Morning All,
I will be installing some natural oak 3.5″ plank (3/4″ solid) into a study area (12’x12′) as an extension of existing chestnut oak 2.25″ strip (3/4″ solid). The variation from the existing h/w to what is planned for this install is based on the wife’s desires for the room–its her study, so be it.
Anyway, I need a recommendation on an entry-level DIYer hardwood nailer for blind-nailing 3/4″ solid stock. Once I am done with this study (I’m using it to learn how to do this so I expect lots of mistakes in her study, hehe), I will want to install some 2.25″ or 3.5″ chestnut oak onto stairs that lead upstairs.
If these two ‘learning’ projects go well I will tackle a much bigger job in the family room (16’x18′) with a little added creativity. I’ve had good luck with my first nailer (Bostich framing nailer used in my basement) and wonder what others would suggest as a decent entry-level DIYer nailer. I’ve decided to buy instead of rent because of the convenient slow-down in learning process vs. the hurry-up its on loan tool predicament. Any insight would be appreciated.
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You can't go wrong with one of these. I cut this pic from a current eBay listing.
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By Stanley Bostitch, it is a manual slammer, not one with pneumatic assist. Just practice those hammer strokes, so you drive the cleats fully each time.
More than one are now listed. You can probably be set up for under $200, freight included. When you are done, you can probably eBay it off for almost what you paid.
Now, I would hate to let my compressor just sit there like a lazy tool waiting to be put out to pasture. I'm not really into swinging a hammer unless its for destructive purposes.
Try one. It is good exercise. I rented one just like that shown, to do more flooring than you are talking about, and everything turned out well. There is a satisfying feel when you slam that mallet home.
You won't need to listen to that compressor cycling on and off, either.
My guess is that the air-assisted version (I've rented those, too) will cost over $400.
Spend the money you'll save on some flooring jacks.
BTW, did the hardwood flooring industry just take a step to the thinner side? I got quotes for 3/4" solid hardwood flooring from Floor & Decor and previously noted what was available on the website for Lumber Liquidators. When I went to the LL website again yesterday, instead of 5/8 and 3/4 being common stock for solid hardwood I am seeing 5/16 and 3/8.
Surprisingly, I was looking at the Senco hardwood flooring stapler and its limitation, believe it or not, is 3/8, too. Am I on drugs (and not the good kind)?
I've seen guys using those. I don't know how you could do it faster with a pneumo, until your arm wore out. An advantage is that they force the planks closer together (though this may not be an advantage in winter).