Hi,

My floor has arrived and I am almost ready to put it down on top of an existing pine floor. The new floor is 22mm (7/8") tongue and groove, my intention is to nail it by hand as I intend to do the work over a number of weekends and hiring a nailer would probably get expensive). I have seen talk of using the L shaped cletas, are these for nail guns ? Which nails should I use if I am doing it by hand ?

Thanks
John

Boy, I think you are making a mistake. However, before nailing machines, wood floors were hand-nailed. If you must hand nail the floors, use this type:


Or this type:


However, you can buy an inexpensive pneumatic stapler from Harbor Freight for $140.00


You would still need need a compressor and an air hose plus either cleats or staples. Or you could buy a manual nailer from Senco, Power Nailer, Bostitch. I think you are going to find hand nailing quite difficult.

could you be more specific on why manual nailing will be difficult ?

Take a good look at your thumb on the hand you will be holding the nails with, probably gonna look a bit different after you drive a few thousand nails into the floor.
Once you miss one nail and hit your thumb, you will do it constantly, lol.

Not to mention the fact that it would be very difficult to:
1. Keep the fastener at the proper angle
2. Seat the fastener at the correct depth
3. Avoid striking the edges of boards and damaging the face

predrilled holes

Nail set

Get them close and use the nail set.


I agree... Harbor Freight Tools!!! Can't beat $140, and then resell it on e-bay.

any comments on the bostitch mnf200

http://bostitch.co.uk/products/tools/fl ... /mfn201-e/

and what length of nails should I go for my plank is 7/8" and is getting laid on a pine floor

2 inch nails will give you full penetration into the subfloor using 7/8th inch flooring. Assuming of course that your nail enters the floor at 45 degrees.