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I’m installing 3/4″ hardwood flooring on a 3/4″ + 1/2″ plywood subfloor. I bought a manual hardwood flooring nailer for the job, but I’m having a hard time sinking my 2″ nails so they don’t interfere with the next piece. I’m hitting this thing as hard and as square as I can, but the nails seem to stay about 1/4″ above the tounge. Are the nails I’m using too long? Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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Steve, use a 1-1/2 " powercleat nail. You should have no problems with either setting nails or holding your flooring.
walk good
david
*Steve, Could be the species of the wood or the nailer you are using that is causing you the problem.My guess is that you are using the Powernails brand nailer. You only get one hit, and it takes a bit of practice to consistently set every nail.Or maybe your nailing down brazilian cherry with a Porta nailer. Their cleats have a flat spot that doesn't easily allow for penetration through very hard woods.Or maybe the last renter added a spacer for nailing 1/2" engineered flooring.You either need softer wood, the right nailer or bigger arms.
*When all else fails, use a bigger hammer.
*Porta-nailer 2" will allow multiple hits.. ratcheting down..i'm not that powerful... most times one hit... but something is wrong with your nailer or the setting..2" is the right size..
*I had the same problem with the used pora-nailer I bought a few years back, - replaced the drive pin , havn't had a problem since.
*Steve, another thought is the sole plate of your nailer. if it is not the matching size for your flooring toungue, it will not set nails properly. there are several size sole plates to correspond with different reveles of flooring.I have had prob;lems with 2" nails a similar set-up, penetrating the concrete , thus the 1-1/2" nail reccomendation. However in rereading your post and the consistent 1/4" i now see, i am thinking sole platewalk gooddavid
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I'm installing 3/4" hardwood flooring on a 3/4" + 1/2" plywood subfloor. I bought a manual hardwood flooring nailer for the job, but I'm having a hard time sinking my 2" nails so they don't interfere with the next piece. I'm hitting this thing as hard and as square as I can, but the nails seem to stay about 1/4" above the tounge. Are the nails I'm using too long? Any input would be greatly appreciated.