CARPET TRIMMER 101

this video shows everything you need to know about using a carpet trimmer , shows how to trim carpet along a wall using a carpet trimmer and tucker.
www.thefloorsbysouthernboys.com/
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the product links, i'll receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for your support!
Here is a link to an updated version of the carpet trimmer i used in this video, unfortunately they don't make mine anymore they're over 20 years old
amzn.to/2Emq2ZH
trimmer blades
amzn.to/2TeyF0y
stair tool/packer
amzn.to/2E2OONf

[@miket29]

I would like to take moment to thank Ruben for making these videos I am installer of 20 years and to be honest I never knew how to properly set my trimmer until I watched this video I went as far as buying different brand trimmers (crain / roberts) but never knew the right way of adjusting the plates proof these videos even help out the veteran installers.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Michael Therrien Thank you sir

[@p2o8wer]

Same

[@maxprophet2401]

I wouldn't have ever thought it needed special blades, I spent an hour finding the wrong ones . Glad you showed us that, saved me another trip!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Max prophet awesome, I hope it works out good for you

[@Dave-xr4iz]

I've had my trimmer for a couple of years now and I thought I'd watch this video again to change my blades the way you did and I can't believe I've had the plate under the blade holder round the wrong way round the whole time know wonder It was hard to cut carpet and kept jamming up with fluff!! Lol

[@BortLicensePlates]

Great video man, I'm 5 months in and you just showed me a few things that are going to make my life much easier

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

BortLicensePlates that's awesome glad to hear that

[@Dave-xr4iz]

Great video, I'll have to try the way you place your blades and I also like your little tip on how to hold the nap back when tucking the carpet down.

[@bobandlucyshoaf1800]

Thank You for Your advice of tools and how to use the carpet cutter. Did what I had to do and the cutter worked fine. I appreciate it. I got two of the three tools You recommended. The other one was going to take several weeks, so got another one. Didn't want to wait that long. The wife didn't either. Again thanks, mucho!

[@neverlandep8002]

Awesome video. Really appreciate you taking the time to make this video. Your workmanship is amazing!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

NeverlandEP Thank you

[@billmckinzie]

Thank you so much. This is the difference between a professional and not.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😂Thank you sir

[@juliuscaesar8801]

Five Star!!! Thank you for helping me how to use this trimmer. Much appreciated. Kept it in my tool box and used utility knife instead….what a pain and time consuming. This trimmer save$ time. Thanks again.

[@GreaterVisionFarms]

Thank you It will help me be more productive on stretch jobs I have had the tool but it never quite worked for me so I was always trimming with a knife It takes much longer.

[@chibluth]

Im currently looking at buying a trimmer and your video was a fascinating insight into the intricacies of this particular type of cutter, thank you so much for taking the time and effort to impart your knowledge to others. Brilliantly and informative - I have also looked at some of your other Hoofing videos . I take my Hat off to you Sir !

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

jon carghill Well thank you I appreciate that And I’m glad you found this video beneficial for you

[@alforliniteaching5670]

Thank you for your truthful ,straight forward ,instruction ,as it will me pay my bills.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

albert forlini end times you’re welcome

[@jameswichmann7560]

Wow I have been dong carpet for 30 years I never use my trimmer to cut carpet to tile awesome I will have to try it my next carpet job thank you

[@roybeauchamp4253]

Great ! .....Made me realise I have been using my carpet trimmer the wrong way ..thanks buddy . Australia .

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Roy Beauchamp That’s great I’m glad I could be of a help to you

[@SayaAmirulSyamim]

you're a very good teacher bruh

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Amirul Syamim Thank you I appreciate that and I hope this helped

[@paulf2529]

Thanks for this video, I've just started fitting carpets and this is the best video by farr on using a carpet trimmer.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Awesome, thank you buddy

[@michaelvinalon3415]

Nice video, excellent explanation and sharing your experience and your tricks of the trade ! Thank you ! 👍

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

michael vinalon Thank you, I hope it was beneficial

[@TheSNIPERmac]

What a great video. Thanks for the tips, you make it look so easy. My friend who is not a carpet fitter did a great job for me but I wish I'd seen this video because I would of bought one of these great tools to aid him. Thanks again for the video.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Mac thank you And you’re welcome

