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The type of tool needed when installing a laminate floor depends on the project requirements and the installer’s skill set and preferences.
For market buyers, understanding the different types of laminate flooring installation tools, their unique features, and functions is very important in choosing the best tools for sale. Below are the major types of laminate flooring installation tools.
Hand tools are basic tools that help installers carry out small tasks through manual labor. Though their size makes them ideal for small works, they are powerful enough to handle massive installations. Below are hand tools required for installing laminate floors.
Laminate Flooring Cutter
A laminate floor cutter is a primary hand tool used in cutting laminate floors to the required size. A laminate floor cutter uses a straight edge and a pull-blade to cut laminate flooring to size without producing splintering or dust. Most of these cutters are designed for cutting pads, so they are lightweight, portable, and bench-press strong enough to handle flooring cuts. They can even be used for on-site projects where the floor has to be installed because they require no electric outlet. They are also suitable for making straight cuts on hard-wearing wood floors.
Pull Bar
As the name suggests, a pull bar is used to pull planks tight during the installation of laminate flooring. The tool gets positioned near the edge of the planks, and a hammer strikes it, pulling adjacent planks together to eliminate gaps. Pull bars are typically used in the last rows of a laminate installation, where space constraints make it impossible to use a flooring nailer or a tap block. They are made of metal and very robust to bear all the impacts of a hammer without bending.
Tapping Block
A tapping block, also referred to as tap block or flooring tapping block, is made of dense plastic or hardwood and is used to ensure that laminate flooring planks fit tightly together during installation. It helps avoid damaging the edges of the planks by transmitting the hammer's force directly to the plank's edge. Installers place the tapping block on the plank and strike it with a hammer to force the plank edges close to one another perfectly. Tapping blocks are therefore necessary for maintaining proper spacing and alignment during the installation of the laminate flooring.
A flooring installation kit is a collection of tools supplied together to simplify the installation project. These kits usually carry all the essential tools like spacers, a pull bar, and tapping block, so the installer does not buy each item separately. The installation kit makes sure that laminate flooring is installed correctly because the tools included are made specifically for the laminate flooring projects. These kits are convenient for DIYers and professionals because they have all the needed equipment for installing the laminate floor in one package.
Power tools make cutting and installation projects go faster and allow less of a floor installer’s labor.
Electric Laminate Flooring Cutter
Electric laminate flooring cutters are power tools used to make precise and quick cuts in laminate flooring. Unlike manual cutters that have to be operated by the hands, electric cutters have blades that are spun by an electric motor, so it is easier for them to cut through even the hard parts of the wood floor. They are essential for large-scale flooring installation projects where the amount of required cutting is high to help save a lot of time and effort. Electric cutters come in two major types: circular saws and jigsaws. Jigsaws are best for cutting curves, and circular saws are the best for straight cuts.
Laminate Flooring Nailer
Also called a laminate floor nailer or flooring nailer, a laminate flooring nailer helps secure laminate planks by nailing or sawing them to the subfloor. There are two types of nailers: manual nailers that have to be operated by hands to fix each nail in place and pneumatic nailers that use compressed air to drive nails fast into the floor. The pneumatic nailer is more efficient than the manual one because it reduces working time, which is more useful in large laminate flooring installation projects. They efficiently secure planks while reducing the need for extra fasteners and saving time for on-demand installations.
Accurate measurements are very important in achieving an ideal laminate flooring installation. Measuring tools help installers determine how much flooring material should be purchased and how much should be cut for installation.
Moisture Meter
A moisture meter for flooring is a critical tool used to measure the moisture content of the subfloor and surrounding environment before laminate installation. High or low moisture content can negatively affect the condition of laminate flooring and lead to warping, crowning, or cracking. The moisture meter ensures the subfloor is at the right moisture level before installation, which means laminate flooring can be installed in the proper conditions.
Laser Measuring Tool
Laser flooring measuring tools measure the area where the laminate flooring will be installed without using a tape rule. By using these tools, the installer receives accurate measurements of the length and width of the floor by measuring the distance with a laser. It eliminates laminate flooring measurement errors and minimizes waste. These measuring tools are very convenient for large areas because they quickly produce measurements.
The manual tools, equipment, and machines used to install laminate flooring have some industrial applications. These tools may be employed outside flooring installation projects, and businesses may sell these tools to other companies.
Many of the laminate flooring installation tools like cutters and nailers are also used in the manufacturing industry, especially in making complex products that have laminate materials to cover the product. The laminate flooring cutter manually or electrically cuts the laminate, making it easier for the product manufacturers to produce and shape the material for their products. Flooring installation nailers are used to install materials having laminate finishes. Manual cutters and manual nailers are the most commonly used in the manufacturing industry.
Aside from installing laminate flooring, flooring tools like flooring nailers, manual and electric cutters, tapping block, and pull bar are also applied in other home improvement projects within the construction industry. These tools are used to install hardwood, vinyl, and ceramic tiles. Some of the tools used for the installation of laminate flooring, such as moisture flooring meter, can also measure the concrete or wood subfloor moisture in the building before installing a variety of floorings.
