Hey all, will be putting down a hardwood floor soon and I have to consider whether or not I want to rent a pneumatic floor nailer or just buy a manual floor nailer (cost for renting pneumatic and buying manual is about the same for me). Now I realize that pneumatic should be better/faster but I'm curious if it's worth it, e.g., does it make things go noticeably more quickly then using a manual floor nailer? (just not sure if it is worthwhile to rent it instead of just buying a manual one which I can keep or resell when I'm done with it)?
Thanks much for input


edit:
btw, I've never used a floor nailer before will it have any problems with 3/8'' prefinished solid? (I'll be using 3/8'' instead of standard 3/4'')

Senco SKS-20 SL Floor runner!

Staples not cleats!

Make sure the fasteners are not too long, and puncture through the plywood.

What is the thickness of the subfloor?

thanks much floorguy! Subfloor will be 5/8'' ply.

and staples are better then nails? (just curious as to the reasons)
thanks again!

The Senco floor runner will not work very well for Braz cherry you will end up with dimples in your floor and if you up the pressure the staples crush on the tongue, Its only 18 gauge. Its great for engineered but no good for solids.

I would use the portanailer 200 it works great on 3/8 flooring, its tiny and you will be in the fetal position all day but the job will be done right.

cmose,

I own a Powernail model 200 that Stephen H is recommending. I used it on two jobs so it is basically brand new. I have the original box, manual, mallet, shims, everything that it came with. The nailer cost over $500.00 brand new. You also should know that you can't rent these, at least, nowhere that I've seen. If you are interested in buying this nailer from me, e-mail me. You can get my address by clicking on the memberlist and looking for me, Gary.