Replies

1. 
   dieselpig | Mar 22, 2006 10:26pm | #1

   Subfloor or finish flooring?  I wouldn't use 15ga nails for the subfloor for certain.  And I'd only use them for finish flooring as a last resort where I couldn't swing a hammer or work a flooring nailer.  Definitely not in a traffic way either.   I don't know much about finish flooring, but I have a good amount of practical experience with fasteners and 15 gauge nails just won't keep anything where it's supposed to be when under much stress at all.

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1. 
   Alpinist | Mar 22, 2006 10:42pm | #2

   I have seen 15g nailers advertised here in the UK as good for flooring and trim. My worry is that the nail size is not substantal enough to hold the boards in place. As we know timber moves, as do houses so fixings need be strong enough for that. I usualy screw sub flooring as that locks it in. But for finish flooring, even pine boards nails look better.

    

1. 
   dieselpig | Mar 22, 2006 11:44pm | #3

   You mentioned that nails "look better".  That tells me we're not on the same page.  I was thinking that you're talking about T&G strip flooring like oak or mahogany or something like that.   It sounds more like you're talking about face nailed flooring like wide plank pine or something similar.  My first choice in that instance would be a fairly substantial nail like a cut flooring nail.

   I still really don't seeing 15 guage nails having enough holding power to resist the stresses of traffic as well as seasonal movement of something as substantial as floor boards. You could probably get away with it for the occasional spot repair, but I wouldn't install a whole floor or even a sizeable area with just 15 guage gun nails.View Image

1. 
   Alpinist | Mar 23, 2006 09:52am | #4

   Cut nails are hard work though, and can split the wood even if you pre drill. 15g nails would leave a very small hole, dont you guys use them for hanging doors? Yes I am talking about face nailing, for t&G I use a portanailer.

1. 
   dieselpig | Mar 23, 2006 01:06pm | #5

   Seems as though you've already got your mind made up.  Yes, we use 15 ga nails for hanging doors, but most of my doors don't see much foot traffic either.  :)  I'm not sure why you started a thread, I think you already know what you're going to do, but you asked for other opinions, so I offered mine.  I guess you won't really know until you try then.  Good luck with your project.View Image

2. 
   MarkH | Mar 23, 2006 01:16pm | #6

   There are hardened 15 ga nails available, at least for Senco nailers.  They may be better for flooring than the softer nails, can't say for sure.