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 Post subject: Which nailer
PostPosted: Mon May 18, 2009 1:43 pm 
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I'm going to be installing about 500 feet of 33/32" maple flooring. I have been looking at the SENCO SHF50 nailer and the Bostitch MIIIFN as well as the Porter Cable pneumatic nailer. The only one that clearly states that it can nail 33/32" flooring is the Senco. Which pneumatic nailer should I buy. I plan on keeping the nailer as I will eventually be installing a lot more flooring. I have read a great deal of information regarding cleats and staples and have decided to go with cleats.Any help will be appreciated.


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 Post subject: Re: Which nailer
PostPosted: Mon May 18, 2009 6:43 pm 
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racquetballer1 wrote:
I have read a great deal of information regarding cleats and staples and have decided to go with cleats.Any help will be appreciated.


Then you should reread it again? ;)

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Stephen Perrera
Top Floor Installation Co.
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IFCII Certified Inspector
Floor Repairs and Installation in Tucson, Az
http://www.tucsonazflooring.com


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 Post subject: Re: Which nailer
PostPosted: Tue May 19, 2009 2:13 am 
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The cleat vs. staple debate is never ending, with advocates on both sides of the fence. Here's what I've gathered over the years.
1) staples have the potential for cracking/breaking the tongues of the flooring a little more than cleats, especially the harder the wood.
2) staples hold much better, especially in OSB type subfloors.
3) staples hold so well, that they do not allow for gradual seasonal expansion. Not a problem if you live in a mild climate and keep temp and RH within the norms. Some contractors in the gulf states like cleats BECAUSE they do not hold as well and allow for expansion.
4) Cleats are terrible in OSB.

And finally, some contractors are plain ignorant and refuse to look at all the data and experiences across the country and around the world. They make remarks like, " That's the way we've always done it." or " It's always worked for me". I say, get a nailer that can be converted from cleats to staples and back again. And can install that 33/32" flooring. What are you installing, a gym?


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 Post subject: Re: Which nailer
PostPosted: Tue May 19, 2009 7:48 am 
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If you have decided to fasten with cleats, the Powernail #445 will handle 33/32 flooring by removing the base plate.

As an aside, I inspected a pre-finished floor on Friday in response to a customer complaint about poor milling of the floor.
About 250 sq. ft. of an 1800 foot job was installed when the builder pulled the chain on the work. Floor was being installed diagonal, and the 250 ft was installed through the main hall and into two rooms, about a six foot wide section, about 40 feet long. Installation was started with a "false wall" across the middle, diagonally.
The floor had many boards that appeared tilted slightly and because it is prefinished, this was enhanced by the reflectivity of the surface. (It looked terrible)
I decided to remove a section carefully to see if there were hidden sub-floor issues, dirt under the floor, milling problems that were concealed.
The last row of the floor was nailed with 2 inch cleats (Primatech), the balance of the floor was fastened with 2 inch staples (source unknown).
On asking the installer why he nailed the last row with cleats, he suddenly lost his command of English, so to speak. My thoughts, and it has proven out in testing the floor here at the shop with two mock-ups using the same floor as was delivered to the site, the cleats allowed the floor to sit flat, the staples pulled the floor too tight and caused some very minor but noticeable lifting of the floor boards.

I leave it to you to decide which you prefer.
I know my decision, and I establish installation policies for the company I work for, based on 45 years of experience both through education and in the field.

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 Post subject: Re: Which nailer
PostPosted: Fri May 22, 2009 8:29 am 
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Thanks to everyone that replied. I realized when I posted this request that cleats vs. staples was controversial but I'm still going with the cleats. I have used staples before and did experience many broken tongues. I can hear the responses from the "pro" staple guys now - installer error. You might be right but I've never had that issue with cleats. Again, thanks for your help.


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