Had to choose between a power stretcher and a knee kicker on a tight stair job

Last Tuesday I was tackling this narrow staircase in an old house over in Oak Park. Customer wanted a plush Berber that was being a real bear to stretch. I had my power stretcher with me but it just wouldn't fit right on those tiny landings. So I had to make a call: wrestle with the power stretcher and risk ripples, or go old school with the knee kicker and hope I got enough tension. I picked the knee kicker because I could get better control in those tight spots. Man, my knee is still sore three days later from all that pounding. But the carpet came out smooth with no buckling, so I guess it paid off. Anyone else run into this where the tool you want just doesn't fit the space?

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parkerrodriguez4d ago

Man that knee kicker decision is real, I've been there on twisty stairs where my power stretcher just laughed at me. Took the old knee beater approach on a spiral staircase once and was limping for a week but the carpet was perfect.