Simpson 8d 2-1/2" Wood Siding Nail in Type 304 Stainless Steel is engineered by Simpson Strong-Tie for reliable, corrosion-resistant fastening of wood siding panels. Built with an annular-ring shank for superior withdrawal resistance and a checkered full round head that blends naturally with wood grain, this 13-gauge nail delivers the holding power and pull-through resistance that exterior siding applications demand. Whether you are installing wood siding on a new build or replacing weathered cladding, this fastener is designed to provide a secure, long-lasting attachment that helps exterior surfaces stand up to the elements over time.

Key Features

• Annular-ring shank - increases withdrawal resistance so siding boards stay firmly anchored, reducing the risk of cupping, warping, or loosening over time
• Type 304 stainless steel material - provides strong corrosion resistance for outdoor and exposed-weather fastening applications, helping maintain structural integrity without rust staining on siding surfaces
• Checkered full round head pattern - blends with wood grain for a cleaner finished appearance, reduces glare from sunlight, and accepts surface finishes or paint for a seamless look
• Diamond point tip - allows easier, more accurate driving into wood siding panels, reducing splitting and installation effort
• 13-gauge, 0.092" shank diameter - delivers a balance of nail strength and minimal material displacement, appropriate for securing wood siding without over-splitting the board
• 2-1/2" (8d) length - sized to penetrate siding panels and reach the substrate with adequate embedment depth for strong pull-through resistance
• Made in the United States - manufactured under Simpson Strong-Tie's quality standards for consistent performance across a wide range of exterior fastening projects

Why This Product

• The annular-ring shank design directly addresses one of the most common failures in wood siding installations - fastener withdrawal - by gripping the wood fibers more aggressively than a smooth-shank nail, keeping siding tight against the structure over years of seasonal movement.
• Type 304 stainless steel construction makes this nail a dependable choice for exterior siding applications where exposure to moisture, humidity, and outdoor conditions could cause standard nails to rust and stain the siding surface.
• The checkered head pattern is purpose-designed for wood siding work - it accepts paint and surface finishes so fastener heads can be concealed or matched to the siding, producing a cleaner installation without visible glare points.
• At 196 nails per pound, this is a high-count fastener well suited to siding projects requiring consistent, repetitive fastening across large surface areas - making it practical for both professional contractors and serious DIY installers.

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Material: Type 304 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Type 304 Stainless Steel
• Penny Size: 8d
• Length: 2-1/2 in.
• Gauge: 13
• Shank Diameter: 0.092 in.
• Head Diameter: 5/32 in.
• Shank Type: Annular-Ring Shank
• Head Type: Full Round Head
• Head Pattern: Checkered
• Point Type: Diamond Point
• Approx. Count per Lb: 196
• Country of Origin: United States

Available Pack Options

• S8SND1: 1 Lb (196)
• S8SND5: 5 Lb (980)
• S8SNDB: 25 Lb (4900)

Approved Applications

• Fastening Wood Siding

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is an annular-ring shank better than a smooth shank for wood siding applications?

The annular-ring shank features raised rings along the nail shaft that grip into wood fibers as the nail is driven. This mechanical interlock significantly increases withdrawal resistance compared to a smooth-shank nail, meaning the siding panel is less likely to pull away from the substrate over time - particularly important as wood siding expands and contracts with seasonal temperature and moisture changes.

Is Type 304 stainless steel suitable for all exterior siding environments?

Type 304 stainless steel provides strong corrosion resistance and performs well in most outdoor and weather-exposed siding applications. For installations in seaside or coastal environments where salt air and saltwater exposure are factors, Type 316 stainless steel is generally recommended for superior corrosion resistance in those more aggressive conditions.

What does the checkered head pattern on this nail do?

The checkered pattern on the full round head serves multiple practical purposes: it reduces glare from sunlight that a smooth head would reflect, it blends more naturally with the texture of wood grain so the fastener is less visually prominent, and it accepts surface finishes and paint so the nail head can be finished to match or blend with the siding surface.

What gauge is this nail and how does that affect performance in wood siding?

This nail is 13-gauge with a 0.092-inch shank diameter. This gauge provides sufficient nail strength for secure siding attachment while minimizing material displacement in the wood panel during driving - helping reduce splitting risk while still delivering the holding power needed for exterior wood siding fastening applications.

Note: Product dimensions may differ from picture. Please see the item description above for specifications.