Wood flooring has become a common method to decorate the floor. It brings out the best quality floor that even a carpet cannot lend. With the high advancing technology, many people are trying to bring out new procedures in every sector using new advanced tools.
Every good thing comes with an added price. Wood flooring is somehow expensive considering the cost of work for its set up. However, the results are always superb, and you will never regret investing in a durable and beautiful floor. You can cut the labor cost by installing your floor using a flooring nailer tool.
A DIY wood flooring task is effortless than you can imagine as long as you use the best flooring nailer tool. In this article, you will be able to understand what a flooring nailer tool is clearly. I will also give some reviews on the top 5 best flooring nailers to choose from as well as how to select the best tool. Also included are tips used while using a flooring nailer, and some frequently asked questions with answers.
Read carefully, and at the end, you will have all the required knowledge about flooring nailers.
Table of Contents
A quick Guide on how to pick flooring nailer
A flooring nailer is a tool designed to install a new floor to an established foundational underpayment. There are different models of flooring nailers that either use cleats, staples, or both. Purchasing your flooring nailer helps to reduce the cost of hiring someone to install the floor for you. The flooring nailers can be categorized according to the source of power and the type of fasteners.
Source of power
There are two types of flooring nailers according to the power source:
Manual nailers: uses a rubber mallet against the trigger to shoot the cleats or staples. It relies on your muscle energy.
Pneumatic nailers: these are the most popular flooring nailers as they have are easy to use and contain consistent power. They use air compressor as the source of energy.
Fasteners
The flooring nailers use staples or cleats. Cleats are of two styles, the L and T style, due to their head fasteners’ shape. The staples provide a stronger hold than the cleats. They are easy to produce and less costly. The cleats are best used with exotic and more delicate flooring materials and are less long-lasting compared to staples. Some flooring nailers are capable of using both staples and cleats, making them more dependable.
Top 5 Best Flooring Nailer Reviews
The 5 Best Flooring Nailer Reviews for DIYers and construction businesses. Now that you’ve read our buyer’s guide, it’s time to dive into the reviews. Here’s an overview of the top five tools for your project:
1. NuMax SFL618 – Best Pneumatic Flooring Nailer
The NuMax flooring nailer enables you to employ staples, L and T-cleats in your work. This allows it to be a flexible flooring nailer that is perfect for nearly all tasks. It includes exchangeable base plates measuring ½ or ¾ inches plate that you can choose from depending on the flooring plank thickness.
It functions on a pressure of 70 to 115 PSI; hence you can use it to install both dense and thin wood floors. The cleat magazine capacity is high that it accommodates a maximum of 120 nails to minimize downtimes. This tool is made up of hard but less in mass die-cast aluminum. This makes it durable, stable while nailing, and also easy to go around.
It has an anti-dust cap to prevent dust from contaminating the internal components. It also has an extensive handle measuring 23 inches, ¼ inch NPT fitting, and a non-mar rubber mallet. All these features make it one of the best flooring nailer. The NPT fitting helps it to fit several air compressors. It can clear jams since it has a semi-quick release.
Features:
- Weight: 15.7 lbs
- PSI: 70 to 115
- Power source: Pneumatic
Pros
- Huge capacity cleat magazine holding up to 120 nails.
- Fairly taller handle with a rubber grip to reduce fatigue.
- Use both T and L- cleats as well as staples.
- The body is made of long-lasting die-cast aluminum.
- Interchangeable bottom plates.
Cons
- The mallet handle is very smooth.
2. Freeman PFL618BR 3-In-1, Best Pneumatic Flooring Nailer.
Freeman PFL618BR is made of sturdy and robust die-cast aluminum, making it serve for very many years. It is multitalented as it works with both T and L cleats and staples. It has interchangeable bottom plates measuring ½ and ¾ inches to enable it to set up diverse flooring thickness. This tool is very comfortable to work with, as it has a padded grip and a long handle.
The nailer has an excellent capacity magazine that holds 100 to 120 staples or cleats. It runs on pressure between 70 to 110 PSI. It has an in-built carrying case that is strong enough to hold the weight. Other notable features included are wrenches, no-mar rubber mallet for guarding against grates on the floor surfaces, oil, and goggles. The dust cap guard the inner parts against dust and debris contamination.
Additional semi-quick staples or nails release to make it quickly access the drive blade in case of a jam. It comes in a plastic puff case for safe storage.
Features:
Weight: 10.76 lbs
PSI: 70 to 110
Power Source: Pneumatic
Pros
- It comes with a comfy padded grip that causes no hand injuries.
- Shoots both L and T cleats and staples.
