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I just put lap siding on my 10 x 12 shed with these. I did it by myself with no problems. They work great. Well designed and good quality.
I own both the SoloSider and the PacTool gauges. Both have their advantages.-- the SoloSider is more versatile-- the PacTool is a bit easier and faster for simple runs of standard exposure-- the SoloSider will work when you're siding above a deck or other obstruction, when you can't get the PacTool under the first row-- the SoloSider holds the plank more securely than the PacTool, no slipsYou do need to stay alert, and be aware of which "o'clock" position you're on at all times, or you will put up a slanted plank.If it's in your budget, buy both. Otherwise, consider what your normal work is, and buy either the simple PacTool or the versatile SoloSider, as appropriate. They are both good tools.
Went to their website and watched the videos. I saw this item when I was purchasing a nail gun. First of all, I have never put any siding up before. Day of the project, had a neighbor help me with the first board and then used this item to do the rest. My project was to replace the lap siding on our house with Hardiboard. When the SoloSider came in, I looked at it and read the directions and didn't really understand how it worked. It was a 22 foot long wall and I did it in about half a day by myself. I am assuming a pro could do it quicker but any item that allows someone with my experience level to do it without any help is great.
I was all ready to return the SoloSider, but thought I would try it anyway. I was very skeptical on how this worked. I purchased the SoloSider on 4/27/09. This Tool REALLY WORKS. I own a Machine Shop and am building a new shop which requires 500 pieces of hardie board 8 1/4 siding. I built my own gage out of 1 1/4 steel straping to get the 7" reveal. The SoloSider inventors really did their homework. Thanks for a GREAT tool.(PS I was a general contractor in the early 70's)
They advertise "you should lap at 1 1/4" because it's code and this wonder will do that AND MORE.: Well, yeah. I'm disappointed. I'm sure it works perfectly WITH THE CORRECT MATERIAL. I anxiously awaited the arrival of my Solo Siders; yes, this magnificent tool was going to save me a boatload on labor. I'da probably given it 5 stars. I find it odd that they 'conveniently' left out this fact.
Sure, you can do laps as small as 3.5" AS LONG AS YOU HAVE STOCK SMALLER THAN 5.25".
a 1/2" more.
I was looking forward to blazing through my present job.
I must say, it's a dandy invention.
VERY disappointed because of the rave reviews this product received (despite the fact that there must be a total of $1.75's worth of materials--but that's capitalism).
But what if you've got an 8 1/4" piece of material and want a 6" exposure.(as I have on this job) NO WAY, Jose.
It won't work.
Again, I can see that it would most probably work wonderfully on a panel with 1.25 to 1.75 lap.
But leaving out what I consider a most important fact (since so much of the Hardi board is 8.25") I feel obligated to downgrade their marketing.
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