Just realized that old-timer who told me to never use a power stretcher on stairs was right

Honestly, I thought that guy was just being stubborn when he said that back in 2018. He was like 65 years old, been installing since the 70s, and told me power stretchers on stairs will mess up the bullnose every time. I figured he was just afraid of new tools, so I ignored him and used mine on a set of stairs in a house over in Arlington. Sure enough, that bullnose buckled and the carpet started pulling loose after about 4 months. Had to go back and re-do the whole thing by hand with a knee kicker, took me twice as long. Ever had one of those old-school guys give you advice that ended up being spot on?

2 comments

2 Comments

hugomurray8d ago

Never use a power stretcher on stairs" those exact words man. I did the same thing, thought I knew better and wrecked a whole flight of stairs in a rental property. Had to rip it all out and start over. Old guys know their stuff, I learned that lesson the hard way too.

eva_adams688d ago

Thought that same thing myself when I was starting out. A 30 year veteran told me to never put a power stretcher on stairs because the bullnose edges are too sensitive and the carpet needs to be worked in by hand to hug the treads properly. I argued with him about it for like 10 minutes before he just shrugged and walked away. After screwing up my third set of stairs, I finally realized he was right and now I hand stretch every single one. What was the old timer's exact words when he warned you about that?