Just dropped $80 on a decent power stretcher and it saved my back on a big job

I finally gave in and bought a Crain 6-foot power stretcher after using a knee kicker for years on residential work. Cost me about $80 at a local supplier in Spokane, and the difference is night and day. I had a 12x15 room with some tricky angles near a bay window, and the knee kicker just wasn't cutting it for the final stretch. With the power stretcher, I got the carpet flat in half the time and didn't have to crawl around on my knees as much. Plus, the seams came out way cleaner without me fighting the carpet. I probably should have bought one five years ago instead of trying to save a few bucks. Anyone else been stubborn about buying a tool that ended up paying off fast?

3 comments

3 Comments

grantmartinez13d ago

Wait, you're telling me there are people who actually drop eighty bucks on a power stretcher and don't immediately try to convince themselves their knee kicker is "good enough for another decade"? I was that guy for way too long, my knees are still mad at me about it. There's something humbling about realizing you've been doing a job the hard way for years, all to save a few dollars that you'll end up spending on ibuprofen anyway. The seams alone are worth it, I swear knee kickers leave behind these little waves that only show up when the light hits wrong. You basically bought yourself a time machine and a knee saver all in one, pretty good deal if you ask me.

the_anthony13d ago

Nah, my knee kicker still works fine.

jana_scott13d ago

Read an article saying knee kickers cause more strain than deadlifts. Wish I knew sooner.