All about Floor Nailers

As is obvious from the name, a floor nailer is a tool used to fasten hardwood floors. Even a casual search on the net will throw up hundreds of options (manual or pneumatic), of which you may find a few brands that stand out. Whatever brand you choose, you need to know certain floor nailer basics. In this article, we will give you those, as well as an idea of the basic floor nailing methods.

Floor nailer basics

• Whether you use a manual or pneumatic nailer, look for a machine that is comfortable to use. For instance, extension handles ease back strain. A thumb rule is, if the nailer feels awkward in your hands it probably will be so when you use it
• The better and tougher it is built, the longer a floor nailer should last and provide trouble-free service. So look for a durable machine, and if you think it will break when you drop it or hit it with the mallet in the wrong place, go to another brand. Remember, you may be hitting this floor nailer all day. Our suggestion is to stick with a reputable brand
• Importantly, ensure proper after-sales service from the manufacturer. But always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the proper use and care of the floor nailer so that you don’t need too much repair anyway. It always helps if the manufacturer has an instructional video you can buy.
• For pneumatic floor nailers, air pressure should be suitably adjusted for each species of hardwood floor (do a dry run before you actually apply it to the floor) and checked regularly

Tips for using a manual floor nailer

• Prevent scratches and indentations on the board by keeping the nailer base clean, free from nicks and scratches at all times, and also by putting down the floor nailer on the plywood or on a piece of cardboard, and not directly on the floor
• If you stand while using the manual nailer, you will be able to apply greater strength when you drive the nails in. Nails that are nearly embedded can be driven in place by using the hammer and a nail punch
• Hold the floor nailer firmly in place and hit its head with the rubber end of the mallet
• Make sure the nailer base is squared and sits well on the edge of the floor strip to avoid damage
• Verify regularly that your hardwood floor nailer is in working condition to prevent damages to strips.

Floor nailer methods

There are two broad options when it comes to nailing hardwood floors. The most common is blind nailing, often used with 2½ inch, tongue-and-groove strip flooring. A second option is face nailing, which leaves the fasteners visible on the finished floor, and which is seen in older homes

Tips on using a floor nailer for blind nailing

• Blind nailing works best with hardwoods as only half the thickness is used to maintain structural integrity. With this method, the nails are concealed in the tongue and groove joint. The job is best – though not necessarily – done with a pneumatic floor nailer.
• When using a floor nailer, the nose of the nailer is set down on the top inside corner of the floorboard’s tongue while the nail is driven at an angle through the flooring material and into the sub-floor. Which means that if you position the tool properly, you will always drive in the nail at the same angle since the position of the floor nailer establishes the angle
• A heavy blow hammer strikes the pad on top of the pneumatic floor nailer. This drives the material down and back into the neighboring piece, creating a tight joint
• Typical floor installations use two-inch barbed flooring nails spaced 12 inches along the length of each board. But it is best to check the length of the nail to see if it is short enough, for example, to not puncture any water lines that may run beneath the sub-floor.
• Of course, the length of the nail and the depth to which it penetrates determine how securely the floor is fastened. So it is best to drive a few nails into a test piece of flooring to check the depth of the nail and the angle of the floor nailer.

Tips on using a floor nailer for face nailing

• In this method, the best choice of nails is ring shank common nails, which should be aligned with previous nails, and evenly spaced
• A floor nailer with a smooth-face hammer should be used when face nailing floors because any stray hit will leave a dent in the surface of the floor. In case you do end up with a dent, place a damp cloth on the spot and apply pressure with a hot iron. This will raise the damaged surface of the wood back to the common surface

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Hardwood Flooring | Wood Flooring | Bamboo Flooring