TIL the hard way that cheap tack strips aren't worth it

I used those $8-a-strip tack strips from a big box store on a 400-square-foot job last month. Ended up having to rip it all out after the pins bent on three separate strips during the install. Has anyone else had this happen or am I just unlucky?

3 comments

3 Comments

charles7203d ago

Honestly I've been there with those cheap strips from Home Depot. The pins on mine bent on the second row and I was stuck pulling up half the floor. The trick I learned is to go with the ones that have a thicker gauge steel, like the Roberts brand at around $15 a strip. They cost more upfront but you won't waste time and material redoing it. Also make sure you're nailing them in straight not at an angle, that can bend pins too.

baker.christopher3d ago

Man those bent pins are brutal, sorry you had to rip it all out.

xena5823d ago

Honestly did you try just angrily staring at the pins until they straightened out? Works about as well as my "I'll just gently tap it in" plan that started this whole mess.