Tool Talk Tuesday: Mallets

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#tooltalktuesday when selecting a mallet (specialty hammer) be sure it has a durable rubber head that is non-marking. Note: The black head mallet can leave marks if scuff the material surface. Also be sure it will not damage the tongue side of boards. To ensure this, get a soft enough compound.

Also consider the weight. The lixie deadblow on top will fatigue your arm less but require slightly more force than the powernail mallet below. We find the powernail to be very versatile for hardwood floor nailing as well as tear outs due to the non rubber side.

Both have excellent durability. Both have replaceable heads though the lixie’s are much easier as they screw off.

#construction #flooring #tools #install #westcoasthardwoodfloors #tips #hardwoodfloors #pdxfloors #localbusiness #bonacertifiedcraftsman

Tool Talk Tuesday: Oscillating Tool Blades

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For #tooltalktuesday let’s talk oscillating tool blades! First my favorite brands are #milwaukee and #dremel. From the top down:

1. This is a Japanese sawtooth style blade. Very good for cutting hardwood and casings cleanly. Easily destroyed by metal!

2. Regular wood cutting blade, cosistent and durable rough cuts. Still quickly destroyed by metal.

3. Mixed used blade, still testing but so far I prefer straight up carbide.

4. Carbide blade, excellent for cutting metal whether it’s nails in casings, trim, wood with nails, etc. terrible for wood cuts.

#westcoasthardwoodfloors

#manufacturing #testing #steel #construction #tools #tipsandtricks

Choosing A Contractor With Confidence

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Choosing A Contractor With Confidence

When it comes to choosing a flooring contractor there are several things you should know before coming to a final decision. Ultimately, your home may be your largest investment and making sure you love it is important, so here are some tips for choosing the right contractor for your flooring needs.

  • Are they licensed? This will help you determine if they are reputable and knowledgeable in their field.

  • Are they insured? This protects the client and the company if something goes wrong.

  • Do they have good reviews? Check Angi’s List, Houzz, Facebook, Google and more to see what previous clients have to say about their experience.

  • Do they have a portfolio? They say seeing is believing, so you definitely want to check out a copy of a company’s portfolio, website and social media photos to get an idea of the work they do.

  • Dust containment systems. Make sure the contractor you choose uses effective dust containment methods to ensure a thorough cleanup and good air quality. 

  • Are they up front about how long it will take? A good contractor will be honest about their availability and will help explain any downtime of your property.