Replies

1. 
   reinvent | Apr 13, 2007 02:14am | #1

   One guy I know checked out what all the flooring installers were using and almost every one of them had a Bostich stapler.
   I tried it and it works good. Sucks the flooring a good 1/32"

1. 
   Shoeman | Apr 13, 2007 02:34am | #2

   thanks for the input

   I am leaning towards a Bostich Stapler - but at close to $500 - I thought I would look for any input here.

    

   Thanks again,

   Shoe

1. 
   davidmeiland | Apr 13, 2007 04:41am | #3

   That's what good ones cost. You can resell it on eBay for a good bit after your project, if you don't have a long-term tool habit. For that matter, I bought my Bostitch cleat nailer from an eBay seller for about $100 less than any retailer was advertising.

1. 
   Shoeman | Apr 13, 2007 05:09am | #5

   I understand that that is what they cost and have accepted that - just stated the cost as the reason why I was looking for confirmation that I was buying the right one.

   Thanks for the input,

   Shoe

2. 
   MikeSmith | Apr 13, 2007 05:01am | #4

   shoe.. we looked at the cleat nailer & the stapler

   finally decided on the bostich stapler, since i could get SS staples for exterior work  ( fir  t&g flooring on typical covered porches )

    the stapler is fantastic.. so much so that other contractors borrow mine...

   hmm, what am i doing wrong ?

   Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
1. 
   Shoeman | Apr 13, 2007 05:11am | #6

   Thanks Mike, that is what I wanted to hear.

   Sounds like if I were closer, I would just use yours, but, looks like I will have to buy my own.

    

   Thanks again,

   Shoe

1. 
   RippySkippy | Apr 13, 2007 02:42pm | #7

   Might check into the rental stores, the local Acme tool place rents a Bostitch Stapler @ $100 a week. IF it's an infrequent use, it may be a way to go. I'm headed that way next Friday :-)Rip

3. 
   FastEddie | Apr 13, 2007 07:34pm | #8

   I have the Porter Cable pneumatic and it works well.  Never has jammed.  It uses a different nail than the Bostich ... PC uses a L-head and Bostich uses a T-head.

   "Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   davidmeiland | Apr 13, 2007 08:53pm | #9

   The Bostitch MIIIFN uses L cleats, but maybe they make another cleat nailer? Some of the other brands use T cleats. Never the 'twain shall meet.

2. 
   Shoeman | Apr 14, 2007 12:27am | #13

   Thanks for the input.  I did notice the PC was a fair bit less expensive than the Bostich.

    

   Thanks,

   Shoe

4. 
   curley | Apr 13, 2007 11:14pm | #10

   I just purchased a manual nailer- bostich at amazom for $220. I noticed a thread on the topic here at BT. One guy calls the manual nailer a "wack wack F&^% gun" because if you don't hit it hard enough the nail doesn't set. After a while figured the hit it needed . Actually had my son hold the nailer and used two hands on the hammer.My wife set the boards down, I set them in place with the hammer. Son put the nailer in place........Bam. Things moved pretty quick when we had the routine down . Nice nailer though. I did notice if you have a warped board, a really hard swing set the board.

   Hope your young, its a killer on the back

1. 
   FastEddie | Apr 13, 2007 11:17pm | #11

   Your comments are the perfect reason to get a pneumatic nailer."Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   curley | Apr 13, 2007 11:24pm | #12

   Yea I know, but I'm cheap. I'd make my kids bob for apple cores at Holloween if I could get away with it.

   I thought the manual nailer was fine, I just needed two hands on hammer. My son is 11 and he wanted to help, so we got a routine going and things went along at a pretty good clip.

   You know the only thing lacking with the nailer is I wished they'd make some kind of plate off the back of the nailer so you can steady the nailer  with your foot.

   Edited 4/13/2007 4:26 pm ET by curley

2. 
   Shoeman | Apr 14, 2007 12:28am | #14

   Yeah, I have used a manual nailer in the past - that is part of the reason I want pneumatic this time.  Worked fine, but, I am looking to upgrade.

   Thanks for the input,

   Shoe

1. 
   Shoeman | Apr 14, 2007 12:30am | #15

   Anybody know anything about a foot/shoe attachment for doing pre-finished floors.

   Not laminate, still full 3/4" solid oak, just pre-finished

    

   edit - this was to post to all

   Edited 4/13/2007 5:30 pm by Shoeman

1. 
   MikeSmith | Apr 14, 2007 02:15am | #16

   75 % of our floors are pre-finished.. i don't remember anything special being needed..

    just keep it clean.. keep the sand awayMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

1. 
   NickNukeEm | Apr 14, 2007 04:21am | #17

   Mike, where do you get your SS staples for the flooring stapler?

    "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."  Invictus, by Henley.

2. 
   MikeSmith | Apr 14, 2007 05:19am | #18

   been a while... but if i needed some, i'd call  my nail supplier.. ( Island Fasteners ) and he'd find themMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

3. 
   NickNukeEm | Apr 14, 2007 01:20pm | #21

   Thanks.  I might make the trip, if I can't order them on line.

    "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."  Invictus, by Henley.

4. 
   davidmeiland | Apr 14, 2007 05:30am | #19

   You could definitely get them from Manasquan, possibly McFeely's.

5. 
   NickNukeEm | Apr 14, 2007 01:18pm | #20

   Just checked, Manasquan has them, McFeeleys (surprisingly) does not.  Thanks for the tip, I bookmarked the page.

    "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul."  Invictus, by Henley.

6. 
   Shoeman | Apr 16, 2007 05:33am | #22

   Thanks Mike.

   I thought I had read somewhere about a special attachement, but, can't seem to find where I read that.

   Glad to hear I don't need one.

    

   Thanks again,

   Shoe

7. 
   FastEddie | Apr 16, 2007 10:34pm | #23

   I think there is a different sole plate, but it is for different thickness flooring, not different material."Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

8. 
   MikeSmith | Apr 17, 2007 01:44am | #24

   that's what i remember too,  a different plate for the thinner material  ( like 3/8 )Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

9. 
   Shoeman | Apr 17, 2007 01:48am | #25

   Yeah, I have seen a different sole plate, usually listed as being for laminate floors - thinner material.

   I just thought I had read of one for prefinished as well, but, I am fine with Mikes word that you just use the regular plate, and keep things clean.

    

   Thanks for the response,

   Shoe

10. 
    BoJangles | Apr 17, 2007 03:33am | #26

    You have to watch what you buy.  There is a lot of Chinese prefinished flooring out now and it looks like regular 3/4" but it is not as thick and is milled with the tongue in a different position than regular flooring.

    Most of the major nailer manufacturers are making special plates for their nailers to use with this flooring.  If you don't adjust the nailer plate, you will put dents in the top edge of the prefinished flooring.

    I have seen this stuff advertised as 3/4" flooring and if you didn't know the difference, you would be in trouble with a regular nailer, so watch what you buy!

    Several manufacturers also make special plastic plates for use with regular prefinished flooring so you don't scratch the top as easily.  As Mike said..make sure the work area is clean.