carpet power stretchers & how to use them

this video will show and explain how to set up and use the carpet power stretchers that is needed during a carpet installation.This is used in the carpet stretching process.
www.thefloorsbysouthernboys.com/
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links i'll receive a small commission.This helps support the channel and allows me to keep making videos like this. Thank you for your support!
Here are links to a few tools used in this video!
power stretchers
amzn.to/2NiwMuy
knee kicker
amzn.to/2E1Bt7D
updated version of the carpet trimmer i use
amzn.to/2DTRZXe
carpet knife
amzn.to/2EoVJlk
stair tool/packer
amzn.to/2BO7eAQ

[@kcm731k]

Im a 23yr installer this guy is one of the very few i actually agree with on youtube..he has installations down to a science an i actually picked up a few tips from him..hes a true ace

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

kcm731k Thank you sir

[@garrettbrowder7803]

I agree my been doing it 7 years boss been doing it for 40 that's how u properly stretch with out having to rest reach months later good for him

[@garrettbrowder7803]

Research

[@alitehaili1550]

I’ve Been installing carpet for 15 years and I can tell that you are a top notch installer

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Ali Tehaili Thank you I appreciate you saying that that was real nice of you and thank you for checking out my channel appreciate that as well

[@justsaygold]

Man, you are by far one of the best carpet installers I have ever seen make KZbin videos. I love this channel, keep up the great work.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

thank you, i really do appreciate that

[@justsaygold]

If you have time you should make a video on how to cut the carpet for a room and bring it into the house. (How to fold the carpet and carry it in).

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

ok sure thing as soon as i get the opportunity to i will and thanks for the recommendation

[@re11235813213455er]

Thank you!! Actually usefull info. Darn rental came with no instructions and I was starting to think this was a useless machine.

[@willganderful]

Best carpet laying content on KZbin. Much appreciated!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Thank you

[@jeffbrassard1268]

Thank you, I need to stretch carpet in a couple of rooms in my home. I am going to rent a power stretcher and get it done today.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

I hope it went well

[@jeffbrassard1268]

It went very well and I saved about $300 for a $35 rental from Home Depot and about an hour and half of my time. Thank you again!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

@@jeffbrassard1268 awesome

[@TheGhostOfFredZeppelin]

I haven't the slightest clue how I ended up on this video but I'm kind of glad I did, it proved to me that things I didn't think could be interesting can indeed be interesting!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Well, that’s pretty cool, thanks for hanging around and watching

[@trentwood1449]

Howdy, sir! I just rented a power stretcher from Home Depot, and it did not go so well. Every time I got some good tension on the carpet, the power head would lift off the carpet and audibly tear the pile. I thought maybe the depth was too low so I adjusted the two bolts as far down as they would go. Same thing, the power head would lift out. Upon further inspection roughly 60-70% of the nails in the power head were rounded back and resembled small crochet needles. They weren't allowed to grab the carpet well. Home Depot said that the equipment was fine when it left the store. If you decide to rent the power stretcher from Home Depot, beware! I'm sure you take good care of your tools, but have you ever encountered this before? The people at Home Depot don't believe me (I don't think they have ever stretched carpet before).

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Oh man that sucks. I have never encountered that before.

[@michaeldulaney2497]

Thanks for the video, I learned all that I needed to restrech a room that I am working on. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@beataddiktgodd]

Brother man, thanks to your amazing videos, I was able to install new carpet throughout my entire home. I really appreciate you…

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

That is awesome

[@bridgettstevens6932]

Thank you so much for this detailed video! I'm installing carpet in one room of our house and your video gave me all the information I needed. It was not easy finding thorough and detailed instructions online. Thank you for the help!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Bridgett Stevens Awesome, good luck

[@Valamilk]

We just finished remodeling our master bedroom and your video was VERY helpful! Thank you!!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Awesome

[@sethm7761]

Man, this made my room recarpeting so much better. Thanks y'all!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Awesome

[@mps737]

Great video. You are a pro. Thanks.

