Siding Nailer vs Framing Nailer | Key Differences Explained

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Last Updated on March 15, 2024 by Mamunur Rashid

Siding Nailer vs Framing Nailer

Gone are the days when people used to use only hammers to drive nails.

Now it’s the 21st century when nail guns are getting the job done more accurately and quicker than hammers.

However, the industry has launched multiple nailers to serve different purposes appropriately and conveniently. Siding nailers and framing nailers are two of them.

The differences between these two types of nail guns are worth mentioning to give you the proper guideline about these tools.

In this write-up, I’m going to define siding nailer and framing nailer with their upsides and downsides.

Later, I will be comparing these tools to let you know which one is better for accomplishing a particular task.

Let’s get started by defining the siding gun.

Siding Nailer vs. Framing Nailer Comparison

Preview
Best Siding Nailer
BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nailer, 1-1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch (N66C)
Best Framing Nailer
Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer, 905600, Battery and Fuel Cell...
Title
BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nailer, 1-1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch (N66C)
Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer, 905600, Battery and Fuel Cell...
Editor's Rating
4.9/5
4.9/5
Prime Status
-
Best Siding Nailer
Preview
BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nailer, 1-1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch (N66C)
Title
BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nailer, 1-1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch (N66C)
Editor's Rating
4.9/5
Prime Status
Best Framing Nailer
Preview
Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer, 905600, Battery and Fuel Cell...
Title
Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer, 905600, Battery and Fuel Cell...
Editor's Rating
4.9/5
Prime Status
-

What is a Siding Nailer?

what is a siding nailer

Siding nailers are the best bets for siding jobs, among other helpful nail gun types.

There are no other appropriate tools for joining two materials, like a siding nail gun.

You can use a framing gun to do the same job. With that said, remember, the end result will be quite different.

When you drive nails through the softwoods, a siding nail gun will take care of the wood and drive the nails effortlessly.

It’s because these nail guns don’t shoot with too much velocity. On top of that, they have rubbery protection in the front.

A framing nail gun will be a harsh tool on the softwoods.

The siding nail gun is suitable for wood, vinyl, and aluminum.

Typically they shoot smaller nails ranging from 1-¼” to 2-½” nails.

So, when it’s about attaching two surfaces, choose nothing other than a siding nail gun.

Best Siding Nailer | Comparison Chart

Preview
Best Pick
BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nailer, 1-1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch (N66C)
The Runner-up
Metabo HPT Coil Siding Nailer, Siding Nails 1-1/2 inch To 2-1/2 inch,...
Best Value
DEWALT DW66C-1 2-1/2 Inch 15 Degree Coil Siding and Fencing Nailer
Title
BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nailer, 1-1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch (N66C)
Metabo HPT Coil Siding Nailer, Siding Nails 1-1/2 inch To 2-1/2 inch,...
DEWALT DW66C-1 2-1/2 Inch 15 Degree Coil Siding and Fencing Nailer
Finding
Works with a Variety of Siding Materials, from Soft Wood to Steel, Lightweight, Durable Construction for Everyday Use
Side-load, Tilt-bottom Magazine, Selective Actuation Switch, Plastic Shield, Tool-less Depth of Drive Adjustment
Very comfortable to use, Durable, lightweight (4.9 lbs.) aluminum housing. Smooth rubber foot aids in preventing damage to work surface
Editor's Rating
5/5
5/5
5/5
Prime Status
-
Best Pick
Preview
BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nailer, 1-1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch (N66C)
Title
BOSTITCH Coil Siding Nailer, 1-1-1/4-Inch to 2-1/2-Inch (N66C)
Finding
Works with a Variety of Siding Materials, from Soft Wood to Steel, Lightweight, Durable Construction for Everyday Use
Editor's Rating
5/5
Prime Status
The Runner-up
Preview
Metabo HPT Coil Siding Nailer, Siding Nails 1-1/2 inch To 2-1/2 inch,...
Title
Metabo HPT Coil Siding Nailer, Siding Nails 1-1/2 inch To 2-1/2 inch,...
Finding
Side-load, Tilt-bottom Magazine, Selective Actuation Switch, Plastic Shield, Tool-less Depth of Drive Adjustment
Editor's Rating
5/5
Prime Status
Best Value
Preview
DEWALT DW66C-1 2-1/2 Inch 15 Degree Coil Siding and Fencing Nailer
Title
DEWALT DW66C-1 2-1/2 Inch 15 Degree Coil Siding and Fencing Nailer
Finding
Very comfortable to use, Durable, lightweight (4.9 lbs.) aluminum housing. Smooth rubber foot aids in preventing damage to work surface
Editor's Rating
5/5
Prime Status
-

