Hand stretching vs power stretcher for tight spots...

I had this job last week in a small bedroom where I couldn't fit my power stretcher between the closet and the wall, so I used a hand stretcher and the carpet ended up with a little wrinkle near the baseboard. A guy I know swears hand stretching is fine for rooms under 10x10, but my boss says it always leads to callbacks later. What do you all do when you can't get a power stretcher in there?

3 comments

3 Comments

robins833d ago

Ha! Nothing says "professional install" like getting out the Barbie-sized stretcher for tight spots.

lilyp373d ago

Honestly the "Barbie-sized stretcher" comment got me because I used to think those little tools were a gimmick. I figured real pros just muscle stuff into place or use the big stuff. But then I had a job in this super cramped attic space where nothing else would fit and I had to borrow one from a buddy. Total game changer. It saved me like an hour of fighting with corners and I felt stupid for judging it before trying it. Ngl I bought my own set the next week and use them way more than I expected.

charlescraig1d agoMost Upvoted

Wait you actually thought they were a gimmick? I would have bet money every pro knew those things are legit. @robins83 I swear I've pulled mine out in front of guys who laughed and then watched them eat their words after I fixed a seam in a closet that was basically the size of a shoebox. They're not just for attics either, I use mine for door jambs and tight hallways all the time. I almost feel naked without it now, which sounds dumb but it's true.