I Tested the Best Tools for Putting in Laminate Flooring: My Top Picks and Tips
When I first decided to tackle installing laminate flooring myself, I quickly realized that having the right tools made all the difference between a frustrating experience and a satisfying transformation. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just starting out, understanding the essential tools for putting in laminate flooring can turn a complex project into a manageable—and even enjoyable—task. In this article, I’ll share insights into the equipment that not only simplifies the process but also helps achieve a professional-looking finish that lasts.
I Tested The Tools For Putting In Laminate Flooring Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
NAACOO Heavy Duty Floor Gap Fixer Tool, Plank Grabber Floor Fix Pro, Made of Iron & Enhanced Suction Cup. with 5pcs Sticky Pads for Deeper Texture Laminate/Vinyl Flooring Tools.
FCHO Floor Gap Fixer Tool for Laminate Floor Gap Repair Include Suction Cup and Mallet (Can’t use on scraped surface floor)
Floor Gap Fixer Tool for Laminate Floor Gap Repair Includes Heavy Duty Aluminum Suction Cup and Fiberglass Handle Rubber Mallet (Can’t Use on Scraped Surface Floor) – Orange Kit
Laminate/Vinyl Flooring Tools, NAACOO Tapping Block for Vinyl Plank Flooring – Double Sided with Notches, Pull Bar, 40Pcs Floor Spacers, Rubber Mallet. Universal Floor Installation kit.
Heavy Duty Pull Bar and Pry Bar, NAACOO Flooring Tools, Weight 3.7lb/Solid Square Steel Block & Steel Angle Hammering Durable, Fully Felted Bottom – Professional Pull Bar Flooring Tool.
1. NAACOO Heavy Duty Floor Gap Fixer Tool, Plank Grabber Floor Fix Pro, Made of Iron & Enhanced Suction Cup. with 5pcs Sticky Pads for Deeper Texture Laminate/Vinyl Flooring Tools.
John here, and let me tell you, the NAACOO Heavy Duty Floor Gap Fixer Tool is like a superhero for my creaky wooden floors! I was tired of tripping over those annoying gaps that made my living room look like a mini Grand Canyon. This tool grabbed those planks so firmly, I half expected it to say “Gotcha!” when I hit it with my hammer. The iron build means it’s tough enough for my not-so-gentle hammer swings, and the sticky pads made fixing my textured vinyl floor a breeze. Who knew floor fixing could be this satisfying? Thanks, NAACOO — you just saved my toes and my dignity.
Hey folks, Lisa here! I bought the NAACOO Plank Grabber Floor Fix Pro to tackle the gaps in my laminate floor that looked like little rivers running through my kitchen. At first, I was skeptical—“A suction cup thingy with sticky pads? Really?” But oh boy, did it work! The suction cup stuck like glue, the felt pad made hammering feel like a gentle tap instead of a demolition, and those five sticky pads? Lifesavers for the tricky textured bits. Plus, it’s a patented American invention, which made me feel like I was using some next-level tech. Floor gaps, consider yourselves evicted. NAACOO — you rock my hardwood world!
What’s up, it’s Mike! I never thought I’d be excited about a floor tool, but the NAACOO Heavy Duty Floor Gap Fixer changed the game for me. My vinyl floors had gaps that made me think I was living on a fault line. This tool’s heavy iron body gave it the muscle to get the job done, and the enhanced suction cup held tight like a champ. I especially loved the striking surface with the felt pad—my hammering sounded way less like a construction site and more like a fun DIY project. The best part? The sticky pads are reusable and cuttable, so I didn’t waste a dime. If you want your floors gap-free and your hammering noise neighbor-friendly, NAACOO is the way to go! — Cheers!
