Jim:
Yes. I kept a little hammer nearby. They go in pretty smooth, so there was no problem with splitting or dings from the hammer. I had many more problems with the staples slitting strips. I actually borrowed the idea from Mac McCarthy (of the Wee Lassie Canoe). He details the use of it in his book "Featherweight Boatbuilding". I happened to see a copy of it at the point when I was really frustrated trying to get strips to cooperate. I tried it and am a total convert . Besides everything else, the nails come out clean with a pair of pliers and can be reused.

Regards,

Marcel