how to cut an old carpet

[JohnD]

I have a cheap old carpet, feels like acrylic, not woven, on a dense black rubber backing (not foam or waffle). The backing is old and crumbly and makes black dust.

I am having a new floor laid and want to take up the carpet, and cut it into manageable pieces so I can put it in sacks and carry downstairs without shedding this rubber dust.

What's a good tool to use?

 

[big-all]

half off it will probably stick to the floor

big scissors or a bit off 3/6mm board slid under and a stanley knife rolling the offcut and sliding the board as you go
its going to be messy whatever you do

 

[HERTS P&D]

Carpet layers cut old carpet into 1metre strips and then run a role of tape around them so that they don't come undone. Then if you want you can place them into a rubble bag.

Andy

 

[RonnyRaygun]

Once you get it started it will easily tear down the "grain".

 

[JohnD]

Stanley knife then?

 

[HERTS P&D]

Yes, Stanley knife with new blade...............makes it much easier. Lift the carpet up as you cut through it as not to damage the floor below.

Andy

 

[JohnD]

ta, but am taking up old chipboard to fit a new floor, so doesn't matter about scratches from cutting carpet

At ordinary ponted blade?

 

[masona]

Hooked blades?

 

[Richard C]

At ordinary ponted blade?

New hooked blade is easier & better but, be careful, they face towards you & can be very spiteful if you’re even a little careless.