Fixing external cladding.

[mattandabi]

G'day.
We are newbies so excuse any ignorance.
Would anyone have advice on the best way to fix hardiplank cladding to a wooden frame? Bearing in mind the frame is very old and hard Jarrah. Worrying about nailing it in case it splits. Maybe drilling holes in first? Any tips?
Cheers

[Barry_White]

Probably the best way would be to use a Buildex Type 17 Self imbedding head screw with a proper electric screwdriver with a nose cone to set each screw at the proper depth. See this link.

http://www.buildex.com.au/products/p...at.asp?catID=8

Some one will probably tell you about a cheap attachment for a drill but that would be your decision because I only use dedicated tools for the job.

[totoblue]

Would anyone have advice on the best way to fix hardiplank cladding to a wooden frame? Bearing in mind the frame is very old and hard Jarrah. Worrying about nailing it in case it splits. Maybe drilling holes in first? Any tips?

Have a look at the James Hardie website - they're likely to have fitting instructions telling you what size screw or nail to use.

Our house is OB hardwood from 1950's and it is bloody hard. When replacing a few weatherboards, I've used 2.5mm galv bullet-head nails in holes drilled to 2mm first. A timber industry website I found suggested 2.8mm x 50mm galv nails for hardwood frame but I can't hammer them in, even when drilled to 2.5mm, so I am using 2.5mm x 40mm galv nails (couldn't find 2.5 x 50).

I suggest to get drills with the hex end for the chuck (same as is on screwdriver bits). These don't slip in the chuck - which is a problem I've had repeatedly when drilling with ordinary drill bits into the very hard wood (it's a bugger when the drill bit gets stuck in the hole). You need to clear the hole frequently (pull the drill out and back in again) or the overheat will cause it to jamb or dull the drill bit.