Are you on the task of renovating or refurbishing your hardwood floor? There are two primary fundamental tools that you should familiarize yourself with and ensure that you have them in place.

These two crucial tools are the floor nailer and the flooring stapler. The devices are similar and, at most times, can do the same work. They have similar features, but sometimes you might be specific to one of the most suited to the job you want to be done on the floor.

Many people find it difficult when trying to distinguish between a floor nailer and the flooring stapler. Most people often tend to assume that both equipment are used to perform the same functions, given that they are used on the floor. To avoid this doubt and rule out the confusion, we are going to look keenly at each of the equipment, the features, and functions as brought out in articles such as https://flooringstapler.net

A flooring nailer from its name is used to drive or insert the nail into the wood. Floor nailers have been designed in two significant ways. There are those floor nailers that are manual, thus the need for human power to operate them. Another category of floor nailers is those termed to as automatic. Also referred to as pneumatic or air-powered, this floor nailers offer additional force to the operator, therefore, making it more manageable while inserting the nail.

However, both the tools require the operator to hit the driver while inserting the nail. The thickness and density of the wood to be installed will determine the amount of force and pressure required while driving the nail. The more dense and thick the wood also determines the type of floor nailer to use. Pneumatic floor nailers become the best choice if you are dealing with thick woods.

On the other hand, flooring staplers are similarly designed in two variations, the manual and or the pneumatic variations. Hardwood staplers have been designed to work in a manner that they are to anchor the flooring planks to the subfloor. This anchoring ensures that the staples are easily driven into the wood plank.

What brings the contrast between the flooring staplers and the floor nails is the flooring fasteners.

Flooring nails have been made to appear that they are either L head or T head. This kind of variation determines the type of nail gun required. The flooring nails have a sharp, rigid body to make it easy while holding the floor because it will hold firmly. The nailers have a series of ribs that are made to run almost two-thirds of the nail shank, thus being able to grip on well. The remaining smooth part of the flooring nail ensures that there are expansion and contraction of the flooring. With the flooring nails, you are sure of their long-lasting ability, except that they are expensive.

Floor staples feature two-pronged fastening specifically for hardwood flooring. In comparison with the flooring nails, staples offer a more robust initial gripping capability. The only setback is that they will not be able to hold the floor firmly. When expansion and contraction happen to occur as a result of seasonal changes in both humidity and temperatures, the floor might get lost. The inability may lead to the creaking of the floor. However, the staples are cost-effective only that they do not provide a long-lasting solution.

The distinguishing features are as follows:

They are holding firm

Strength is the ability of the tool to keep the floor firmly. Floor nail grips on firmly into the floor because of its rigid body as compared to the staples. The holding ability of the flooring staples is not long-lasting in that when expansion and contraction occur, it can easily lead to floor cracking. With time it will not be able to hold enough into the floor.

Cost

Even though the two tools are made of the same material that is steel, the manufacturing processes differ. The flooring nail is the most expensive amongst the two because of the quality of the elements that are being used in manufacturing it, the simple design, and also the processes which are involved. The staples, on the contrary, are less costly and budget-friendly, thus easily affordable. However, when it comes to determining the cost, you should not compromise it on the quality. The flooring nails are worth and hence value for your money.

Nature of work

It is of utmost importance to know what you are dealing with and the kind of tool required to do the task. Flooring nails come in handy while dealing with thicker, harder types of floors while the staplers cannot function well with the dense flooring woods.

If you have been thinking about the installation of your floor, it’s time to take that step. The confusion on the contemplation of which tool to use, if it’s the floor nailer or the flooring staple, has been made clear. It is upon you now to choose and decide on which one that suits you the best and serves your project well.

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nail_gun
https://www.nailgundepot.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-brad-nailers-finish-nailers-blog.html