the nails are driven into the wood, while the side loading magazine holds up to 120 nails at a time. The nailer also has a jamming quick-release mechanism that ensures your nails will always fire smoothly and without jamming.
With the rubber handle, holding this tool for a long time is comfortable with low or minimum hand fatigue. There’s a belt hook to keep the tool close by always. You’ll get a blow mold carrying case, oil, and hex wrenches when you buy this tool.
Benefits
- It is a great tool for installing Hardie trim on the roof.
- The nailer is easy to handle by both professionals and DIYers.
- It has an exhaust valve.
- It hardly jams and has a quick-release mechanism to clear out jammed nails.
Drawbacks
- The gun may not last long.
9. MAX USA CORP Nail Gun for Hardie Siding
If you’re in the market for a new siding coil nailer, you may want to consider the MAX USA CORP SuperSider CN565S3. This professional-grade tool can handle up to 2½” nails, making it perfect for any carpentry or DIY project. It features a 400 nails capacity magazine that shoots 1¼” to 2 ½” 15° coil nails. The nailer comes packaged with safety glasses in a carrying case. Be informed that you’ll need a compressor that delivers 70 – 120 PSI to use this nailer effectively.
The Max SuperSider nailer has a comfortable ergonomic design and durable construction. The manufacturer, MAX USA CORP, equipped it with a slim contact arm that fires nails smoothly and evenly into softwood and hardwood without any jams or misfires. They also included a safety trigger allowing you to select between sequential fires or bump fires.
Another great feature of the MAX USA CORP SuperSider CN565S3 nailer is its tool-free depth adjustment. This lets you quickly and easily change the depth of your nails, so you can always get the perfect finish.
Benefits
- This siding coil nailer is heavy-duty.
- It is straightforward to use and worth the money.
- The nailer comes packaged with safety glasses in a carrying case.
- It hardly jams.
Drawbacks
- None we could find
10. Metabo HPT 16 Gauge Finish Nailer
The Metabo HPT NT65M2S finish nailer kit is a professional-grade tool that can handle 16 gauge nails from 1” up to 2½” in length. It’s easy to use and delivers powerful performance, making it the perfect choice for installing Hardie sidings and other DIYers projects.
It is lightweight and very comfortable to hold. It has all the necessary features for efficiency like tool-less depth adjustment, selective actuation trigger, no-mar tips, and a 360°, fully adjustable exhaust port.
In addition, the integrated air duster means that you can keep your work area clean and free of debris. Sadly, it jams constantly especially when the weather is cold. That said, this finish nailer kit also comes with a carrying case so that you can easily transport it from one job site to another. The case contains safety glasses (875769) and a ¼” NPT male plug.
Benefits
- It features an air duster to conveniently blow away dust and debris.
- The nailer comes with a carrying case and safety glasses.
- It is perfect for DIYers and amateur Hardie siding installers.
- It bangs for the buck.
Drawbacks
- The nail gun jams constantly when the weather is cold.
- It doesn’t last long.
Benefits of Using Nail Gun on Hardie Trim
If you are looking for an easy and efficient way to install Hardie trim, a nail gun is the tool for you! Nail guns make it easy to secure trim in place, and they are much faster than using a hammer.
In this section, we will discuss the benefits of using a nail gun on Hardie trim. We will also provide tips for using a nail gun safely and effectively.
Saves Time
One benefit of using a nail gun on Hardie trim is that it is very fast. You can quickly secure the trim in place with a few nails, which will save you time during the installation process.
Prevent Damage During Installation
Another benefit of using a nail gun is that it can help to prevent damage to the trim. When you use a hammer, there is a risk of damaging the trim if you hit it too hard. With a nail gun, you can avoid this problem because the nails are fired into the trim with precision.
How to Use Nail Gun for Hardie Trim Installation
Now that we have discussed the benefits of using a nail gun on Hardie trim, let’s talk about how to use one. Here are some tips for using a nail gun safely and effectively:
Ensure Safety
As with any power tool, safety is of the utmost importance when using a nail gun. Be sure to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. Also, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before using the nail gun. This will help you understand how the tool works and ensure that you are using it correctly.
Set the Nail Depth
One of the most important aspects of using a nail gun is setting the depth of the nails. You want to be sure that the nails are flush with the surface of the trim. This will ensure a clean, professional look. To set the depth, simply adjust the depth adjustment knob on the nail gun.
Hold Firmly in Place
When you are ready to fire the nails into the trim, be sure to hold the nail gun firmly in place. This will help prevent the nail gun from slipping and causing injury.
Use Caution
Finally, use caution when moving around with a loaded nail gun. Be sure to keep the muzzle of the gun pointed in a safe direction at all times.
By following these tips, you can safely and effectively use a nail gun on Hardie trim.
Final Thoughts
So, which is the best nail gun for Hardie trim? The answer depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re working on a large project or need a lot of power, a pneumatic nail gun is probably your best bet. If you’re working on a small project or need more maneuverability, a cordless nail gun might be better suited for you.
In conclusion, whichever type of nail gun you choose, make sure it’s compatible with the type of trim you’re working on. With the right tool in hand, you’ll be able to tackle any project. Choose from our list and make a purchase.