The Model 50M is a manual, single-blow nailer designed to use 18-gauge cleats. It is recommended for use on 3/8″, 1/2″, and 5/8 ” tongue-and-groove flooring, as well as some 3/4″exotic and solid wood flooring.
The Powernail 50M uses a thinner 18-gauge cleat that is less likely to split the tongue on thinner woods and provides a reliable bond to the underlayment. It is also recommended for installing hardwood flooring or repairing and replacing 3/4″ wood floors that are of a very hard species like hickory, Brazilian cherry, and bamboo. Many of these types of hard, exotic woods require a thinner cleat to penetrate without splitting the tongue. The Powernail Model 50M is designed to use cleat lengths of 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, and 1-3/4″.
We found this product to be designed with as much comfort as possible for a manual floor nailer. The lack of an extension handle means that you will encounter some back strain on larger jobs. It’s a good bet that if the nailer feels clumsy, it will probably be equally awkward to use in practice. The Model 50M is built like a tank, and you won’t feel like you can possibly break it with the mallet.
The Powernail 50M nailer package includes a White 3MI Mallet, 1 adapter pad, 4 shims, user manual, blade retainer, plunger spring, extra driving blade, and 2 Allen wrenches.
This is a very robust nailer, and it should do an incredible job on smaller jobs. We don’t recommend it for larger work over 300 sq. ft., as it will invariably produce lots of arm strain due to its reduced handle size and greater amount of required exertion over a pneumatic model.