[@dewrider]

Keep up the excellent videos! Great job explaining and having the camera person get close-in when needed to show us what you mean! Too many videos show a pro doing it super fast and saying it's easy without teaching us, the audience the ins-and-out. I'll use that spacing of a finger's width now and ensure I tuck it. Just did my living room and cut all edges with a blade which took a while even though I borrowed this tool. Blades were dull though. Just learned these blades are special as they're also shorter or longer than standard utility blades in addition to having just one notch and the single sharpened bevel. Master bedroom should be done tomorrow. Time to break out the knife sharpener to get the blades ready now that I know how to get the proper length. (No time to ship new blades in a day; does Ace or HD carry these blades?) Thanks again!

[@floored3145]

Great video you explain everything very clearly !

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

jc86 thank you

[@rocketman3862]

Just bought a Roberts 10-616-2A from Home Depot for $49. Great tool.

[@keithpage4139]

Recovering Carpet installer watching the dude. I knew a guy who called a power stretcher a "Sissy Stick" lol

[@alexmacabre206]

I was gonna jump off the balcony during this pandemic cause I've been the only one working in my dept as lead to install, repair, & restretch carpets. Then I found this video and learnt about this tool. Been using the bloody mary & making Texas cuts on trims half the time. Turns out I was the tool. I always want to leave and have pride in my work. I'm set on throwing myself off the balcony, just headfirst on to my nearest flooring store for this tool.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😂😂

[@fivestarsat27]

The way that you explain things,!! i wish every teacher sounded like you, we'd all be a little smarter!! amazing job man. I never laid carpet but after watching 10 of your video's I'm a pro. Did i mention i have never laid a carpet in my life. ;)

[@francisking5164]

I am in a peculiar geographic location that restricts my-go-to carpet installer from coming to my area, so I purchased all of the tools involved in this and other videos to learn the trade and install my self. These videos have been the best instructional teaching a novice can ask for! Thank you!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Wow, kudos to you my friend that’s pretty impressive

[@francisking5164]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys thank you 👍

[@staceyb3521]

​

[@dinmfba7296]

Great 101 for carpet trimmer. Thanks

[@mariaa.7690]

Thank you, this is so useful you explained so good!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😀👍awesome

[@btiller44]

Love your videos, thank you so much!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

you're welcome

[@humbertogarcia7317]

Dude, you are a good teacher!!!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Thank you sir

[@benjiminus04]

Great video, thanks!!!

[@mujetafilaj547]

Great video man thanks for that.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Muje Tafilaj You’re welcome, hope it helped

[@nirnova]

Thanks for the informative video!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

kyle long You’re welcome thank you for watching

[@bobandlucyshoaf1800]

Thanks for explaining what setting to use for the carpet cutter.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Bob and Lucy Shoaf You’re welcome I hope it helped

[@bobandlucyshoaf1800]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys It sure has. Now I'll get a piece of scrap and practice before doing the one I really need to cut. Thanks again. I really appreciate it.

[@rayrooney1]

Great work

[@gyver471]

Great teaching video thanks

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

gyver471 Well thank you, and you’re welcome I hope it helped

[@donaldmelvinredman7703]

just came across your video on carpet trimming a few days ago already had a roberts trimmer i bought on ebay some time ago followed your instrutions and it worked perfect many thanks for taking the time to make this video you sir are a southern gentlman

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

donald melvin redman that’s great to hear, glad to be of help, I know it will definitely make your job easier

[@johnscarpetsestablished1983]

I have used a trimmer for several years, but time to purchase another, The one you are showing here are still available, well in England they are, I knew from one of your other videos that this was the model number you used, so I thought worth checking to see if it functions the same as the other, it does, as Michael Therrien quoted a veteran of some 20 years, same here but of 37 years, I always find the more you have going up the skirting board, the easier i find it, but clearly can be a pain if you are only fitting carpet on existing underlay and gripper, take extra care if gripper is to far out,

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Johns Carpets established 1982 from England These old style trimmers are my favorite

[@asec6585]

I was about to install carpet and then I started thinking how do I know what's the right length? How do you use this carpet cutter correctly? If I cut it too short I could be out hundreds of dollars having to buy new carpet. Floors by Southern Boys to the rescue. This was exactly what I needed to know. Straight to the point. All of my questions were answered. Excellent videos

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Awesome

[@MattyWill1]

I'm not gonna lie. I laughed a little when you slid your hand across the strip..lol. I know how it feels man. Awesome video man .

