Hello, I needed some help in executing the following instructions from the Kahrs' residential installation guide:

"Step 1: Layout (con’t.)
1.2 Align straight edge (can be plywood or any solid material with STRAIGHT edge) with
chalk line and secure to floor (Fig. 1.2).
1.3 Spread only as much adhesive as can be used during open time of adhesive (Fig. 1.3)."

Questions:

1.) What is the typical technique/means used to secure a straight edge to the concrete slab? Nailing it down?
2.) What is the difference between "open time of adhesive" and "tack time of adhesive"?
3.) Any other pitfalls to watch out for?

Thanks!

ive seen people use different things, concrete nails, powder loaded "hilti" type fastners, glue works if you want to wait a dayforit to set up.

Open time for glue is the time in which the glue is active and boards can be set into. Tack time refers to the inital time one may have to wait for the glue to gas off enough that it holds the boards in place. Some glue is wet lay where its ready for wood as soon as it hits the floor.

Best method I've found is pop the start line, cut up some ugly boards and hot glue the cut pieces along the start line engaging the starting row joinery. Be sure butt joints are overlapped by a scrap. One can also reuse these scraps pieces to keep the floor tight when rolling and/or at the end of the workday. To remove, use a putty knife and a few hammer taps.

See if this link works ....
http://picasaweb.google.com/jwt253/HotG ... owBackUps#

What works for me is... Chalk my starting line, and pick out some long lengths , to install on the line. Spread my first section, (usally about 2'). Start with my starter lengths on the line, and continue the section ( pulling planks toward me). Run strap clamps about every 2' along the width of the section, and cinch the section firmly together. While the clamps are taught, run rows of blue tape, and release the clamps.Then if slight adjustment is needed, I adjust the section to the line. Run some scrap blocks at the end joints on the line, taping them to the section. If needed, (but rarely), I secure the endblocks with a few nails tacked into the substrate. I do like Jerry's idea of hot glue.

Of coarse, you know me... "Mr. Strap Clamp" , I use them for the entire floor

I snap a line out a foot or two, nail down some crapet tackstrips to the line and go for it, wood substrate or concrete.

Here I am wrapping around a corner going into a closet. Note tackstrips behind the planks. It's fast, easy and re-useable