Flooring L shaped cleats
#1
11-26-18, 09:46 AM
Flooring L shaped cleats
Can I use standard 16GA nails for floors or must they be L shaped?
If L shaped, do you need a special mauler or will they for in a standard finishing nailer?
If L shaped, do you need a special mauler or will they for in a standard finishing nailer?
#2
11-26-18, 11:17 AM
Member
No idea what type of floor you are referring, each flooring material has it's requirements so would check with manufacturer.
The cleats, L & T are unique and would not fit a finish nailer!
The cleats, L & T are unique and would not fit a finish nailer!
#4
11-26-18, 02:58 PM
Group Moderator
You will want to rent a flooring nailer and use the L cleat nails. They are designed to hold the boards down tight which a finish nail will not do. (Because it has a smooth shank and tiny head) You may have to face nail the last few boards. When I get to the point where the flooring nailer won't fit anymore, I predrill the tongues and use 2" finish screws and a small 90 degree drill to install the screws at an angle, just like the cleats. That way only the final row needs to be face nailed... and those holes are usually hidden beneath the base shoe.
#5
11-26-18, 04:37 PM
When I took up the flooring, all the nails were in the tongue so they remained hidden - is that the location to do it? I figured that would affect the fit into the groove...
#7
11-26-18, 05:51 PM
Member
Cleats are also serrated so that the grip the subfloor and are driven in at an angle to help with holding power. Normal brads will never duplicate the holding power of a cleat. Double check your flooring, certain types of engineered flooring require nailing through the groove as the center is so soft nailing through the tongue is not possible. A link to your actual flooring always helps.
