Vent: I used to swear by the old school knee kicker for every job

For years, I'd use it on every install, even in small rooms, because that's how I was taught. Then about a year ago, I had a huge master bedroom job in a new build over in Oakwood, and my knees were shot after two days. I switched to a power stretcher for the whole thing the next week and the tension was just way more even. Now I only use the knee kicker for closets or tiny patches. Anyone else make that switch and feel like it saved their body?

4 comments

4 Comments

nguyen.angela3mo ago

My uncle still uses a knee kicker and his back is a total wreck now.

karenb973mo agoProlific Poster

Tell your uncle to stop being a hardhead. That tool is from a different time for a reason. Watching guys wreck their bodies for no good payoff makes me angry. The power stretcher exists so we can still walk at fifty. Pride isn't worth a lifetime of pain.

morgan_king363mo ago

My buddy learned that lesson the hard way on a big open floor plan last fall. He was stubborn about using his old kicker, said it built character. After three days his right knee swelled up so bad he could barely drive home. The boss made him use a power stretcher for the rest of the job, and he finally admitted the difference in the carpet lay was night and day. He still grumbles about the cost of the new tool, but his body thanks him every morning now.

aaron_mitchell1mo ago

@nguyen.angela your uncle's story is way too common. Tell him to rent a power stretcher from a local tool place for a day to try before he buys. I did that myself a few years back and the difference in how the carpet lays flat is unreal. Plus it saved my knees from that constant pounding. Once he sees how much faster and easier the job goes, he'll probably stop grumbling about the price. Has he ever actually used one on a big room?