Thread: what is Secret Nailing?

Over here it means nailing the boards to the floor so the nails do not show--that is, through the tongue area before putting the next board into place. This hides the nails, thus "secret" nailing.

[Edit: Here in the States it is called Blind Nailing]

Oh i see - I might need a picture or diagram to fully understand Secret Nailing. Thanks for your explanation. samwise

There is also another method. see this item.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...83&cat=1,41182

Originally Posted by mat

There is also another method. see this item.

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...83&cat=1,41182

I would certainly use that method if I wanted to spend the rest of my life installing a floor.

Yes - i don't fully understand how I would put a nail in the tongue without it interfering with the next groove. samwise

It goes in the tongue at an angle so it does not interfere with the next board.

Originally Posted by Samwise

Yes - i don't fully understand how I would put a nail in the tongue without it interfering with the next groove. samwise

You sink it all the way under the surface of the wood. Do not think in terms of those nails with large, round heads as used in construction. Instead think of small-headed finishing nails which can be set below the surface of the wood. Thus, they would not interfere with the fitting of the next floorboard. I will try to draw something and put it up later. It is really quite simple, once you see it.

I have found this description on another post :


"'G'day.
It can be done.
Drill and hand nail at 45 deg just above the tongue. Then punch the nail home to allow the next board to fit.
It will be slow going."

-SO i explains it well samwise

Originally Posted by Samwise

I have found this description on another post :


"'G'day.
It can be done.
Drill and hand nail at 45 deg just above the tongue. Then punch the nail home to allow the next board to fit.
It will be slow going."

-SO i explains it well samwise

That's the ticket! But I would certainly rent a port-a-nailer for the job to speed things up.

And I was thinking you slink down to the shead in the dead of night and with a muffled hammer have at it like a maniac.

Originally Posted by Samwise

After getting lots of info from everywhere - I still dont know what is meant by SECRET NAILING. Can someone explain please.

samwise

None of your business, now move along.

To secret nail a floor you'd use a machine like this. You'd still have to hand nail the last few rows of board adjacent to a wall as you wouldn't be able to get the nailer in there and swing the mallet. Basically the nail/cleat/staple goes through the tongue at its base, angling back towards the centre of the board. The head is buried so there is nothing to foul up on the groove of the next board. You also use some Bostik Ultraset adhesive on the joist to fix the board and prevent creaking noises down the track.

Mick

Gasweld actually sell the the Bostitch Air operated one for $769.00 the Model No. is M111FS which takes a 38-50mm wire staple.

You will find them at Campbelltown, Leichhardt and Penrith.