I have about 400 sf down and another 380 sf to finish my hardwood install. The wood is Lauzon Northern Classics 3.25" red birch. On some of the longer pieces, I find that the wood is warped more than my manual nailer is able to straighten (say 1/8" in some cases).

In these cases, I have been screwing down a piece of 2x6 beside the warped hardwood and using a pinch bar with my leg to push the wood over tight, while I nail tight - then and remove the 2x6. It really slows you down! Just curious to know how you pro's deal with this issue. Is there a better (ie. faster) way than what I am doing?

Thanks in advance for your response.

My Bostitch M111 FS usually makes even crooked boards real straight. But a manuel doesn't do this as well. What also can be done is use opposing wedges to force the floor board tight. Another quick way is drive a large screwdriver into the subfloor at an angle in front of the board and jerk it over. Takes practice with a manual nailer. Pneumatics make it so much easier

If you have plenty of time those wedges work real good. There is a tool you can use, I think it's called a floorjack that is supposed to work extremely well. That is one tool I need to own myself.

If you have not already done so I would be setting aside some nice long straight boards for your last 3 rows.

Long screwdriver in the subfloor, pry it back, hold with one foot while nailing in a cleat to hold it. Or after nailing the board, hold a scrap to it and pound with metal side of mallet.

Gerry - excellent tip about setting aside some straight long ones for the last few rows. Its a lot harder to keep 'em tight on the last four rows.

Thank you'all for your responses.