best way to attach shoe molding
 

I'm replacing the shoe molding in my 70 yo house. Having trouble getting nails to reach the flooring -- there are many places where there's a gap between the baseboard and the subfloor.

Is it ok to use trim head screws or some other sort of screw rather than nails?

Thanks for any advice!

I think the shoe is supposed to be attached to the base. That way, when the flooring moves with the seasons it does not break the shoe mould away.

Could be wrong, hopefully some with more experience will be along shortly.

Thanks...that makes sense to me, but unfortunately, the base is cut high above the floor -- almost the height of the shoe mold. There's not enough of it to nail the shoe mold too...if I go high on the shoe mold, it's too thin and splits the molding.
Seems it HAS to be secured to the subfloor...

and.,

For SHOE you need about a 2 1/2' finish nail going into your base. I'd get some filler strips of wood, fitting them in the open space under the base so you would then be able to nail through the shoe and into filler strips. Don't thing nailing the shoe to the floor is a good idea.


Just my two cents, rredogg

and.,

For SHOE you need about a 2 1/2' finish nail going into your base. I'd get some filler strips of wood, fitting them in the open space under the base so you would then be able to nail through the shoe and into filler strips. Don't think nailing the shoe to the floor is a good idea.


Just my two cents, rredogg

Why would 2 1/2" nails be used to fasten shoe mold?
In my house the shoe mold is 1/2" thick and I have found that 1 1/2" nails are quite adequate.
Shoe molding may have to be removed from time to time, if the flooring is to be changed! A 2 1/2" nail seems like over-kill to me! Just making removal more difficult!
I agree that a filler strip should be installed under the existing baseboard. This could be held in place with a construction type adhesive!

Wildie,
Beg to differ but lets add it up. The objective is to nail through the shoe, casing, sheetrock (possibly lath and plaster) and into the sole plate. 1/2" shoe, 1/2 or 5/8 casing and at least 1/2" sheetrock. That's the reason for the 2 1/2 trim nail.

Regards, rredogg

Are you afraid that it will fall off and injure someone?
I realize that you are having me on, but the OP may think that you are serious!