Choosing the right collated siding nails can make or break a siding, decking, or sheathing job. Corrosion resistance, shank type, length, and compatibility with your nailer determine longevity and installation speed. These recommendations are based on extensive research, hands-on testing, and synthesis of expert and consumer feedback.
Considerations
I evaluated candidates using a consistent, research-driven process that balanced lab-style measurements with real-world jobsite tests. Key evaluation factors included:
- Material & Coating: Hot-dip galvanized vs. HDG vs. stainless options for corrosion resistance.
- Shank & Head Type: Ring/annular shank and full round head for holding power; smooth shanks for trim work.
- Length & Diameter: Correct length and gauge for common siding substrates (1-1/2", 1-3/4", 2") and compatibility with popular coil nailers.
- Collation Angle & Compatibility: 15° coils and 15°/16° compatibility across common nailers (Metabo HPT, Bostitch, CN45/CN55 families).
- Quantity & Cost: Pack size (1,600–3,600) versus price to determine per-nail cost for contractors and DIYers.
- Real-world performance: Driving into cedar, rough-sawn redwood, pressure-treated lumber and fiber cement; checking for splitting, holding power, and ease of feed in coil nailers.
- User feedback & reliability: Cross-referenced thousands of consumer reviews for reports of broken coils, inconsistent lengths, and corrosion over time.
Testing protocol included driving samples with a compatible coil nailer, measuring withdrawal resistance on a standardized panel, and accelerated corrosion checks (visual inspection after salt-spray-style exposure). Expert opinions from professional siding installers and tool techs were used to interpret practical trade-offs (e.g., superior holding vs. skin penetration issues on thin boards).
Budget 1-1/2 Coil Nails
A practical, entry-level collated siding nail: 1-1/2" x .092" wire coil, hot-dipped galvanized with ring shank. Affordable and corrosion-resistant enough for most rough nailing and pressure-treated lumber. Good choice for small jobs and occasional users who want reliable, inexpensive coils.
BOOTOP 1-1/2" x .092" (1600 count)
Overview & standout features: Full round head, ring shank, hot-dipped galvanized finish, 15° wire coil — a straightforward package for rough nailing. The 1-1/2" length is ideal for lighter siding, sheathing and fiber cement starter rows.
Performance: In testing it fed reliably in standard 15° coil nailers and held well in cedar and plywood. Hot-dip galvanizing provides good corrosion protection for exterior use; ring shank improves withdrawal resistance for siding applications.
Pros: Very affordable; dependable coil feed; suitable for rough nailing and treated lumber.
Cons: 1,600 count means frequent reloads on larger jobs; for heavy-duty siding or deeper penetration needs, longer nails are preferable.
Metabo HPT 2-Inch Coils
Premium 2" x .092" wire coil siding nails (3,600 count) with hot-dip galvanizing and ring shank. Built for contractors who need consistent feed, excellent holding power, and compatibility with Metabo HPT NV65-style nailers — top-tier reliability for large jobs.
Metabo HPT 2" x .092" Wire Coil (3,600 count)
Overview & standout features: Full round head, ring shank, hot-dipped galvanized finish, and a large 3,600-count box make this a professional-grade option. Specifically compatible with common coil siding nailers (including the Metabo HPT NV65AH2) and engineered for heavy-duty siding and sheathing.
Performance: Excellent feed consistency and superior holding power in redwood, cedar and pressure-treated lumber. The larger 2" length provides confident penetration without over-driving on thicker substrates.
Pros: Contractor-oriented quantity and consistency; strong corrosion resistance; engineered to feed in professional nailers.
Cons: Higher upfront cost than budget coils; overkill for small DIY jobs where shorter nails suffice.
1-1/2-Inch 3600 Pack
A large 3,600-count coil pack of 1-1/2" x .092" hot-dip galvanized, ring-shank siding nails. Balanced for contractors and serious DIYers who want a low per-nail cost without sacrificing corrosion resistance or holding power on common siding materials.
1-1/2" x .092" Wire Coil (3,600 count)
Overview & standout features: Full round head, ring shank, hot-dip galvanized steel — sold in a bulk 3,600 count. Intended for rough nailing of lathing, sheathing and siding; compatible with common coil nailers (CN45/CN55-style guns).
Performance: Excellent value in testing: consistent feeds, good hold in wood substrates, and noticeably lower cost per nail than smaller boxes. Works well for long runs where reloading time matters.
Pros: Outstanding per-nail value; sufficient corrosion resistance; great for contractor inventories.
Cons: Slight variations reported in some batches (occasional mis-shaped coils); less penetration than 2" nails when deeper holding is required.
1-3/4-Inch Heavy Coils
1-3/4" x .092" hot-dip galvanized, ring-shank wire coils (3,600 count) offering balanced length and holding power. The grooved/annular shank and full round head deliver strong withdrawal resistance for siding, sheathing and fiber cement applications.
GXYWADY 1-3/4" x .092" (3,600 count)
Overview & standout features: These 1-3/4" nails hit a middle ground between 1-1/2" and 2" lengths — ideal when you need more bite than a 1-1/2" but don't want to switch to 2" nails. Hot-dip galvanized with ring/annular-style gripping shanks, they’re built for longevity and strong holding.
Performance: Very reliable feed in coil nailers, excellent withdrawal resistance on cedar and pressure-treated boards, and consistent coating coverage after weather exposure tests.
Pros: Versatile length for many siding scenarios; excellent holding power; contractor-friendly 3,600 count.
Cons: Slightly higher price than budget coils; less ideal if you specifically need the deeper 2" penetration.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Size (Length x Dia) | Coating | Count | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metabo HPT 2-Inch Coils | 2.00" x 0.092" | Hot-Dip Galvanized | 3,600 | Best overall / heavy-duty siding & contractors |
| GXYWADY 1-3/4 Coils | 1.75" x 0.092" | Hot-Dip Galvanized | 3,600 | Editors' balanced pick — versatile for many siding jobs |
| 1-1/2-Inch 3600 Pack | 1.50" x 0.092" | Hot-Dip Galvanized | 3,600 | Best value — low per-nail cost for long runs |
| Budget 1-1/2 Coil Nails | 1.50" x 0.092" | Hot-Dip Galvanized | 1,600 | Best budget pick — small jobs and occasional users |
Which is best overall? For professional installers and anyone doing large exterior projects, the Metabo HPT 2" coils are the best overall choice — they combine consistent feed, deep penetration and contractor-grade corrosion protection.
Best alternatives by scenario:
- If you need the lowest per-nail cost for long runs: choose the 1-1/2" 3,600-count pack (Best Value).
- If you want a middle-ground length that works on most siding types: the 1-3/4" Editors' Choice offers the best balance.
- For occasional DIYers or small jobs: the 1,600-count budget coils are a reliable and inexpensive option.
Final selection notes: All four picks are hot-dip galvanized and use ring/annular shanks, which are the most important features for long-term siding performance—especially on exterior installations and treated lumber.
After hands-on tests, expert consultation, and consumer-feedback analysis, the Metabo HPT 2" x .092" coils stand out as the best overall collated siding nails for contractors and serious DIYers because of their consistency, holding power, and compatibility with professional nailers. For money-conscious buyers doing long runs, the 1-1/2" 3,600-count option provides the best value; the 1-3/4" Editors' Choice is the most versatile all-rounder; and the 1,600-count budget coil is a practical pick for smaller jobs. These recommendations reflect measured testing and real-world installer feedback — pick the length and count that match your substrate, nailer compatibility, and job size for the best results.