About to buy a pneumatic flooring nailer. Not sure as to the pluses and minus of staples versus cleats. Anyone have any thoughts?
Leaning towards the Bostich Stapler, but I can be swayed.
Thanks in advance.
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Although I don't have alot of experience, I've read (don't ask me where) that the staples generally perform better than the cleats.
We purchased a Bostich pneumatic and so far have installed about 2000 sqft of flooring in our reno. We've done 3/4 pine and ash as well as 7/8 pine. The Bostich is worth every penny.
Maybe IanG or anyone who knows more than me could pipe in.
Paul
Dave,
I started out with a Porta-Nailer ratchet, moved to pnuematic about 5 years ago when I turned 30 something. We rented a Powernailer and Bostich stapler to compare before we bought. Powernailer used a serated offset cleat and Bostich used staples. We nailed a few rows of boards using all three tools, nailing about 7" o.c.. The Bostich fastened boards were the most difficult to pry back off. Speed was equal between the Power Nail and Bostich, Porta ratchet is days behind. We now use 3 Bostich staplers and the old ratchet Porta-Nailer on the course closest to the wall as it has more front end clearance than the stapler (just be careful on the windup). My supplier now gets me staples coated with adhesive. The adhesive heats up as it passes through the tongue and into the subfloor. These new adhesive coated staples will NOT pull out. Do not accidently 'double hit' the Bostich as sometimes happens when you are in the zone and really moving, it will jam up and clearing jams with the stapler can be a real pain. Bostich (mIIIFS) has removed the trigger on the new models making them a lot faster. ps. Check out the prices on ebay.