I have a beginners question as to the correct type of nail to use when installing the last few rows of 3/4 prefinished hardwood close to the wall. I'm unable to use the floor stapler anymore because it won't fit.

I used a 15g pneumatic finish nailer on the starting row, but I had to return it to the rental place. I don't really want to have to rent it again just to do the last 2 rows.

Can I predrill and hammer in regular 8D finish nails, or should I use a different type of nail?
It seems like there are some that have a spiral on them that may hold better than the smooth type?

Thanks!

Yes and yes. That's the way it was done PRIOR to pneumatic nailers. Those "special" nails are called wood floor nails and are available at:
http://www.mazenails.com/catalog/catalo ... group=FLC2

The downside with this site is you have to by a big box of them. I saw them once at an Ace Hardware store in the bulk bin. You can also glue the last few boards in place with a urethane adhesive.

Thanks!

One last question. Would a 16g finish nailer be an acceptable substitue to use to face nail the last couple of rows? I have one of those.

Obviously, I'm hooked on the ease of the pneumatic nailers.

If not, I will look for those Maze nails!

Thanks

They will work . try and use straight and shorter boards on the last row .
and shoot them in the grain so as to hide them better .

i am about to start my first floor here shortly and was wondering the same question. i have an 18g brad nailer, will it hold or should i go purchase a 15 nailer?

I like to refer to 18 gauge nails as being equivalent to human hairs. A stretch, I know but you get my point about their inadequacies for holding power. About the only thing they are good for is the quarter-round

i love my 18g brad nailer but after reading around i bought a hitachi 15g finish nailer and its sweeeet !

i like the 18 to top nail but going into the toung i like the 15. the 18 is thin and hides the hole nicer than 15
jeff