I am planning to replace some carpet with Bruce 3/4" pre-finished oak. This is my first foray into wood flooring, so I've been doing my homework and have most of my questions answered. I do still have one, though:

In the installation literature from Bruce, they refer to face-nailing with either 6d-8d nails (by hand) or with a pneumatic firing 1-1/2" - 2" nails. I am interested in using a pneumatic and I'm willing to buy one for the job, but I can get a 1-1/2" - 2" nail in 18ga, 16ga or 15ga, and I'm not sure which is best. Considering the loading scenario on a floor board, there shouldn't be much direct shear on the nail (unless there is excessive swelling,) so it doesn't seem that the diameter should be a huge issue - no? Being an amateur woodworker, the 18ga or 16ga would probably be more useful for other jobs that I might do, but I don't want to skimp on this one and have it come back to bite me - the first time is the best time to do something right...

If anyone has advice or opinions that would help with this decision, I'd appreciate your input.

Thanks in advance!

My preference is the Senco DA series of nails, which are 15 gauge. Bostitch also makes a 15 gauge nail that is very good as well, but they seems harder to find and only work in Bostitch nailers. Other brands of nailers accept the DA size of nail.

I've always heard good about Senco.
Myself, I'm hooked on Bostitch. True, you have to buy Bostitch fasteners, ( available at Lowes ).