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Matt Williams ha ha ha that’s cool

[@josemedel3831]

Great job master 👍

[@ozzstars_cars]

Longer is better than shorter, that's what she said to me. Haha Great demo and explanation! -Glen

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Ozzstar's Cars Thank you sir

[@happypeople3462]

Great video, thanks a lot.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

You’re welcome

[@mcs2431]

Awesome video! Learned something new today

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Cool

[@mcs2431]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@spottypooch]

Hey! Thanks. That is a great collection of tips!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@spottypooch]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys and now . . . My knees . . . Well, you know! But done. About 100 minutes with the help of my 4 boys . . . 8 year old now wants to be a carpet-layer because he liked tamping the carpet down behind the tack strip. I didn't have the stair tool so I had to use a mason's chisel (4"). Anyqay, done and grateful for the encouragement I found in your video. What do you think of the Crain stretcher? (Maybe a different name).

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

@@spottypooch Crain ne makes a very well set of tools

[@nalvarez3505]

Nice video bro, thanks

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

N Alvarez 😀👍 thank you , your welcome

[@bobrainy5324]

It helped. Thank you.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

your welcome

[@TacoLoco1000-ld5mo]

My wife asked me why I have a southern accent when I work on carpet, I shared this video

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😂😂😂That’s great

[@danielkarwowski7540]

Well done video

[@neildrachlen9149]

This guy is great ....Awesome

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😀👍

[@jeffreyMagnum460]

Great video.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Jeffrey Tremethick Thank you sir

[@carpet180]

Thanks for sharing

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

CarpetMan you're welcome

[@maxpopko6441]

Hi! thank you again for all your videos. I am learning by them to do my own carpet. What I noticed is that on all videos I watched, the carpet is already cut to the room. I am planning seams and cuts right now and I figured out that I underestimated the complexity of cutting the carpet without wasting more than 15% of material. Do you have any vidoes of how you cut/plan carpet/seams, or if not - maybe you can make one when you have a chance? Thank you!

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Max Popko Well thank you for watching my videos and yeah I can definitely make a video about that and maybe it will help you out thanks for the recommendation

[@TheChiefJudgeDredd]

Good job

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

The Chief Thank you sir, I hope it helped

[@lucimoart]

I bought one of these after watching your video. I think it is a great tool. The angle you use: can you describe it by measurement?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Ravenpiart not really it’s pretty much just buy feel because like I said in the video there’s a lot of different factors to take into consideration how long or how short you want to cut it for different reasons so you pretty much just need to practice a bit before you actually start to use it on your install maybe just throw A scrap up on the wall like I did and give it a go

[@shawngilbert4900]

I always kick up my set walls after it’s tucked, just a smidge, and I hand cut to all ceramic, or hard wood.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

William S Gilbert 👍 On certain carpets I will give it that extra little kick to just for reassurance

[@vitaliyg3516]

Thanks

[@bobandlucyshoaf1800]

I love Your explanation on how to set the cutter. I have one more issue. Is there another adjustment to case the blades to protrude to cut the carpet? Right now they do not.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Bob and Lucy Shoaf Can you reword that please I’m not quite understanding your question, sorry

[@stevehamman4465]

Bob , when you take the trimmer apart to change blades ,there are adjusting plates that will come out also . You can remove one to make a shorter cut against the wall ,or you can angle the trimmer like shown in the video. I suggest angling like shown in the vid..practice makes perfect !

[@olenakarasyuk]

Thank you for this very informative video. I have a question. I'm new to carpet installation but finally decided to get into it. I bought roberts 10-616 edge trimmer just like the one you are demonstrating but older and I cannot get it to work. I put brand new Personna blades and I was hoping to trim some carpet but it's not cutting it. What do you think is an issue?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Watch this video and make sure that you load the blades properly that is the only thing it could be is, if it is not assembled properly

[@scottrogers2831]

Ruben, will the Roberts 10-616 be the right trimmer for installing attached back carpeting?

