Mastering the Carpet Kicker: Learn the Best Techniques
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- In this video I will give all the tips i have learned over my 32 year career from how to position your body for maximum power when using the tool to how close you should position the knee kicker to the wall when kicking.
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00:04🔑 Techniques for successful use of a traditional knee kicker in carpet installation.
02:37🛠️ Mastering the technique of using a carpet kicker involves understanding the importance of position, especially for achieving a proper stretch on the carpet.
05:26👣 Techniques for using a carpet kicker include mashing the carpet down in the corner, catching it on the tack strip, and using brute force to ensure a tight hold.
08:15👣 Optimizing carpet kicking technique involves proper body positioning, maintaining a 90 degree angle, and applying direct force from the shoulder down.
11:33🛠️ Techniques for maximizing carpet stretching using body weight and proper maintenance of the carpet kicker teeth.
![How To Lay Carpet [Step-by-step guide]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E-CRDoPxF_c/mqdefault.jpg)
![How To Lay Carpet [Step-by-step guide]](/img/tr.png)
Great video. I like how you take your time to explain and SHOW each element of the strip, kicker and one's body. Your video did more than teach. Your deliberate, unrushed style made me feel more comfortable. Your calmness helps me feel like I can do it. Thanks so much!!
Thank you, glad to help
Looks like I finally found that right gift for my mother-in-law.
I’m autistic and I was seriously struggling with the vague instructions on all the knee kicker videos. Good grief you go into some detail in this video!! I finally feel comfortable trying this thank you so much
I'm not autistic and I also struggled to find a helpful and useful video, so it's not just you 😂
I've been flooring for 13 years. I still watch your videos for refreshers and to pick up new tricks.
That’s great, glad you enjoyed the videos
I've watched several videos about this but yours is by far the best. Thanks!
Thank you for your feedback, I appreciate that and I’m glad that you found this video useful
Love your videos. Fun fact: I counted 53 times you said "OK".
😂😂 You should like this one. czcams.com/video/MA7yhiOnQgQ/video.html
Love it.
@@MattyWill1 😂👍
Ok
Rite thar
Awesome how to video. Thanks for taking the time to explain the tricks in such a straightforward way. No fluff, no condescension, just a friendly mentor. The cool old guy on the jobsite showing the n00b all the useful tricks without showing off.
😂 thank you , I guess that’s a good way to put it
This was so helpful! The demo and explanation of position, posture, every little detail was exactly what I needed to have confidence doing that. It's clear you're 100% pros. Thank you!
Man that’s great news, thank you
I installed carpet for 30 years and the big mistake beginners make just like I was is to kick the carpet more than once in the same spot. If you do you will feel it in your knee more cuz the 2nd kicks not moving the carpet. Also leaning forward just a bit putting more weight down right where you're holding the kicker helps move the carpet more.
Thanks for the tutorial. I've reserved a Home Depot knee kicker rental tomorrow for my Saturday afternoon project to reposition a small area of my living room carpet that is pulling away from the dining room transition strip. I feel confident after watching this that I'll do a good job.
Wonderful, I hope it works out great for you buddy
Thanks for all your flooring videos. It really helps us learn how to install properly.
Glad you like them!
Great video. All tinny finesse points on how to use it. Tried it at first and realized I need help. You provided all little details one needs to know. Thanks 👊💪👍
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Great video! Most don’t explain how the kicker works. Really helped. Well done. Ok.
Excellent, detailed explanation on using carpet kicker.
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This was a great video. Clear and to the point, thank you.
We always used a hammer (the head) to do what his left hand is doing. About 40 years of carpet installation. Good video!
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It seems like there's a lot of impact to the kneel from using the kneel kicker. Just curious, will there be any permanent damage to the kneel over the long term. Cheers!
@fkloh3289 most lighter weight carpets stretches more unlike big thick higher pile carpets that should be installed with a power stretcher. The less the carpet stretches the more ow ezs 😢
Good to see a new video ruebin. Hope your doing well !greetings from Canada
Yeah I have fallen behind a bit, All is going well
Thanks, off to a job in Melbourne Australia now I have the basics!
