Expert: Dave Johnson - 1/26/2008

Question
I have bloodwood flooring to install.  I was told to drill every hole in the tongues before I nailed the boards. The bloodwood is so hard it will split if I don't. Do I have to do this all by hand or can I use a pnematic nailer.  How will I do this?

Answer
Hi Bob,
You can try a pneumatic nailer, it may drive the nails quickly enough to keep from splitting the wood.
However, I'd be very surprised.
So, my thinking is that you're stuck with the old drill/nail/set process, all by hand.
If you drill and try to hit the holes with a pneumatic nailer, it would take just as long due to lining up with the holes..............
Best of luck,
Dave