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

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!!

I would describe myself as a higher end "do it yourselfer" and I recently purchased roughly 1300 sq ft of 2 1/4 solid oak strip to put down in my house. After doing research, I went with the NuMax as it did not make sense to rent based on how much flooring I will be putting down, but wanted something reliable at the best price point and not knowing how often I will use after this project. The NuMax nailer has not disappointed, I am very satisfied after installing roughly 400 sq feet - no jams or issues of any kind (one or two operator errors). The gun is well constructed - it is a bargain around the $105 price point (I have two finish nailers that I paid more for). Follow the manufacturer recommendations regarding the oil - 4-5 drops every day of pneumatic tool oil, test/adjust more compressor psi (my "L" nails go in flush at about 80 psi.). Other reviews have mentioned that the tool must be struck with the mallet "consistently", firmly - but not particularly hard, unless you are trying to bring to pieces together that may not be straight, but a faint or miss hit will result in the nail only being partially driven into the material (operator error referenced above). The setting tool that Amazon offers will save you time, however if a significant amount of the nail has not been driven in I found it easier to carefully wiggle back and forth to fatigue the metal nail until it breaks (then shot another in). I have used the Bostich flooring L-nail FLN-200 to fasten - Amazon offers as low (or lower) than your local big box. With respect to the mallet - it works well as designed, however one end is rubber (to strike the nailer) and the other is steel - which when you get closer to the walls tends to scar up drywall pretty easily :). Not a complaint at all, just something I have experienced. (I ended up wrapping the other end of the mallet with a thin pad and duct tape). Would not hesitate to purchase again - very satisfied.

My first impression is all positive. The instructions were easy to read and follow. The unit is well made and has no problems with sticking of the plunger or with jamming. It arrived early, very well packed, and with all the components in plastic bags. There is no case and nothing that you do not need. The price is great. The loading is simple and it will take the three most common styles of cleats and staples. I have a back stock of 2" staples and they work flawlessly in this tool. I suggest you use WD40 or the lube provided prior to use. WD40 is commonly used with air tools and it seems to help. All air tools jam at some point and it's usually an operator failure. If you arm hurts, change over and get experience with running both a lefty and a righty style so will have an option. It shoots 15.5 and 16 gauge staples ranging from 1 to 2 Inch. DO NOT USE 18s with this tool. READ the additional details on the Amazon description. PLEASE read the directions and work safely. I use a lot of air tools so my compressor is big enough to provide constant air pressure that is correct for the product. You need to pay attention and have a bit of finess when you use these things; pay attention to the details of how and where to place the head and learn what the proper contact position is for the wood you are nailing. If you get sloppy with tool placement, you will not be happy. A two inch cleat can take a bit of effort to dig out of your red oak. Observe the nose of the tool and understand how it actually fits against the flooring. The air pressure will push the cleat into the wood but you have to have it in the right place. You also do not have to hit it like a gladiator. Monster swings will wear you out and ruin your job. I will follow-up more after a few floors are done. Good luck and enjoy this fine tool.

My first time installing hardwood, so I had to buy a flooring nailer. I believe this one is one of the cheapest, but what an excellent tool. Fairly heavy, sturdy, complete with everything you need, including samples of the correct model/size of nails and staples, so you won't buy the wrong ones. Pretty much fool proof. This tool is worth every penny! I had one misfire: the nail got stuck at the front. You just loosen up two screws (yes, the Allen wrenches also came with it), take out the front plate and you have access to the very front of the tool where the nail exits.

L'article a bien fonctionné jusqu'à présent sur le sol dans deux pièces. Il est arrivé à temps et en bon état, je suis donc très content de cet achat

Great floor nailer! Used it to do three rooms (about 1000sq ft) and it performed great. Only jammed once and was easy to fix. Just remove the bottom plate and pulled the jam out with pliers. Highly recommend for the price!

So glad I bought this. Worked perfectly. Only one jam and that was user error. Installed 3/4" engineered hardwood on main floor and could work at my own pace. No rush to return rental. Can't beat the price either. Excellent and would highly recommend.

First time flooring and so far I’ve used for 300+ Square feet of hardwood, had no problems with it. No air pressure regulator, but never had a blow through or under penetration.