How to Use a Nail Gun for Flooring

Some nail guns need air compressors to operate.

Using a nail gun to add flooring to a home or office is an easy way to change the look of any room. When operating a nail gun it is important to use precaution at all times. Because the nail is discharged from the gun at great speed, shooting yourself or someone else with a nail gun could be fatal. Some nail guns can shoot several nails at a time.

Things You'll Need

• Nail gun
• Air compressor

Instructions

1. Power off the nail gun and insert the air compressor hose into the base of the nail gun. Most air compressors have a metal covering over the hose nozzle. Pull the covering back to expose the hose. Not all nail guns require an air compressor. Consult the operating manual to determine which type of nail gun you have.

2. Hold the nozzle of the nail gun away from you and press the magazine release button. The location of the button will vary by nail gun brand. Insert the nails into the magazine with the pointed end facing away from the gun.

3. Push the nail magazine up and into place. You may hear a clicking sound once the magazine is in place.

4. Place your floor pieces into place and turn on the nail gun. Power on the air compressor if you are using one.

5. Place the tip of the nail gun to the piece of flooring. Press down to release the nail gun's safety. Pull the trigger to release a nail. Move to another section and repeat. Continue until all flooring has been installed.

Tips & Warnings

• If attaching the flooring directly to the ground, lay the flooring pieces flat and place a nail at the top and bottom of the piece of wood.

• If attaching the pieces of flooring to one another, place the nails into the side of the flooring. The nails will go through both pieces of flooring, attaching them to each other.

• If not used properly, a nail gun can cause serious harm.

References

• Washington State Labor and Industries: Nail Gun Saftey
• Hard Wood Installer: Starting a Hard Wood Floor