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Cheers mate, appreciate the rundown
You’re welcome
@@FloorsbySouthernboys any tips on pulling up carpet to screw heads down further? I have a couple I can feel through underlay foam
Great video, thanks for putting this up here !
Your welcome
Much better leverage with kicker fully extended. In tight space, when using your kicker, be careful not to push off of sheet rock and break it like I did.
Yup
Some of the older home have a smaller bottom plate with plaster walls and your power stretcher foot or your shoe will go through the wall to cuz there isn't a higher 2x4 bottom plate to push off of.
I have mastered the knee kicker, but the power stretcher looks like an easier and more effective tool.
Thank you for all your videos you really help me you are the best💪
That’s great to know, glad they helped
Tools4flooring is definitely my got source for tools and some supplies. Bro, Love what you're doing.
Thank you
This was so helpful!! Thank you so much
Glad to help
Good looking kicker rube
Thanks Jerrid
There are 4 sets of teeth on the kicker and generally there is a matching very short wire like cotton teeth to also help grip into the carpet yarn. Over time they will become clogged with yarn fibers. If not cleaned out it may cause the teeth to slip through the carpet leaving marks from the yanked out yarn or kicker burns. Kicking in the carpet to hard or multiple times in the same spot will have the same effect. Also when the carpet is stretched you'll know because the carpet has very little stretch left and you will fell it in your knee from hitting a stationary object. Your knee caps will thank you for always not using them to hit the pad. 😁
Thank you
Great informational video!
Wonder if I can get some knee kicker advice? I had a cat pee incident in a small hallway and I had trouble with the smell even after cleaning. After peeling back the carpet I realized it was the pad so I replaced that and now I’m trying to put back the carpet. The tack strips are fine. Should I stretch down the length of the hallway (it’s about seven feet) or across (4 feet) first? Logically I think it would be the long way first but I’m not sure.
You are correct
@@FloorsbySouthernboys thank you! Your videos are amazing btw!
Before you do the long way you have to stretch 3ft of the short side 1st then gi the long way and then finish back the rest of the short length. He should show how to do a room from start to finish. If your carpets not stretched that good it will start to get wrinkles. If your carpet didn't have wrinkles before and you get it back like before it should be fine.
Thanks good vid body alignment is always key seems especially here
Yes
or just use a power stretcher .. barley use my kicker , maybe closets or hallways... good video thanks for the info
Yup thank you
dude thanks for showing details to the job hope to see more man new sub btw lol
Thank you sir I appreciate it
Lots of help thank you
You’re welcome
Great info . Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank You so much,just what I wanted to know
😀👍Awesome, glad the video was helpful
When you go to get your 1st stretch overlap the extra carpet that runs up wall back down over towards the kickers adjustable teeth dial while placing the kicker the right distance from the wall. Now you should just be able to see a very small space showing some of the tackstrip. This will help get a better stretch instead of it running up the wall. Generally the carpet stretches mostly the 1st stretch and the following kicks will not stretch as much and the overlapping back over the kickers head only works the 1st kick or stretch. Running the head of a hammer over the carpet will help set the tackstrip pins into the carpet as well as stepping directly down onto the strip if you have limited tools.
Lol I love watching first timers try to kick carpet in. I wish you all luck 👍
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I'm concerned I see knee and hip problems for fitters later on in life. Good vid
You are exactly right my friend that’s why I do my best to push other tools and not using this kicker no more than a person has two, it is not for stretching carpet it is specifically made for positioning carpet and so many people miss use it
Carpet stretcher, not a knee kicker helps, but crawling around on your knees all day is gonna cause problems for sure.
Did it for 30 years till I was 65 with no real knee problems. Always wore knee pads. Carrying carpet and roles of pad over your shoulder will do damage though. 😢
Nice video! 😊👍
Thank you Nick
That was a great thank you.
