I finally caved and tried a pull bar instead of a tapping block for tight spots

Been doing hardwood for about 6 years now and always used a tapping block and hammer for those last few boards against the wall. Kept seeing guys on here swear by pull bars but I figured it was just another tool to lose in the truck. Last week I had a job in a tiny bedroom where the gap was barely 2 inches from the baseboard and my tapping block couldnt get a good angle. Borrowed a cheap pull bar from the guys at the supply house and honestly it clicked the boards in way cleaner on the first try. Has anyone else put off getting one and then found it saved a ton of frustration?

3 comments

3 Comments

mason2091mo ago

Nah, I've been using a pull bar for years and still reach for my tapping block more often than not. Why fix what ain't broke unless you're working in a closet size room?

diana721mo ago

Wait, @mason209, you've been using a pull bar for years? I had no idea people actually stuck with those things that long. I tried one a few months back and it just felt clumsy compared to my tapping block, especially on tight 66 blocks where I can't get a good angle. Do you ever find yourself fighting the wire more than you'd like with it?

seanperry1mo ago

Dude, same here! I swapped to a pull bar a couple years ago thinking I'd be all modern and efficient, but I still keep my old tapping block right next to it. That thing just feels right for most jobs, especially when I'm trying to be quick on a patch cable. I honestly only grab the pull bar now if I'm in a super tight spot where my fingers can't even get close.