I've tried to install hardwood in my entryway a few years ago but the nail gun was not able to drive the staples all the way through the groove so that the next piece would fit into that groove. I expected that since I was going on top of existing hardwood. However this week I was trying to do my living room and I ran into the same problem. That was surprising since I am nailing to a layer of Linoleum on top of plywood. I tried everything. I increased the pressure on the compressor, I tried re-oiling the gun, I even oiled the staples. I hit the gun with more power, I tried shorter staples to no avail. The same gun was used successfully a couple of weeks ago in a different house. I'm starting to think that this house does not want hardwood floors installed in it. If it try a regular nail gun (nailing to the top of the board), the nails go through the boards, linoleum and plywood no problem.

Here are my 2 questions: Am I missing anything? Am I doing anything wrong? and secondly can I just do the whole floor with a typical nail gun and what should I watch out for.

PS: I am using unfinished wood and I will likely stain it so I am not worried about the holes that a typical nail gun might leave.

Thanks

nail gun was not able to drive the staples all the way through the groove so that the next piece would fit into that groove.


TRy shooting the nail through the tongue.

There ya go

Now that was classic!!!

Maybe instead of oiling the staples he should have waxed them. Or it could have been that special nail-resistant sheet vinyl sold at Home Depot a few years ago.