Review on 🔌 Cordless HardieBacker Straight - PacTool SS724 by Dusty Oner

A pair of scissors works very well for cutting HardiPlank cement board siding. I used it for cutting across to length as well as cutting along to width of the first and top rows. This is much faster than a jigsaw with a diamond blade. The jigsaw cut a very smooth edge, but very slowly. These scissors cut a slightly rough edge but are good for hidden spots. Don't forget to prime all cut edges. Scissors cut a strip about 1/4 inch wide. Each cutout edge is 1.5 inches from the edge of the corresponding outsole edge guide. I pinched a 7" rafting square 1.5" from the cut line and ran the edge of the scissor sole/boot across it. It's a bit awkward to cut by hand, but it can be made to fit all butts. For docking to another board I would try to factory make both ends and the cut at the end under the skin. For the rip cut, I placed another board next to it, and then placed four boards along the guide 1.5 inches from the cut line. There are tiny rough edges on the factory edges, so be careful as the guide block wobbles a bit. Just be patient and gently slide the cutting head along the guide rails. Next time I'll use a 2x4 smooth wood cutting guide or similar rather than another board. It's much easier to handle the boards and install the cutting guides with two people, but this can be done by one person. I used an older Milwaukee M18 1./2 inch drill/driver and had no problem with the scissors. Use the highest drilling speed possible. Scissors generate practically no dust in the air. 1/4" wide rolling strips will get some dust on the floor. Clean regularly before stepping on the curly strips and will generate a lot more cement dust. The jigsaw generated more dust, but it was very local next to the saw, in the Contrasted with the way a circular saw disperses the dust throughout the room. The jigsaw cuts very smoothly but very slowly, about two minutes to cut a 6.26" board. Scissors takes about 15 seconds. Underm The bottom line is that scissors are the only sensible means of cutting through HardiPlank in a timely manner and as dust-free as possible. You get acceptable edges in a relatively short time and almost no dust in the air. The main disadvantage is that they are awkward to steer and you have a strong guide to ensure straight cuts.This cutting head is much cheaper than solid tool shears.In addition, you get the option to use any 18/20 volt corded drill/driver or battery to work. Make sure the chuck is really closed on the head shank as it tends to loosen. I will always have a jigsaw on hand as a spare, but these scissors will be the ones I will be using for any siding I will be making over the coming months. It's worth it! By the way, HardiPlank looks very nice on the house. If we cut the ends or edges, we simply coat them generously with primer and set them up straight away without letting them dry completely. We've even gone so far as to prime each nail head, just in case (I used a pre-primed board, which I find the easiest to work with).