just a small survey to see, how many guy tap the wood in place using the metal end of the mallet?

Is it more of a (personal thing) or is there reason. . . .maybe how you where taught?

How personal can you get with hardwood pro comfort

If I were doing only unfinished I would use metal otherwise.....

Only with a beater board, or if I have to nudge one carefully right to left to close up an end joint before the final nailing of said board.

The reason for my asking how other tradesman knock there wood in place . . . . I installed wood for
14 yrs. before seeing someone else do nail . . . I was shocked to see they didn't you the metal.

I was just as surprised to guys using the mallet to pull the wood in place. OOh the back ache !
What do they teach at the training schools?
dan @ pro

Well back in the early 90's when Mr. Crocket errr Mr. Boone was teaching I used a metal/rubber mallett and the assitants used the metal end. But that was unfinished wood. It was fun cus they made everyone use the manual nailer. lol Watching the girls try it was very amusing.

Prefinished say not to use a mallett.

Common sense should tell anyone that metal striking wood is asking for damage.
I dont see them around...but I use an old mallet, I bought new in like 1986, ( came with the M111 , a Bostitch deadblow. It has 2 screw in dead blow knockers, green & black, both plastic. The black is harder than the green. If you use finesse, and strike in the right places, it doesnt damage the wood, even pre-finished.

Well, It looks like it's a Lixie. Like I mentioned,Bostitch sent these out with their M111's. Awesome mallet. Infact this place sells the replacement heads, I'm gonna pick some up.

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=505-0398

FLOOROLOGIST . . . no don't do it , give me a call and I'll put one of the sweetest mallets in your . . . .

& you'll thank me tomorrow & the next . . . .give me a try, call tonight & I'll send you one free to use.

(814 574 2756 DAN) I hope your using bostitch mlll nailer , if you are go to

http://www.procomfortfloortools.com take a look at the pictures, again it won't cost you a cent . . . .
all I would ask is if you didn't like it, you would be kind enough to ship it back. ( cost about $10.00)

DAN @ pro

Dan:

That sounds like something that could have worked for me when I was active installing. I always had back aches while leaning over too long. I was always looking forward when reload time would come around just to get a break. You may have something there. Have your turned it on to any guys at the NWFA?

I'm going to attend their wood flooring basics school with my son in September. I just may learn a few new things:)

sorry, but I just read your post again, and notice you used the word " common sense " .
Remember I learned the hard way. . . .nobody to share ideas with . . . just kept trying.

Well I never used or use the rubber end . . . except to hit the nailer ----NO damage.

hitting with the metal end takes less of a blow and the energy is better transferred to the wood . .
remember your standing your mallet almost perpendicular to the floor & striking the ( tongue ).

It is a more crisp snap . . . and not the thud sound of rubber hitting wood, makes it's own music . . . .
just lighten up on the tap & you'll be surprised . . . no damage . We have increased production with

the long handle & being able to "strike the tongue" Secret is laying your wood 8 to 10 inches ahead
when racking so . . . you can use your FOOT to move in place - then bring your head into the plain

of the floor and meeting the tongue ( short snap of the wrist). Enough said I'll soon have a video.
DAN @pro

I really appreciate that Dan, if I did more 3/4 I would take you up on that !. Hardly do any 3/4 out here, it's the concrete jungle, (80% gluedown,10% float, 10% naildown 3/8 or 1/2). The Lixi works perfect for tapping in 3/8 & 1/2, ofcoarse I'm on my knees. But I really think you have something there for 3/4, when your bent over an M111. Ken's right...turn it on to the NWFA guys.

Howard, Thanks for the comments . . . .I'll keep on . . .moving on!
dan @pro

I just came across this Old post; MALLET "strikes wood" . . . I promised to
post a video of the Tongue being struck with metal end of the mallet
(on factory finished flooring).
http://youtu.be/1ZIAucZvCWI
There are (53 videos) @ Dan R Braucht