In cabinets and furniture making, tools for installing laminate flooring are used to apply laminate veneer to cabinets, tabletops, and custom-built storage units. Laminated floor cutters provide a clean edge when cutting laminate sheets, and laminate nailers help secure laminate tops on the cabinets and furniture. These tools are common in shops that produce wood products with a laminate finish.
Flooring tools like measuring devices, cutters, and nailers that are used to install laminate flooring can also be used in other home improvement projects. These tools are commonly used by DIY enthusiasts in their workshops. Measuring devices help them get accurate measurements for their projects, flooring cutters help them cut materials, and flooring nailers are perfect for their fastening work. These tools are more economically priced for projects outside the industry, so DIYers use them in their home improvement activities.
Measuring tools for flooring, such as moisture flooring meters, laser measuring tools, electric and manual cutter, tap block, pull bar, and laminate flooring nailer, can be found in schools that teach carpentry, cabinet making, and interior design. These tools are needed to provide students with practical floor installation experiences and knowledge of the tools used in the floor installation industry.
Understanding the various specifications and functionalities of laminate flooring installation tools will help buyers’ customers get the right tools. Below are some essential specifications and features of laminate flooring installation tools.
Precision Cutting
Laminate installation tools such as automated blade cutters and manual cutters give precise and accurate cuts. They eliminate splintering and provide clean edges so that laminate flooring will fit perfectly during installation.
Durability
Laminate flooring installation tools, especially those applied to cutting, need to be durable. Most tools like cutter blades and taps are made of hardened steel or aluminum to maintain sharpness and strength even after long use.
Ergonomic Design
To reduce strain on installers, many laminate flooring installation tools are designed to be ergonomic. They are cushioned handles and lightweight draw designs for the easy and comfortable grip of the tools.
Portability
Many tools used for installing laminate flooring, like manual cutters and pull bars, are portable. Because they are lightweight and can be carried to work, they are ideal for professionals who are working on laminate flooring installations in different locations.
Properly using installation tools for laminate floors will give buyers professionally installing laminate floors the confidence they need to use these tools. Below are the general steps for using laminate flooring installation tools.
Preparation
The installer will have to prepare the working area by removing the old flooring, leveling the subfloor, and letting the newly bought laminate flooring acclimate to the room temperature. They will then gather all the tools needed for installation and ensure they are ready.
Measurements and Cutting
Next, the installers will measure the area for the laminate flooring using a laser measuring tool and a moisture meter to get the accurate measurements of the floor and the proper moisture condition of the subfloor. They use a manual or electric laminate flooring cutter to make necessary cuts on the laminate flooring for it to fit perfectly into the space.
Installation
For the installation process, they first place spacers along the walls to maintain expansion gaps. Then they begin laying down the planks, tapping them together with a tapping block for tight seams, and using a pull bar to draw the last planks tightly to the adjacent ones.
Finishing
Once the installation is done, the spacers will be taken out and baseboards or quarter rounds put back to cover the expansion gaps. Lastly, they will go over the newly installed laminate flooring to check that everything was perfectly done.
Proper maintenance and care for laminate flooring installation tools will extend their lifespan and continue giving professional-level results to the buyers’ customers. Below are tips on how to maintain and repair tools used for installing laminate floors.
Blade Care
Installers should avoid pushing the blades of their laminate cutters into hard surfaces for the sake of future cuts. In addition, after every use, the blades should be wiped clean to remove dust or debris. The blade should be stored safely and covered to avoid accidents.
Pull Bar and Tapping Block Maintenance
Pull bars and tapping blocks are made of hard materials, mostly metals or dense plastics, which require little care. However, ensure no debris on the bar or tapping block to damage the floor’s surface during the pulling or tapping process. Also, as much as they are durable, ensure that both appliances are treated as carefully as possible to avoid bending or breaking.
Cleaning
After using tools, especially manual tools, they should be wiped off and cleaned to remove sawdust and debris that may affect their working capacity. A damp cloth can clean them, and a dry cloth ensures they are well dried before storage to prevent rusting.
Storage
Proper storage of laminate installation tools will prevent them from being misplaced and getting damaged. The tools should be kept in a dry area away from direct sunlight and in a toolbox or hanger to keep them organized. Nailers and pneumatic tools should be oiled regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendation to avoid them being seized during use.
Regular Inspections
For proper maintenance, regularly inspecting tools for signs of wear and tear is important. Installers should check for rust on metal parts, cracks on plastic components, and bending of blades or other tools. Repairs or replacement of worn-out tools should be done to ensure effective laminate flooring installations.
Flooring installation tools for laminate flooring include laminate flooring cutters, a tapping block, a pull bar, a flooring nailer, and measuring and marking tools like a moisture meter and laser measuring tool.
The laminate flooring kit contains all the essential tools needed to install the laminate flooring, such as spacers, a tapping block, and a pull bar, which are used to achieve professional-quality flooring without having to purchase each item separately.
Manual and automated laminate flooring cutters are used for making accurate and clean cuts on laminate flooring to help the flooring fit properly during installation and reduce wastage due to incorrect measurements.
There is no single best tool for laminate flooring installation because all the tools required, from manual or powered cutters to nailing or stapling tools, measuring devices, and spacers, help in making the installation a success.
Buyers should provide DIYers and professionals who install laminate floors with tips and tricks on how to maintain and repair laminate flooring installation tools to keep them in good condition.
