How Do You Use a Carpet Cutter Knife? Carpet Cutter Knife Guide 2023
How do you use a carpet cutter knife?
Carpet cutters and carpet knives are used when installing and removing carpets to ensure a neat edge that lies flat against the skirting or creates a perfect seam. There is some debate as to whether a carpet cutter or a carpet knife is the right tool for the job, and different fitters have their own preferences for what works for them. These two tools each have their pros and cons, but most fitters will use them in combination during a carpet fitting job.
Carpet Cutter vs Carpet Knife
Janser Dolphin Black Trimming Knife
A carpet knife is similar to a craft or utility knife, fitting neatly into the palm and with a removable blade. Janser knives open up to store blades in the central cavity, allowing compact and convenient blade storage. Carpet knives can be used with straight or hook blades.
Many fitters prefer to use hook blades as they can cut through the carpet from the top side easily, rather than trying to fold over the edge reach the backing. While carpet knives are generally easier to use, they may not be as precise in their cuts, and may catch the nap or pile, giving the appearance of holes if used at a seam. Use a straight edge to ensure you cut in a straight line.
Carpet cutters or carpet trimmers come in many shapes, most commonly in a triangular setting with a hand grip and a straight or flat guiding edge. The blade is held in place at an angle to the straight edge so that the edge acts as a guide against skirting or rules. The carpet cutter is pushed through the material, separating the fibres before the blade makes the cut. Because of this, a carpet cutter is often more precise and offers more control when cutting material than a carpet knife. A carpet cutter will cut along a row of the pile, leaving an even and clean-looking edge.
Before You Start: The Value of a Sharp Blade
Carpet knives and cutters have very fine, sharp blades which enable a clean cut through thick material. Over time, these blades can become dull or blunt, and this makes them dangerous to work with. A dull blade can snag, slip or jump unexpectedly, as the material isn’t split underneath it, and this could lead to inaccurate, wobbly cuts or even an injury. It’s important to replace your blades as soon as they become dull to avoid these accidents.
How To Use A Carpet Knife
Measure to find where you want to cut. If you are at the edge of the floor, press the carpet down towards the base of the skirting to see how much excess you need to remove.
- Turn the carpet over or fold the edge of the carpet to show the backing.
- Insert the blade into the knife, ensuring it is firmly fixed in place. Any looseness could lead to accidents.
- Use a straight edge to keep your knife moving in a straight line along the grain of the carpet.
- Grip the knife firmly with your dominant hand. Ensure you are not cutting towards your own hand or other body parts.
- Pull the blade through the backing, being careful to avoid snagging the carpet pile.
Crain 245 Deluxe Carpet Trimmer
How To Use A Carpet Cutter
- Measure to find where you want to cut. If you are at the edge of the floor, press the carpet down towards the base of the skirting to see how much excess you need to remove.
- Insert the blade into the cutter. Ensure it is firmly fixed in place and on the right side of the cutter for the edge you want to keep.
- If your carpet cutter has a guiding edge, put the carpet edge between the blade and the guide. The guide should go against a straight edge or skirting to keep you cutting in a straight line.
- Grip the handle firmly with your dominant hand.
- Push the blade straight forward in a smooth motion to cut through the carpet all the way along the edge.
If you are working at the edge of the room, you can now tuck the edge down against the skirting. If you are working on a seam, make sure you cut both pieces before sticking them down in case of mistakes.
Why Not Both?
Many traders use both a carpet cutter and a carpet knife to do their work well, choosing the best tool for each particular situation. Carpet knives are best suited to small, short cuts, such as in awkward corners or stairways. Carpet cutters can give one long continuous cut in a straight line, making it quick and easy to trim straight edges. Always make sure you cut safely and never store your carpet tools with the blades exposed.
Choose Carpet Cutters and Carpet Knives Online
Now you know how to cut carpets with two different tools, using the techniques outlined in this article. You can explore different types of carpet cutters on ReNew’s online store and find other Flooring supplies for the job, including knee pads, knee kickers, hand wipes and more. Make sure you stock up on spare blades for your carpet-trimming tools to ensure you always have a sharp cutting edge for accurate trimming every time.
