Abstract: Siding installation apparatuses and methods for engaging a first siding piece and supporting a second siding piece are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support member having a support surface to support the second siding piece, an engagement member projecting from the support member, and a securing assembly coupled to the support member to releasably restrict the support member from moving relative to the first siding piece. The engagement member is configured to engage the bottom portion of the first siding piece by contacting the back surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward unitary modular shake panels, and methods for making and using such shake panels. In one aspect of the invention, a unitary modular shake panel includes an interconnecting section composed of a siding material and several integral shake sections projecting from the interconnecting section. The panel preferably has a quadrilateral shape with first and second edges along a longitudinal dimension that are separated from each other by a width of the panel along a transverse dimension. Additionally, the shake sections are separated from one another by slots extending from the second edge to an intermediate width in the panel. In a preferred embodiment, the panel is composed of a unitary piece of fiber-cement siding with a simulated wood grain running along the transverse dimension.

Abstract: An extended-life cutting blade is adapted for mounting on a hand-held cutting tool in multiple operative orientations. A single cutting blade may provide up to four independent shear edges, each of which has a useful life. The blade can be easily changed from an orientation adapted to cut a workpiece with one shear edge to a different operative orientation adapted to cut with a different shear edge by selecting an appropriate mount on the blade.

Abstract: An extended-life cutting blade is adapted for mounting on a hand-held cutting tool in multiple operative orientations. A single cutting blade may provide up to four independent shear edges, each of which has a useful life. The blade can be easily changed from an orientation adapted to cut a workpiece with one shear edge to a different operative orientation adapted to cut with a different shear edge by selecting an appropriate mount on the blade.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for an improved handheld crimping tool for crimping a wire. The handheld crimping tool includes a head portion having a crimping device positioned adjacent a first end thereof. The crimping device may have an adjustable die cavity to facilitate crimping wires of various diameters. The crimping tool further includes a handle portion having a gripping portion suitably configured to be manually grasped. In one embodiment, the head portion is operable to be rotated relative to the handle portion to position the crimping device in a selected orientation and may be maintained in the selected orientation by a biasing mechanism. The crimping tool further includes a drive mechanism operable to actuate the crimping device. In one embodiment, the drive mechanism may be operable to convert rotational motion to reciprocating motion that generates a linear crimping motion in the crimping device.

Abstract: Siding installation apparatuses and methods for engaging a first siding piece and supporting a second siding piece are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support member having a support surface to support the second siding piece, an engagement member projecting from the support member, and a securing assembly coupled to the support member to releasably restrict the support member from moving relative to the first siding piece. The engagement member is configured to engage the bottom portion of the first siding piece by contacting the back surface. It is emphasized that this Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

Abstract: Siding panels having indicia indicating a zone into which fasteners should be placed, and methods for manufacturing and installing the panels are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the siding includes a panel of siding material having a first edge extending along a first dimension, a second edge spaced apart from the first edge a first distance, and a first side with indicia. The indicia define a zone into which at least one fastener should be placed to install the panel. The zone extends along the first dimension and has a width of approximately 0.2 inch to approximately 0.3 inch. The zone has a center line spaced apart from the first edge a second distance of approximately 7 percent to approximately 22 percent of the first distance. The siding material is composed of a continuous, single fiber-cement compound including cement, silica, and cellulose fiber.