If you are looking to start working as a carpet fitter then you will need to make sure that you have the right equipment. Not only will this make life easier for you but it will also ensure the best possible finish to your work.
In this guide, we will be introducing you to the most essential tools of any carpet fitter. While it might take something of an investment to get yourself kitted out, it’s definitely worth it.
Most Important Carpet Fitting Tools
There’s no denying that there are a lot of tools you will need when starting a carpet fitting business. Even if you’re a domestic person looking to try their hand at installing a carpet in the home, you’ll still need the right equipment. Below you’ll find a comprehensive list of the most important tools for any carpet fitter.
Utility Knife
There are specially made utility knives that are made for carpet fitting and they come in so handy for many different things. You will use your utility knife when trimming or cutting the edges of the carpet as well as when removing old carpets.
It’s important to choose a knife that’s going to be comfortable to use and features an ergonomic handle with a comfortable grip. Also ensure that the knife is made from high quality and durable materials as this is something you’ll get a lot of use out of and you’ll want it to last.
Carpet Top Cutter
While you might use your utility knife for a lot of cutting jobs, your carpet top cutter is ideal when it comes to cutting edges before seaming. These tools are great when working with both carpets and foam and are sharp enough that you can simply run them along the material for a super fast cut without resistance or damage to the carpet.
These tools are also very precise so when you’re working on a large installation, they’ll save you time having to try to get a precise cut using a knife.
Knee Kicker
As the name may suggest, a knee kicker requires the use of your knee. Quite simply, you use the knee to kick the back of the tool which in turn applies tension to the carpet. This stretches the carpet evenly from one side of the room to the other.
Ideally, you would use a knee kicker for smaller projects as they’re not quite as efficient for larger jobs as something like a power stretcher. However, for anything under three square metres, these manual tools are an excellent choice.
Carpet Power Stretcher
If you are working on a larger project then a knee kicker might not quite be up to the challenge. However, a power stretcher will come in and save the day. The power stretcher creates far more tension than a knee kicker. These are widely considered to be one of the most important tools for any carpet fitter so this should be at the top of your list when kitting out your tool box.
That said, these are also among the most expensive tools you will have to invest in. It is possible to rent them so if you’re a homeowner taking on a domestic project then it might be a better idea to rent a power stretcher to save money.
Carpet Tucker
It’s no good simply installing the carpet up to the wall, you need to get it to fit nicely between the floor and the wall in that little gap. Doing this by hand would create an uneven result not to mention, it would be hugely time consuming.
So, you’ll need to buy a carpet tucker which is a tool that is designed to help fit the carpet snugly into that space. This is one of the most affordable tools on the list and yet is so essential. What’s more, they’re usually very durable so once you’ve purchased one, it’ll stand the test of time.
Chalk Line
If there’s anything that is important when installing carpet, it is making sure that you cut the material to the right size. Alright, if you make it too big, you can always remove some more but if you cut it too small, it’s a disaster.
Fortunately, that’s where a chalk line set becomes invaluable. You use this to mark the underside of the carpet where you would like to cut it. Just be sure to use a colour chalk that shows up; blue is the most common.
Staples and Stapler Gun
You’ll need to make sure that you always have plenty of staples. You’d be surprised how many you’ll use for each project and it’s always better to have too many than not enough. So stock up.
As well as this, you’re going to need a carpet staple gun. There are cordless guns that offer amazing convenience and ease of use. However, these tend to be less powerful than their corded counterparts so this is something worth considering.
It’s also a good idea to look at the quality of your stapler as you’ll want something that’s going to be as durable as possible. Moreover, we would recommend choosing a longer nosed carpet stapler as this will allow you to work with thick pile carpets with ease.
Hammer Tacker
A hammer tacker allows you to put the carpet staples in easily. However, this is not the extent of this tool. It can be used for other similar applications like roof felt and the like. While many people might be fooled into thinking that they can just use a regular hammer, these aren’t as good. This is because a hammer tacker will insert the staple with one hit whereas a regular hammer won’t.
Seaming Iron
In the simplest terms, a seaming iron is used to melt carpet tape adhesive allowing you to attach the seams. This holds everything securely in place and gives the pieces of carpet the most seamless fit.
When working as a professional carpet fitter, it is vital that you invest in this piece of equipment otherwise you will never get that perfect finish.
Seam Roller
When you are installing a carpet, you want to achieve the best finish possible without any imperfections. That’s where you will come to rely on your seam roller. This is a tool that is used to smooth out any unevenness and ensure a good bond between the carpet and seaming tape.
Many carpet fitters will also use their seam roller to breathe life back into carpet that is looking a little flat. You’ll also use it to ensure that the carpet has hooked properly over carpet tacks. They’re nothing if not multifunctional!
Much like the utility knife we talked about earlier, you’ll want to make sure that you choose a seam roller with a comfortable handle. This can be said for any handheld tool but since you’ll use this a lot, it’s even more important.
Notched Trowel
Sometimes, you won’t be carpeting one large surface. You may be required to install carpet on staircases or enclosed spaces like inside cupboards. When doing this, you’ll likely use carpet adhesive to hold the carpet in place. However, spreading this out isn’t easy in a tight space.
By using a notched trowel, you will be able to spread the adhesive more easily. That said, it is important to make sure that you choose the correct size
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Protective Clothing For Carpeting
As well as having the right tools for the job, you might also wish to think about having the right protective gear. Carpet fitting is far from being the most hazardous job in the world but you should consider what you might find when removing an old carpet.
In this case, you might come across things like rusty nails, chemical spills and copious amounts of dust. In order to protect yourself from these things, it’s important to have the following;
- Dust mask
- Gloves
- Goggles
- Coveralls to protect your clothing
- Shoe covers (this is more to protect the floor from any dirt that may be on your shoes.)
Conclusion
Becoming a carpet fitter is something that appeals to a lot of people. However, if you want to do the job well, you’ll need an impressive tool kit. Before visiting your first clients be sure to invest in the most important carpet fitting tools.
You should also think about buying some protective clothing such as gloves and a dust mask. In situations where the environment is less than appealing, these items will be a life saver!
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