Simpson 16d x 3-1/2" Tan Painted Siding Nail in Type 304 Stainless Steel is a premium-quality fastener engineered specifically for cedar, redwood, and cypress siding applications. Built from Type 304 stainless steel with a tan painted finish, this nail is designed to blend seamlessly with wood siding material while delivering the corrosion resistance and holding power that exterior installations demand. The checkered head pattern and annular-ring shank make it a reliable choice for professional siding contractors and experienced DIYers alike.

Key Features

• Type 304 Stainless Steel material - provides strong corrosion resistance for long-lasting performance in outdoor siding applications exposed to moisture and weather
• Tan painted finish on the head - blends with cedar, redwood, and cypress siding so fastener heads remain visually discreet after installation
• Checkered (checker pattern) head - mimics wood texture so the full round head integrates naturally with the surface of the siding material
• Annular-ring shank - significantly increases withdrawal resistance compared to a smooth shank, creating a more secure and lasting attachment to wood siding
• 11-gauge wire, 0.120" shank diameter - slender profile makes driving easier and reduces the risk of splitting delicate wood siding species like cedar and redwood
• Diamond point tip - self-starting point allows for faster, more accurate placement when fastening siding boards
• 3-1/2" length (16d penny size) - provides sufficient penetration depth for secure fastening through typical wood siding thicknesses into structural framing
• 1/4" full round head diameter - broad bearing surface distributes load across the siding face and reduces the chance of pull-through

Why This Product

• Designed for cedar, redwood, and cypress - these naturally oily and resinous woods require a fastener that resists the tannin-driven corrosion that discolors and degrades lesser metals over time; Type 304 stainless steel holds up in these demanding wood species
• Tan painted heads for a finished look - unlike plain bright steel nails that leave visible silver spots on wood siding, the tan painted finish helps fastener heads disappear into the surface for a cleaner, more professional appearance
• Annular-ring shank for superior holding power - when wind loads and seasonal wood movement work against standard smooth-shank nails, the ring shank grips the wood fibers and resists withdrawal, keeping siding boards secure over the long term
• Made in the United States - domestic manufacturing supports consistent quality control in the production of these siding fasteners

Specifications

• Brand: Simpson Strong-Tie
• Material: Type 304 Stainless Steel
• Finish: Type 304 Stainless Steel
• Color: Tan
• Penny Size: 16d
• Length: 3-1/2 in.
• Gauge: 11
• Shank Diameter: 0.120 in.
• Head Diameter: 1/4 in.
• Head Type: Full Round Head
• Head Pattern: Checkered
• Shank Type: Annular-Ring Shank
• Point Type: Diamond Point
• Approx. Count Per Lb: 88
• Country of Origin: United States

Available Pack Options

• S16SNDT1: 1 Lb (88)
• S16SNDT5: 5 Lb (440)
• S16SNDTB: 25 Lb (2200)

Approved Applications

• Fastening Wood Siding

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is an annular-ring shank important for wood siding fasteners?

An annular-ring shank features rings along the shank that grip wood fibers as the nail is driven, significantly increasing withdrawal resistance compared to a smooth-shank nail. This is especially important for exterior siding, where seasonal wood movement and wind loads can otherwise work a fastener loose over time. The ring shank on these siding nails helps keep siding boards firmly attached to the structure.

What makes Type 304 stainless steel appropriate for cedar, redwood, and cypress siding?

Cedar, redwood, and cypress contain natural tannins and oils that can aggressively corrode plain steel or lower-grade fasteners, resulting in staining, streaking, and fastener failure. Type 304 stainless steel offers strong corrosion resistance that holds up against these wood chemistries as well as outdoor moisture exposure, making it a dependable choice for long-term siding installations in these wood species.

What does the tan painted finish accomplish on a siding nail?

The durable tan painted finish is applied to the nail head specifically to help it blend with the color and texture of cedar, redwood, and cypress siding materials. Combined with the checkered head pattern that mimics wood grain texture, the painted finish reduces the visual contrast between the nail head and the siding surface, resulting in a cleaner, more professional finished appearance.

Are hammer caps recommended when installing these painted siding nails?

Yes - hammer caps are recommended when using painted-head nails. Because the tan painted finish is applied to the head to achieve a blended appearance with the siding, striking the head directly with a bare hammer face can chip or damage the paint coating. Using a hammer cap helps protect the painted finish during installation so the head continues to blend with the siding material after driving.

Note: Product dimensions may differ from picture.