The Best Way to do a Carpet Join

In this video I explore the different methods of carrying out a carpet join and which way I find is the most efficient. I also dive into some of the tools that I use.
Roberts Loop Pile Cutter - floormart.co.uk/roberts-loop-...

[@monkeyswift100]

I remember being taught how to join loop pile carpets the same way you have done, by a little old man in Hebden Bridge back in May 2000

[@brentmaveric4981]

I always told my customers I cannot do a seamless seam. So thanks for the video and I do have a pile cutter like you do but it was never explained to it to me like you did on the video so thanks again. And by the way I'm at the end of my carpet career so that sucks

[@samuelwarrington8263]

Yo Sal, Leaning heaps from you’re videos! I’m a Carpet & Vinyl installer from New Zealand 😎

[@patodonovan8364]

Like you I always used to cut joins with a straight edge until I found out about row finding a few years ago now there is no better method to do joins and also use seam sealer thanks for the video.

[@craigemery1980]

Yes Sal 👍 I got the Roberts cutter and use the same method. I have the Orcon row finders too but my favourite is the smaller Crain one 🔥

[@lukedryer2462]

Great video! I agree about top cutting. One way I have found useful when cutting straight edge through the back is to angle your blade when making the cut, which chamfers the edge of the backing and helps the pile sit closer together.

[@maxwalsh4135]

Going to order one of these and give it a go. Thanks for another great video Sal!

[@aaronmaloney8282]

cutting straight stairs & joins with this is a game changer

[@Michaelsosas]

Nice demonstration. II do my joins the same way as you are with the roberts loop pile cutter, or top cutter.👍 But I do my cross joins Cutting from the backing also like your first, demo and use a top cutter & cut the bottom peice so the pile leans towards the join on crossies👍I use to pull a rib and use shears as aprentice on some berbers sometimes,little messy but perfect interlock every time I like your work & videos bye the way. 👍

[@randywl8925]

For loop pile, especially patterned carpet cross seams, I'll often trim from the face using a 6 inch drywall spreader as my guide. It's slow but makes clean cuts. I'll place my carpet on a protective board like you use in this video. Part the row as normal with a row finder. The drywall spreader can also be used as a row finder, but you want to put a small radius on one corner using a file or sharpening stone so it doesn't snag as you slide it between the rows. Anyway, once parted, slide the drywall spreader between the rows. Using a new blade, cut straight down along the spreader. Slide the spreader along, then cut again. Repeat to the end. Sometimes when row finding, it helps to angle the spreader to the angle of the heat set in the carpet pile, but tilt it up vertical when making the cut. I use thermo sealing on my straight seams but latex in cross seams. Reason being, that when heating a seam, the thermo reactivates. On end seams of looped piles thermo can allow a loop to become loose when you're rolling a seam..... latex will hold the loop in place.

[@shaungunter4333]

Quality work as always 👏 👌

[@rappabk]

Great Video - love the way you explain even the tiniest details! Really helps to know what you are (I am) doing! Thanks.

[@antonytheolddog8626]

You got the same pants as myself.regatta. I think they are great, except I have a pair of pro knees on mine and the blue highlights as I'm a city fan..😁 33 years at it mate..

[@remodelingjunkie2459]

Excellent explanation, I will be getting one of those cutters soon, thanks!

[@mikehynes9165]

Another great video 👌i actually used to double cut in my beginner days, it was a lottery if it worked or not!i use a single blade row finder now but im gonna order the Roberts one now that i seen it in action👍 I use a bic pen to find the row,works perfectly

[@markhopkins70]

Good info. Ive always recognized the problem. Didnt know they made a tool. Suggestion... use left, right, correct and incorrect to explain. Tx again and I will loje and follow.

[@joshosterhaudt8723]

its important to realize that the gauge of the carpet determines what side the blade is on,some carpets actually need to be cut"wrong"

[@mikerawles0712]

Good video Sal 🙏🏼 I use the Crain version of this cutter, I love it 👌🏼 I used to use the straight edge method too a while back and joins were sometimes a bit ‘hit n miss’ now every ones a hit 🤣

[@richardyoung641]

Great description..thanks!

[@ralphinkley81]

6:55 "...you're parting your hair..." (gestures across a handsome bald head)😂 Great video, super excited to cut some carpet soon the right way, finally!

[@ReinSman100]

Very good presentation of the blades.

[@TrimTuckCarpets]

I’m glad you enjoyed the video.

[@jmccormick1490]

I used to switch blades from the "right" to "left cut, but carpet rows come from the factory with a 1 mm or so space in between. So if you keep the blade on the right side for both cuts, you mimic the factory spacing between rows. My seams have actually been coming out more consistent and nearly invisible. If you cut both rows tight up against the fibers, you cause a peak in the fibers that can cast a shadow. If you ever have to trim your seams with nap shears, this is why. Cutting to tight can cause a peak. Seriously try it. It's especially useful on dense plush carpets, it will make your seams invisible. There's a couple of videos on it. Look a at "Floors by Southern Boys" seaming videos.

[@TrimTuckCarpets]

I’m aware of this and I bring this IN To action on certain types of carpets. But it won’t work on all.