- It contains a tough and strong plastic holding case.
- Body made of long lasting die-cast aluminum.
- It comes with a seven-year limited guarantee.
Cons
- The machine is prone to jamming.
3. Freeman Pfbc940 4-in-1 Mini Flooring Nailer/Stapler
Freeman PFBC940 is one of the cheapest nailers with great functionality. It is a mini- flooring tool that is very reliable. It is used to shoot both nails and staples accurately, and it has a different angled head that offers suppleness of the four in one tool. It can also be transformed into a brad nailer to aid in finishing woodworking tasks. It is perfect for ¼ to 5/8 inches solid tongue and groove or engineered flooring.
This tool is lightweight with a weight of 4 pounds enabling you to work for a more extended period without getting exhausted. It has a rapid release nose preventing jamming cases. The adjustable depth makes you choose the best depth according to your project. It can also be used to tack-down the floor while glue lays down.
It is designed with a soft grip handle, anodized aluminum magazine, and exhaust that can be adjusted to 360 degrees. The air filter helps to prevent the motor from dust contamination. Also included is a reload indicator. The air tool oil reduces the machine’s maintenance.
Features:
Weight: 4 lbs
PSI: 70 to 115
Power Source: Pneumatic
Pros
- Highly affordable.
- It can clear jam easily.
- Easy to operate and install.
- Lightweight to enable for more extended period use.
- Suitable reload indicator.
- Reliable 7 years limited warranty and 90 days wearable parts warranty.
Cons
- Not convenient for massive flooring projects.
4. Freeman Flooring Nailers – PF18GLCN Flooring Nailer reviews
Freeman PF18GLCN is a cleat flooring nailer for exotic and bamboo flooring. It is a machine with less weight nail gun having a No-Mar foot for groove and tongue hardwood flooring. The body is made of rigid aluminum material, while the heat-treated steel material covers the components. This makes it more durable and appropriate for professional contractors.
The base plates help you to install the flooring of about a thickness of 3/8 to ¾ inches. The magazine is well-suited for cleats measuring 1-1/4 inches to 1-3/4 inches to contain diverse floor thicknesses. The handle is extended and has a light strike bumper to minimize weariness.
It also has three interchangeable bottom plates offering a diverse tool use. The air tool oil reduces maintenance requirements. It has a magazine capacity of 120 pieces. The air filter protects the inner parts of the machine from debris.
You can purchase a Flooring Nailer Base Converter separately to increase the machine’s productivity. The tool is very reliable as it comes with a seven-year limited warranty.
Features:
Weight: 9.68 lbs
PSI: 70 to 115 psi
Power Source: Pneumatic
Pros
- The high capacity magazine enables you to work for longer hours with no need to reload.
- Ergonomic design provides comfort and simple operation.
- Interchangeable bottom plates help you to choose the one that fits your type of floor.
- An elongated handle with a soft grip reduces fatigue and back problems.
- Seven-year limited warranty.
Cons
- Compatible with cleats from Freeman Company only.
- Difficult to get the desired height adjustment.
5. Dewalt Flooring Nailer, – 2-in-1 Tool (DWFP12569)
DeWalt flooring nailer was produced by the DeWalt Company that is well known to produce very high-quality power machines. It is one of the most expensive tools, but it offers a very excellent job making it worth every penny. It has an ergonomic design that is comprised of a long handle with a comfy rubber grip. This makes it safe and easy to handle, as it causes no hand fatigue or injuries even during big projects.
It has comparatively lower CFM necessity compared to the rest of flooring nailers resulting in a lesser amount of air compressor running period. It functions with the well-liked nailing fasteners, for example, the 16 Gauge L-shaped cleats and the 15.5 gauge staples. It uses non-marring as well as interchangeable base plates that you can modify depending on the floor size and thickness.
It is built-in with a standard ¼ inch air fitting making it perfect to use with different air compressors. The DeWalt 2-in 1 nailer has a magazine capacity is 100 staples. It comes with a three-year warranty for an extra calm mind.
Features:
Weight: 14.72pounds
PSI: 70 to 100
Power Source: Pneumatic
Pros
- More quiet back exhaust.
- Relatively lower CFM needs.
- Best for subtle wood material.
- Comfy and straightforward to operate.
- It is interchangeable and non-disfigurement base plates to adjust to different flooring sizes.
- In-built moderate size air fitting.
- It is lightweight, 10.6 lbs, for better control and balance.
Cons
- Lacks dry fire keep off.
- More expensive.
- It lacks a carrying case.