[@jonathanbowra]

SUPER MAN! This was the info I needed to finish my job right. Thanks!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Awesome thank you

[@beataddiktgodd]

Great video, I did my kids room today and it turned out great! I did everything you said, thanks for sharing your knowledge and I appreciate you.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

That’s awesome

[@af3893]

Great training skills! Thanks man!

[@Dave-xr4iz]

Great video, thanks for sharing those very helpful tips to make my day easier and faster that you probably had to learn the hard way when you started out. all the yrs I've been doing this I did always wondered what that notch in the kicker was now I know! Lol keep them up I do look forward to your videos.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

thank you

[@gyver471]

Great explanation love to see a pro in action.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

gyver471 Thank you sir

[@stemofthefly]

Didn’t know a thing about power stretchers. Great vid! ☺️

[@33rayden]

Thank you for the video! If you’re a DIY person and want to give this job a try, rent this from your local hardware store. It will save you a headache. We have the Harbor Freight version and it is junk. Two people is preferable. We got our carpet installed in 4 hours.

[@mikeyk7079]

I really appreciate the time you take with these vids andvthe information you share it had helped me more than once. You are my go to videos when I ever second guess my installs!!! Thanks again

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Fun Phone Awesome, that’s really nice to hear, thank you for sharing that

[@nigelphilips9285]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys nice job very informative thank you

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Nigel Philips You’re welcome my friend, I hope it helps

[@direwolf8956]

Ruben is the reason I was able to start carpeting. I used to tile but he made the switch easy.

[@MrTokidoki420]

Watch this video and definitely learned something thank you

[@vanfamco]

Perfect. Thank you sir.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

vanfamco Glad to be of help

[@michaelmcgowan6397]

great tutorial. thanks

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Michael McGowan Thank you sir appreciate that

[@aubreyjones2]

Top notch installer 101 right here. Appreciate you man

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Thank you I appreciate that, glad you are enjoying the videos

[@tahutiptah2084]

Thanks 👍

[@ORGANIZEDCoNfUsioN]

That was great, thank you!!!

[@rossgee2950]

Nicely done lesson! Thanks loads!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😀😀👍 you’re welcome

[@moehanhaz1651]

Thank You!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

You're welcome!

[@moshier94]

this is a great tool, I can't believe people use those onee-slamming stretchers

[@50rbrt]

Your Welcome,always like to give some advice to make the job better...

[@wizzardgame8343]

great video they should show this to the new guys in the business

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

wizzard game 😁👍

[@dmitrikguajardo6006]

i like your style

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Dmitrik Guajardo Thank you sir appreciate that

[@johnnyaero1]

Nice video. The only thing I do different is after my initial stretch I go back and install my net wall. That way when stretching on a angle away from the net wall it tightens everything

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

johnnyaero1 nice

[@bporter2941]

Carpet installer here. Crain everything. Stretcher, kicker, wedge, etc. Top notch tools. Great video and great work.

[@nathanielgerlach1857]

I never comment on videos, but I just stretched my carpet today and used this video’s techniques. Went flawlessly and the carpet looks so much better now. Awesome tutorial!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Awesome

[@Spittin_Bars]

Check out the triforce max power stretcher and their attachments and stair stretcher, they are such a great tool, watch the misconceptions video on them showing the testing that proves they stretch better faster

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

D R OK, will do

[@robertbeaulieu8721]

I have never installed a carpet in my 67 years on the rock but I have twin buddies who have and between four knees they started life with they are down to 2 and all the pain that comes with it from kicking. I watched this excellent video on using a mechanical device to make life for carpet layers much better perhaps not as quick but for sure the end result is way better. Thanks for the education good work.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😀👍

[@danthedewman1]

I agree with your technique using the stretcher, I used to be an installer too. I watched another video where the guy was kicking the room in by kicking to the middle of the wall across then working right and left from the middle.. I thought no way , never seen that before...lol

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

danthedewman1 Thanks for watching and also I appreciate your comments, and yeah knee kicking will not do any good for stretching carpet

[@chasulud1272]

His right to left was no different left to right, was how he did it, and technique perfect for his purposes same thing as properly putting on lug bolts and a tire.. this room is smaller and different, and isn't as big, it's easier

