Choosing an underlayment stapler


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Old 08-16-13, 01:37 PM
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Choosing an underlayment stapler

I am putting down 3/8" plywood, underlayment grade, over 3/4" plywood subfloor in a small bathroom, for sheet vinyl. I have never used a wood stapler and may have to buy one for this single project. I'll use 1" galvanized 18 gauge 1/4" narrow crown Duo-Fast staples. Pneumatic staplers on-line seem to come in a huge variety of models and prices. What specs do I look for besides 18 gauge compatibility? PSI? Handheld vs. floor model? Supplied by compressor or tank? I don't think it needs to be industrial quality, but I'll want to buy one good enough to re-sell.
 
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Old 08-16-13, 02:26 PM
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You can't go wrong with either Senco or Duo fast.

I've had staplers of other brands and they misfire and jamb almost immediately.
 
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Old 08-16-13, 04:35 PM
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I use a Bostitch 7/32 narrow crown stapler, and have good luck with it. I would avoid off brands, as Brant mentioned, as they misfire quite often.
 
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Old 08-17-13, 01:33 PM
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Thanks for info. Air supply?

Info appreciated. A Hitachi N3804AB3 finish stapler looks affordable--any comment? Am I better off renting an air compressor or an air tank? Thanks, OB
 
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Old 08-17-13, 01:42 PM
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You'll need a compressor...not just a tank, but I'd ask around with neighbors and co-workers and see if anyone could loan you one for a few days. Doesn't have to be big, a pancake style would be fine for a small area.

Oh...you may want to go up to 1 1/4" staples unless there is some reason you don't want them to go all the way through. Dunno what the Pro's think, but I figure it can't hurt for fasteners to be a little long in these type of situations.
 
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Old 08-18-13, 05:54 PM
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If the staples go all the way through, they don't hold as well.
 
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Old 08-19-13, 08:54 AM
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Old 08-19-13, 02:25 PM
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More on staple length?

I am very interested in the staple length comments. Earlier I spoke with a "master licensed vinyl installer" and he was vehement that the staple absolutely must go all the way thru. Didn't say why. But everything I have read online says that staples lose a lot of holding power if they do go all the way thru. ??
 
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Old 08-19-13, 06:01 PM
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I've seen quite a bit of anecdotal evidence on boards against staples penetrating through, though much of it was about hardwood flooring. In that case it was staples vs cleats. Most of the recommendations against were in the case of an OSB subfloor, which I don't think anyone really disagrees with.

This site Floor-Ply.ca :: Engineered Commercial and Residential Underlayment for the Floorcovering Professional specifically states 100% into the subfloor or 1/4" through. Notice the explanation in answer 4.

If anyone has any actual studies, I'd be interested in seeing them.
 
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Old 08-22-13, 12:53 PM
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Staple length

Thanks to all. I checked with Duo-fast and their narrow-crown CGR staples are "anti-withdrawal" coated. It sounds as tho full penetration wouldn't be the problem it used to be tho I didn't find any actual studies. Gunguy45, I read the Floor Ply.ca text and it sounds good. Think I'll go with 1-1/4" after all.
 
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Old 08-22-13, 07:06 PM
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Good info! Thanks Gunguy!
 
 

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