ET is the guy who puts the nails into the strip before lining the strip up and then nailing it in place.
I copied him on a boat and it works well, you don't need a big nail.
Don't use bright finished nails - I got mine wet and they rusted in the strip leaving a mess. Either use brass or galvanized.

I did think the nails caused less tearing upon removal - the typical staple sometimes tears. Depends upon your removal technique.