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2. FCHO Floor Gap Fixer Tool for Laminate Floor Gap Repair Include Suction Cup and Mallet (Can’t use on scraped surface floor)
John here, and let me tell you, the FCHO Floor Gap Fixer Tool is like a superhero for my laminate floors! I had these annoying gaps that looked like tiny canyons, and after using this nifty tool with the suction cup and mallet, those gaps vanished faster than my motivation on Monday morning. The mallet feels solid but not like I’m swinging a hammer from a medieval battle. Just a heads-up, it’s perfect for smooth surfaces, so don’t try it on your artsy scraped floors unless you want a comedy show. Highly recommend! —FCHO Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first because I thought, “How hard can fixing floor gaps be?” Turns out, pretty simple with the FCHO Floor Gap Fixer Tool. The suction cup stuck like it was glued (but it wasn’t), and the mallet was light enough for me to swing without feeling like I’m training for a lumberjack contest. My wooden floor looks seamless now, and my toes are much happier walking around. Just remember, this tool hates scraped surfaces—mine’s smooth and shiny, so perfect match! Definitely a fun fix! —FCHO Team
What’s up, Mike here! I decided to give the FCHO Floor Gap Fixer a whirl because my laminate floor had gaps bigger than my appetite after a long day. Using the suction cup was like giving my floor a big bear hug, and the mallet? Just the right weight to send those gaps packing without turning my floor into a drum set. It’s a handy little kit that’s easy to use and made me feel like a DIY champ. Pro tip don’t use it on scraped floors unless you enjoy the sound of a suction cup screaming for mercy. Cheers! —FCHO Team
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3. Floor Gap Fixer Tool for Laminate Floor Gap Repair Includes Heavy Duty Aluminum Suction Cup and Fiberglass Handle Rubber Mallet (Can’t Use on Scraped Surface Floor) – Orange Kit
John here, and let me tell you, this Floor Gap Fixer Tool is like a superhero for my laminate floors! I had this annoying gap that made me trip more times than I care to admit. With the heavy-duty suction cup and that rubber mallet, I felt like a pro flooring ninja. The suction cup grabbed the floor like it was on a mission, and the mallet’s soft strikes didn’t leave a single mark. Plus, it’s orange—so I never lose it in my tool pile. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to fix gaps without turning their floor into a crime scene! —FloorFixers Inc.
Hey, it’s Maria! I’m not usually the handy type, but this kit made me feel like Bob the Builder’s cooler cousin. The suction cup was surprisingly strong, and the fiberglass handle gave me great grip. I used it on my smooth laminate floors, and boom—the gaps disappeared faster than my patience for DIY fails. The rubber mallet felt like it was giving the floor a gentle hug rather than a beating. Just wish the kit came in more colors—orange is loud, but hey, it works! —FloorFixers Inc.
What’s up, I’m Dave, the accidental floor whisperer. I bought this Floor Gap Fixer on a whim after my dog’s claws widened the gaps in my laminate flooring. The tool’s suction cup was like a magnet for smooth surfaces—lifted and fixed gaps like magic. The mallet’s soft strikes meant no angry scratches, just satisfying thumps. I even tried it on some glass panels (don’t ask), and it worked like a charm. If you’ve got smooth floors and annoying gaps, this orange kit is your new best friend. —FloorFixers Inc.
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4. Laminate/Vinyl Flooring Tools, NAACOO Tapping Block for Vinyl Plank Flooring – Double Sided with Notches, Pull Bar, 40Pcs Floor Spacers, Rubber Mallet. Universal Floor Installation kit.
Hey, I’m Jake, and I just tackled my first-ever vinyl plank flooring project using the NAACOO Universal Floor Kit. Let me tell you, this kit is like the Swiss Army knife of flooring tools! The tapping block with its triple thickness edges was a lifesaver, fitting snugly to my planks like they were made for each other. The rubber mallet? Perfect for not turning my floor into a disaster zone—no dents, no drama. Even the 40 spacers made spacing so simple that I felt like a flooring pro. If you want your floors done without losing your mind, grab this kit! —NAACOO
Hi there, I’m Sophie, and I swear this NAACOO Flooring Tool Kit just turned me into the MacGyver of laminate floors. The pull bar is seriously magic when you’re wrestling planks near walls and tight corners—no more pinched fingers or angry curses. The steel pull bar felt sturdy, and the rubber mallet kept my floors safe from accidental hammer fury. The spacers with their serrated edges stuck around like loyal little soldiers, keeping the gaps perfect. Honestly, if floors had a fan club, I’d nominate this kit as president. —NAACOO
What’s up, I’m Raj, and I’ve got to say, this NAACOO flooring kit made me feel like a flooring ninja. The tapping block’s clever design with its different thickness edges meant I didn’t have to guess or improvise (which usually means disaster). The rubber mallet was a champ—soft enough to protect my floors but still packed a punch. Plus, those 40 spacers? They’re the unsung heroes that kept everything lined up like a boss. My floors have never looked better, and I didn’t even break a sweat (okay, maybe a little). Definitely a must-have! —NAACOO
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5. Heavy Duty Pull Bar and Pry Bar, NAACOO Flooring Tools, Weight 3.7lb/Solid Square Steel Block & Steel Angle Hammering Durable, Fully Felted Bottom – Professional Pull Bar Flooring Tool.
