Manufacturer | General Tools & Instruments |
---|---|
Part Number | SA903 |
Item Weight | 1.3 pounds |
Product Dimensions | 12 x 12 x 16 inches |
Country of Origin | China |
Item model number | SA903 |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Size | 1-Pack |
Color | Green |
Style | Polycarbonate body |
Material | Plastic,Polycarbonate,Rubber |
Pattern | Mounting Kit |
Power Source | Hand Powered |
Item Package Quantity | 2 |
Measurement Accuracy | 1 |
Included Components | Gecko Gauges |
Batteries Included? | No |
Batteries Required? | No |
Warranty Description | Warranty |
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PacTool Gecko Gauge, The Original Home Siding Installation Kit - For Use with 5/16 Inch Fiber Cement Siding and James Hardie Siding, Includes 2 Gecko Gauge Clamps
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | PacTool |
Material | Plastic,Polycarbonate,Rubber |
Item dimensions L x W x H | 12 x 12 x 16 inches |
Item Weight | 1.3 Pounds |
About this item
- PRO GRIP CLAMP: Ideal for one-person installation, this siding mounting block gauges and supports the next course for nailing, with virtually no layout time. Making any job ideal for one-person installation, with more accuracy, and 50% percent faster.
- SIDING TOOLS: Our gauges can be adjusted at 1/4-inch increments for 4 to 8-inch siding reveals, and the patented Friction-Cam mechanism can support full 12-foot cement-board siding lengths. This feature ensures equal spacing between each board.
- PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT: This product is safe to use on primed or pre-finished siding products. Made from durable plastic, the locking grip is made from a rubber material, ensuring that the front face of your siding will not be scratched or damaged.
- LIFTING TOOLS: Works with 5/16-inch James Hardie’s including the updated HZ5 series with a new “eased” drip-edge profile. Designed to hold the board at the correct height, these hands-free clips help install fiber cement siding with less fatigue and more productivity.
- PACTOOL: Trusted for decades, we are the leaders in specialized construction, renovation, and remodeling designs. Our cutting-edge product line inspires craftspeople and DIYers to work smarter, measure better, and repair more efficiently.
Customer ratings by feature
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From the manufacturer
SA903 Gecko Gauge for Fiber-Cement Siding | SA902 Gecko Gauge for Fiber-Cement Siding | SA902A.01 Gecko Gauge for Fiber-Cement Siding | SA90376 Gecko Gauge for LP Siding | SA90338 Gecko Gauge for LP Siding | |
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Customer Reviews |
4.8 out of 5 stars
5,861
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
1,121
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
1,121
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
2,867
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
2,867
|
Price | $48.71$48.71 | $56.99$56.99 | $69.99$69.99 | $59.49$59.49 | $50.96$50.96 |
Siding Thickness: | 5/16" | 5/16" | 5/8" | 7/16” | 3/8" |
Compatible Materials: | Fiber-Cement Siding | Fiber-Cement Siding | Fiber-Cement Artisan Lap Siding | Wood Siding, including LP Siding | Wood Siding, including LP Siding |
Adjustible Siding Reveals: | From 4" to 8" reveals at 1/4" increments | From 4" to 8" reveals at 1/4" increments | From 4" to 8" reveals at 1/4" increments + Optional 12" Extender | From 4" to 8" reveals at 1/4" increments | From 4" to 8" reveals at 1/4" increments |
Body Material: | Polycarbonate | Aluminum | Aluminum | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate |
Recommended for Pre-Painted Siding: | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
Supported Siding Length: | 12 FT | 12 FT | 12 FT | 16 FT | 16 FT |
Replaceable Friction Pads: | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Optional Extender: | ✓ |
Product guides and documents
Videos
Videos for this product
1:16
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Purchase or Pass - Are Gecko Gauges A Must Have?
