Hello Kathie, I personally would NOT recommend the manual nailer. I used one several weeks ago, for rather substantial repairs on an oak floor. It definitely takes some getting used to. It kind of takes the "whole body" and gets pretty aerobic after a while. If you don't hit it just right, you'll send the cleat "most" of the way in--which leaves the onerous task of either trying to get it out--or get it in (I don't know which is worse). To get them (the half-pounded cleats) out, sometimes a claw hammer wouldn't do (the cleats bend easily)--and I'd end up using a vise grip. To get them in--I used a nail set--which sometimes worked; sometimes didn't They'd often bend--meaning I'd either have to break them off or pull them out with the vise grips. Either can be frustrating and time consuming. The manual nailer is even harder to use near walls. As if all that's not enough, there are 2 additional reasons I'd shy away from the manual nailer: 1. TENNIS ELBOW! As carpetman suggests, the hammer gets heavy after a few hours. After a lot of use you get worn out and don't strike it using the proper technique. All these things, in my case (and I'm also quite fit--but 170 pounds), added up to a pretty good bout of "tennis elbow." I could barely lift my arm. And of course I kept using it (for other projects)...so the arm hasn't gotten all that much better. Weeks later, it still bothers me. And my wife is so sick of me whining about it, she'll never let me use one again! 2. I've heard it from good authority to stay focused! You have to be careful to have the right stance--OR THE HAMMER CAN GLANCE OFF THE NAILER AND HIT YOUR SHIN. And WOW, is THAT painful. (I, fortunately, never experienced this particular problem.) So be forewarned if you go the manual nailer route. Or better yet, pay the extra $$$ and rent the air nailer  Good luck,
k2 in CO. |
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