NuMax SFL618 Pneumatic 3-in-1 15.5-Gauge and 16-Gauge 2" Flooring Nailer / Stapler with Flooring Mallet and Interchangeable Base Plates

I've laid solid 3/4" Brazilian Cherry hardwood flooring 3 times. First two times i rented a nail gun from home depot. This time, I decided to purchase because it was cheaper than a weekly rental. My plan was to purchase the Harbor Freight Banks nail gun which was rated highly but I couldn't wait for it to go on sale.This gun perform flawlessly, sunk the nails, never scratched the floor, never had a jam. Can't believe how much quicker I completed the job vs using The Home Depot nail gun which scratched my floor and kept bending the nails.Follow the instructions and keep the gun well oiled.

If you're going to install a lot of bamboo wood flooring then you'll need this gun! It's cheaper than renting if you'll keep the gun for more than 2 days (and you probably will:) Plus I think it's a good idea to have it handy if you do more or need to replace any flooring. However, you can always resell it.Nails/Cleats - I used the brand "PowerNail" from Home Depot, 1 1/2 inch L-Nail 16 gage Powercleats L 150-16. NOTE that they can ONLY be found in the tool rental department. $16 a box of 1,000. They are in a white box with black lettering and have an image of a flooring nail gun on the box.Jams - only had one and it was very easy to remove the nail without any tools used to open gun. When I first began my project I rented a Bosch nailer from Home Depot and it jammed twice. Both times I had to take it to the store for them to fix it. The last time it took them 20 minutes to remove the nails so I left it there and bought this gun.Air Compressor - I used one that I had bought on Amazon - Porter Cable 6 gallon set at 100 psi.Ease of use - Very easy! I like it better than the Bosch I had originally rented.About me - I'm a female novice daredevil when it comes to home improvement. I love to try my hand at things and save money! This was my first time at installing wood floors and found it to be a bigger project than I expected. It took me 8 solid 9 hour days to remove old carpet, nails, tacks etc and install nearly 1000 sq ft of bamboo - all by myself.Tools I found really helpful to have handy before you start the project:1. Crowbar - I used this remove goofed up boards and to push them tighter together along drywall.2. Paint scraper ( I used this thing in more ways than you'd ever imagine)3. table saw ( this is imperative!) You'll need to know how to use it safely so practice first. I had to buy one at the last minute and spent till 1 AM watching Utube videos on how to put it together and use it without loosing a finger. That's a serious piece of equipment! The reason you need is to cut or "rip" your wood flooring to fit around anything that sticks out in your room or hallway - like pillars, door openings, entrance halls etc. you'll also need it to cut around vent grids and for your final piece if it won't take a whole floor piece.4. Safety glasses and ear plugs. Seriously, use them.5. Garbage removal of old carpet and pad - I used a new franchise company called Bin There, Dump That! Great service at a reasonable price. I used a 4 yard dumpster for only $175.I still need to figure out how to make my own transitions because the ones Lumber Liquidators and the big box stores don't have any that will work for my situations. That would actually be another tip I give the DIYer - think about and even buy a couple of transitions so you know how it fit with your situation before you start. There may be an alternative way to end your wood flooring as you approach the other surface.Good luck on your install!!

We nailed our whole house with this thing. It was fantastic, no problems, easy to use, anyone could do the job with this tool!! And what a great price too!!

First I am a former home builder now auto repair owner. I've done about 3000 sq ft of 2" tongue and groove in my life. Previous to the 500-600 I've laid with this nailer I have used a Manual Nailer. I bought this as a 2nd nailer to the Powernail Air over Hammer unit that another builder lended me. I have shot 3500-4000 NORGE and POWER NAIL cleats with both nailers so far. No issues with either brand so farThe great features.1. Its 4" taller so its easier on the back.2. Its easier to load cleats, and its easier to know when its low.3. There is no engagement trigger the Powernail requires setting then squeezing then swinging.4. Its faster because its lighter and taller.5. It takes very little to fire the Cleats I had to remind the help that they have to use the 3-4lbs flooring hammers to tighten the boards.6. Its able to get 1-2 courses closer to the wall over the power nail.7. Its never scratched any floor we are doing prefinished and its all Nylon underneath.-The Negatives.1. Its Lighter so you have to make sure your boards are tighter before swinging home. The weight of the power nail seats the boards better. This one is easier to get lazy with and then the long seams arent as tight. I am Very picky.2. The bottom plate is a larger foot print so in a few instances the nailer can't get into the corners as well, the Power nail is smaller so it tucks into a 45' corner where 2 different directions come together.3. It feels cheaper than the Powernail unit.4. Its more sensitive to air pressure and driving force in regard to breaking tongues.Overall if I was doing wood floors as a living I would own 1 of these and 1 premium unit. If I am a home owner doing unfinished I would use this nailer. With Prefinish you have to careful to keep the joints tight and the power nail tightens them up thanks to the extra weight. But at 500-600 you are crazy to own a prolevel unit for 1-2 jobs.