✅ The Bradley Family
Videos for this product
3:43
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The Gecko Gauges Are an INVALUABLE Siding Tool
Aaron's Test Lab
Videos for this product
0:16
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Customer Review: Very helpful for any siding project
Scootdog
Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
ASIN | B000VERBCU |
---|---|
Customer Reviews |
4.8 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #6,829 in Tools & Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement) #3 in Siding Building Material |
Date First Available | August 24, 2007 |
Warranty & Support
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Product Description
Product Description
Our PacTool SA903 Gecko Gauge Fiber Cement Siding Tool can help to make your next commercial siding project easier and more productive. With our efficient clamping tool that supports and gauges cement-board siding application by acting as a second pair of hands, this design allows your siding to be level and adequately spaced while working your way up the wall, essentially eliminating the need for any layout. It is adjustable at 1/4-inch increments for 4 to 8-inch siding reveals. Our gauge has a patented non-marring friction cam mechanism that securely holds a 12-foot piece of fiber cement siding for hands-free nailing. It is constructed from heavy-duty plastic and includes a rubber padding material on the locking grip, ensuring that it won’t scratch or mar pre-painted siding. At PacTool, we are known for our outstanding line of exterior products in the construction, renovation, and remodeling sector and take pride in providing exceptional solutions that help to reduce fatigue and frustration for craftspeople, artisans, and DIYers.
From the Manufacturer
For siding installation, similar to SA902, but this newer model will not scratch pre-painted siding. Heavy-gauge plastic helps avoid marring the painted surface. One person can install fiber cement siding while ensuring each course stays level. Adjusts for a 5, 6, 7 or 8-inch reveal. Sold in a set of two.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the performance, ease of use, value, quality and speed of the electromechanical gauge. For example, they mention it saves time, makes putting up siding go faster and that it's worth their weight in gold. They are also happy with adjustability, and appearance. That said, opinions are mixed on stability.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are satisfied with the performance of the electromechanical gauge. They say it saves time and makes for a great end result. They also say it's incredibly helpful and invaluable for siding jobs. Customers also mention that the product is thick and durable and performs the function it says it would.
"...However, this kit has truly revolutionized the way he works...." Read more
"Perfect in its simplicity, works well, made it possible to do the job by myself." Read more
"...They were even incredibly helpful even when I had help and ensured that the spacing on the boards was perfect...." Read more
"...hangers... Glad I found theses for my first Hardi job, because they're fantastic and easily made it a two-person job (one to cut and one to hang)...." Read more
Customers find the electromechanical gauge easy to use. They say it makes the job super easy, makes spacing accurate, and allows hands-free board installation. Customers also say the clamps make installing the HardiPlank go faster, and that it doesn't mar the fragile boards in any way. They also say it's easy to correct for this with the gauges. Overall, customers recommend the product for its ease of use.
"...an absolute lifesaver for my husband, allowing him to complete the siding installation quickly and effortlessly, all on his own—no need for an extra..." Read more
"Perfect in its simplicity, works well, made it possible to do the job by myself." Read more
"...Placing and removing them was simple and they didn't mar the fragile boards in any way. I'm very impressed and definitely recommend." Read more
"...Allows hands-free board installation. Just determine how much board you want visible, put these up and "clamp" into place and hang your boards...." Read more
Customers like the value of the electromechanical gauge. For example, they say it's well worth the dollar amount, and the clamps pay for themselves in the first hour. That said, some say the time they save is worth every penny.
"...No guessing on if the sheets are straight/level…. Well worth the money!" Read more
"...Made the job alot easier and well worth the cost of the Gecko gauges." Read more
"...Well worth every penny. If you have a HardiPlank job coming up, pick up a set of these first!..." Read more
"...The time they save is worth every penny. Not only can you work alone but all the time consuming and tedious measuring is gone...." Read more
Customers like the quality of the electromechanical gauge. They say it's well-made, sturdy, and durable. They also say it doesn't mar fragile boards and provides excellent consistency when installing cement board. Customers also say the gauges are incredible and one of the best tool purchases they have ever made.
"...been a stressful and time-consuming task into an enjoyable and rewarding experience for my husband...." Read more
"...Placing and removing them was simple and they didn't mar the fragile boards in any way. I'm very impressed and definitely recommend." Read more
"...are plastic, but it’s a very high quality plastic and the clamps are extremely well made. Excellent design and extremely well made product...." Read more
"...would probably be way too heavy and this plastic is pretty thick and durable and performed the function they said they would...." Read more
Customers find the electromechanical gauge to be a great time saver. They say it makes putting up siding super fast, and is incredibly easy to use. Customers also say it's a real time and labor saver that speeds up productivity.
"...- They are scary-quick to move - no other similar product will move as quickly.- Yes, these are plastic, not metal...." Read more
"...All in all, the SA903 Gecko Gauges are a real time- and labor-saver; given the cost-difference and the reviews saying that the aluminum Gecko Gauges..." Read more
"...They're incredibly easy to use, and give you perfect results in seconds. Once you get your first course up, the rest are trivial...." Read more
"...Very fast,easy to use, accurate, and durable unless dropped onto a very hard surface like concrete...." Read more
Customers find the adjustability of the gauge great. They say it's easy to adjust to different depths, widths of reveal, and heights. Some mention that the gauges are very adjustable and that they adjust perfectly to the lap they want.