[@ajjohnsonjohnson9441]

Sure beats jumping over straight edge an cutting through the thumb seen it to may time 👍

[@jonstimpson9481]

Great video Sal! I have a question though. Sometimes I get some Loop pile carpets where the tension in the carpet is all over the place and the Rows are incredibly wavey. How do you go about Joining a carpet like that straight? I keep it under tension but sometimes over a Long distance they go in and out. Thanks

[@TrimTuckCarpets]

With somthing like this it’s unfortunate, however you’ll just have to manipulate the carpet with awls and seaming claps.

[@Dan-cr5ts]

Is the Roberts Loop Pile cutter only suitable for loop pile carpets? Also, could you do an instructional video on the joining process using your iron, clamps, weights etc. Thanks!

[@TrimTuckCarpets]

Hi , I it’s able to do it on all carpets. As I’ve just done on a twist carpet.

[@matte6340]

Great little tool. We used to row find and cut the join with shears but a lot quicker and more accurate doing it with the Roberts cutter now. Do you ever invisiseam if the rows aren't running straight?

[@TrimTuckCarpets]

Yeah I have an invisiseamer

[@jb-es5zj]

whats an invisiseamer

[@st1gzee]

@@jb-es5zj the invisiseamer invented by John ward ex carpet fitter is a tool that allows you to join any type of seam be it doorways or body and boarder loop of twist piled carpets at the correct angle of 45% degrees and I’d never leave home without it ..

[@burn1down249]

I use the cushion back cutter with two blades

[@lukeoconnor8840]

What brand knife is this ?

[@jb-es5zj]

sal i was taught to cut berbers by hand with a hook knife took forever another guy showed me the awl method game changer now i just use a roberts red cutter suits me if the gap between ribs is larger than standard and you cut close to the pile left and right do you find that you get a bulky line if you know what i mean PEACE OUT

[@TrimTuckCarpets]

The Robert’s cutter is a nice bit of kit !

[@susdad]

Gotta use a row finer for Barbour

[@DasaScent]

Voice like Vin Diesel from Fast & Furious 😁

[@intrimscuba]

How do you ensure a straight cut without a straight edge? My hands stready, but don't think I could cut a large join perfectly straight free hand like that? Thanks for another amazing vid though mate

[@TrimTuckCarpets]

When finding a row you can feel if it goes on and generally it just follows the manufactured row which is straight. You would know if you have skipped a row.

[@intrimscuba]

@@TrimTuckCarpets thanks for the reply. I'm going to give it a go. Really appreciate the advice.

[@randywl8925]

@@intrimscuba the trick is adjusting the foot of the tool as close to the thickness of the carpet backing, but without it being tight.

[@intrimscuba]

Since your last message, been cutting all cuts and joins using this method, taken the quality to a new level. Wish someone had shown me this years ago now! Thanks so much!

[@Cody-fo5jn]

You should cut it from the back when you are using plush carpet

[@robertodlesta]

what about if the rows are wavy?

[@robertodlesta]

I've just done a loop pile and the rows were all over the place.

[@TrimTuckCarpets]

Than you’re in trouble 😂

[@jamielloyd5522]

What if your joining the carpet between 2 walls in other words you can’t slide the tool all the way to the end

[@TrimTuckCarpets]

Then you lift the iron up ⬆️- and gently holding the tape on the iron. Be careful it can be hot so gloves or a bit of scrap carpet can help take the heat away. Once you’ve done that. Gently place the join together

[@stanleyflooring6772]

I wouldnt say that method is incorrect, the row finder is just better. Ive run rows on some cormar and abingdons carpets and rows gone like spaghetti so have been forced to straight edge it.

[@waynescarpets]

Hi Sal has your kool klide come yet I ordered mine just a hr before you not here yet

[@TrimTuckCarpets]

Still not here 😒 and I haven’t really been able to even get in contact with then to see where it is

[@waynescarpets]

@@TrimTuckCarpets I have tried the tracking number and just says got label put on it

[@TrimTuckCarpets]

Still nothing ! God knows why it’s taking so long. Has yours arrived ?

[@waynescarpets]

@@TrimTuckCarpets not yet but getting up dates most days now not weekends last up date it was on the plane on Friday I think or Thursday will keep you up to date

[@waynescarpets]

Hi sal mine got to Heathrow this morning

[@marvinedwards3130]

I don't agree. You are removing backing that is there between other every row un the carpet- therefore the two rows at the join will be closer together than every other row in the carpet hence the join can never look the same as two normally spaced rows.. Both sides need to be cut with the same side blade down.

[@TrimTuckCarpets]

Tried that method and the join is more visible. I prefer this way. It comes out invisible.

[@marvinedwards3130]

@@TrimTuckCarpets That's not my experience. Two rows of tufts closer together than other two rows in the carpet is going to be visible to the discerning eye.

[@TrimTuckCarpets]

@@marvinedwards3130 never had a problem with the method we do. And that is a known way amongst the professionals. Each to their own. If it works for you then no fault on your side. This way works for us perfectly with no join being visible.

[@marvinedwards3130]

@@TrimTuckCarpets As I said that's not my experience. Maybe it works if the backing of the two sides is not as tight together as it could be. I too have tried both methods . I earn my living doing it. Guess that makes me a "professional " too..

[@TrimTuckCarpets]

@@marvinedwards3130 maybe I’ll do a video on both methods and the viewers can see and choose for themselves what they prefer

[@josephminarczyk7639]

Sorry I fell asleep during your video. Not very entertaining

[@ramonburchell6366]

Wrong type of video if your after “entertainment “