Typical carpet stretchers are long, equipped with ridges or teeth along the bottom. Using levers attached to it, you can keep the carpet taut while you tack and secure its edges. Though the length of most carpet stretchers make it inconvenient for you to move across them, they’re commonly manufactured using lightweight materials. This makes it easy for you to move it around whenever you need to.
Using carpet power stretchers can help save you more time and energy in installing carpets. Here are the basic steps you need to take in using a power stretcher. You will need your carpet power stretcher, tack strip, carpet knife and knee kicker for this, so have them ready.
Step 1: Place tack strips around the room. For best results, keep it about two-thirds the thickness of the carpet away from your wall. Afterwards, place the carpet pad.
Step 2: Start with the length of the carpet. Power stretch from the middle of the narrowest section of the room then work your way to the wider parts. After stretching, fasten the carpet onto the tack strip.
Step 3: Do the previous step several times, fanning out as you go. You don’t have to stretch the carpet parallel to the previous area.
Step 4: Using your knee kicker, set the carpet into place. Push it hard against the tack strip to secure it.
Step 5: Repeat steps 2 to 4 but this time work along the width of the room. Begin working in the center of the longest part of the room. Again, make sure to push the carpet into the tack strip to secure it and fan out as you go. For best results, work in 18-inch increments.
Step 6: Use your knee kicker to securely stretch and fasten any odd corners or tight spots.
Step 7: Use your carpet knife to trim and even out the edges of the carpet. Be careful not to cut it too short.
Inspect your carpet carefully when you’re done, especially the edges and corners to make sure there aren’t any loose parts or folds. When in doubt, try to seek the help of professionals before attempting to do this yourself. Use reliable and high-quality tools too, such as the Crain Carpet Stretcher.
Don’t try to walk backwards. If you need to work on something that’s behind you, take the time to make a nice broad U-turn to get to it.
- Do take short steps and lift your leg when you walk. Do not attempt to take long strides with your drywall stilts. Also, do not drag your stilts as you walk; lift your feet from the ground.
- Don’t reach out or lean your body too much while working. As much as possible, work directly above your stilts. Never reach for objects that are located lower than where your foot is.
- Don’t attempt to adjust the height of your stilts while you’re wearing them. If you must leave them on, ask for assistance from another person.
- Don’t carry heavy objects while on your stilts. Drywall stilts have load limits. If you want your stilts to last longer, try not to test this limit.
- Do refrain from running or walking fast. Take gentle steps and always watch where you’re going or stepping.
- Don’t use your stilts when you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In the first place, you shouldn’t even be working.
- Do take special precaution when handling used drywall stilts.
- Do strap your stilts right. Always strap your legs first before your feet and never the other way around.
- Do watch your head too. Especially if you’re working in rooms with low ceilings. Keep an eye out for chandeliers, hanging lights and other ceiling ornaments.
- Don’t use your stilts on stairs. As much as possible, stay away from staircases or stairwells.
Carefully read and follow the tips above to avoid any serious damage or injury, to you and your drywall stilts.