Abstract: An apparatus and method of installing a hardwood floor employs a pneumatic or other impact fastener tool to drive staples, cleats, nails or other fasteners at a prescribed angle into and through the tongue of a solid or engineered hardwood flooring board having a standard profile and into a subfloor. The tool and method employs at least one inertia braking member, such as pads formed of rubber, foam, cork or other materials, that cushion the impact of a driving blade on the fastener and slow the final insertion of the fastener into the wood. Damage to the wood, such as splitting, shearing, pinching or puckering is prevented and overwood-underwood problems that are related to pinching and puckering do not arise. The inertia braking members are positioned inside a cylinder in which the driving piston and blade move and are easily replaceable when worn.