Hi everyone–I’m jumping over to Breaktime from Knots–
I’m about to install 700+ sq. ft. of hardwood flooring in my house. I don’t have a nailer. This is my first flooring job and it will probably take me a few weeks to get it all done. Too long to rent a nailer, in other words.
So I’m trying to decide: do I buy a compressor and nailer from Harbor Freight, given that this is probably the only hardwood floor I’m likely to install and won’t need a long-lasting, durable tool. (My father-in-law says not to go this route–a cheap nailer will jam and make more trouble than it’s worth. Although he’s o.k. with the idea of a cheap compressor. My brother is also on board with the cheap compressor idea–he has one already.)
Do I buy a high quality pneumatic nailer and hope to sell it for a decent price afterward?
Do I buy a manual nailer and skip the compressor altogether?
I’m leaning toward manual nailer just because it’s less “stuff” to have to deal with.
Replies
I'd go with the manual nailer if you've got a good hammer arm, especially if you're doing a small amount at a time- you won't get tired out. At the same time, if you could set aside a couple days to lay it and borrow that cheap compressor of your brother's, you could rent a pneumatic one for I think about 25 bucks a day, at least at my rental yard. It shouldn't take more than two days to lay 700sf unless it's really cut up. That's my thoughts, anyway. Good luck!
A manual nailer will certainly do the job. It will also take longer and you will need to be able to accurately swing that heavy mallet several thousand times. If you try a manual and a pneumatic beforehand the math/costing will probably do itself.
I install flooring just as fast with the manual as with the pnuematic.I am just more tired at the end of the day.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
My hammer swinging has gotten so degraded that the only reliable way I can smack the manual is to use both hands on the mallet with the corner of my foot holding the nailer body to the flooring. So it's me that's obsolete more than the tool..
Same here and that manual nailer can really close the gaps as opposed to air.
First off, on the time it would take to do the floors. Who knows how long it will take gj13 to lay the 700+ sq ft of flooring. Nobody knows what his floor plan looks like, could be one big room or could be really broken up. He is also probably a non-professional, so its going to take him longer than some one who has done it a few times.
As far as nailers, I personally would go with a pneumatic, but thats just me and I dont have a whole lot of flooring experience. Some people seem to have had o.k. luck with the Harbor Freight model. Is there a Harbor Freight near you that you could return it if it breaks? What are the Harbor Freight floor nailers going for?
Another option would be to buy a better brand ( Bostitch, Doufast maybe, etc.) used. I bought a "beat up" Bostitch on ebay a few years ago. Its probably been used on ~10 flooring jobs since I bought it and is still going strong.
Live by the sword, die by the sword....choose your sword wisely.
As far as nailers, I personally would go with a pneumatic, but thats just me and I dont have a whole lot of flooring experience. Some people seem to have had o.k. luck with the Harbor Freight model. Is there a Harbor Freight near you that you could return it if it breaks? What are the Harbor Freight floor nailers going for?>>>>>>>>>>.
Dis you miss it? $99
I have had good luck with buying tools at Harbor Freight lately. Their return policies are reminisent of the day when Sears was reasonably.
If you are making a living with a tool buy the best. HF for the rest!>G<
Buy the harbor freught pneumatic nailer. I have used both, no comparison. You can set nails with one swing in an awkward position with the air nailer.
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Edited 8/8/2009 9:49 pm ET by FastEddie
The $99 Habor Freight pneumatic is a bargain. Used it to put down some maple and enjoyed it.
You should easily be able to lay 700 sf in a weekend using a pneumatic flooring nailer or stapler. You might want to double think going for the rental.
But, if you are still hellbent on buying tools I guess you might as well go to HF to get them. I am certainly no fan of Harbor Freight, especially when discussing powered tools but, I can understand your situation and suppose brand wouldn't make much of a difference. I would prefer the pneumatic flooring stapler over the nailer and maybe think about picking up a brad nailer while you are there.
Now, as far as the compressor goes, save yourself some money and search for air compressors on your local Craigslist. Chances are, there are a dozen for sale in your nearest metro market and most will be much better quality than HF.
I am slightly surprised that a Knots regular wouldn't have an air compressor already. Are you some sort of luddite woodworker?
DC
Another vote for craigslist... it's always worth your time to give it a quick look.
Scott.
I've always used the manual nailer. I don't mind pounding on the nailer.
It is difficult to get a good swing when there is a wall in the way.
Will Rogers
Edited 8/9/2009 8:57 pm by popawheelie
Most of the wood flooring guys I work with around here are using staples to put down wood flooring.
Jeff
Thanks for all the advice--I ordered a reconditioned manual Bostitch nailer from Amazon. Craigslist didn't have any nearby. Now it's just a matter of waiting for it to be delivered.
And now I'm having second thoughts. An inexpensive HF air compressor and a cheap brad nailer would make quick bang-bang work of reinstalling the baseboards. An inexpensive air compressor and a spray gun would make fast work of painting a big set of built-ins that are going up after the new floor is in. . . . .
Make sure the cheapie compresor has enough cfm for the sprayer. Other thatn that ... you're normal."Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
The HF flooring nailer is one of the few Gems there. The one I have takes both cleats and staples. it has always fed and is as easy to use as any other.....I know that after you have installed 50,000' you may have other ideas about what makes a tool good to use.........
but if you are not a professional hardwood installer the HF is the tool for you.
Thanks Craig
The manual will work, but I don't recommend it. It takes a little practice to get a rhythm down, and by the time that happens, you so beat it's time to quit. You have to beat it pretty hard to drive the nails all the way, and it's easy to under drive a nail. I suggest either buying the Harbor Freight for $99 and take your chances, or buy the bostich and ebay it when you are finished.