Anyone here do vinyl siding on a regular basis? I'm planning on siding the house and barn this summer and could use recommendations on a nail gun.

Not looking for anything professional grade but I figured purchasing vs rental would give me flexibility on work time.

Also, who has nails for guns? All my local places have single nails in boxes. Nope nope nope. I'm not putting up 37 square of siding with a hammer.

Siding is supposed to be hung loose so it can expand and contract with the temperature - that's why the nail holes are 1" long slots. You sure as hell don't want to be hanging it with a nail gun.

Stanton has it right.

I nailed a piece of replacement siding tight not knowing any better at the time. I was wondering why it was all out of shape when it got hot out. LOL

Not my first rodeo with siding. I'm aware it should be loose. But this is a big job for one guy and I figured pros would have a tool for it or know a trick.

I like to use what is called a wafer head screw. But then again I'm far from a pro.

I like those too BUT ... he's trying to get the job done fast and you're suggesting screws !!!

You need to buy a siding nailer, this is the one I have, https://toolsandmore.us/bostitch-n66c-1-coil-siding-nailer.aspx

Screws could work but they should be aluminum. Steel can rust and leave streaks on the siding.

Speed is nice but I'm trying to save 50ooo hammer swings.

Ah ha! They do exist.

Now to find a preferably local source and nails to go with. Thanks.

Depending on the length you need....https://www.fastenal.com/product/Fasteners/Nails/Pneumatic%2520Nails?query=siding+nails&productFamilyId=39071&categoryId=600132

My local places aren't that great. A couple recommended roofing guns and nails.

Um, no.

As for nail length, I'm figuring 1-1.25 just going over T111 .

So I've been looking at the Bostich nailer and have a question.

Some information indicates the gun has a stop to prevent driving nails too tight but other reports indicate the need to play with air pressure.

What's your experience Vertman?

And of course it's mail order only around here so seeing it up close and personal isn't happening.

Yeah mail order is a bummer.

I use both, depth setting and air pressure as it seems to result in repeatable results. I have a adjustable pressure regulator at the air intake of the nailer. Nail length and the type of wood, age of the wood all play into how far the nails "sink" in. Just a little practice and playing with the air pressure results in pretty constant nail penetration. For siding 60 to 80 PSI at the gun and 150 out of the compressor. Roofing with shorter nails 40 to 50 PSI.
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Practice with a piece of similar wood on the sheeting on you buildings and a your new siding.

Yeah, I've got a small inline regulator that I use for my stapler.

So the gun does have a depth setting and basically fine tune it with air?

Correct!