Crain563 Plank Tapping Block

First let me say I buy a ton of stuff from Amazon but rarely write product reviews. I felt compelled to write this one to offset the only review on this product which is one star and probably hurting sales. I didn't let that sway me from purchasing the item and I'm glad that's the case. I used this block for the first time today to install 450 sq/ft and it worked great. This is by-far the best tapping block you can buy for installing laminate flooring. I'm basing that on the fact that I've purchased three over the course of installing laminate flooring in my house The other two blocks I've used are the one that comes in the Roberts installation kit which was awkward to hold and the one that Lowe's sells which is about half the height of this one which gives you a very limited tapping area. The two features that make this item awesome are the handle and the recessed lip. The handle lets you get a good grip on the block so you can keep it snug against the board while tapping and the lip lets you put the block against the tongue which is keeps the visible surface of the laminate from getting damage. I used a 1 lb rubber mallet to hit the block and there were no issues with wear or breakage. I did damage one board with it but that was due to operator error. This is a little more expensive than other blocks you can get but in my opinion its worth it.

I am in the middle of about 1,100 square feet of 12mm AC3 Acacia laminate floorThis tool works very well and seems durable.I used a tapping block that came in an installation kit package - that tool broke & edge-chipped after 4-5 boxes of flooring...This tapping block handle swivels / rotates and allows for quick alignment against the edge of the wood. I attached a sticker to the top surface to indicate the side that the notched edge for quicker placement against the board.The handle is easy to grip with bare hands or with working gloves.Nearly all my boards were tapped into place using this toolI used a white-rubber mallet against this tapping blockThe rubber shows minor signs of impact, chipping & general use as result of the tapping block's plastic edgeThis block leaves no marks on the floor and moves easily along the underlayment surfaceI recommend this tool over the standard blocks that come in kit form

Works great just be aware this is the new design with long handle on top instead of the screwdriver knob

This tapping block is the real deal. Much nicer than the blocks you get in the kits. If you have a serious flooring project, you really need a good tapping block. This was a life saver to me as I just finished up about 1,200 SF of luxury vinyl plank and this block was essential in getting the job done. Piece of scrap flooring, good dead blow hammer and this block works wonders!! Another essential is a paint can opener and a good tap bar for those tight corners where you can't get a block in. After 1,200 sf it has a couple of small dents, but it's good to go!

Fantastic Then... Fast Shipping Too

Good quality for the money

Not as pictured with knob!! I wanted the one with the knob to keep my hand away from the surface you tap, unfortunately this came with a handle that goes lengthwise and i have long fingers/big hands so my fingers are still out further than the edge of the block tapped my hand a few times already. .I do like the length better than the ones you find at box stores and the material seems like it will last longer

I got this an a bar to help me put down a Pergo snap together flooring. There were times I thought the floor snapped together well without using the tool but then I gave it a gentle tap with this and I could see it snap together more. There were also a few cuts where I couldn't angle it the way you normally would so a few good hits with this really helped get those pieces into place.The edge you hit with a hammer has gotten a little dented but it's still perfectly useable. It also helps me figure out which side is which. I think the only thing I might change is to put some sort of mark on the side that goes against the wood so it's a little easier to see when you pick up the tool. Having the handle on top made it really easy to pick up and move around.