A Primer on Vinyl Siding Installation Tools

• January 5th, 2011
• In: Vinyl Siding
• By: Rob Sabo
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In the previous post we discussed tips on installing vinyl siding as a do-it-yourself project. For this post we’ll take a closer look at the tools needed for vinyl siding installation.

Vinyl siding installation requires a mix of standard tools that you likely already have and specialty tools you will likely need to acquire. These include:

Safety Equipment

The recommended safety equipment includes safety glasses, work gloves, and a dust mask worn when cutting the siding.

Hand Tools

You’ll need a basic selection of hand tools to measure, cut, and install the siding. You can use a tape measure, square, chalk line, and level to measure the siding and make sure it is installed square and level. For cutting the siding you can use a utility knife to score the siding and then snap it in half at the scored mark. You can also use tin snips to make cuts. When using tin snips do not close the blades completely at the end of the stroke. You’ll also need a hammer to nail the nails into the wall.

Power Tools

A hand held power saw or bench or radial-arm power saw is useful to cut the siding planks. You’ll need to install the fine-tooth blade backwards to cut the siding. Make sure to remove the blade and reinstall the blade correctly before cutting any other material.

Specialty Tools

Snap Lock Punch – You’ll use this tool to punch lugs in the cut edges of the siding for the top or finishing course at the top of a wall or under a window.

Nail Hole Slot Punch – This tool allows you to elongate a nail hem slot if needed.

Zip Lock – The zip lock, or unlocking tool, allows you to unlock a siding panel to remove it from the wall. It can also be used to relock the panel. It is impossible to install or remove vinyl siding without this tool.