Always wondered ... thanks! Setting the teeth depth, I guess you have to get them so that they're deep enough, but not catching the underlay? Otherwise that will bunch against the tack strip? So, teeth right out would only suit a certain depth of carpet?
Yes very smart of you. If the pad is not stapled or glued to the floor the padding will move up over the tackstrip keeping it from doing its job. 😢
Great instructional video!
Thank you
great how to boys, thanks
You’re welcome
Terrific info thanks!
😀👍
Use a power stretch. The reason it wasn't getting a good bite on the strip is because you really aren't moving the carpet a whole lot with a knee kicker. The only true way to STRETCH carpet is with a power stretcher. Also if the carpet is stiff use a heat gun on the back of the carpet and it will soften the carpet tremendously.
Great Video.
Thank you sir
Knee kicker is for setting walls and tight areas to small for a power stretcher.
You are exactly correct
Nice informative video
Thank you
Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome
I've seen people mashing down on the tack strip with a chisel each time they kick. Does that work?
@@pleappleappleap actually want to put the chisel directly against the wall. It will go between the Tax strip and the wall, and that will work.
@@pleappleappleap yes it wil
Good video.
Thanks I hope it helps
"Unless you're an INCREDIBLY short person" LOL
Thank you Southern Boys. Btw - do protect your knees or you'll be hobblin' in your old age.
Boot, scoot, and boogie. Knee kick 100yds a day 😂
😮😀👍
Why not use a power stretcher as recommended by carpet manufacturers?
This is for diy people
You can't tell if carpets have been installed with only a knee kicker if done right. The manufactures how to is 1 more way for them to screw customers out a the warranty or guarantee.
@@rodneysmith247 you can absolutely tell if it is done with a knee kicker or a power stretcher if you know anything about carpet installation
@@FloorsbySouthernboys ohh i see now
@@rodneysmith247 I disagree🫡
I found and instruction guide in my ROBERT'S Knee kicker....
According to ROBERT'S, you are doing the AUTO HOOKING TECHNIQUE
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Why should I use a knee kicker? Isn't a power stretcher better?
Yes absolutely, unfortunately a lot of people don’t need one so this will help to their advantage and maybe save them from hurting themselves and then the carpet
thank you - it's ok to say ok nine hundred times a day
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had a major sewage problem my master bathroon toilet blew out a ton of water so I am fanning out the unlaid carpet/padding. had a fan running at full blast for a few days! smells like a bait shop of long dead minnows! very pungient! the bildge water that came up did so after a hard rain too! from a citiy sewer so god only knows whose water it was! the carpet is salavageble but the padding will have to be replaced. but only in the area that was wet. I am wanting to just cut off some of the padding about 5x12 in the master bedroom where the disaster bildge water ended up! and wanted to know if I could just use a carpenter's knife to cut off the bad area and just replace the padding with new padding. my tack strips also got damaged. that will be the part I need special tools.
Yes sir you can
Now does the padding need to be on the tack strip before kicking the carpet is kicked into place, or does it do both at one time
The pad should not be on the strip ever
@@FloorsbySouthernboys Ok thank you, much appreciated, this is my first carpet!! 👍
Hey Ruben! Where did you get that kicker? I haven't seen this kicker at any store. Did you make this one yourself?
Yes sir I sell them on my website, however I am out of stock I need to get more put together and added to my website soon
@@FloorsbySouthernboys oh I see. That's pretty awesome.
@@SlavicUA www.fbsb.store/tools-and-equipment
Did carpet for 30 years and the Robert's 501gt is the best kicker. It's a longer version of the one he's using which gives your more leverage or bang for your $ 😁
Thank you
Newbie question- the other CZcams video I watched said not to stretch pad but to cut it back away from the tack strip?
Pad should not be stretched and cut flush with the tax strip, as small as gap as possible without overlapping Tackstrip
Can it be done without using tack strips for a more casual carpet installation? This is in a small 13 foot room without anyone running around, and I'm wondering if just putting the baseboard molding on top would be sufficient. Otherwise I might just use some crown staples to hold it in place.