[@danthedewman1]

@@chasulud1272 it'll be wrinkled in less then a year too

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

CHa Sulud Thanks for watching appreciate your comments

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

danthedewman1 Thank you for watching, however I never get contacts for wrinkles

[@russsherry9824]

Just so you know I'm a regesiserd LLC in the state of FL I'm called Extreme Flooring Installations/hills borough county.😀🏁

[@heavyfeather6682]

Great video sir! When power stretching a basic square room is there a particular order that you should start stretching the carpet?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

heavy feather Yes sir please see my video ( apology and why I stretch the way I do ) Thank you for watching

[@wajeehhuweih5320]

You are the best

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Wajeeh Huweih 😁👍

[@wajeehhuweih5320]

FloorsbySouthernboys Thank for being for everything / you are polite, humble, professional, intelligent, and helpful

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Wajeeh Huweih wow , thank you

[@ryanblack3396]

Just bought same stretcher on marketplace. 2 box older style. Now I need a tail hook so I don't gotta use poles. Any ideas on where to buy one?

[@russsherry9824]

I'm reading this a year later not sure if my place to say anything but strracher 101,n o t a fan of Robert's strrathers heads,I'm a Crain fan I've always found Robert's strracher heads. The teeth ware down real easy not like a crain.A tip for to whomever it may concern if you buy a new stretcher spray head and toobs with silcon spray.this will prevent surface rust of toobs ,and easy movment in head and toobs for a very long time.if it's used make sure to get rid o f surface rust use same process but (DO NOT SPRAY THE TOOBS OR HEAD ON TOP OF PRODUCT THAT'S TO BE INSTALLED)!!😎🏁

[@rickgagne8564]

Its looks like a crain stretcher My Roberts red

[@Michael-kt5mu]

Please power stretch a cord to show how to keep lines straight thanks.

[@Dave-xr4iz]

Could you show how you stretch different shaped rooms with awkward angles. I've seen how you do square rooms buy I've not seen how you rooms with halls etc. Thanks

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

sausage man Sure can

[@Dave-xr4iz]

FloorsbySouthernboys good man as usual I'll look forward to seeing it. 👍

[@dallashbuckwayjr3301]

Use a spreader to set your stretch instead of your fingers its a whole lot easier and holds on the tack strip better.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Clifton Buckway I tried to use the spreader at one point and I just couldn’t get comfortable with it on heavier carpets

[@50rbrt]

When using this I would recommend using a 2x4 at the other end,to make sure you are at the studs

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Robert Missimer Thanks again I always use a 2 x 6 if there is no baseboard down

[@50rbrt]

Smart! that way you won't go through...

[@jakestoe]

I carpeted a 4x4 on two sides so it wont scratch the walls or baseboards.. Have a 6' and 3'

[@babylovington1631]

I use 2x4 and 4x4s even with baseboards 👍👌great videos

[@babylovington1631]

And usually set it with hammer not hands cheap carpet u will get bit by our nemesis the tack lol

[@50rbrt]

I like using the Mini Strecher faster all you have to do is secure the tack strip.....have fun....make $$$$

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Robert Missimer Thanks I always do love my job

[@twodollars6392]

You should have set the back of the closet first and stretched out of it. Then set the green wall and stretched away from it close to the closet working your way to where your camera man is sitting. Also a spreader would make life a lot easier setting on the tack strip.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Two Dollars!!! Thanks for the advice

[@168grhp]

Could you give me some advice on how you rough cut a carpet for a room with closets, stairs, other obstacles?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

korelinlakes kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6bSoY2bfseqbqc. Maybe this will help if not let me know and I will do a particular video on just that subject

[@168grhp]

That video is helpful, but it's a little more involved than what I was looking for. A video on how you rough cut carpet prior to stretching would be awesome. By the way, I really like your stretching videos!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

korelinlakes OK I’ll hook you up soon as I get a chanceAnd thank you for watching

[@jo-lynnhodgson6363]

saves on knees

[@Dave-xr4iz]

