Best Cedar Shake Nail Gun: Top Tools for Siding and Cedar Shake Installations
When installing cedar shake siding, selecting the right nail gun can speed up work, improve accuracy, and reduce material damage. This guide reviews five capable options, highlighting what each one does best for siding, cedar shake, and related soffit projects. Read on to compare power, nail compatibility, and efficiency features to help you pick a model that fits your project needs.
| Product | Brand | Key Strength | Quick Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| HinLIaDa CN55N Pneumatic Coil Siding Nailer | HinLIaDa | High impact, large 300–350 nail capacity | Amazon |
| BOSTITCH Flooring Nailer, 2-in-1 (BTFP12569) | Bostitch | Versatile flooring staples and L-Cleats | Amazon |
| Hemway Premium Ultra Sparkle Glitter Multi Purpose | Hemway | Holographic glitter for crafts | Amazon |
| WORKPRO Electric Staple Gun, 2-in-1 | WORKPRO | Wireless 2-in-1 for nails and staples | Amazon |
| HinLIaDa CN55N (duplicate for comparison) | HinLIaDa | Same as above, backup option | Amazon |
HinLIaDa CN55N Pneumatic Coil Siding Nailer
The HinLIaDa CN55N is designed for siding, cedar shake, and soffit applications with a 15° coil and compatible nails from 0.98 to 2.24 inches. Its needle-feeding design minimizes jams and improves reliability during long install sessions. A high-strength firing pin and precision grinding cylinder boost oil storage power, delivering strong impact for hardwood nails. The tool features a large nail capacity in the nail box (300–350 nails), reducing reloads and increasing productivity on large projects. Depth control and nail length selection allow precise nail placement to protect cedar shake from damage while ensuring secure fastening.
BOSTITCH Flooring Nailer, 2-in-1 (BTFP12569)
This versatile pneumatic nailer is designed to drive 15.5 GA flooring staples or 16 GA L-Cleats from 1.5 to 2 inches. It features mallet-actuated driving action and non-marring capabilities, with interchangeable base plates suitable for 1/2 to 3/4 inch flooring. While primarily marketed for flooring, its adjustable base plates and reliable drive can support cedar shake and siding installation tasks where compatible fasteners are used. It’s a practical secondary tool when you need to complete large surface areas efficiently.
Hemway Premium Ultra Sparkle Glitter Multi Purpose
Hemway glitter is a craft accessory used for resin, crafts, and decorative projects. While not a tool for installation, it can complement cedar shake projects by enabling decorative accents on trim, custom signs, or resin inlays that accompany siding work. This product demonstrates how project complexity can extend beyond straight fastening to finishing details and personalized touches, especially for outdoor décor or interior accents that accompany cedar installations.
WORKPRO Electric Staple Gun, 2-in-1
The WORKPRO 2-in-1 electric staple gun offers a compact, cordless design with 3.6V power for light to medium-duty fastening tasks. It supports 1/4”–9/16” JT21 staples and 5/8” BN18 nails. A USB charger is included, and the device is suited for upholstery, crafts, and small carpentry projects. The cordless operation is beneficial for tight spots and overhead applications when working on cedar shake installations or edging around soffits. The manual cautions about overheating and recommends controlled firing to maximize durability and battery life.
Buying Guide
Key purchase considerations for cedar shake and siding work:
- Material compatibility: Cedar shake requires corrosion-resistant fasteners and appropriate nail sizes. Look for 15° or 16° coil nails within the recommended length range for your shake thickness.
- Power source: Pneumatic nailers deliver consistent force for siding work but require an air compressor. Cordless options offer mobility but may have shorter run times per charge.
- Depth adjustment: Precise depth control prevents over-penetration or under-penetration, reducing risk to cedar fibers and ensuring secure fastening.
- Nail capacity and reloading: A larger magazine reduces downtime in long installs, particularly when siding multiple courses or wide fascia areas.
- Base compatibility: For flooring-style nailers (like the Bostitch model), verify you can use compatible fasteners for siding tasks. Interchangeable bases can be beneficial for different material thicknesses.
- Maintenance and jam-resistance: Look for needle-feeding designs, hardened pins, and clear maintenance manuals to minimize downtime on job sites.
- Ergonomics and safety: Lightweight ergonomics, anti-dry-fire features, and proper safety gear (goggles, gloves) improve comfort and reduce injury risk on extended projects.
- Accessory ecosystem: Availability of compatible nails and staples from reputable brands ensures consistent performance and easy replacement parts.
- Project scope: For large cedar shake installations, a combination of a primary siding nailer and a secondary, lighter-duty tool (stapler or trim nailer) can optimize workflow.
- Environmental considerations: Choose corrosion-resistant fasteners to withstand outdoor exposure and cedar’s natural moisture cycles.
Comparison at a glance
- HinLIaDa CN55N: Best for high impact, large nail capacity, and precise depth control in cedar shake and soffit tasks.
- BOSTITCH Flooring Nailer: Versatile base for various fasteners; ideal for larger surface installations and flooring-like applications near cedar boards.
- WORKPRO Electric Staple Gun: Cordless convenience for touch-ups, upholstery, and detail work in tight spaces or overhead areas.
- Hemway Glitter: Not a fastening tool; suitable for decorative accents that may complement projects but not used in fastening cedar shake.
- Duplication of HinLIaDa CN55N: Provides a backup option with the same capabilities for busy crews or layered projects.
In summary, for cedar shake and siding work, prioritize models with appropriate 15° or 16° nails, a robust depth control, and a reliable nail capacity to minimize reloading. Cordless alternatives can improve mobility but should be assessed against run-time needs and recharge options. By selecting a primary siding nailer like the HinLIaDa CN55N and pairing it with a versatile tool such as the WORKPRO staple gun for smaller detailing tasks, you can cover a wide range of installation scenarios with clarity and efficiency.