Just realized the difference a proper power stretcher makes on a big room

I did a 20x30 living room in Springfield last month with my old knee kicker and it looked okay at first. Two weeks later the homeowner called me back because they had ripples forming near the center. I went back with a Roberts 1048 power stretcher and re-stretched it, and the difference was night and day. Has anyone else had a job where the right tool made that much of a difference after the fact?

3 comments

3 Comments

stella_roberts2d ago

Oh man, that's the worst feeling, getting that callback. Been there with a knee kicker on a big open space, and you just know it's not going to hold. It's so frustrating because you did the work, but the tool just wasn't right for the job. That power stretcher getting it drum-tight must have been a huge relief. Makes you want to go back and re-do every big room you ever did without one.

pat_hart2d ago

I read this article last year that said like 70% of carpet callbacks are from not using a power stretcher on big areas. It really stuck with me. I mean, @stella_roberts, you're totally right about that sinking feeling when you have to go back. I had a similar thing with a 20x20 living room once, just watching it wrinkle up a week later. Using the right tool from the start saves so much headache and makes the job feel actually finished.

david_fisher372d ago

Wasn't there a study that said most callbacks are from not using a power stretcher on big rooms? I read something like that too, and it totally makes sense after seeing it happen. @stella_roberts is right about that sinking feeling, it's the worst. Using the right tool from the start just makes the job feel solid and done.