Questions and Answers for NuMax Pneumatic 3-in-1 15.5 and 16 Gauge 2 in. Flooring Nailer / Stapler with Flooring Mallet and Interchangeable Base Plates

A:  If youare installing "regular" bamboo, it should be fine, however, please not that this nailer has a metal foot and is not recommended for installing pre-finished flooring. It has the potential, in the case of a misstep, of scratching the pre-finished surface. IF you are installing stranded bamboo, or 'strand woven' bamboo which is significantly more dense, you will need an 18ga L-cleat nailer. Here are two options: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-18-Gauge-L-Cleat-Flooring-Nailer-HD18GLCN/205602738?keyword=hd18glcn http://www.homedepot.com/p/Freeman-18-Gauge-L-Cleat-Flooring-Nailer-PF18GLCN/203954526 If you are ok using the 16ga Cleats or 15.5ga staples with "regular bamboo" and want to protect the finished surface, I recommend one of these nailers: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Freeman-2-in-1-16-Gauge-Lightweight-Flooring-Nailer-with-Plastic-Handle-P50LSLW/205795313?keyword=p50lslw http://www.homedepot.com/p/Freeman-3-in-1-Pneumatic-Flooring-Nailer-and-Stapler-with-Quick-Release-PDX50Q/206593874?keyword=pdx50q Or there is a complete kit with Flooring nailer and multi cutter for jambs: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Freeman-Pneumatic-Hardwood-Flooring-Nailer-and-Multi-Cutter-Combo-Kit-P50MTCK/206604728?keyword=p50mtck

A:  Yes, I did 3 bedrooms with it.

A:  I've installed about 2/3 of my flooring project using pre-finished 3/4" ash and so far there have been absolutely no marks or "scars" left by the nailer. The NuMax is a very well-designed tool.

A:  Yes

A:  yes it comes with one good for 3/4 " flooring and 1 for 3/8-1/2

A:  The base plates do scratch pre-finished surfaces.

A:  Did refinished oak with micro bevel and had no scratches or problems

A:  The base plates will not scratch a prefinished surface, just make sure both surfaces (wood and baseplate) are clean and free of dirt/debris, as that could scratch the flooring regardless of what type of base plate is on the nailer.

A:  This nailer will not work on 3/8"engineered flooring. It is designed for 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4" solid hardwood flooring. The 16 gauge cleats and 15.5 gauge staples will typically damage the engineered flooring because they are too large of a gauge. The Husky HD18GLCN is an affordable nailer designed to do engineered flooring 3/8" thick up to 3/4" using thinner 18 gauge L-cleats.

A:  It had a second plate for 3/8" thick flooring. I did not use it but it came with the tool

A:  I believe you should be able to. I used this on 3/4 in Brazilian Cherry which has about the same hardness rating as teak.

A:  Yes it will; you need to set the compressor pressure to ensure the nail goes through the tongue of the flooring piece enough to be flush and not interfere with the groove of the next piece of flooring.

A:  Certainly refer to your flooring manufacturers instructions for recommended installation to stay within warranty compliance before installing. If this is common Teak wood flooring, I would say you would be fine with the SFL618, using either 16ga cleats or 15.5ga staples. If the flooring surface is pre-finished, you may consider a slight upgrade to a model that is safe for pre-finished flooring, with a no mar base, such as the P50LSLW, or PDX50C, so if the nailer happens to slip onto the surface, it wont scratch the prefinished surface. If the Teak is of a more dense variety, like Brazilian Teak, you will likely need an 18ga flooring nailer like the PF18GLCN, so the thinner cleat will penetrate the flooring and not damage the tongue.

A:  The nailer works great on 3/4" ash. I'm using DeWalt 16 GA FC cleats.

A:  It will work with engineered flooring as long as the flooring is one of the thicknesses that the gun adapts to. It will definitely work with a Porter Cable compressor.

A:  The SFL618 is not designed for Engineered flooring for a couple of reasons. 1- It has a metal base, which makes it susceptible to scratching the prefinished flooring surface if it happens hit the top of the flooring. 2- It shoots 16ga cleats and 15.5ga staples which in most cases will damage the tongue of the flooring upon entry because the fastener is too large. 3- This nailer does not come with the appropriate base plate to properly align the nailer for 3/8" flooring. It accommodates 1/2", 5/8" and 3/4" flooring only. Typically 18ga fasteners are recommended for engineered flooring in which case you have two options I am aware of. The Freeman PF18GLCN and the Husky HD18GLCN, both use 18ga L-cleats, are safe for prefinished flooring and will accommodate 3/8" up to 3/4" flooring installation.

A:  Check with the flooring manufacturer to see which fastener they recommend for installation. This nailer will drive 16 gauge L or T Cleats and 15.5 gauge staples. Usually with Bamboo they recommend a smaller cleat like an 18 gauge.

A:  Yes no problem

A:  YES THIS GUN WILL WORK ON 3/4 " MAPLE. THE AMOUNT OF FASTENERS USED IS BASED ON YOUR SUB FLOORING AND SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE COMPANY THAT MANUFACTURED THE FLOORING BEING INSTALLED.

A:  Cleats should be spaced roughly every 8", with joists 16" on center. Get out your calculator. :)

A:  The installation guide that came with your flooring would be the best place to check that information. Typically, 2-4 cleats per square foot of flooring but that also depends on the width of the boards. This nailer can drive 16 gauge cleats. So, you will also want to check that the recommended size of the cleat is a 16 gauge for the Maple flooring.

A:  Yes, I used this nailer for natural maple (pre-finished) hardwood flooring that was 3.5-inch x 3/4-inch. I used Dewalt branded 15.5 gauge staples instead of nails. Worked without a problem at about 80-85psi on my compressor. I recommend buying a couple of boxes of staples and returning a box if you purchased too many. You don't want to run out of fasteners while you are in the middle of your project. :)

A:  Yes. I used it to install 3/4 in. red oak. Fortunately, the nailer comes with the 3/4 in. plate attached. So, I am sure it will work for maple. I used about 7,000 nails to install 800 sq. ft.. the width of the board was 2 1/4 in. If you are using a wider plank...you will use fewer nails.

A:  You should always check with the flooring manufacturer to see what they recommend in the installation guidelines. The average would be 2-4 cleats per square foot but that also depends on the width of the boards.

A:  THIS DEPENDS ON YOUR SUB FLOORING AND THE TYPE OF FLOORING THAT YOU ARE INSTALLING. HAVE A CONVERSATION WITH THE FLOORING MANUFACTURER. THERE IS ALMOST ALWAYS A TOLL FREE NUMBER IN THE MANUFACTURER'S PAPERWORK.

A:  1 nail every 2.5 linear feet of board. The width of your room divided by the width per board = the number of rows. The number of rows X the length of the room = total linear feet. 6-8 small boxes of T-cleats @ approx. $20 / box.

A:  The SFL618 is not compatible with 20 gauge L Cleats. This nailer requires 16 gauge cleats or 15.5 gauge staples.

A:  Yes, it does require an air compressor. I don't think there are any manual ones anymore (like my dad used in the mid-1960's).

A:  YES.

A:  Definitely.

A:  Yes, this flooring nailer is air powered. Typically a 3- 6 gallon air compressor from your local Home Depot will be sufficient. Let us know if you have any further questions!

A:  Yes , you need an air compressor , I believe all of them do now a days