The following are a few simple instructions that will help
you to use Crain laminate flooring tools successfully.
Please remember that moisture control is a key part of
laminate flooring installation. Always follow the laminate
manufacturer’s floor preparation instructions. Laminate
flooring can expand and contract with changes in tem-
perature and humidity. Leave a gap at least
3
/
16
" to
1
/
2
"
wide around the room’s perimeter, between plank edge
and wall.
The tools in this booklet are divided into four categories.
No. 565 18' Strap Clamp:
No. 562 Plastic Spacer:
Our improved plastic spacer has an angular shape,
preventing it from tipping over when backed-up against
undercut walls. (See figure 1.) The two ends of the spacer
have been designed with different thicknesses, one at
3
/
16
”
and the other at
1
/
4
” thick. Laminate manufacturers have
recommended leaving a gap between the plank and the
wall of at least
3
/
16
” wide around the room’s perimeter. This
is to allow for expansion due to swings in temperature. Use
one spacer per square foot.
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No. 566 Laminate Floor Vise
Using this tool with the No. 560 Push & Pull Clamp, you
can start anywhere on the floor. To use:
1. Make sure that the laminate planks are dry before at-
tempting to use the floor vise. Otherwise, tool may slip.
2. Attach the Laminate Floor Vise onto the plank. Do not
apply directly above the seams.
3. Hook the Push & Pull Clamp onto the bracket; then,
turn the adjusting knob to pull. (See figure 3.)
TO CLAMP THE LAMINATE PLANKS:
1. Pull the strap out and place the anchor hook into the
groove of the first row.
2. Hook the base clamp onto the tongue of the last row.
(See figure 4.)
3. Hold down the base clamp and ratchet the handle
until desired pressure is achieved.
4. Light to medium pressure is usually sufficient. Do not
over-tighten, as this may cause the planks to buckle.
5. Release and move the clamp to the next row, and con-
5.
tinue until done.
Figure 1 - It works perfectly with undercut wall
Figure 3 - Clamp anywhere with No. 566
Figure 4 - Clamping with No. 565
No. 566
No. 562
No. 564
TO RELEASE RATCHET AND FEED STRAP:
1. Pull retention lever and rotate handle counter-clock
wise until the retention lever aligns with the notch on
the lock-ing hub.
2. Release the retention lever so that it seats into the lock-
ing hub. You may now pull the strap out.
TO REWIND:
Release ratchet as explained above. Use the speed rewind
knob (black) for rewinding.
No. 564 Variable Wall Spacer:
The variable wall spacer adjusts to create a gap between
the wall and the laminate plank. Gap width may range from
3
/
16
" to 1”. Insert the base’s outrigger into the gap and turn
the knob to adjust.
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Gap adjusts from 3/16” to 1
”
No. 565 18' Strap Clamp continued:
Fig. 5 - Use with No. 566 or No. 569 for room larger than 18 feet.
The maximum length of the strap is 18 feet. For rooms
larger than 18 feet, use No. 566 Laminate Floor Vise
to anchor the hook or the No. 569 Strap Extension.
(See figure 5.)
6.
