Roberts Deluxe Knee Kicker (CCW SKU AK042), supplied with a carrying case. The kicker grips the carpet backing with adjustable pins and, when bumped with the thigh, moves the carpet forward onto the tack strip. It is the tool for small areas, edges and re-securing carpet that has lifted after cleaning or a water loss.
Key Features
- Carpet knee kicker with adjustable grip, including case
- Length easily adjusts from 43 to 53 cm
- Lightweight, durable die-cast aluminium body
- Exclusive non-slip checkered hand grip
- Foam-filled seamless bumper pad
- Easy to read, easy to adjust pin depth dial
- Centre grooved head for adjusting power stretcher head
- Comes with a custom-moulded carrying case
Specifications
| Brand | Roberts |
|---|---|
| SKU | AK042 |
| Length | Adjustable 43 to 53 cm |
| Body | Die-cast aluminium |
| Bumper | Foam-filled, seamless |
| Pins | Depth adjustable by dial |
| Supplied | With case |
Roberts publishes its Deluxe Knee Kicker as 17 to 21 in long (which agrees with 43 to 53 cm), with a dial that extends the pins up to 1/2 in (about 13 mm). The Roberts model number of the unit CCW stocks is being confirmed.
Technique matters more than force
A knee kicker is struck with the upper thigh, not the knee itself, and it is set so the pins engage the carpet backing rather than just the pile. Setting the pins too deep catches the underlay; too shallow and the kicker skids and does nothing.
Repeated hard use of a kicker is hard on the leg. On anything larger than a small area or a re-stretch, a power stretcher is the correct tool and the kicker is for the edges.
Setting Up
- Set the length so you can kneel comfortably with the bumper against your thigh and the head flat on the carpet.
- Set the pin depth to the carpet: pins through the pile and into the backing, not into the underlay. Test on a short section first.
- Place the head a short distance out from the strip, bump, and set the carpet onto the strip with a stair tool while the kicker holds it.
- Reset the pin depth when you change carpet type; a cut pile and a thin loop need different settings.
Where It Fits on a Cleaning Job
- Re-securing carpet that has come off the strip at doorways and edges
- Taking up small ripples in a room corner or hallway
- Edge work after carpet has been lifted for drying or underlay replacement
A room-wide re-stretch is a power stretcher job. CCW does not currently list a power stretcher; ask us if you need one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the kicker slip instead of moving the carpet?
The pins are set too shallow for that carpet. Increase the pin depth one step at a time until the head grips the backing.
Why am I pulling up the underlay?
The pins are set too deep. Back them off until they grip the backing only.
Can I use a knee kicker to re-stretch a whole room?
It is not the right tool. Kicking a whole room is slow, does not achieve proper tension and is hard on the leg. Use a power stretcher and keep the kicker for edges and small areas.
What is the groove in the head for?
The centre groove is used when adjusting a power stretcher head.
Related Products
- Carpet Stair Tool 8 cm
- Carpet Installation Awl
- Duckbill Napping Shears
- Carpet repair and reinstallation tools
- Roberts
Tell us what you are working on and we will help you choose.
