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I need to put down 1000 square feet of 3/4″ oak flooring. Being new to this, I need advice on whether to obtain a manual flooring nailer or a pneumatic flooring stapler. I believe there are 3 options:
1. Porta-Nailer manual nailer
2. Bostitch manual nailer
3. Bostitch pneumatic stapler
Any reason to prefer manual over pneumatic, or staples over nails? Thanks!
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I've only used the manual nailers, and I expect that you will hear that the pneumatic ones are much preferred. The Portanailer works great - but is indeed a workout, hammering away at it all day long.
I've heard complaints about the Bostitch manual one in that if the nail is not driven completely in with one swing, it must be removed and done over. the Portanailer ratchets the nail in, so you can give it multiple hits/nail. This is especially useful in tight quarters, or if you get tired.
I use the Portanailer because a buddy owns one - if I was looking to rent/buy I go with the pneumatic, based on what I've heard. I'm sure other folks here will have lots more to say about them...
*Rich, for a small job as is 1000sf, the manual ratcheting type (Port-a-Nails or Primatech) is the way to go. Try and find the Primatech brand of T-head nails though. We find they drive better in our Port-a-Nails brand nailers. The two Pneumatic nailers on the market are Senco and Primatech. The Senco uses a L-head nail, the Primatech a T-head. Both run around $600 apiece.You buy one, and I'll take it off your hands for say... $100 after your 1000 sq. ft. job! (still hoping)
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I've done it both ways . Probably only a total of about 5000 sq ft of flooring though. I think it depends a bit on the width of your flooring. The manual drive nailers require a helluva hard hit to set the nail. This force TENDS to assist in sucking the pc tight against it's neighbor. That can be a big plus sometimes. I have to admit I prefer the pneumatic versions of which I have rented several different ones. No real preference though. The guy I use for floor finishing says if you use a pneumatic nailer you shoud put at least 50 % more nails (staples) that the manual one. To date he's never steered me wrong so that's what we do. Last but not least, check out the cost of having it done profesionally. By the time you rent equipment et all sometimes it's just not worth doing it yourself. Unless you enjoy swinging a sledge hammer with one hand for about a day and a half. Good Luck
SteveM
*I own and use my Bostich pneumatic nailer for all my hardwood floors. The difference is the force you have to use to drive the nail/staple. Mine requires a light tap and you let the pneumatics do the rest. When you run out of room as you come up to the walls, you can run 3-4 courses more by using the trigger to activate the gun vs the hammer. The 1/2" crown staples are available every atmost lumberyards & homecenters vs T or L nails. By having the pneumatics already there, you can also use a finish gun to start & finish vs hand nailing. Use today's technology not your shoulders !!!Good Luck.
*> I totally agree with Maine Tom. Go with the pneumatic nailer and staples. I've done it both ways and I'll never go back to manual. I must say that I do own a compressor so the cost was only for the nailer itself. Good luck and let us know how you make out.
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I need to put down 1000 square feet of 3/4" oak flooring. Being new to this, I need advice on whether to obtain a manual flooring nailer or a pneumatic flooring stapler. I believe there are 3 options:
1. Porta-Nailer manual nailer
2. Bostitch manual nailer
3. Bostitch pneumatic stapler
Any reason to prefer manual over pneumatic, or staples over nails? Thanks!