how to stretch carpet?

Question

how to stretch existing carpet?

Answer 1

Believe this or not, it's pretty easy to stretch a carpet and tear it. This is something you have to be careful with. Take into consideration the age etc, be careful and don't overdo it.

You can rent "kickers" and "stretchers" at many rental places but, like I said, be careful. One "kick" could ruin your entire carpet.

Answer 2

If the distance to be stretched is 20' or less, use the gadget shown here:

http://www.carpetbuyershandbook.com/images/knee_kicker.jpg

This is a knee kicker. If the distance is pretty long, then use this:

http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/graphics/article_images/414200431241_carp4.jpg

That's a "power stretcher."

Place either with the head about 1/2" away from the wall and either kick the carpet onto the tack strip or engage the handle of the power stretcher to pull it on to the T/S.

Note: make sure the carpet is secure on the tack strip BEHIND you, so the stretch can happen. You may need to gently kick along one wall to move the carpet up onto the tack strip, and then put some muscle into the kicks along the opposite wall. It is also a good idea to kick the corners first -on a diagonal (the corner on the left in front of you, then the one on the right BEHIND you -then reverse it. If the room is mall enough, the kicker will do the job, but if it is big, you'll need BOTH kicker and power stretcher.

It is a good idea to have a "tucking knife,"

http://www.eddiewicksprofessionalflooringtoolsltd.com/Cutters/C3154.jpg

and a "stair tool":

http://www.carpettool.net/154_cmyk.jpg

Use the curved, smooth part of the tucking knife to wedge the edge of the carpet ionto the gap between tack strip and wall. If that's not enough, then use the stair tool and hammer to wack it down into that gap.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Your answer from CowboyDoc was something very important to consider. The age of the carpet. Having been the owner of a flooring store for many years, I totally agree with what Doc told you. If the carpet is old, you can most certainly rip it.

Your answer from John G was accurate as to "how" to do it. I sure would have liked to have him on my staff of installers. He sounds very knowledgeable.

I hope you have good luck with your stretching job. And DO consider the age of the carpet. Once it rips you are going to be forced to buy new carpet. I hope that doesn't happen.

Best of luck to you.

Answer 4

CALL A CRRPET INSTALLER IF YOU HAVE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE... IF YOU DON'T DO IT RIGHT, YOU WILL BE REPALCING THE CARPET.
PLEASE DON'T ATTEMPT TO USE A POWER STRECHER YOURSELF, I HAVE SEEN THE GO THRU THE WALLS IN MOBILE HOMES