Carpet grippers, also known as tack strips, are installed around the perimeter of a room before laying carpet to securely hold it in place and provide a neat, stretched finish. Here's how to use them:
Steps for Using Carpet Grippers:
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Preparation:
- Clear the room completely. Remove all furniture and old flooring.
- Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry, and level. Repair any imperfections.
- Measure the perimeter of the room to determine the amount of gripper needed.
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Cutting Grippers:
- Cut the gripper strips to the required lengths using a saw or strong utility knife.
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Positioning Grippers:
- Place the carpet grippers around the perimeter of the room, approximately 7mm (or roughly three-quarters of the carpet's thickness) away from the skirting boards or walls. This gap allows for tucking the carpet edge.
- The grippers should form a continuous ring around the room.
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Orientation of Grippers:
- The angled pins (tacks) on the gripper should face towards the wall. The carpet will be stretched and secured onto these pins.
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Attaching Grippers:
- Wooden Subfloors: Nail the gripper strips to the wooden subfloor. Ensure the nails are spaced evenly and penetrate the wood sufficiently to hold the gripper firmly in place.
- Concrete Subfloors: Use adhesive designed for bonding grippers to concrete. Alternatively, you can use concrete nails or screws with appropriate plugs. Ensure the adhesive covers the entire gripper strip and that it is firmly pressed against the concrete floor until the adhesive sets.
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Joining Grippers
- Ensure the corners are flush and even to give a seamless and professional looking finish.
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Laying the Carpet:
- Once the grippers are securely installed, lay the carpet over the room.
- Stretch the carpet over the grippers using a carpet stretcher.
- Tuck the edges of the carpet between the grippers and the skirting board using a bolster and a tucking tool.
By following these steps, you can effectively use carpet grippers to install your carpet, ensuring a professional and long-lasting result.