It would be great to see you power stretch a room with awkward angles and shapes like ones with fire places and so on.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

ok ill keep that in mind

[@LeeHarveyOswald1000]

I work in this industry with fire places and different shape rooms it’s no different you have to adjust accordingly and just use a carpet knife to cut the excess carpet just enough so it can be tucked and secured under the baseboards. We staple the carpet to the tackstrips whenever there’s a transition onto tile or wood with no transition strip

[@alishakaron3109]

This room take around 20 mins with this machine. With a knee kicker taken just 5 mins . Good jooob man

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Ali Shakaron 👍

[@jimorfanelli7671]

Power stretch is pain in butt all them Poles but its best way

[@anthonytrujillojr259]

Grind the tackless so it doesn't pull from wall when stretched the other way and doesn't poke you

[@buzzbuzz132]

Should stretch b used on room size of say 10 x 12. ? Appreciate your time and comments.....

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

yes power stretcher should always be used for a proper stretch

[@buzzbuzz132]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys thank you for taking the time to respond.....hope my hired carpet project brings the stretch

[@rivasmisael698]

Have you ever use the power stretcher head with a gunlach stretcher hook. You think I Will work the same using the hook instead of the tubes??

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Rivas Misael Technically your not supposed to use A stinger tail on carpet, so I cannot recommend it neither have I ever used one

[@rivasmisael698]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys I seen so many installer who use it and says it work the same but I have always thought like you that it's not a good idea to use

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Rivas Misael 👍😍

[@garymcgarity9839]

Your literally putting holes in the the carpet with the power stretcher with poles, so what's the difference when using a stinger? None

[@stevenj9819]

Do you ever use a stinger on your power stretcher when your on a wood subfloor? It's a heck of a lot easier in closets with shelf's all the way to the floor

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Steven J No sir I sure don’t

[@garymcgarity9839]

Why don't you use a stinger/ pick

[@russsherry9824]

Would like to contact you how would I go about that I'm not a computer person?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Russ Sherry Do you have a Facebook account if so you can message me through messenger at floors by southern boys LLC

[@tonybutler9523]

By the time you bring your power stretcher in and set up, i would of fitted that carpet. A good quality kicker is all you need to do the job correctly and efficiently. This is just a small room no need for the power stretcher.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Power stretching is mandatory for all carpet

[@tonybutler9523]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys why, ive never used one, ive working on 2 skyscrapers at the moment with good quality carpets and the last two years have had no problems with the fitting and some very satisfied customers so why is it mandatory?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

@@tonybutler9523 If you want a proper stretch it is a must, no matter what anybody claims or how many car that they have the carpet is still not getting to stretch it needs to last what it is made to last, But again to each their own and if it works why change

[@tonybutler9523]

boys so you've just contradicted yourself, so power stretching isn't a must then, as I said a good kicker is all you need if you know how to use it.

[@dmitrikguajardo6006]

i install carpet but i dont like twisting on my knees like you do

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Dmitrik Guajardo That’s completely understandable my pivot knee Which is my left knee gives me some issues

[@halfleftdawn725]

I'm recently divorced and trying to get by. I've been doing a lot of housework, cleanouts, etc. Yesterday I kicked in a small room and I do enjoy the work. How many years have you been doing flooring? Do you make a nice living? Do you think the business would welcoming for a woman? Thank you for the videos. I've been looking for someone with your attention to detail and fine results.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

+HalfLeft Dawn I have been doing this for 27 years, and yeah I have made a pretty comfortable living and I have only seen one woman Installer in my career and it was a husband and wife team

[@halfleftdawn725]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys Yeah... Well I don't need no stinkin husband "team." LOL. I'm small (about 105lbs) but I'm VERY strong and healthy. I'd give most men a run their money in labor work. But.... I am very good with ceramic tile. Maybe that would be a better match? P.S. You've been doing this since you were 10? There's no way you're a day older than 37!!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

HalfLeft Dawn I am 41

[@RBPeder]

What if the room is larger than 12 ft?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

The power stretchers come with numerous poles so you would use them the same

[@peopleofamerica9689]

How much do they pay a yard where you live?

