Saw a guy use a power stretcher on stairs yesterday

Dude was out here trying to power stretch a 12 foot run of stairs. Nearly snapped his knee. Has anyone else had to explain why you only use knee kickers on stairs?

3 comments

3 Comments

kellygrant5d ago

Jump right in and tell him a power stretcher is meant for long carpet runs, not stairs. The teeth on a power stretcher can actually gouge out the paint or tack strip on a step. A knee kicker gives you way more control for those tight spaces, right?

harperp245d ago

Ha yeah been there. I gave up on the power stretcher for stairs after the first time and just stuck with a knee kicker. Way easier to finesse the edges without wrecking anything.

betty_perry245d ago

Three steps into my first stair carpet job, my knee gave out and I thought I broke something. The kicker slipped and I slammed my shin against the nosing, left a bruise for two weeks. Power stretcher on stairs is just asking for trouble, the teeth dig into the treads and ruin the finish. Not to mention the grip pad can dent the drywall or kick back and hit you in the face. I learned real fast that finesse with a knee kicker is the only way to get those corners tight. Did you warn the guy before he tried it or just watch the show from a safe distance?