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Our content is meticulously curated through independent research, testing, reviews, and AI-driven recommendations, all designed to present you with the finest product choices. When you make a purchase through our links, it could result in us earning a commission.Smoothly Dismantle Sidings With the Best Siding Tools
DIY woodworking projects can be a great way to spark your creativity and imagination, but is it worth it? Why yes! Yes, it is! You can save a fortune while simultaneously decorating your place according to your taste. After all, DIY woodworking can be a very rewarding hobby, especially due to how much you can create with low-scale equipment and minimal experience.
All you need are a few tools, like a chainsaw, clamps, a hammer, and — most importantly — a siding tool. From there, you’ll be good to go. But why is a siding tool so essential? And where are you supposed to find the best siding tools of 2024? We’re here to tell you why siding tools are beneficial and how to find the right one for you. We also made a list of our favorite options, starting with our #1 pick, the Norske Siding Tool.
View all ContentsThe Best Siding Tools
Best Overall
If you’re looking for a siding tool that’s a bit more upscale, the Norske Siding Tool is a must-have. The product has an aluminum body, while the 13-inch long blade is constructed from high-quality steel, which makes it even more durable than other handy tools. It has a miter angle used to cut the siding, board, or flooring precisely because of the measurement scale.
You can adjust this measurement scale from the point of zero to 45 degrees, which is more than enough for a compact siding tool. The tool offers fine cuts and professional siding, thanks to its high leverage, which handles minimum input and maximum output, making it our #1 choice.
Pros
- Designed with a sturdy build
- Enables dust-free siding removal
- Does not emit any noise
Cons
- Heavier than other options
Most Affordable
Siding tools can be expensive, but the Malco Siding Tool helps install siding at affordable rates. It is a single punching tool that creates installation tabs in the siding panel. The product has a punching pliers kind of design constructed from high-quality metal. This siding tool has vinyl handles that offer a soft, rubbery, and non-slip grip.
You can use the wide rectangular tab projections to punch holes for securing vinyl siding. It is also compatible with aluminum or polymer siding. The ergonomic design offers a one-hand operation and is super easy to use, perfect for beginners. It is a better alternative to most high-end siding tools because it requires no electricity or manual guide.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and portable
- Practical pocket-friendly design
- Makes for a fast installation process
Cons
- Not suitable for steel siding
Most Durable
Siding tools can be pretty useful, so it’s better to go for a durable option like the Marshalltown Siding Tool. This product has a sturdy metal body that makes it suitable for high-profile siding cases and professional usage. Most of the interior is metal and steel, but the aluminum coating makes it durable.
The 13-inch wide blade makes siding faster and simpler. This tool has a built-in miter with standard angles ranging between zero to 45 degrees and a maximum measurement angle of 95 degrees. It is easy to use after you have precise measurements on hand. Using the aluminum fence, you can smoothly cut sidings, flooring, and even hardwood.
Pros
- High-quality handle for better grippage
- Comes with a built-in sharpening stone
- Serves as a multipurpose tool
Cons
- Does not come pre-assembled
The Best Siding Tools: Buying Guide
Siding tools can be confusing for any beginner or non-professional, which can lead to the wrong purchase. Save yourself from such a scenario by reading this buying guide to catch up.
What To Consider When Shopping For the Best Siding Tools
Types of Siding Tools
Siding tools are a set of tools that are used to install or remove sidings. Depending on the needs or siding condition, there are a few types of sidings that you can choose from. Look below to check them out.
Zip lock tool
A zip lock tool is the easiest way to remove mild sidings with no labor force. This tool has a sturdy metal bar and a hook at the end that enables it to pull the sidings from its attachment. You can notice a slight bending in the tool that helps apply force to pop the siding off the structure in one go.
Snap lock punch
The snap lock punch tool is mandatory while installing siding on a low scale. This tool helps you to secure the siding conveniently alongside skirting. You can use it to punch tabs in the siding panel, which is then attached to the other planks in an upward motion.
