Removal of old flooring is the beginning step to installing new carpet. To do this efficiently and correctly some specific tools are needed. They include a carpet knife, hook knife, metal clamps, hammer, molding bar, channel locks or pliers, floor scraper, broom and dustpan.

Carpet Knives: Carpet knives are commonly used to cut up old scraps of carpet, so that can easily be removed from the job site. There is a double sided razor knife that is made for carpet use, the blades are sharper than normal utility knives, useful when cutting through the rough, hard carpet backing. The blades can also be replaced easily. You will probably go through a lot of blades so be sure to stock up!

A Common Carpet Knife

Hook Knife: A hook knife, also called a “hawk bill”, can be used to pry the edges of the carpet up, removing pad staples, and scraping small debris from the floor.

Metal Clamps: There are clamps that are designed specifically to grab old carpet when pulling it up, these are particularly useful when removing glued down carpet.

Hammer: A hammer is used to knock down staples and to remove tack strip.  I would recommend using a 22oz or larger hammer when installing carpet.

Molding Bar: A molding bar is used to remove molding on the edges of the carpet. These can also be used to pull staples out of the floor.  Look for one that is about 8 inches that will fit well in a toolbox.

Molding Bar used to pry off molding

Channel locks or pliers: These are especially helpful when needing to remove staples from the old flooring. I like to keep a medium sized pair of each (channel locks and pliers) with me on a job.

Floor scrapers: As the name implies, are used to scrape old carpet, glue and objects off of floors.  A large scraper with a 6 to 8 inch blade and long handle is good to have on hand.  A small one with a short handle can be kept in a toolbox for times when it’s not necessary to drag out the big one or when there are tight spaces.

Broom and Dustpan or shop vacuum: These are important to have at all job sites, they should be used to clean up the remaining bits and pieces on the floor after removal is completed.

These tools are important to have, and even more helpful for a novice. Most of these tools you should already have in your garage, for the others, it might be worth it to buy, especially if you are planning on doing a large area, or a whole house.

So go gather your tools and get ready to do some carpet removal. For some advice on how to best remove carpet or some helpful tips please see this article (How to Remove Carpet).