Abstract: A siding installation gauge includes a tool body, an upper support member, a clamp, and an actuating mechanism. A clamping portion of the clamp is inserted behind an installed lower siding board and the tool actuated to secure the lower board between the clamp and tool body. An upper siding board rests on registration surfaces on the upper support member while it is fastened for installation. The clamp includes coupling and clamping portions; movement of the actuating mechanism to an actuated arrangement retracts the coupling portion into or through the tool body and thereby forces movement of the clamp toward the tool body to secure the lower siding board. In the actuated arrangement, the actuating mechanism retains the clamp in a clamped arrangement; in the non-actuated arrangement, the actuating mechanism permits movement of the clamp into a non-clamped arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing siding boards comprises a body member, a siding-engagement member; and a cam member rotatably engaged with the body member. The cam member includes an eccentrically curved cam segment. The body member, siding-engagement member, and cam segment enable adjustment of vertical overlap of siding boards during installation with one of the boards engaged with the siding-engagement member and another board engaged against the eccentrically curved cam segment. A method for installing siding comprises engaging a pair of siding installation tools with an installed first siding board; positioning a second siding board against the eccentrically curved cam segments; adjusting vertical overlap of the boards by rotation of the cam members; securing the second board to an installation surface; rotating the cam members to disengage the cam segments from the second board; and disengaging and removing the installation tools from the first board.