Best Nail Gun For Cedar Shingles 2023 – Get The Job Done Right

Cedar shingles are most useful if you want to either install or fix the roofing and sidewalls of your home. They can ensure accurate nailing and efficiency. But finding the best nail gun for cedar shingles is very crucial to get the desired result.

Brad or roofing nailers can work great for installing cedar shingles. Further, you can choose a well-built staple nail gun containing versatile nails. Remember that cedar shingles installation requires uniform nailing speed. Therefore, pick a nail gun that can provide consistency in nailing.

However, the huge market for nail guns can get you confused if you don’t know the top features of nailers. Regarding that, we have reviewed 6 of our top selections that come with user-friendly specifications. We will also discuss a helpful buying guide with considerable features so that you can narrow down your choices.

Let’s have a look:

Pneumatic or Cordless Nail Gun?

When it comes to choosing between pneumatic nail guns and cordless nail guns, you have to know their differences. These are-

• First off, pneumatic nail guns are more powerful being driven through compressed air whereas cordless models are comparatively less powerful as they are battery-operated.
• Pneumatic models give you the first firing rate and quick performance while the firing rate of cordless nail guns is relatively slower.
• But when it comes to portability, cordless nail guns are the best choice since they are highly compact and easy to move. On the other hand, pneumatic nail guns are less portable, making them difficult to move.
• In case of size and weight, pneumatic models are lighter while cordless nail guns become bulky with their batteries.
• When it comes to ease of use, a cordless nail gun wins again since they are good to go and convenient to work with. On the contrary, to run pneumatic nail guns you need to set up an air compressor, making it a bit tough to use.
• Maintaining a pneumatic nail gun is easy and cost-effective whereas cordless nail guns require costly maintenance for replacing parts.
• Finally, pneumatic models are less expensive than cordless options.

Comparing their pros and cons, we hope now you can choose between pneumatic and cordless nail guns as per your requirement.

The advantages of using a nail gun for cedar shingles

Using a nail gun for cedar shingles has several benefits, such as:

Effectiveness: Nail guns are faster and more accurate than hand hammers at delivering nails. Using a nail gun to install cedar shingles can be more energy-efficient, quicker, and simpler.

Improved construction quality: Aligning cedar shingles correctly might be difficult. Trim pieces can be securely held in position while being applied with the use of a nail gun.

Increased dependability: When installing cedar shingles with a nail gun, the nails are driven accurately and deeply into the trim. This results in a strong, stable grip that lasts for a long time.

Reduced potential for injury: Using a nail gun reduces the risk of unintentionally harming your thumb, finger, or hand compared to manually driving nails. This can reduce the risk of injury, increasing the installation’s security.

Which Nails Should I Use For Cedar Shingles?

You have two recommended options of nails to use for installing cedar shingles: hot-dipped galvanized nails and stainless steel nails. These nails are resistant to rust and corrosion, thereby they can keep your cedar roofing strain-free in the long run.

Avoid using plain steel and copper nails for installing cedar shingles because they corrode and get damaged by exposure to the natural oils of cedar shingles.

Our Top Pick Nail Gun For Cedar Shingles

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The Best Nail Gun For Cedar Shingles Reviews

1. DEWALT DCN680D1 Cordless Brad Nailer

If you’re looking for a cordless nail gun, then Dewalt DCN680D1 cordless brad nailer can be the right call to make. Due to its 18ga brad nails, this nailer ensures perfect nailing all the time. You will love its toolless depth adjuster that gives enough comfort in work.

Most importantly, it comes with a micro nose feature so that you can adjust the nail accurately in place. Weighing only 5 pounds, it becomes one of the lightest options available in this guide. It boasts a sturdy lithium-ion battery to guarantee sufficient run time. Thus, you don’t have to buy any costly compressor to run this nailer.

In addition to this, the machine has a toolless stall-releasing trigger that allows quick adjustment of the driver blade. The selective actuation system lets you choose between bump or contact firing. The best savior is its nail lockout mechanism that prevents dry firing.

More on that, this nailer includes a flexible belt hook to attach the nail securely to the n right and left sides. Again, to keep the work surface bright, it has a LED light.

