What Kind of Nails Can You Use in a Hardwood Floor Nailer?

General Guidelines

• Nails for pneumatic nail guns look nothing like a traditional nail. These nails usually come in strips that are inserted like staples into the nail gun. The nails may have a chisel or barbed point and are often coated with a resin. This resin lubricates the nail so it goes into the wood smoothly. Using a nail gun generates a lot of heat, which melts the resin, but once it dries, it creates an adhesive, providing extra stability to the nail.

Machine Type

• When installing a hardwood floor, you'll probably use two types of pneumatic nail guns. Use barbed nails if you are using a face nailer, which is used to nail the first and last boards. Use cleat nails with a side nailer gun, which is used to secure tongues to the subfloor. Many manufacturers produce nails made specifically for their nail guns. Check at the store where you bought or rented the gun for the right type of nail for your nail gun's brand.

Floor

• The type of nail you'll use to install wood floors may also vary depending on the flooring. Consult the flooring manufacturer for recommendations on the specific type of nail to use. Failure to follow proper installation procedures may void the warranty on the floor. Experiment with depth settings, so that the nailheads sit just below the wood's surface. If the nails rest too deeply, adjust the air pressure slightly.

Safety

• Pneumatic nail guns make quick work of hardwood flooring installation, but they can also be very dangerous. Follow all operating instructions carefully and wear protective eyewear during use. Traditional nails cannot be used in a pneumatic drill. Using them may damage the gun or cause personal injury.