Nail gun/nails for weatherboards

I,m wondering if anyone can help. I am planning to replace quite a few weatherboards around the house and on a new extension.

I am confused about which nails to use with a nail gun. I have a coil nailer, and have been advised to use 45mm flat head nails. The heads look a bit big to me and I don,t see how they could be countersunk without splitting the boards.

Would say 16 Guage brad nails be a better option?. What is the go for contractors who do this all the time ?

Any help would be appreciated.

Regards.

Brian

Binks, this depends on the exact type of weatherboards you are using and manufacturers fixing method. For example the weathertex material requires non countersunk heads - soa 45mm flat head gal nail is appropriate (remembering that the nail can be hidden underneath the top board), whereas I think you can use bullet heads into pine boards and countersunk - so the first can be coil gun driven, but the latter is a hand driven job.

I'd check manufacturers fixing recomendations for your specific board. BTW brads will rust, so the coiler with gal is really the only option for your own house.

As to countersinking - you dont countersink the flat head nails - they are supposed to be on the surface but without breaking the surface -

brads are not suitable.
Theres not much nailing needed for weatherboards,
Use 50mm BH Gal nails by hand.

45 or 50mm T-nails will do the job .

Thanks for your replies. Sol. what sort of T nails do you mean. And what about rusting. Please excuse my ignorance. I,m a sparky by trade. I do have a framing gun and a coil nailer, and a small brad nailer, but havn't used a T nailer.

Regards Brian

PS Just done some research on the net. Looks like a 2.2 x 45 T nail might be the go. I see they can be galvanised. Might have to see if I can get a gun on E-bay. ( got the bradder there for $50.00)

2.2 x 45 gal will do the job. You could go to 50mm if you re going through pine.

You should be able to pick up a decent t-nailer for under $200.

Thanks sol. I have ordered a T-nailer from trade tools direct (QLD) over the net. They have one for $90.00 . The one I ordered was 212.00 which they reckon is trade quality, so I'll see how that goes once I receive it.


Thanks
Brian

hi mate - how'dya get on with the weatherboards? ... and how did the nail gun turn out?

have fun!