Siding Nailer’s Special Features and Benefits

  • Siding nailers are relatively lightweight and compact.
  • They are easy to maneuver. As a result, you can easily hold it upright, which is essential in siding jobs.
  • This gun provides a depth-adjustment mechanism. It lets you adjust the depth effortlessly. As a result, you are shooting uniformly, while siding becomes a plain-sailing task.
  • Siding guns don’t shoot nails with too high a velocity. That’s why they are quite suitable for driving nails through softwoods.
  • This type of gun steals the show when you need to join a non-wooden material to a wooden material like no other nailer.
  • Most of the high-quality and accessible siding nailers offer trigger-lock systems. It protects you from accidental triggering.
  • Using a siding nail gun is a pretty straightforward and hassle-free task. They feature an air deflector that you can swivel easily to save your mouth from the outgoing air. This eventually lets you work conveniently, irrespective of the position.

Siding Nailer’s Drawbacks

  • It’s not a very versatile gun. It’s only best for siding tasks.
  • It doesn’t drive larger nails.
  • Siding nailers are not the ideal tool for working with thick or hardwood as they can’t hit the surface with high velocity.

What is Framing Nailer?

What is Framing Nailer

A framing nailer is another form of nail gun considered the roughest replacement for hammers.

When it’s about high-impact framing for rough millwork, the framing guns come in handy like no other option.

To shoot large nails through thick surfaces, these nailers are the ones any woodworker would love to use. On top of that, if you want a nail to get into the tight corners and shoot the nail with high velocity, a framing nail gun is the best bet without any second thought.

Framing guns are one of the most versatile types of nail guns out there. From building construction to making decks, a framing gun sets itself apart from the crowd.

You can use it to nail almost any surface, like a wood, or rough wall, or where shooting the nails is appropriate.

Typically, this sort of nailer weighs more than the other types of nail guns. Nonetheless, they are quick and pretty accurate most of the time.

Best Framing Nailer | Comparison Chart

Preview
Top Pick
Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer, 905600, Battery and Fuel Cell...
Top Budget
NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer
Top Value
BOSTITCH Framing Nailer, Round Head, 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch,...
Other Consideration
Hitachi NR90AES1 Framing Nailer, 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Plastic Collated...
Other Consideration
Freeman PFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer with Case
Title
Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer, 905600, Battery and Fuel Cell...
NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer
BOSTITCH Framing Nailer, Round Head, 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch,...
Hitachi NR90AES1 Framing Nailer, 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Plastic Collated...
Freeman PFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer with Case
Finding
Its Compact design works between studs, joists and roof trusses, Offers up to 9,000 nails per charge for improved performance, Lightweight to improve user comfort and handling
Ideal for projects such as framing, sheathing, deck work, sub floors, and fencing, 360 degree adjustable exhaust allows user to direct air away from face and debris, Lightweight magnesium body perfect for extended use, Easy to load magazine features a simple pull-back pusher, Comfort grip handle reduces fatigue and increases control
Best-in-Class Power-to-Weight Ratio, Designed to Match the Task at Hand, Lightweight magnesium design for durability,
Lightweight at 7.5 lbs and well-balanced for ease of maneuverability and less user fatigue, Rubber grip provides comfort and ensures a secure hold, Two-piece anodized aluminum magazine makes repairs or replacements easy and with minimal expense
Ideal for projects such as framing, pallet assembly, sub floors, roof decking, and wood fencing, Dual mode trigger for switching easily between bump and sequential firing, 360 degree adjustable exhaust allows user to direct air away from face
Editor's Rating:
5/5
5/5
5/5
4.6/5
4.6/5
Prime Status
-
-
Top Pick
Preview
Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer, 905600, Battery and Fuel Cell...
Title
Paslode, Cordless XP Framing Nailer, 905600, Battery and Fuel Cell...
Finding
Its Compact design works between studs, joists and roof trusses, Offers up to 9,000 nails per charge for improved performance, Lightweight to improve user comfort and handling
Editor's Rating:
5/5
Prime Status
-
Top Budget
Preview
NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer
Title
NuMax SFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer
Finding
Ideal for projects such as framing, sheathing, deck work, sub floors, and fencing, 360 degree adjustable exhaust allows user to direct air away from face and debris, Lightweight magnesium body perfect for extended use, Easy to load magazine features a simple pull-back pusher, Comfort grip handle reduces fatigue and increases control
Editor's Rating:
5/5
Prime Status
Top Value
Preview
BOSTITCH Framing Nailer, Round Head, 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch,...
Title
BOSTITCH Framing Nailer, Round Head, 1-1/2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch,...
Finding
Best-in-Class Power-to-Weight Ratio, Designed to Match the Task at Hand, Lightweight magnesium design for durability,
Editor's Rating:
5/5
Prime Status
Other Consideration
Preview
Hitachi NR90AES1 Framing Nailer, 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Plastic Collated...
Title
Hitachi NR90AES1 Framing Nailer, 2-Inch to 3-1/2-Inch Plastic Collated...
Finding
Lightweight at 7.5 lbs and well-balanced for ease of maneuverability and less user fatigue, Rubber grip provides comfort and ensures a secure hold, Two-piece anodized aluminum magazine makes repairs or replacements easy and with minimal expense
Editor's Rating:
4.6/5
Prime Status
-
Other Consideration
Preview
Freeman PFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer with Case
Title
Freeman PFR2190 Pneumatic 21 Degree 3-1/2" Framing Nailer with Case
Finding
Ideal for projects such as framing, pallet assembly, sub floors, roof decking, and wood fencing, Dual mode trigger for switching easily between bump and sequential firing, 360 degree adjustable exhaust allows user to direct air away from face
Editor's Rating:
4.6/5
Prime Status