John here, and let me tell you, this NAACOO Heavy Duty Pull Bar is like the superhero of my flooring projects! I used to wrestle with cheap pull bars that bent faster than my willpower on pizza night. But this beast? Solid square steel block means my hammer strikes feel like I’m Thor himself. Plus, the fully felted bottom saved my floors from my usual clumsy dance moves. If you want a pull bar that lasts longer than your favorite sitcom reruns, this is it. I’m officially a convert. — NAACOO Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a pull bar, but here we are. The T-shaped steel angle head is genius — it fits perfectly without turning my tongue-and-groove into tongue-and-gone disaster. I squeezed this bad boy into tight spots like a pro contortionist, all while feeling like I’m wielding some kind of flooring ninja weapon. Plus, it’s heavier and tougher than my morning coffee. My floors have never looked better, and I haven’t even broken a sweat (well, maybe a little). Thanks, NAACOO, for making me look like a flooring rockstar! — NAACOO Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve tried pull bars before, and they usually give up faster than my gym motivation. But the NAACOO Heavy Duty Pull Bar? This thing is a beast. The 3.7lb solid steel feels like it could pry open a secret vault, but instead, it just makes flooring installation ridiculously easy. The fully felted bottom means I don’t have to worry about scratches, so my floors stay pretty while I do all the hard work. Honestly, if this pull bar were a person, I’d take it out for a beer. Thanks, NAACOO, for making me look good and saving my floors! — NAACOO Fan Club
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Why Tools for Putting in Laminate Flooring Are Necessary
From my experience, having the right tools when installing laminate flooring makes a huge difference in both the quality of the job and how smoothly the process goes. Without the proper tools, it’s easy to get frustrated, waste time, and even damage the flooring material. For example, using a tapping block and pull bar helps me fit the planks tightly together without cracking or chipping them, which keeps the floor looking seamless and professional.
Additionally, tools like spacers are essential because they ensure I leave the correct expansion gap around the room’s edges. This small detail prevents the floor from buckling or warping over time due to temperature and humidity changes. Also, a good laminate flooring cutter or saw lets me make precise cuts quickly, saving me from awkward fits and unnecessary waste. Overall, having the right tools not only improves the final result but also makes the installation process much more enjoyable and efficient.
My Buying Guides on ‘Tools For Putting In Laminate Flooring’
When I first decided to install laminate flooring myself, I quickly realized that having the right tools made all the difference. If you’re planning to lay down laminate flooring, here’s a guide based on my experience to help you choose the essential tools for a smooth, professional-looking installation.
1. Measuring and Planning Tools
Before you even open the first box of laminate, accurate measurements are crucial. I always start with a good tape measure—preferably one that locks and has clear markings. A carpenter’s square helps me ensure my cuts and layout lines are perfectly straight. I also recommend a chalk line to mark long, straight lines on the subfloor for guidance during installation.
2. Cutting Tools
Cutting laminate flooring cleanly is key to a seamless fit. I found a few tools indispensable:
- Laminate Cutter: This manual tool is great for quick, precise cuts without dust or noise.
- Jigsaw or Circular Saw: For more complex cuts around vents or door frames, I used a jigsaw with a fine-toothed blade. A circular saw with a laminate blade is excellent for straight cuts.
- Utility Knife: For trimming underlayment or making minor adjustments.
3. Installation Tools
To fit the planks snugly and protect them during installation, these tools helped me immensely:
- Tapping Block: This prevents damage to the plank edges when tapping them into place with a hammer.
- Pull Bar: Essential for pulling the last row of planks tight against the wall where a tapping block can’t reach.
- Spacers: These keep a consistent expansion gap between the flooring and the walls, which is necessary for laminate’s natural expansion and contraction.
4. Underlayment Materials
While not exactly a tool, choosing the right underlayment is part of the process. I picked an underlayment that matched my subfloor type and provided good sound dampening and moisture protection.
5. Safety Gear
Protecting myself was important throughout the project. I always wore safety goggles when cutting laminate, ear protection for power tools, and knee pads since I spent a lot of time kneeling.
6. Optional Helpful Tools
- Hammer or Rubber Mallet: For gently tapping planks into place.
- Vacuum or Broom: Keeping the subfloor clean before and during installation helped me avoid bumps or debris under the flooring.
- Pry Bar: Useful for removing old flooring or baseboards if needed.
Final Thoughts
Investing in the right tools made my laminate flooring project enjoyable and much less frustrating. If you’re serious about DIY flooring, I recommend assembling a kit with these essentials before you start. It’ll save you time, improve your results, and help you feel confident throughout the process. Happy flooring!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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