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Click floors
Tapping block
A block shaped to fit the plank edge. Tap the block, never the plank, to close joints without crushing the tongue. Plastic or rubber-faced blocks are kind to vinyl.
Pull bar
A steel bar with a hooked end for closing joints next to a wall, where there is no room for a tapping block. Essential for the last row and the end of each row.
Rubber mallet
A white or non-marking mallet of about 500 g. Light taps, many times, are better than one hard blow.
Spacers
Wedges or blocks that keep the expansion gap even. Use one every 40 cm along each wall, plus at the ends of each row.
Nailed wood floors
Flooring nailer or stapler
Drives cleats or staples at an angle through the tongue. Manual models are struck with a mallet; pneumatic ones need a compressor. Most hire shops rent them.
Tiles
Notched trowels
The notch size sets the adhesive bed: roughly 6 mm for small wall tiles, 10–12 mm for large floor tiles. Comb in straight lines, not swirls.
Mixing paddle and drill
For lump-free adhesive and levelling compound. Mix at low speed.
Levelling clips and wedges
Pull neighbouring tile edges level while the adhesive sets. Recommended for tiles 45 cm and longer.
Grout float and sponges
Push grout into joints diagonally, then wipe with a barely damp sponge.