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Near the top of the list of intimidating flooring tools, a flooring stapler is nonetheless essential for completing large hardwood flooring jobs with ease. Though beginners may shy away from this tool, when used correctly and safely, it can make manageable installations that otherwise would seem mere pipe dreams.
Looking for a more efficient way to install your prefinished hardwood flooring? E Hardwoods & Flooring, where you can buy hardwood flooring online, is here to teach you a few must-knows before you get your hands on a flooring stapler.
First, know that the word “stapler” is a bit of a misnomer—these machines don’t actually use your garden-variety staples, but special ammunition known as flooring staples. The installer strikes a handle near the top of the flooring stapler with a mallet, thus driving the staple into the flooring and attaching it to the subfloor.
There are two primary types of flooring staplers: manual and pneumatic. While a manual flooring stapler operates off of spring power, a pneumatic model uses air pressure to help the user drive the staple into the prefinished hardwood flooring. The former therefore requires a little more elbow grease to use. Nowadays, though, ergonomic hand-operable models are also available.
Any tool that can drive something through solid hardwood flooring also could be dangerous if misused or in case of an accident; be sure to gear up when using your flooring stapler. Eye protection is a must, and you should consider heavy-duty work boots to make sure your feet stay out of harm’s way.
The terms “flooring nailer” and “flooring stapler” are sometimes used interchangeably, but in reality these are two different devices with two very different functions.
Flooring nailers are heavy-duty versions of flooring staplers which use nail-like ammunition known as cleats. If you’ve got thick solid hardwood flooring, this is the machine for you. Flooring staplers, on the other hand, are best to use with thinner hardwoods or engineered hardwood flooring, according to Nailer Guy. They also, as we touched on, use flooring staples as opposed to cleats.
When buying a device for your DIY flooring, take care to differentiate between the two. The welfare of your project depends on it.
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