How to Use a Pneumatic Flooring Nailer
A pneumatic flooring nailer is a device that uses compressed air to drive flooring nails into wood or any other flooring material. Unlike the manual nailer, the device makes the nailing process a lot faster with the pull of a trigger.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Pneumatic flooring nailer
- Flooring material (wooden boards)
- Nails
- Air hose
- Nailer oil
- Air compressor
- Safety goggles
Step 1 – Understand How Pneumatic Nailers Work
The device is powered by compressed air and uses a valve/piston operation to shoot nails. After one nail is fired from the tip of the gun into the flooring material, the piston immediately recoils to get ready for the next shot. Some nailers shoot one nail at a time, but other models are designed to shoot two or more nails consecutively. When dealing with the device for the first time, it is safe to work with models that shoot one nail at a time.
Step 2 – Connect the Device to an Air Compressor
Before doing so, load the nailer magazine with a new set of nails and close it properly. Lubricate the air fitting with nailer oil recommended by the manufacturer. Connect air hose on the device to an air compressor. Ensure that the air compressor is working properly. Turn on the air compressor and set it to the correct pressure recommended for the device, usually around 80 to 100 PSI. Test the device by pressing the trigger to allow air to be discharged from its tip.
Step 3 – Prepare the Flooring Materials
Plan the installation of the flooring material and lay them accordingly. Do not set the materials on the entire floor. It is best to work in sections. Before proceeding with the actual nailing of the entire flooring material, find an inconspicuous location to test the gun first.
Step 4 – Test the Device
Position the flooring material and hold it firmly in position. Press the nail gun’s nose against the surface of the wood and point it at a 90-degree angle. Pull the trigger to drive the nail into the flooring material. Inspect the nail.
Step 5 – Adjust the Pneumatic Flooring Gun
Sometimes the nail head is not flush with the surface of the board, either it is too deep or to shallow. If this occurs, find the dial on the nose of the device and adjust it. Test the device again. Continue adjusting the dial until the driver nail becomes flush with the floor board surface.
Step 6 – Adjust the Pressure on the Air Compressor
If the adjustment on the dial does not fix the issue, then inspect the air compressor. Raise or lower the pressure and test the device. If the compressor pressure is too low, check for air leaks. Repair the machine until it produces adequate pressure.
Step 7 – Continue with the Floor Installation
As soon as pressure or nailer issues are fixed, proceed with the nailing process, but be sure to space the nails evenly and at least 1 inch away from the edges of the material to be fastened.