Framing Nailer’s Special Features and Benefits

  • One of the most versatile types of nail gun.
  • You have the liberty to buy either pneumatic or cordless framing guns.
  • A perfect kind of nail gun for accomplishing heavy-duty tasks where you need to shoot nails with high impact.
  • Framing guns can get the job done fast and with accuracy.
  • A framing gun is a perfect replacement for a hammer to finish a job faster without getting tired.
  • The handle of these tools is ergonomic and features a comfortable rubber grip.
  • Light-duty air compressors run pneumatic framing guns. As a result, you don’t have to invest in those high-end compressors to run this tool.
  • Almost all framing guns from popular brands are highly durable. So, once you buy them, you won’t have to spend your money on them for years.

Framing Nailer’s Drawbacks

  • Typically framing nailers tend to weigh more than other types of nail guns.
  • Most of the units are prone to nail jamming.
  • It was a bit expensive.
  • A framing gun is unsuitable for softwood siding as it leaves a nasty mark due to its high impact.
  • Framing guns can’t shoot nails smaller than 2”.

Siding Nailer or Framing Nailer – Which One is the Best

  • Regarding weight, framing nailers don’t weigh too much. However, it’s heavier than siding nailers. With that said, a siding nail gun can be of various weights (light, medium, heavy).
  • Framing nail guns are more prominent than siding nail guns.
  • Siding nailers are not versatile like framing nailers. It will help if you use siding nailers only for siding jobs. Conversely, a framing gun can be used for various tasks, including siding.
  • Framing guns are unsuitable for driving nails through softwoods, as they can leave a nasty mark on the wood. Nevertheless, siding gun has rubbery protection; functionally, they don’t hit the surface too hard like their framing gun counterparts.
  • Siding nailers drive smaller nails (generally, 1-¼” to 2-½”). On the other hand, framing nailers drive larger nails (typically, 3” to 4” nails).
  • Siding nailers can deal with larger pieces of wood. It’s only suitable for wood, vinyl, or aluminum siding. At the same time, framing nail guns are well capable of driving nails through large and thick wood efficiently.

Final Words

This is it.

I believe the comparison between a siding nailer and a framing nailer is no more a subject of debate.

They have similar shapes but different characteristics to perform various types of tasks.

Yes, you can use the framing nailer for siding jobs or vice versa.

Nevertheless, the output won’t be as good as using the dedicated tool for each task.

Related Posts:
#1. Difference Between Siding Nailer and Roofing Nailer.
#2. Pin Nailers and Brad Nailers Differences.
#3. Brad Nailer and Finish Nailer Differences.

About the author

Mamunur Rashid

Hi there! My name is Mamunur Rashid. I’m a meticulous guy who loves to deal with the perfect tools for various needs. No matter if it’s a woodworking tool or gardening tool or anything else, I don’t compromise the quality and usability. Since 2010 I’ve been testing different tools for different DIY and professional tasks. Later in 2015, I decided to share my knowledge with the world. I started by answering people in the forums and several Q/A sites like Quora. Then I founded this blog to aid others like you with my knowledge and experience.