Hello. I recently relocated to Illinois from Nebraska to live closer to my parents as my dad has had numerous heart problems the past few years. To do so, I left the best job I have ever had, framing houses for the past 6 years, to pursue another trade: hardwood floors. Now, my framing boss had a Stilletto framing hammer with a titanium head that swung like a 22 oz. hammer, but actually weighed much less. My hardwood flooring teacher is suffering from carpal tunnel after 9 years of installing, and I suspect that one of the causes is swinging the big mallet that is used with the flooring stapler. Where can I find a titanium headed flooring mallet (with a rubber cap on one side), and is it worth it to search one out? Also, putting away the toolbelt has led me to searching for a good tool bag. I would like a traditional leather one with ample space for my tools, but have so far been able to find one. Any suggestions? Thanks.
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Replies
I am in a similar situ. I am more well versed in woodworking and carpentry than my current occupation which is copper roofing, what I have found is that if I think I need a tool to make my job or comfort level more better, I MAKE it.
Being as almost every tool has been developed and is available, often I will either not want to wait, or found a flaw in the design using it for MY purpose.
So, I'd suggest you look around at what sorta works, and modify at will.
I just made an expandable straight edge for copper roof pan angle lay outs. Cost 9.99 for a 4' 2'' wide ruler, 2 wing nuts 10/32 (brass) 2 10/32 x 3/4'' screws, and 4 pennies for washers ( the brass washers were 30 cents ,...duh).
I use a modified brick hammer for roofing, Estwing 20 oz, I shortened the cutting edge about 1/2'' and ground a vee for nail pulling, but still blunt for tweaking copper w/o cutting it..
"Think it, Make it, Do it well."
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
There is no cure for stupid. R. White.
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/home.aspx
Duluth Trading has some tool bags in leather. $$$$$
Amen on Duluth--I just bought a big new bag from them--but nylon, not leather. (Can't afford leather!)
jay... i have a stilletto 16 oz titanium that swings like a 24 oz..
but beyond that....for years we laid floors with a floor nailer, eventually wound up owning three of them... ( Porta Nailer )
about three years ago, i built a big addition and sprang for the Bostich floor stapler ( i chose the stapler because i could also get SS staples for exterior t&g )
all my hoodlum contractor friends borrow mine now... no one will go back to hammers & nails... no one will goi back to floor nailers..
if you are serious about pursuing hardwood floors, you need some good tools to boost your production... air powered floor nailers / staplers , flush cut saws , etc
You ever look at the veto propacs? http://www.vetopropac.com/
Party your Tipi off! Aug 18th,19th &20th Ask for details.