Key Features

• Toolless depth adjuster
• Bright LED light
• Nail lockout mechanism
• Selective actuation system

What We Like

• Perfect and consistent nailing
• The stall-releasing trigger for quick adjustment
• Adjustable belt hook
• Sufficient run time
• No need to buy any compressor or cartridge

What We Don’t Like

• The grip quality could be better

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2. Freeman PCN65 Pneumatic Coil Siding Nailer

Looking for the best nail gun for cedar shingles? Look no further than consider the Freeman PCN65 pneumatic coil siding nailer. It comes with a lot of user-friendly features. First things first, it has a portable design to make it easy to hold and carry. Its sturdy magnesium housing ensures smooth run time and durability.

The plastic body of this nail gun prevents excessive heating and enables the safety of the user. This specific quality makes the nailer the best bet for cedar shingles. You can also use it for flooring, roofing, framing, and so forth. Again, the well-built rubber handle has premium ergonomics to offer satisfying friction and comfort.

Thanks to the no-mar safety feature that keeps the work area clean and also prevents unwanted firing. There is an adjustable depth guide that accommodates the preferred depth nicely. It doesn’t waste any nails while providing consistent nailing speed. You will find a clear bucket that allows you to see the leftover nails.

For users’ safety, there is a 360° flexible exhaust that keeps air away from your front. It also helps to clean the work surface. Plus, the protective trigger lock system prevents accidental firing. The bump firing lever also helps in driving nails precisely.

Key Features

• Sturdy magnesium housing
• Inbuilt bump firing lever
• Safety trigger lock
• 360° flexible exhaust

What We Like

• Durable and long-lasting with magnesium build
• Protective trigger lock to prevent misfiring
• Comfortable rubber grip for precise control
• No-mar protective tip to keep the surface clean
• Transparent bucket to observe leftover nails

What We Don’t Like

• Not compatible with different nails

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3. BOSTITCH RN46 Coil Roofing Nailer

We suggest the Bostitich RN46 coil roofing nailer as the best nail gun for cedar fences. This nail gun makes a complete balance of maneuverability and performance. Weighing only 5.8 Ibs, it is easy to clasp and safe to use in hard-to-reach places.

Its durable construction of aluminum housing makes it last longer. Besides, it can overcome rust and corrosion well. You can drive up to 100 nails in a single minute with constant nailing capacity. We loved the patented design side-loading magazine the most. This allows you to reload the nails when necessary.

For added safety, there are skid pads that prevent the tool from accidental damage. Moreover, it keeps the work surface neat and clean. You’ll be glad that the reloading indicator will tell you when you should reload the nails. Along with that, you will find its quick flexible depth guide helpful to get the desired depth.

What makes this nailer more impressive is its nail lockout mechanism that prevents accidental firing. To offer long-term efficiency, this tool features a carbide-inserted nose-piece. Finally, its over-molded rubber handle gives additional support and comfort while you work.

Key Features

• Durable aluminum housing
• Carbide-inserted nose piece
• Over-molded rubber grip
• Nail lockout mechanism

What We Like

• Aluminum housing prevents rust and corrosion
• Constant nailing speed and performance
• Side-loading magazine ensures quick reloading
• Skid pads prevent accidental firing
• The adjustable depth guide helps to get desired depth

What We Don’t Like

• Built quality could be better

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4. Senco 3L0003N SNS41 Construction Stapler

The Senco SNS41 16-gauge construction stapler is the best staple gun for cedar shingles. To start with, it has a sturdy yet lightweight design that weighs only 4.6 pounds. The portable structure makes it easy and comfortable to use. It is the most versatile option available since you can use this for flooring, fencing, roofing, and other repairing tasks.

As a safety feature, it has a comfortable grip that allows you to work conveniently without any fatigue. It also helps to reduce vibration. Providing around 80-120 PSI pressure, it makes any repairing project a breeze.

Further, this nailer contains a 360° adjustable exhaust that ensures your safety by keeping air away from the face. It also comes in useful to remove dust and debris from the work surface.

This could indeed be the right choice for you if you know how to staple cedar shingles. It provides the maximum nailing speed and power. Last but not least, its multi-directional stitching makes it suitable for any kind of sheathing project.

