Hardwood Flooring Nailers - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

blackte · 04-28-2009, 11:06 PM

Looking to purchase a nailer for nailing hardwood flooring planks down. I see there are different types of nailers, ones that shot staples, and cleats.

Does anyone have a brand or type that they like better than others?

Is there a nailer that can shoot both staples and cleats?

Are there any advantages to staples over cleats or vise versa?

Does thickness of the wood cause any problems?

Thanks in advance for all of your reply's.

ClosetPro · 04-28-2009, 11:15 PM

Bostich flooring stapler, shoots a 2" staple at an angle for a locked in fit! I'd recommend you look at one.

Cdat · 04-29-2009, 08:18 AM

I've always gone with nails. Bostich manuals for me. Buy one straight from the factory refurbished for a low cost.

Cdat · 04-29-2009, 08:21 AM

Sorry, didn't read your entire post...
Lenght of nail/staple has to do with the thickness of your board/subfloor. Different kinds of wood can play havoc on cheap fasteners. Had nails curl and come back out of some exotic hardwoods many a time.

Burkk · 05-01-2009, 08:58 AM

The big difference is flooring staplers have a better hold than nailers. I like using nails over staples but it is really just personal preference. (Also the cleats are easier to find) I am not aware of a flooring tool that runs both nails and staples. Depending on the flooring you are laying, each flooring tool has a specific thickness of floor it can handle.

Burkk