No speed catt to crease whilst kicking? That red handled tool, does it do much the same Ruben? Been looking for one in UK for ages and can't find em. T
Sweeny Todd used to have them in the UK. I ordered mine from Tools for flooring above. I also have one of the original speetcats with the adjustable wheels from about 25 years ago. I much prefer the eztuck to the speedcat
Don t forget that since Brexit there is no import duty to be paid on goods valued at under £130.00 .I just got a Kneeless carpet stretcher last week from Canada and have been playing with that for the last few days which has been fun. I have ordered loads of stuff from tools4flooring usually takes about two weeks to get to London
@@michelroberts4331 Thank you for that information about ordering, that was nice to know
Yeah it pretty much does the same thing only this one actually fits in my hand better since I have a bad wrist
@@michelroberts4331 what’s the link to get one? Could do with one
than kyou
Say goodbye to your knee working right later...
Yeah I completely agree, knee kickers are no joke and that should not be used for stretching at all, only positioning Carpet
I guess I was taught wrong because I never used the stretcher.... except for big rooms
@@Swampgurl777no you weren't wrong only if you can't go back and see your mistakes to know them and correct them to be a better intaller.
Hey swampgirl I was looking for an alligator pattern carpet or is that on the endangered species list? 🐊 😁
How much stretch percentage do you get kicking a full room?
Very little, not enough to last long term getting wrinkles bubbles in your carpet
The carpet and rug institute states that a person must stretch the carpet 1 to 1 1/2% of the length of the room
gr8 vid bud thx!!!!
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We were always taught to start fitting carpet against the pile and main stretch with the pile because you don't get a kick back resulting in a under stretched carpet.scottish fitter
Makes sense
Guess they make carpet here in 🇺🇸 different cuz it stretches both "ways" just fine. Though you'd like "ways" not like waves from improper stretching. Universal technique is carpet layers lay m by the yard. 😁
It was an OK video.
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You can do it if you put your back into it.
Helpful. Thank you. Pogchamp
Using a knee kicker is an acquired skill. You don't pick one up and start using it. It takes time.
If you want a room put in then call a floor guy.
The body position required to use a kicker feels unnatural, because it is.
Your weight has to be properly positioned over the tool.
It requires body coordination., The guy in the video is highly experienced, making it look far easier than it is.
Call a carpet man. Save your body time and money.
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He didn't explain it only takes 1 kick in each spot when moving across a wall and any more kicking in the same spot will usually cause kicker burns and sore hip and knees from no more strecth or give in the carpet. If you are not athletically inclined stay away from a knee kicker
There's more plenty of butchers that still don't install carpet right after 30 years cuz they were never taught the correct way. There's the ole saying once you learn how to install carpet you're to old to do it anymore. 😁
Hey Reuben.hows tool business doing!???
Everything is good my friend
The camera was so far away that I couldn't see the teeth you were talking about on the stretcher at all.
Sorry
How do you clean the kicker teeth?
This is the best thing to use to clean out your kicker
www.tools4flooring.com/taylor-tools-800-17-adjustable-row-tracker-kicker-pick-ii.html
Still waiting on cast iron radiator video how to tack strip around it and install the carpet or vinyl
Man those things are hard to come by, I haven’t seen one in years, as soon as I see one I promise I will get the video for sure
Anybody know why mine doesn’t stay ?
If your referring to why your carpets not catching on the tackstrip? 1st make sure all the tackstrips are in good condition. 2nd your probably not stretching it enough to get the tackstrip pins to go into the backing of the carpet. Running a hammer over the carpet along the wall will force the pins into the carpet or walking down along side the baseboard will poke in the pins to get it to stick. 😮
If you have the basic harbor freight $25 non-adjustable kicker, you can start this video at 3:15
Okay
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Ok! 😁
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theres space between my thumb and the tac nails i assume
Yup
A kicker is a positioning tool not a stretcher. A power stretcher is the correct way to install wall to wall carpet. I've been installing 20yrs and my dad's been installing for 40yrs
Exactly right
Greetings my friend!