[@lucimoart]

Excellent demo. Thanks. Would you follow the very same method if there is no skirting board installed yet? Another question: Do you think it is ok to stretch the carpet on a 10x20 room using a knee kicker only. I could rent the power stretcher but think with our expertise I could damage the carpet.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Ravenpiart Yeah you can do the exact same thing no matter if the baseboard or skirt board is up or down and you’re more Then likely to damage the carpet with a knee kicker rather than a power stretcher on a power stretcher you just push the lever down until it feels tight, you’ll never get it done properly with a knee kicker, Thank you for watching my videos and thank you for the compliment, and please feel free to ask anything anytime and I will give you my personal opinion on your questions thank you once again

[@lucimoart]

Thanks so much for your help. Going to try the power stretcher.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Ravenpiart Good choice

[@ricklewis950]

I prefer the 1st hole as well her other 3 not so much🤣 plan on trying this tool cutting in with my knife is to much work compared to how u operate this tool!

[@Jeffdzr]

Hi , quick question ! I do a lot of re stretching and sometimes I don’t have enough carpet to use a carpet trimmer, what do you recommend and can you do a video

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Yes sir I can do a video

[@jacobbuckley8232]

The walls we're stretching away from we set it on the strip with a stair tool

[@bobandlucyshoaf1800]

Sorry. The cutters do not come out to cut the carpet. What am I doing wrong? Thank You so much for Your help. I appreciate You.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Bob and Lucy Shoaf After the set up is complete as explained in this video it just takes a bit of practice

[@rondaviveiros5498]

hey ruben what is a good trimmer to get, I have a Roberts but don't care to much for it, thanks

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Ronda Viveiros I have always had the old style Roberts 10-616 , That is the only one I’ve ever used, so I could refer anything else because I’ve never used any other ones, however the new Roberts the red one I do not like

[@p2o8wer]

Smart to use a scrap piece instead of the new piece. I never use a wall trimmer up against tile or hardwood. I feel more comfortable with my knife. I slip and you just ruined the carpet right at a walkway.

[@rocketman3862]

Ruben, love your videos and they are very helpful, but you are placing the blades in upside down in this video. The chiseled side goes against the blade guide and the flat side goes against the locking plate. This is because after cutting the carpet, the parting action is performed first by the locking plate, then by the blade guide. The first parting action is the most likely to jam fibers between the blade and the metal, so the flat side goes against the first parting plate, and that is the locking plate (the locking plate is the one with the two sets of 3 carpet thickness adjustment holes). So when installing the blades under the clips of the blade guide, the chiseled side should be down, not up. If you don't believe me, I suggest you purchase a brand new Roberts 10-616-2A in sealed bubble package from the factory and note which way the blades are installed from the factory. Also you might try contacting Roberts to verify this. In any event, you will have less carpet fiber jambs if you install new blades opposite of the way you show in this video. Good luck to all.

[@Spittin_Bars]

You need a lapel mic from amazon, its really cheap like 15$ and can plug into your phone or an audio recorder and will improve your audio ten fold

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

D R Probably about a year ago I got a new camera with a lapel mic, so my older videos do not have good audio

[@Spittin_Bars]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys oh ok I noticed an improvement in the audio just hadn't gotten there when I left this.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

D R LOL that’s just fine, I started out with a go pro hero and then I switched to a Nother camera and now I have a pretty decent camera with microphone and everything

[@Spittin_Bars]

@@FloorsbySouthernboys thanks for what you're doing, maybe more young people will want to get into the flooring trade after watching your videos, I had my dad to teach me but a lot of people don't so these videos really are valuable. A trade is more valuable than a degree these days.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

D R Completely agree, I would pick a trade over college any day

[@brentmaveric4981]

you keep saying that the trimmer is cutting to short/ long, it's still better than the guys with their knives.....just sayng. and it doesn't look as much effort is being used when using the trimmer. thanks I went from cleaning carpets/ repairs to installing. it's way to hard and knot enough money so going back to cleaning/repairs. Now my skill sett went way up by 3 fold. thanks for the good camera work as well.

