Hi, I’m using a Metabo 15 gauge nailer and their 1-1/4” nails to top nail some 5/16” White Oak flooring. I’m having some real issues with wood splitting, and it may be two issues:

1. I’m not a nail gun pro. I’ve tried holding the gun so the nails are perpendicular to the grain — and also blunting the tips — but neither are solving things. I'm using minimal 80 psi and trying not to inset too deep, any other tips??

2. Or...I happened to have another piece of White Oak from a different lumber yard, and it doesn’t seem to split at all. My wood "looks" dry by comparison, but I don't know wood. Or maybe it's simply lesser quality, but anything I can do if the wood’s too dry??

Thanks so much