Siding gauge
A siding gauge is a tool used as an extra pair of hands to hold heavy siding like fiber cement. It places the siding on each other while measuring their centers and exact locations. The sidings are overlapped on the gauge hooks to increase the work pace and quality.
Siding cutter
A siding cutter is an advanced alternative to the utility knife or saw cutter. It measures the siding planks using a standard zero to 45-degree measurement angle while the aluminum frame cuts through the plank. This tool helps make siding from scratch without creating much mess.
What To Look For in a Siding Tool
If you want to get your hands on quality siding tools, look for the following factors in the siding tool.
Material
The most reliable and durable siding tools are usually made of metal. This is because metal is sturdy and has a built-in force that saves you from putting much effort into the tool.
If you’re using hand tools, make sure the handles are made of vinyl plastic as it offers a non-slip grip. For heavy-duty siding tools, go for aluminum coating rather than steel as it is UV-coated and easier to work with.
Usage
Not all siding tools are ideal for the task you have to perform, so it is necessary to think before buying. You can use one tool for several siding purposes.
However, the one useless tool cannot be used for anything. Instead of choosing heavy-duty or high-profile tools, it is better to go with your siding situation.
Price
The price factor varies from tool to tool. Handy siding tools like the zip lock tool or snap lock punch can cost anything between $10 and $20.
But hand tools like siding gauges can cost more as they serve an advanced purpose. You can expect a maximum of $75 for a reliable siding gauge. Heavy-duty siding equipment costs hundreds, but the maximum figure is $300.
Benefits of Using Siding Tools
Knife and pliers are the most common alternatives for most siding tools, which is wrong. Below are a few benefits of siding tools over such objects.
Safer alternative
Most people who don’t have the proper siding tools go for sharp objects that can cause damage with minor carelessness or mishandling.
Tools like zip lock tools offer longer handles, better grip, and more space for convenient and safe usage. They are also suitable for the task and require less effort than any flimsy kitchen tool.
Multipurpose usage
Siding tools can come in handy not only in siding but also when performing other projects. You can always use a siding cutter to cut wood planks or a siding gauge to accurately measure adjacent planks. Such tools can be used in many other ways than just what they are assigned.
How To Take Care of Your Siding Tools
Regardless of the size or use of a siding tool, it needs maintenance, or its lifespan will be reduced. Below are a few techniques to maintain siding tools of all kinds.
Lubrication
Lubrication is the ideal way to keep heavy siding tools greasy and moving. Since heavy-duty siding tools like the siding cutter can get rusted, it is recommended to keep oiling the moving parts like the fence now and then. WD-40 is the commonly used solution to keep such tools running.
Inspection
Throwing and forgetting the siding tools after using them can decrease their lifespan. To keep them in usable condition, clean them after usage.
Now, if they are used regularly, it is recommended that you inspect them often. Check the siding tools for any signs of debris or grease and wipe them off to prevent any unwanted substance on your tools the next time you use them.
Proper storage
Heavy-duty siding tools are not hard to store, but the handy tools are. They are easy to misplace or get dirty, so store them in a proper toolbox.
Ensure these storage boxes and tools are kept somewhere with minimal moisture or temperature changes, as these two factors negatively affect the quality of tools.
People Also Asked
Is it hard to remove vinyl siding with a siding tool?
Vinyl siding is easy to remove when you use a siding tool like a zip-siding blade. You would have to put a little effort into removing the siding as it is fixed, but it’s not impossible. All you need to do is unzip each plank of siding from the top. From there, either pull it or detach it from the others. And while you’re at it, always remember to work from the top up.
Are heavy-duty siding tools better than everyday handy tools?
From the perspective of a DIYer, heavy-duty siding tools are better than everyday handy tools. That said, as someone who only needs tools for a one-time project, everyday handy tools can also do the job. Plus, they will cost comparatively less, so they’re more budget-friendly.
Can I use siding tools to remove sidings?
Yes! You can use siding tools to remove sidings. Better yet, you can also use them to install sidings. It’s the best of both worlds.