Key Features

• 360° adjustable exhaust
• Sturdy construction
• Precise rubber handle
• Multi-directional stitching

What We Like

• Sturdy and lightweight
• Optimum nailing speed
• Optimum operating pressure
• Versatile for various applications
• Value for the money

What We Don’t Like

• Sometimes, staples may get stuck

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5. CRAFTSMAN CMCN618C1 Cordless Brad Nailer

Craftsman CMCN618C1 Cordless brad nailer is one of the best nail guns for cedar siding in our opinion. Firstly, it boasts a powerful 20-volt lithium-ion battery that can provide uniform nailing in the long run. We experienced a successful jam-free 150-foot baseboard molding job in five hours with this cordless nailer.

In addition, this nail gun comes with a useful rubber handle that is not only durable but also very comfortable. It offers precise gripping over time without much fatigue. You will get optimum control over the project while ensuring consistent performance.

Besides that, the tool is quite lightweight and easy to carry around. Truly speaking, it is a well-balanced nail gun that promises to give constant nailing even on rough surfaces. As a bonus, there is a non-marring tip that keeps the work area neat and clean.

Furthermore, we liked the toolless depth adjuster that enables faster setup and precise nailing. The good news is- this nail gun doesn’t require any heavy-duty compressor for operation. So, you don’t have to buy any expensive gas cartridges.

Key Features

• Well-built rubber handle
• Non-marring tip
• Topless depth adjuster
• Well-balanced optimum center of gravity

What We Like

• The cordless design makes it easy to use
• Tool-free jam-releasing system
• No need to buy an expensive compressor
• The powerful motor ensures a longer lifespan
• Rubber handle provides optimum friction

What We Don’t Like

• A bit heavy

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6. Metabo HPT NV45AB2 Roofing Nailer

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly nail gun for fixing cedar shingles, then the Metabo HPT NV45AB2 roofing nailer is an ideal option. It has a portable design weighing only 5.5 Ibs. As a result, you can deal with it conveniently. It is also easy to use and maneuver.

On top of that, it comes with a cordless option that makes the installation of cedar shingles easier from the front. You can accurately nail with the driving depth of ⅞” to 1-¾”, thanks to its quick driving mechanism. Additionally, it has a bonus feature: a side-loading magazine allows you to reload nails in no time.

Apart from that, this nailer includes an open-nose jam-releasing mechanism to ensure consistent nailing. It prevents the nailer from getting stuck and jamming. We found its tool-free depth adjuster extremely helpful in smooth nailing. Besides, you don’t have to put extra effort into its setup.

Moreover, it has a well-built rubber handle to give better control and comfort while working. It keeps your hand from slipping during work. Again, the nail gun can minimize wear and tear with its carbide-tipped push button. Lastly, the integrated rubber pads keep the nailer from sliding while you work on roofing.

Key Features

• Quick driving mechanism
• Side-loading magazine
• Tool-free depth adjuster
• Comfortable rubber handle and pads

What We Like

• Portable and lightweight design
• The quick jam-releasing system ensures comfort and safety
• Well-built aluminum housing
• The inbuilt rubber handle provides precise control
• Tool-less depth adjuster for smooth nailing

What We Don’t Like

• Often, double nails have a problem emerging
• Magazine size is not worthwhile.

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What are The Best Nails for Cedar Shingles?

Costing the right nails for cedar shingles is very vital. Because improper nails may tend to leave signs of rust on your shingles. Thus, we suggest hot-dip galvanized, stainless steel, and aluminum nails for cedar shingles. They are resistant to rush and can prevent any wear and tear over time.

What to Look for in The Best Nail Gun for Cedar Shingles | The Complete Buying Guide

Nail Gun Types

Considering the type of nail gun is very important for installing cedar shingles. You can either go for a coil siding nailer or a staple nail gun. Choose one that suits the needs of your project.

Power Source

We recommend pneumatic and battery-powered nail guns for cedar shingles. Pneumatic ones drive through air pressure and provide optimum performance. On the other hand, battery-powered cordless nail guns are easy to use and give maximum mobility.

Size & Weight

The ideal size of nails for cedar shingles mostly ranges from 16 to 18 gauge. It will handle most versatile applications. We also recommend looking for a lightweight nail gun that is easy to hold and comfortable to use.

