Tool Talk Tuesday: Mallets

#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 4

#tooltalktuesday Sometimes you can’t reinvent the wheel... in hardwood floors, that’s the corner scraper. I’ve tried many, and this is by far my favorite shape. I’ve been using this style since I was a kid, growing up, and learning to scrape corners. If you’re in the Portland, OR area, grab one from Greenpointe Inc. ! Be sure to also pick up a file and a few packs of blades. Don’t be afraid to change blades every few jobs or after a big job of scraping.

#westcoasthardwoodfloors #toolsofthetrade #craftsmen #woodflooring #tips #bonacertifiedcraftsman #familyownedandoperated #localbusiness

Tool Talk Tuesday: Jigsaws

Jigsaws make difficult cuts easier and safer. A company with a limited budget can make do without one. But If you decide to purchase one, you will save time on casing, angle, and multiple obstacle cuts.

#tips #westcoasthardwoodfloors #tooltalktuesday #jigsaw #construction #flooringinstallation #pdx #localbusiness #familyownedandoperated #bonacertifiedcraftsman

Tool Talk Tuesday: Oscillating Tool Blades

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