7

I have the floor nailed down in the entire room , except for the last seven courses. The pneumatic floor nailer can't get any closer than that without the mallet hitting the wall. Do I really have to pre-drill and hand-nail the last seven courses? I'm using a Porter-Cable FCN200 Pneumatic Flooring Cleat Nailer.

enter image description here

Improve this question
6
  • Can you rotate it to be at right angles to the wall? Then that would just leave the corners.
    – ChrisF ♦
    Nov 8, 2011 at 20:45
  • @ChrisF Rotate the nailer? Or the flooring? I can't see how it would work either way.
    – aphoria
    Nov 8, 2011 at 20:56
  • The idea was that you'd be parallel to the wall (if that was possible). However, I see from the image that that probably wouldn't work.
    – ChrisF ♦
    Nov 8, 2011 at 20:58
  • One of the mfg selling points is "Non-marring base allows user to drive fastener close to wall". Maybe you're as close as they mean, but have you checked the manual for tips?
    – Scivitri
    Nov 9, 2011 at 1:45
  • Thanks. The manual does not help with this question.
    – Philip
    Nov 9, 2011 at 14:10

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
8

Usually you can hand toenail all but the last two rows, thus hiding the nails. Pre-drill pilot holes just above the tongue (same angle and placement as nailer would have done) and set the nails. You can use a wedge and blocks to tighten and hold the slats for nailing. The last couple of rows should be glued and face nailed. Counter sink the nails and fill with a matching filler. If the floor is prefinished, then the manufactured probably offers a matching filler. If it is unfinished, be sure to use a stain-able filler.

Improve this answer
3
  • I used this technique, but I only face nailed the last row so I could hide the nails under the shoe molding.
    – aphoria
    Nov 10, 2011 at 17:54
  • As long as you get a swing with the hammer, getting down to last row is great. I use the side of the hammer and try to get to the last row also.
    – shirlock homes
    Nov 10, 2011 at 21:51
  • I should've mentioned that the base trim wasn't up either, so I had a little bit extra clearance.
    – aphoria
    Nov 11, 2011 at 12:49
5

Yes, you will have to hand-nail.

Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    although you can probably use the nailer for one or two more courses - use the back of the hammer, and hit straight down.
    – chris
    Nov 8, 2011 at 23:03
  • Thanks. The manual does not help with this question, but it does say not to use the back of the mallet.
    – Philip
    Nov 9, 2011 at 14:09

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.