Warranty

One of the important factors that you must consider while buying is the warranty. Nail guns from reputable brands typically come with a long warranty period and around-the-clock customer support. We advise going with a well-known brand for superior performance and a longer lifespan.

Reviews

Customer reviews play an important role in choosing the best product. Because customers tend to give honest feedback. Before you purchase a product, you should do some research and go through some customer reviews.

Anti-jamming mechanism

Cedar shingles installation usually causes stuck nails in the nail gun. Frequent jamming of nails can hamper nail firing and result in consistent operation. Therefore, you should look for nail guns that come with an anti-jamming mechanism or quick jam-releasing system to prevent stuck nails,

Cedar Shingle Installation Tips

Allow the wood of the cedar roof to get properly acclimated:

Cedar shingles are greatly affected by the temperature and adverse weather conditions can cause great harm to your cedar roof. During wet seasons, it may expand whereas, in the dry season, it may contract. Thus, it takes a bit more time to properly acclimate in place. If you hurry to install them, they may remain misaligned and get damaged.

Use the right nail gun and proper nails for installing cedar shingles:

Using the proper tools and nails is important for installing cedar shingles otherwise they can get damaged. A wrong nailer may break the cedar roofing, causing a limited lifespan of the cedar roof. Also, choosing the wrong nails can cause cedar shingles to fall apart and become loose.

Proper alignment of cedar shingles:

You should align the cedar shingles properly. If you place them too close, they can cause overlapping issues, change shapes, and are readily damaged. However, if they are too wide apart, there may be room for precipitation to soak through and result in water damage.

Allow proper ventilation when installing cedar shingles:

If you don’t maintain enough ventilation when installing cedar shingles, the cedar roof can damage. Inadequate ventilation causes too low space for the cedar hinges to breathe, making them dry. In addition, this absence of ventilation makes it harder for the shingles to keep the proper temperature, which might hasten their degeneration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can you use a nail gun on cedar shingles?

Yes. A suitable nail gun is the best bet for installing cedar shingles. It can make your task quite faster and more precise. Additionally, nail guns allow you to work single-handedly. So, you can conveniently grab the strip of shingles to get better control over the task.

Q: What size nails for cedar shingles?

The standard nails for cedar shingles usually vary in size from 1-¼” to 1-½”. We recommend choosing galvanized and rust-resistant nails that can withstand any wear and tear. Use either a brad or staple nailer made of steel or aluminum.

Q: What kind of nail gun is for cedar shingles?

The best-recommended nail gun for cedar shingles is a coil-siding nail gun that comes with a flexible metal belt hook.

Q: Can you use a brad nailer for cedar shingles?

Sure. You can undoubtedly use a Brad nail gun for cedar shingles. The size of brad nailers varies from ½” to 2 ½”, thereby they are convenient for desirable projects.

Q: What is the best nail gun for cedar shingles?

We recommend the Freeman PCN65 Pneumatic coil siding nail gun as the best for cedar shingles. Because it gives consistent nailing capacity and long-run performance.

Q: What Type of Fastener Should I Use for Cedar Shingles?

Galvanized stainless steel and aluminum fasteners are the best options for cedar shingles. Because they are rust-proof and resistant to corrosion. If you choose the wrong fastener, it may leave signs of rust on the cedar shingles over time.

Q: Is it better to nail or staple cedar shingles?

It usually depends on your skill. If you’re good at stapling cedar shingles, we’d recommend stapling them. Because staple guns precisely hold cedar shingles if you properly do it. Nevertheless, if you’re not comfortable with stapling you better do nail cedar shingles. It’s good.

Q: Can you use a hammer instead of a nail gun for cedar shingles?

Surely you can indeed utilize a hammer for cedar shingles. But it will be a lengthy process and you have to give a lot of effort to do so. However, if you have a small DIY project ongoing, you can go for a hammer instead of a nail gun. It can save you some money.

Conclusion

The accuracy of the nailing is quite crucial when fixing cedar shingles. You’re already aware of some of the best nail gun for cedar shingles.

We hope this guide will make your purchase easier and worthwhile now. Each of the nailers we reviewed has considerable nailing speed and is easy to use. Their durable construction will also save you repair costs. Remember that smooth finishing is important to install cedar shingles and the above nailers will make your project a breeze!

Now, it’s your turn to do your research and pick the suitable one for you.