I've got Brazilian Cherry solid strip flooring, and it's recommended that I pre-drill nail holes so as to avoid splitting this wood that is like 4 times harder than red oak. I haven't used an impact manual nailer before, but I'm having a hard time imagining how the pre-drilled hole can be found with this tool. Also, for the smaller floor space of my kitchen, what's wrong with just using an ordinary hammer and finishing nails. As a DIYer I won't want to be in a hurry anyway. Will the nailer provide superior results over a rubber mallet and scrap piece of wood to pack the T&G tight, assuming time is not an issue?

IF you choose to hand nail this flooring down, I suggest you use either casing nails or specialty wood flooring nails. Standard finish nails should not be used for the entire floor. Eventually, they could work loose. These are the type that should be used when hand nailing wood floors.

Available at: http://www.mazenails.com/catalog/catalo ... group=FLC2

You may find that you still need to pre-drill pilot holes for b. cherry.

Thanks for the important tip Gary. I think my forty year old red oak hardwood elsewhere in the house is nailed with just finishing nails. but it is true that I'm not impressed by the few squeaks I have to fix because of this. Still prefer rosin paper or 15 lb felt paper over "insulayment"?