I am planning to install Bruce 3/8" x 3" engineered hardwood flooring. I have a Porter Cable BN125A pneumatic brad nailer. Can I use that tool for the installation? Thanks.

 

I've put down small amounts of hardwood with my 16 gauge finish nailer using a block of wood and hammer to get them tight but I'd be leery of using 18 gauge nails.

 

What does the manufacture recommend?

 

I'll check to see if I have the manual.

 

It doesn't say in the manual.

 

Thanks for your help and suggestions. I emailed Porter Cable and they sent me instructions which tell me that I can use the nailer but I must use 20 gauge 1 inch nails. Thanks again.

Rich

 

You might want to keep looking into that, I've seen some engineered materials that recommend staples!

 

.... and would a 1" nail thru the tongue secure the flooring to the floor ????

 

Thanks, marq1, and I don't mean to be argumentative. The Porter Cable instructions say I can use the nails but I should use 20 gauge and 1 inch long. I have this brad nailer which I am hoping to use but if it becomes difficult I will try to find a stapler to rent. I did 2 large rooms a few years ago but that was with the 3/4" x 3" prefinished and I used one of those pneumatic nailers that you hit with a hammer. I am afraid that is too big for this job with the 3/8".
20 gauge 1 inch so far have been uneasy to find. I was hoping that my gun could take the staples because I don't want to have to rent one. I'm 75 and this job sure won't get done in short time.