[@derykwatson]

What trimmer are you using or which one do you recommend?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Deryk Watson the Roberts 10 616 this is the only trimmer I've ever used so I couldn't recommend any other one but this one I have tried others but I guess I just got used to these because these are the only ones that feel right to me

[@robertcoats5276]

How many plates are under your blade tray on your trimmer?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

7

[@TattedRami_]

Is there any plate or a black plate above the blade tray on your edge trimmer

[@TattedRami_]

?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Kevin Ramirez Just the very top plate that has the writing on it

[@alexlook8017]

What is the Black plate for ?

[@brentmaveric4981]

to short......staple the carpet!! some of these homes in Calif. don't have base boards for the carpet to be tucked, so flush is good.

[@darwinsape9901]

Ohhhhhh you mean the flat side of the blade should be touching the wall of the trimmer and not the 'beveled' or cutting edge of the blade.. ok.. Thanks... Great videos by the way -

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

DarwinsApe that’s it, thank you

[@matlane8495]

Do you ever have a problem with the wall trimmer marking up the baseboards?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

+mat lane Once in a while, it’s a certain kind of paint that it affects

[@Stan_in_Shelton_WA]

Other factors, ?, as a carpet installer would you want that base board a bit higher? Tucking under the base or under the edge of tile helps, right? I'm a do everything myself type of person. I did an under cut on my tile, (maybe 1/4 inch set back on my tile backer board) and set my baseboards and thresholds so there was a gap for the carpet backing to drop into. It worked good for me but I'm not sure if that is an industry standard. I appreciate the level of detail you put into this video. about 1% of KZbin instructional videos can really be used for this level of instruction, thanks.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

Stan Rodgers Thank you for the compliment I appreciate that and I’m glad this video was useful for you, and it depends on what part of the country are in rather the builders will leave the base board up or not, I would rather have it raised up the thickness of the baseboard about a half inch high makes it perfect, as far as the tile I would probably be cautious about cutting stuff out from under it , It creates a cliff and the tile has no support under it which will create a Weak point for it to break off, I hope this helps

[@carpetguy-sk7tp]

You need a crain 245 wall trimmer faster blade change

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

I actually have one that has set in my toolbox ever since I’ve bought it because I didn’t like it I’m just kind of used to the Roberts carpet trimmers It’s just what feels good to me so that’s why I continue to use them but thank you for your advice and suggestions I do appreciate it

[@karl810]

It need some kind of wheels or deeper side base, if I wanted this much variability I'd just use my knife.

[@ryanfindlay599]

Second cut was fine ,unless you guys don't use a knee kicker

[@lauratempestini5719]

Is that the same tool to remove a carpet ?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

no

[@PeterbuiltWL]

Why don't you use the trimmer to tuck the carpet in ?? After you strech the carpet you trim it then pull the Trimmer back towards you and it tucks to he carpet in

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

I just feel like I get a cleaner look using my stair tool

[@NuffSaidBread]

What is that gap on the gripper🤣🤣

[@gizzyguzzi]

Why is the base trim so low?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

gizzy guzzi Outwest it was usually always on the floor

[@dedyandikaputra5519]

Harganya berapa ya alat ini?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

I’m sorry but I don’t understand

[@dedyandikaputra5519]

What is the price for this tool?

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

@@dedyandikaputra5519 about $60

[@MephProduction]

no wonder you guy ruined newly/freshly painted room.. i'm forever going back and sorting out the mess, what annoyed me most of putting tools on window sills..!!! lol

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

MephProduction 😮😂

[@tonybutler9523]

I would never use a cutter, there far too slow, i have a guy who works with me, usess one,I'm always 5 rooms in front at the end of a day.

[@jj45455]

Maybe he’s just a slow worker.

[@TOMBSTONESTAN]

Can't believe people use these toys. I could fit a room in the time it takes to mess around adjusting a blade.

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

🤣🤣

[@jj45455]

I can’t believe people don’t use the trimmer.

[@JohnStrandt]

Trimming and tucking is always done last. The carpet would already be stretched and on the tackless. So, some of his advice makes no sense.

[@jonathantalsma2935]

F

[@jeremycloud3136]

Amateurs

[@FloorsbySouthernboys]

😂😂