Using a carpet kicker is an effective way to stretch and secure new carpet during installation, specifically along edges and against walls where it will be attached to tack strips.
Carpet kickers are handheld tools used to push carpet forward, stretching it taut onto tack strips around the room's perimeter. This ensures a smooth finish, prevents wrinkles, and helps the carpet stay securely in place.
Understanding the Basics
A carpet kicker typically has a padded bumper on one end and a head with sharp teeth (pins) on the other. The pins grip the carpet fibers, while the bumper is designed to be struck with the installer's knee or leg.
Steps for Using a Carpet Kicker
Here's a breakdown of how to effectively use a carpet kicker:
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Preparation:
- Ensure the tack strips are properly installed around the room's perimeter, with the sharp points facing towards the wall.
- Lay the carpet loosely in the room, trimming it roughly to size, leaving a little extra along the edges.
- Start working along one wall that is already secured or where you are beginning the stretch.
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Positioning the Kicker:
- Place the head of the carpet kicker onto the carpet surface a few inches away from the wall or obstacle you are stretching towards.
- Angle the kicker so the pins engage with the carpet fibers, gripping the material.
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Executing the Kick:
- Position your body with the padded bumper against your knee or lower thigh.
- According to the reference, "This part of your body needs to be at a 90 degree angle" when you bump the bumper. This suggests keeping your knee bent at roughly a right angle as you apply pressure.
- Apply a sharp, firm bump with your knee into the padded bumper.
- Crucially, as the reference notes, "We don't have to kick this. Hard." The goal is not excessive force but controlled pressure.
- "Again we're just wanting it to stick on the Strip." The force should be sufficient to push the carpet forward just enough for it to engage and hold onto the pins of the tack strip.
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Securing the Carpet:
- While the carpet is stretched and held by the kicker, use a carpet tucking tool or putty knife to press the edge of the carpet down onto the tack strip pins.
- Ensure the carpet edge is firmly impaled on the pins.
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Repeat:
- Move the kicker along the wall, overlapping your kicks slightly, and repeat steps 2-4 until the entire length of the wall is stretched and secured.
- Work your way around the room, stretching and securing the carpet along all edges.
Practical Tips
- Practice the technique on a scrap piece of carpet first to get a feel for the right amount of force.
- Wear knee pads for comfort and protection, especially when working for extended periods.
- Ensure the kicker's pins are clean and sharp for maximum grip.
- Adjust the kicker's pin depth based on the carpet thickness.
By following these steps and applying the correct technique, including maintaining the recommended body angle and using moderate force as highlighted in the reference, you can effectively use a carpet kicker to achieve a professional-looking carpet installation.
