CFI CFI Tools & Equipment 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct PSI setting range typically required for a pneumatic cleat nailer when installing 3/4-inch solid hardwood flooring?
- 25–40 PSI
- 60–80 PSI
- 90–100 PSI (Correct answer)
- 110–130 PSI
Correct answer: 90–100 PSI
Most pneumatic flooring nailers require 90–100 PSI to fully drive cleats through the hardwood tongue into the subfloor without splitting the wood or leaving fasteners proud.
Question 2: An oscillating multi-tool is particularly useful in flooring installation for:
- Ripping planks lengthwise
- Undercutting door casings and jambs to allow flooring to slide underneath (Correct answer)
- Driving fasteners into the subfloor
- Mixing adhesive compounds
Correct answer: Undercutting door casings and jambs to allow flooring to slide underneath
An oscillating multi-tool with a flush-cut blade can undercut door casings and jambs precisely, allowing flooring to slide underneath for a clean, professional finish.
Question 3: Which hand tool is specifically designed to pull the last row of hardwood flooring tightly against the previous row when the pneumatic nailer cannot reach?
- Pry bar
- Pull bar (pull hook) (Correct answer)
- Wrecking bar
- Suction cup
Correct answer: Pull bar (pull hook)
A pull bar hooks over the edge of the last plank and is struck with a mallet, pulling it tight against the adjacent row where a nailer or tapping block cannot be used.
Question 4: What is the purpose of spacers or wedges placed between flooring planks and the wall during installation?
- To prevent squeaking after installation
- To maintain a consistent expansion gap around the perimeter (Correct answer)
- To hold planks in place while adhesive cures
- To align planks with the laser layout line
Correct answer: To maintain a consistent expansion gap around the perimeter
Spacers maintain a uniform expansion gap (typically 3/4 inch) between the flooring and walls to allow seasonal wood movement without buckling.
Question 5: A jamb saw (also called an undercut saw) is used in flooring installation to:
- Cut curves around obstacles like pipes
- Saw door casings flush with the floor level so flooring slides beneath them (Correct answer)
- Rip narrow planks along their length
- Cut tile at a wet saw station
Correct answer: Saw door casings flush with the floor level so flooring slides beneath them
A jamb saw or undercut saw cuts door casings and jambs horizontally at floor level, creating a channel for the flooring to slide beneath for a professional finish.
Question 6: When using a table saw to rip flooring planks, which safety device should always be in place to prevent kickback?
- Miter gauge
- Riving knife or splitter with anti-kickback pawls (Correct answer)
- Push stick only
- Featherboard on the outfeed side only
Correct answer: Riving knife or splitter with anti-kickback pawls
A riving knife or splitter keeps the kerf open behind the blade while anti-kickback pawls prevent the workpiece from being thrown back at the operator.
CFI CFI Tools & Equipment 2
What is the correct PSI setting range typically required for a pneumatic cleat nailer when installing 3/4-inch solid hardwood flooring?