I'm installing 4" wide strip and unfortunately I will not be able to nail the last 3 rows with the power nailer (I'm doing a border so this applies to all 4 walls). I believe normally a finish nailer is used but I'm concerned about the reliability of this method since the nails are not ring shank or barbed.

Is it possible/practical to pre drill the cleat holes at 45 deg, and then nail by hand?
I'm concerned about accidentally striking the wood face with the hammer or breaking off the tongue with the hammer.

Also, I'd like to ask about humidity. I live in central Ca and it's been raining here every week. Before the rain humidity indoors was usually 40% but now it ranges from 50 to 70%. I have a moisture meter and when I first purchased the flooring it was 6%. Now it's 8% (it's been in the house forever). I have taken alot of pains to prevent gaps, even putting poly on the back side of all strips. According to some tables I have, a 2% difference in moisture content (Oak, plainsawn) results in a 1/32" width change for a 4" width. I could delay the install until things dry out if necessary to prevent gaps from showing up later when humidity goes down. I don't think closing up the house and running the heat will help humidity much, right? Am I being overly cautious?

Thanks

[This message has been edited by alexh (edited December 14, 2003).]