Hello Shawn , i hope life has been treating you well my friend
@@FloorsbySouthernboys yes, just extremely busy🤪
@@shawnmoore5621 That’s great
Ok
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I see the worst carpet knife ever designed by Crain in your pouch. The improved 725 deluxe is my preferred carpet knife.
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For stretching carpet use a power stretcher, not a knee kicker. Carpet manufacturers require a percentage of stretch per linear foot of material to meet their specs. and warranty.
Yes sir you are correct
Okay. Okay. Okay… 😁
No I would not do it.... Why not use a power stretcher?
This is for diy
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Anyone have an argument against stretching wall to wall?
This is a video showing how to use a knee kicker, not showing how to stretch carpet in a room😉👍
@@FloorsbySouthernboys yea i know.im from ireland and a power stretcher is rarely used and im an apprentice fitter.some people i work with just fit from width to width and lenght to length....others i work with fit into corners and stretch at angles just wanted to get peoples opinions.not sure yet which way i will install personally.
@@roykeane2610 Gotcha, here in the states most people will stretch a couple stretches crossed ways and then all of their stretches long ways and then come back and finish up cross ways
@@FloorsbySouthernboys right i see.could u do a video demonstration of how u strecth just a standard shaped room with a knee kicker or even a power strether.
@@roykeane2610 yes sir
Just want to point out way to much talking....starting to fall asleep and loosing interest.
OK maybe go get a coffee😀👍
Fight with the tackstrip haha
Increadablely short. Lol😂 I’ve never seen a short guy kick carpet. Too bad there’s no carpet in tiny houses!!
"OK"
😂😂 Sorry it’s just part of me
czcams.com/video/MA7yhiOnQgQ/video.html
the kicker is very bad for the knees
Yes it is
Getting southpark vibes .. okay
😂😂
I wanna send you $
I got some free carpet. My parents had a kicker.to borrow. Thanks for the info.
You’re welcome
Bro your videos are great but don't try to teach people how to stretch their own carpet you know there is a 100% chance they will tear it in the process lol...It takes tons of practice to learn to do this properly :)
Gotcha
Bro.. First of all, while he did use the word "stretch" inappropriately he was not saying nor did he imply that the purpose of a knee kicker is to "stretch" carpet. The sole purpose of a knee kicker is to "position / adjust" carpet. It IS NOT, under ANY circumstances, designed / intended to "stretch" carpet. In fact, the ONLY time it's recommended (per industry guidelines) to do so is where a crab-stretcher will not suffice. As such, despite the inappropriate use of the word "stretch" when used in conjunction with a knee kicker. His overall point is correct..
(Edit) I must clarify that a crab-stretcher is to be used only where a power-stretcher will not fit (ie, small closest, narrow hallways, etc) . Neither a crab-strecher or a knee kicker is a viable substitute for the proper use of a power-stretcher and may invalidate any / all of the manufacturers warranties.
@@rossclarke7692 👍
@@rossclarke7692 lmao 😂 you totally missed the point I was trying to make... so I should have said “don’t ever under any circumstances try and teach per a video to people who have never held a kicker in their lives how to “use” one it’s s recipe for disaster and if you know anything about carpet installation (I have installed carpet since 1982) then you would completely understand the point I was trying to make... you may continue to attack my comments now I you wish...I’m done trying to make my point lol 😂
Again I love this guy his videos are great and he obviously knows what he's talking about I was only suggesting that there are certain aspects of the flooring trade that CANNOT be learned by watching a video. Many skills take years of practice to perfect ...Stretching...seaming...cutting takes hand to eye coordination in order to perfect and if someone is watching this video in order to attempt a DIY project I would highly suggest that you spend a few extra dollars and hire a professional such as this guy to do it for you :)
Ok
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Okay
OK
OK