[@TOMVUTHEPIMP]

$1200

[@TheWastiddaze]

@@TOMVUTHEPIMP I'm moving!!!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

People Of America sorry I missed this is been a year now, but in Tucson $3.25 a yard

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

B P Me too

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Hot Pockets 😮🤣

[@bobrosssquirrel8725]

I once tripped over my stretcher and snapped the cast iron handle in half, thats an expensive fix

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Bob Ross’ Squirrel i hear you

[@jeffsauerwein531]

Lower back injury

[@tristanbrumett8248]

My boss doesn't use a power stretcher. He says it's as fast as putting it together as it is to kick in the room. Can you tell me why he is wrong?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Stevie Dean You simply can’t get it tight enough with a kicker even the builders grade carpet, watch this video, this should give you a good idea where he is wrong. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oojJc4yaoZiMZpI

[@tristanbrumett8248]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys thank you. There is good money in the carpet business but if you do it correctly. And that's what I want to learn is the proper way to do things.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Stevie Dean That’s good you will go far if you always strive to do better

[@Pintony1]

you already know why he is WRONG...

[@jakestoe]

Your boss is the reason the pro's get paid for restretches.

[@davidgeorge4004]

I'm 33 years old I'm bin fitting carpets and all other flooring since I was 15 my dad has bin doin the same since he was 16 years old he taught me like I will teach the trade to my son and in all my dad's years and mine iv never used a knee kicker on stairs there's just no point y make more work for your self?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

david george do you have a stair stretcher or did I misunderstand you and You’re saying that you only use a kicker on steps

[@LeeHarveyOswald1000]

You know what’s a pain in the butt. Stretching a room with the duct vents on the floor. Your stretching leaves a gap where the ducts were and you need to take a scrap carpet and bond it with the carpet

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Joshua Lee Yeah if possible I will always maneuver my stretches away from my vents

[@wyattchiordi5132]

Why not just use a crab stretcher? Way less hassle

[@anthonytrujillojr259]

Needs new blades 14:00

[@Pintony1]

buy a spreader paddle

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Pintony1 I have one, just Don’t really like using it

[@jakestoe]

I use a stair tool to press and hold on to the pins right before releasing the stretch.

[@Hotlooksamerica]

Wow 💩

[@anthonytrujillojr259]

CUT YOUR CORNERS!!!! AND USE THAT CHISEL or spread TO HOLD DOWN TACK! YOU SCARE ME WITH THAT BLADE!

[@benhill3476]

that 's cool teaching how to do something. but maybe try rubbing that cheese carpet with a hammer and not trim setting it. because you pushing the carpet down on the tackstrip is not going to hold a stretch properly .with out a rub down. and you always start stretching the width for the doorway first not trim setting from in side the room. that is day one stuff

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

ben hill There is no text book procedure you stretch each room according to its own lay out , And an almost 30 years I have not had any issue with the way I mash it on the tack strip , But thank you for your suggestions and thank you for watching

[@russsherry9824]

As I was trying to say its a Robert's not a crain there for not good enough after 35 +years of installing buying any product of Robert's i s like buying car mechanic tools from china instead of craftmanns or snap-on crain is the only way to go except fot wall trimmers.in my opinion only.anything made by Robert's is an infrearrer product. This just mt personal opion. I'm not sure matters.🇺🇸😎🏁

[@teeeroyswindowcleaningkeep2381]

Yikes

[@marcusl8243]

boy I sure hope this guy is on concrete and isn't one of those "pins leave holes in the carpet" guys.. even tho those 100 pins on the head leave the exact same hole that you can't see... ridiculous

[@russsherry9824]

Crain for jr. Streahers Toylor for irons. Robert's for wall trimmers,crain for knee kickers,pad staplers dofast,unless you like rappid fire.other than that 7512, dofast elec. Staplers dofast ,dofast is no longer in business so next best crain but power packs have a bad habit of failure.roberts even worse and Robert's doesn't honor ther guarantee.if i had only known dofast was going ou t of business in time i would have been the only supplyer of power packs and other misaalanus partts for dofast.😎🏁day late several dollar's short.!🏁😀