"...The Gecko Gauges are adjustable and fit various siding profiles perfectly, ensuring a snug fit every time...." Read more
"...They are adjustable to different widths of reveal as well, and are perfect for the common 8 and 1/4 inch hardi lap siding that gives a 7 inch reveal...." Read more
"...They’re easy to adjust the face reveal, which locks in with the bolt and nut...." Read more
"...The reveal is adjustable to match what was on the house...." Read more
Customers like the appearance of the clamps. They say the design is inspired, it ensures a straight and level appearance, and is pretty slick. Customers also say it makes them look like a professional and provides great sight lines.
"...The result? A seamless and professional finish that looks like it was done by a seasoned contractor...." Read more
"Works great, makes you look like a professional. Easy to install siding with one man." Read more
"...Excellent design and extremely well made product. These make hanging siding so much easier I’d buy them even for a small project...." Read more
"...Everything matches perfect." Read more
Customers are mixed about the stability of the gauge. Some mention that it never slipped or came loose, and easily held full 12 foot pieces of siding. However, others say that the plastic ones have a habit of pushing away from the surface of the board, the adjustment pins in place tend to become loose and fall off, and the tool pulls away from a wall.
"...It's simple to change the spacing and they held even 12'/20lb boards with ease...." Read more
"...First and biggest issue is their clamping force, which is a tradeoff between "clamping" and "I really pulled-up on the clamp handle and now I have a..." Read more
"...This keeps the course going up nicely, but you've got to really watch what you're doing.- Do not over-tighten the clamps...." Read more
"...The best part was up high on the ladder the boards were held in the right position and now I could just nail instead of trying to hold the board in..." Read more
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Before discovering the Gecko Gauge Mounting Kit, my husband was facing the daunting task of installing the siding with the help of a friend. However, this kit has truly revolutionized the way he works. The genius design of the Gecko Gauges allows him to securely hold and gauge the siding boards in place, freeing up both his hands to fasten them securely without assistance. The result? A seamless and professional finish that looks like it was done by a seasoned contractor.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this kit is its user-friendly nature. My husband had no prior experience with siding installation, but with the help of the detailed instructions and a few online tutorials, he quickly became a pro. The Gecko Gauges are adjustable and fit various siding profiles perfectly, ensuring a snug fit every time.
The time-saving benefits of the Gecko Gauge Mounting Kit cannot be overstated. Without the need to wait for a helper or juggle cumbersome tools, my husband's productivity soared. What once seemed like a never-ending project was completed in record time, giving him more leisure time to spend with the family.
In conclusion, if you are planning a siding project and are hesitant about the challenges of working alone, the PacTool SA903 Gecko Gauge Siding Mounting Kit is an absolute must-have. It transformed what could have been a stressful and time-consuming task into an enjoyable and rewarding experience for my husband. I wholeheartedly recommend this kit, and I can confidently say it will become an indispensable part of your toolbox too!
- These hangers reference the bottom of each course - definitely the most accurate way to hang siding and much better than hanger/gauge products that reference the top of each course. Hardi can vary in height so if the hanger hangs from/references the top of the board, you are immediately introducing error into the procedure. Geckos do it the smart way.
- For blind nailing, some courses will snug up very tight to the wall, certainly short pieces. This will mean that you have to grab the bottom lip of the board and pull out a bit to slip the Gecko in. For the most part, you'll be able to insert a Gecko one-handed. I have no experience using these Geckos with face nailing, only blind nailing.
- Geckos have two rails that the Hardi will rest on, you need to keep an eye on how the Hardi rests on the rails so that you know the tool is perpendicular to the Hardi plank. If the tool is positioned off-vertical, you will introduce error.
- You must watch the Gecko when setting the Hardi down into the Geckos. It is heavy enough to make the Geckos slip a bit downward and introduce error. The procedure is simple: clamp the Gecko so it is snug to the reference course. Lightly set the next course onto the Gecko rails. Check that you haven't bumped the Gecko downward off the reference course (if so simply loosen the clamp, push Gecko upward against reference course, tighten the clamp, then nail it up). We blind and hand-nailed our Hardi over 1" XPS foam, into OSB/Stud. To get the wind rating we wanted on 24" centers, we had to use 3 ¼" galvy nails with a large diameter head. Gun nails would not work over XPS foam. Too much variance in backing pressure - no amount of air pressure adjusting would solve it - either too far in, too far out, or both. Thus the hand nail. This is a lot of pressure on the Hardi and Geckos while nailing - so we learned to constantly watch for Hardi movement while resting on the Gecko. After a short time it becomes second nature and you can be careful, accurate, and fast at the same time.