Benefits of Using Flooring Nailer
Flooring nailers have some benefits over using a traditional hammer. These include:
Floor nailers are multi-talented tools that are well-suited for both staples and cleats. You, therefore, need only one tool to perform different flooring installations.
Flooring nailers are more comfortable and safer to use. The nailer gun performs different tasks at a go, for example, making sure nails are set at a particular point, firing, and grasping the board in position. Chances of misalignment, wood splitting, and injury are meager.
Some are designed to use while in an upright or bending posture. This causes less pull of muscles and joints. It also helps you to have power over the machine as well as the working area.
Types of Flooring Nailers
There are two types of flooring nailers, namely manual and pneumatic nailers. The manual flooring nailers demand extra muscle since they rely exclusively on the user’s energy and might. The manual requires the bumper’s double strike, the first one to position the cleat and the next for actuation. The manual nailers are simple with uncomplicated design, making them less costly than the pneumatic flooring nailers.
The pneumatic flooring nailers use an air compressor as a source of power to drive the nails and cleats into the planks. You are required to strike the bumper one time to inject the nails into the flooring material. Pneumatic nailers are faster than the manual and result in more accurate work. However, they are more expensive to purchase and operate.
How to Choose the Best Flooring Nailer – YouTube
When choosing the best flooring nailer, you need to consider the following factors:
Type of flooring nailer
In case you need an accurate, fast, and reliable nailer to work on huge floors, pneumatic nailers are the best. Manual nailers can be used in smaller and occasional flooring works or when on a tight budget.
The gauge of flooring nailer
In case you are a specialized contractor and handles rigid and broad wood flooring boards, a 16-gauge nailer is the best. For thinner flooring material, an 18-gauge nailer works excellently.
Power source
The manual nailers are less expensive, but the operation is more tedious hence not favorable for big projects. On the other hand, the pneumatic nailers are costly but offer excellent service for DIYers and contractors as they get power from an air compressor.
Staples versus cleats
For big projects, contractors choose a nailer that uses both staples and cleats. In case you want a nailer for a small surface and looking for an affordable machine, a nailer that only shoots staples is right for you.
Weight
Look for a lightweight machine to help you move around and balance easily.
Body construction
The body material should be tough and durable. Aluminum is not only strong and also lightweight.
Warranty
Go for machines with a more extended warranty but check for the term and reputation of the warranty.
Tips for Using a Flooring Nailer
The durability of every tool depends on how well you use it. There are basic tips for using flooring nailer, which include:
Refer to the user instruction booklet that comes with the flooring nailer tool. Every tool has its instructions to follow when assembling and operating. Also, check on the tools’ safety measures.
Counter check the necessary modifications required before attaching the air compressor. This guarantees enough air pressure to drive the nailer. Lubricate the machine before and after use.
Give safety the priority. Any power, too, can cause a health threat to the user if mishandled. Wear the required protective gear.
Just use the suggested cleats or staples to avoid damaging the flooring wood, accidents, or jams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Flooring Nailer?
NuMax sfl618 3-in-1 Pneumatic is the best flooring nailer. This is because it permits you to employ T and L-cleats as well as staples. This means that you can use it for almost all flooring projects. It has interchangeable plates measuring ½ and ¾ inches to choose from depending on the flooring board’s thickness. It functions with a pressure of 70 to 115 psi; hence, it can be used for thin and thick flooring installation. It has a high magazine capacity of 120 cleats, thus reducing downtime. It is made of durable aluminum material.
How do I choose a Floor Nailer?
In case you are working with hardwood and brittle wood, choose a cleat flooring nailer. A floor stapler is suitable for wood that is not very fragile. When working on a big professional project, choose a flooring nailer that can shoot both staples and cleats. While flooring a small flooring surface, a stapler nailer is best for you. If you want to avoid the fatigue that comes with the flooring job, choose a pneumatic nailer over the manual flooring nail.
How does floor nailer work?
A flooring nailer allows you to strikes the nailer using a rubber mallet to shoot a staple or a cleat. It helps you to nail down the flooring in an easy and fast manner. First, choose the best size adapter plate, then connect the air compressor to the flooring nailer. Set the preferred air pressure on the air compressor. Position the adapter foot straight alongside the tongue. Hit the actuator on the tip of the nailer to inject the staple or cleat at a 45-degree angle.
Final Verdict
When choosing the best tool to lay your wood flooring, the above nailers are the best in the market. Selecting one of them will give you excellent results. Whether you are a DIYer, a homeowner, or a professional contractor, you will be able to acquire one of the most powerful flooring nailers.
The buying guide will help you make a final decision on your project’s best tool, resulting in a successful floor installation. Invest in your best flooring nailer, and you will never regret it.