DeWalt 16 Gauge 2" "L" Shaped Hardwood Flooring Cleat

Installing hardwood flooring can be a challenging yet rewarding DIY project, and having the right fasteners is crucial to success. My recent experience using the DeWalt 16 Gauge 2" "L" Shaped Hardwood Flooring Cleat has been overwhelmingly positive, and I wanted to share my insights on how these cleats performed throughout the installation process.

First off, the bright finish on these cleats not only ensures they are easy to see during installation, but it also adds a layer of durability, preventing rust which can be a concern over long periods. This is particularly important for ensuring stability in high-moisture environments. The "L" shape of the cleat is designed to provide a more secure hold compared to traditional straight nails, which is a notable advantage when working with harder flooring materials like oak or maple.

Loading the cleats into my nailer was a breeze. I used a DeWalt floor nailer, which is compatible with these cleats, and the process was seamless. The strips of cleats fit perfectly into the nailer without any need for adjustments. I appreciated that the cleats are designed to fit most 16-gauge "L" shaped cleat nailers, offering flexibility if you have a different brand of nailer.

During the actual installation, the cleats performed admirably. I was installing 3/4" oak hardwood flooring in my living room, which presented a few challenges due to the hardness of the wood and the existing subfloor. The cleats penetrated through the oak and into the subfloor with ease, providing a firm hold. I didn't experience any splitting of the wood, which can be a common issue with other types of fasteners like staples. The single-hole design of the cleats, compared to the dual holes made by staples, minimizes the risk of wood splitting and ensures a cleaner installation.

One of the standout features of these cleats is their consistency. Over the course of my project, I fired about 600 cleats and did not experience a single jam. This level of reliability is crucial, especially when working on a large project where downtime can significantly impact your progress. The uniformity of the cleats also ensured that each one entered the wood at the right depth, thanks in part to the consistent performance of my Metabo compressor.

There was one small hiccup I encountered, which is worth mentioning. If the nailer runs out of cleats, it can jam, requiring you to manually reset the push rod. This is a minor inconvenience but something to be aware of. It's mentioned in the instructions, but it's easy to overlook. Keeping an eye on the cleat levels in your nailer can help prevent this issue from occurring.

Another aspect I appreciated was the holding power of these cleats. They provided a secure, tight fit, eliminating the potential for squeaky floors down the line. The small ridges on the edge of the cleats help them grip better, reducing the chance of them backing out over time. This is particularly important for ensuring the longevity and durability of your hardwood floor.

One thing to note is that while these cleats are excellent in pneumatic nailers, they can be a bit more challenging to use in manual floor nailers. I attempted to use a manual nailer for a smaller section of my project and found that the cleats had a tendency to jam and bend when exiting the nailer into select red oak. Countersinking slightly raised cleats was also difficult, even with a floor cleat nail set. This experience highlighted the importance of using the right tool for the job, and in this case, a pneumatic nailer paired with these cleats is the optimal setup.

Price-wise, these cleats are slightly more expensive than some aftermarket options, but the quality justifies the cost. The higher-grade metal used in these cleats ensures better performance and fewer issues during installation. In the long run, spending a few extra dollars on these cleats can save you time and frustration, making them a worthwhile investment.

In conclusion, I highly recommend the DeWalt 16 Gauge 2" "L" Shaped Hardwood Flooring Cleat for anyone undertaking a hardwood flooring project. Their bright finish, consistent performance, and superior holding power make them an excellent choice for both professional installers and DIY enthusiasts. While they are best used with a pneumatic nailer, their overall quality and reliability make them a standout product in the market. Investing in these cleats will contribute to a smoother installation process and a more durable, squeak-free floor.