Tools and equipment
Audio for slide 1 (mp3 |6|KB)
Some of them are common to many trades, such as hammer, chalk line, trowel and tape measure.
Others are specialised, and designed specifically for particular carpet laying tasks.
Audio for slide 2 (mp3 |6|KB)
Remember that for every tool to perform properly and not let you down when it's needed, it has to be treated properly and kept in good working order.
Always look after your tools, and don't lend them to other people unless you know they'll look after them too.
Set out below are the main hand-operated tools used to install cushion underlay, gripper strips and tufted carpet.
utility knife
straight edge
square
underlay stapler
tape measure
hacksaw
stair tool
hammer
awl
power stretcher
flat seam roller
porcupine roller
carpet shears
duckbill napping shears
hot melt iron
knee kicker
loop pile cutter
induction seaming tool
Learning activity
Audio 3 (mp3 |6|KB)You'll notice that one of the tools illustrated above uses air as a power source, rather than body muscles or mains electricity. Which tool is it?
Compressed air and gas powered tools are becoming increasingly popular on-site, not just for flooring installers but also for carpenters, concreters, roofers and other tradespeople.
Write a list of the air or gas powered tools that a flooring installer might use on-site to prepare a subfloor and install carpet over a gripper system.
For each tool you name, indicate exactly what it would be used for.
