How To Choose The Right Carpet Stretchers For Your Projects
For regular carpet fitting, a carpet stretcher tool is important for every project, but is it wise to use the same tool in every situation? In this article, we discuss the best knee kicker for several types of carpet and when you should consider a carpet power stretcher.
Knee Kickers Vs Carpet Stretchers: What’s The Difference?
“Carpet stretcher” is the umbrella term for all kinds of tools used to stretch carpets across the floor. All carpet stretchers have a pin plate that grips the edge of the carpet, and many have adjustable pin lengths for different shag lengths. The difference is in how pressure is applied.
A carpet fitters’ knee kicker is the right tool for most carpet fitting jobs, as it is quick to grab and use without set-up. Knee kickers have a central bar which ends in a pad, where you apply pressure by kicking with the knee.
A kneeless carpet stretcher is ideal for larger carpets or where fitters may have a history of knee injury. This is also known as a power stretcher, which braces against the wall and extends across the floor; pressure is applied using a handle and locking mechanism.
A Stairway Stretcher is a tool designed to stretch across the whole width of a stair tread at once, bracing against the step above.
Do I Need A Different Knee Kicker For Different Projects?
Many carpet fitters use the same knee kicker for every carpet they install, as this is cost-effective. However, the different design specifications of various carpet stretcher models make them better suited to particular situations.
A tool that is perfect for most rectangular rooms might be too long for awkward spaces or stairs, or make it hard work to install a large carpet. There may be a more efficient carpet stretcher tool for particular jobs, such as a carpet power stretcher.
Best for Stairs
The Crain 507 Stairway Stretcher is undoubtedly the best stretcher for stairs. Using a knee kicker for stairs can be awkward as you are working from the bottom up, rather than top down, and may not have enough room to maneuver.
This tool is specifically designed for stairs, with a long pin plate across the full width of the tread and a handle operation. Depressing the handle stretches the carpet across the tread, bracing the tool against the upper stair so that you can tuck the carpet below.
Best Knee Kicker for Small Spaces
Roberts’ The General Knee Kicker is a good all-rounder, with 2-inch gel padding to protect your knees. It is also reliable for stretching carpets in small spaces like walk-in cupboards, alcoves and hallways, as it has a minimum length of 17.5 inches (44.45cm). It extends to 21.5 inches (54.61cm).
This tool is made from die-cast aluminium, making it extremely strong and durable. It also has 7 depth settings for extending the carpet grips into deeper carpet nap.
Best Carpet Stretcher for Larger Carpets
A Power Stretcher is ideal for carpeting large areas, using an adjustable locking power head to extend from one wall to another. Rather than a knee kicker, a carpet power stretcher is operated by bracing against the wall and depressing a handle to stretch the carpet further. As the handle lifts, the stretcher locks into place, ready to extend further. Using this kind of stretcher for large carpets helps make jobs go quicker and reduces impact on the knees.
The Gundlach Jr. Power Stretcher features a 14.5-inch (36.83cm) metal pin plate, gripping a wider area of the carpet than most knee kickers. Pin depth is adjustable via a dial on the head. This tool also has a 14.25-inch tail block to brace against the far wall, with a rubber pad to avoid marking the skirting and ball casters to glide in any direction. It is supplied with a sturdy steel carrying case with storage for six tubing sections in the lid.
Add and remove tubing to use this stretcher in spaces from 34.5 inches (87.63cm) to 22 feet (670.5cm) wide. Extra power stretcher tubing sections are available.
Best Carpet Stretcher for Irregular-Shaped Rooms
The Crain Power Stretcher is equipped with a swivel head, allowing easy stretching in irregular-shaped rooms, extending from 37 inches (94cm) to 23 feet (701cm).
With a built-in lock pin, this tool has 5 positions: straight, 15° and 30° left and right. This helps stretch the carpet around the extreme angles found in “L-shaped” rooms. The folding tail block even lets you brace against corners.
The model also features a Stretch Lock button for partial stretches, as well as variable pin depth, a lever extension tube to give you more leverage, 3 extension tubes and a transfer tube.
Best Knee-Kicker for Beginners
Our Economy Knee Kicker is an entry-level tool, which is affordable but no less effective for stretching carpet tight from wall to wall for a professional finish. This lightweight, durable tool has a comfortable buffer head for added knee protection and adjustable pin depth, providing the necessary features for basic carpet stretching.
The Best Knee Kicker for Every Job
Whatever job you’re working on, a quality carpet stretcher tool is vital to provide a professional finish. Whether you choose a classic knee kicker for carpet or an adjustable power stretcher, it depends on your budget, the size and shape of the spaces you’re working in and the quality of your knees.