- You will learn tricks to use if you've developed some course-error, and need to do a correction course. The Gecko can easily be loosened and held lower to tighten a course up. You can also slip a siding nail sideways into the Gecko between the Gecko support rails and the Hardi to introduce a slightly looser course... as a sort of shim. Very quick and easy to do.
- They are scary-quick to move - no other similar product will move as quickly.
- Yes, these are plastic, not metal. Gecko SA902 is what you want for ALUMINUM gauges, they just cost more... PacTool International SA902 2-Piece Gecko Gauge Fiber Cement Siding Gauge
- Yes, the plastic version can break from a fall. One of mine fell 20', hit something hard, and chipped the plastic frame. Luckily it wasn't a show-stopper and we completed the house with the original set.
- For little chunks of siding, like 6", we just used one Gecko and eyeballed the plank horizontally. This keeps the course going up nicely, but you've got to really watch what you're doing.
- Do not over-tighten the clamps. This will cause the top edge of the plank to kick out from the wall, and your next course will then try to hop off the Gecko hangers. You will quickly get a feel for how much to tighten them to effectively hold, yet not cause the plank to kick out.
- We found that if you place the hangers too close to the plank ends, you get a Hardi-sag that will bug you later when that sagging area must be clamped to on succeeding courses. The slight errors will start translating onward. We found placing the hangers a bit over 24" from each end of a 12' plank distributes the load better and keeps the plank hanging with pretty much no sag.
- If you insist on accuracy/quality, you still need to shoot reference marks, snap reference lines, and keep track of things. These aren't some sort of miracle tool that will take all the thinking and checking out of the equation. For instance if you're working up a course on each side of a window or door, you MUST run reference and keep track so that when coming over the top of the window, header courses will line up and reveals look good. You should not blindly trust the Gecko to run the courses up perfectly on each side of the window or door. Always keep track of references for accuracy and to avoid gotch-ya's.
- If you are a professional, I would recommend having a spare set of Geckos if you use plastic version, as one will eventually break with enough long falls. They will not last forever if you're doing high scaffold work. A fall will eventually break one. I was lucky with my break, as it was non-essential plastic, and we kept working. If you can't afford down time (professional), then buy two sets and work the price into your costs. This will give you two spares and allow time for ordering/shipping the next backup set if necessary. As a pro, I simply would not hesitate to have four SA903 Geckos on hand at all times, or just get the SA902 aluminum model.
All this verbage may make it sound these are a pain to use. That couldn't be farther from the truth. These tips mostly apply to using the Geckos smartly while addressing the error-translation issues that arise on all siding jobs. You can really fly along with the Geckos and I wouldn't consider hanging fiber-cement siding without them.
I have a feeling I will be sharing these with some neighbors after they saw how easy it makes the upgrade.
Top reviews from other countries
BTW. I'm a weekend warrior (amateur) and I replaced all the siding on the back of our house. The gauges allowed me to complete the job in one weekend. It looks great, my wife and kids think I'm gangsta for doing it. Lol.
Warum es das nicht von Cedral gibt, verstehe ich nicht.
On the internet and found them here on Amazon. They are plastic but well made, they’re light and they clamp into the boards very well. You do not need to push the lever all the way up, just up enough so they nip up onto the board. I read somewhere if you keep pushing the lever all the way up it prematurely wears out the pads that grip into the board so bear that in mind. They make fitting cladding a breeze it’s so much easier, just pop your board on the clamps and you have both hands free to fix it and check your running straight and level etc. Totally eliminates the need for a second person. No regrets at all with this purchase they’re brilliant.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 31, 2020
On the internet and found them here on Amazon. They are plastic but well made, they’re light and they clamp into the boards very well. You do not need to push the lever all the way up, just up enough so they nip up onto the board. I read somewhere if you keep pushing the lever all the way up it prematurely wears out the pads that grip into the board so bear that in mind. They make fitting cladding a breeze it’s so much easier, just pop your board on the clamps and you have both hands free to fix it and check your running straight and level etc. Totally eliminates the need for a second person. No regrets at all with this purchase they’re brilliant.