Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #20093 in Home Improvement
• Brand: Malco
• Model: FCG2
• Number of items: 2
• Dimensions: 2.00 pounds

Features

• Makes installing fiber cement siding a one person job
• Works with 5/16-inch fiber cement siding
• Won't mar the finish of pre-finished siding
• Creates standard 1 1/4 inch overlap with measuring or marking
• Lifetime warranty against materials and workmanship

From the Manufacturer
Malco FCG2 1-1/4 Inch Overlap 5/16-Inch Thickness Fiber Cement Siding Gauges are used to permit one-person application of fiber cement siding by completely freeing the installer's hands. Two gauges support the length of plank and precisely gauge a standard 1-1/4-inch overlap in one easy step even on a bowed wall. No adjustments to make and nothing to mark. To use the plank gauges simply place a pair of gauges on the top edge of the lower plank then place the next plank on the gauges. Nail the plank in place leaving an area of about 18 inches over each gauge unnailed. Remove the gauges by depressing the thumb tab to allow the plank to go flush to the wall/gauge, lift the gauge up, pull out then down. After removing the gauges complete nailing the plank and hang the gauge on the new plank. Gauges are durable, made from one piece tempered spring steel. Precision ground tip assures gauge will grip behind siding. 2 gauges per package.

Customer Reviews

Worth every penny
This item should be recommended in James Hardie's installation instructions as are the Makita and Hitachi products. Don't bother trying to make other jigs to set the height of the planks, this is accurate and easily operated with one hand (gauge placement, panel release, and gauge removal). Follow the recommended minimum lateral spacing between the gauge and the closest fasterner or damage can occur to the bottom of the panels when released from the gauge.

Working alone? There is NO question: You need these!
I recently finished siding my 2-story colonial with 5.25" (4" exposure) Hardie Boards. It took me about 3 springs/summers of weekends since I did 99% of it completely alone.

I did not start using these until last year (year 3). At that point I only had 25% of the house done. Between these gauges, pump jacks, and a pneumatic siding nailer, I got nearly the other 75% done in one season. But if I could have only kept one tool that was an absolute necessity for working alone, it would have been these.

They are easy to set up and insert, and do a great job holding a course on the wall, especially when working alone. When butt-joining, I would hang a piece on these, then remove the one nearer to the joint and use the other as just a support or "shelf."

Here is my advice as a homeowner who installed Hardieboards by himself:
1. Get these gauges!
2. Expect that over many squares, the bottom edges might get a little worn, perhaps requiring a gentle tap with a hand or hammer to get them to sit on the top course quickly.
3. If you are using the 5.25 (4" exposure) boards, you should STILL use some type of measurement gauge. The 5.25" does in fact dip slightly if you put the gauges near each end of a 12' board. I don't know if this happens with the bigger exposure boards but I would guess that it is not as much. Also, you may have to make your own measurement gauge for the 4" exposure. The Malco one starts at 5"

Cement siding gauge
This gauge is very handy for installing cement board siding. Installing a 12 foot board is a little tricky but shorter boards are a breeze when you are working alone.