Is my Carpet and gripper ok to re-use?

[zenonithus]

Hey all, I pulled off my carpet rather harshly without thinking I was putting it back. The edges look a little tatty. Just wondering if you think this is still ok to re-use? Also I carefully levered out my gripper. Most of it looks fine to me though some look a bit bad as in the little grip nails look bent at the end (see pic of gripper from side). I have added pictures, any advice would be great. Cheers

 

[Careful_Bodger]

You should be fine - but you'll need a knee-kicker.

 

[zenonithus]

Cheers CB, I was thinking I might leave that part to the pro they reccomended getting new gripper and I'm cool with that as it costs next to nothing, though I also like to recycle and getting rid of this stuff is more difficult than just re-using.

What main reasons would there be not to re-use old gripper?

 

[Careful_Bodger]

I'd guess that pros would like to use new gripper as the nails are ready, and aren't all half-in-half-out stylee, also they may be more prepared to warranty the work using new gripper. As you say, some of the gripper nails can get bent out of shape, and sometimes laths get broken, so it might all depend how much.

I have found re-use okay, even as a long term solution. As you say there the wastage avoidance issue, and I didn't mind (as a DIYer) taking the time to line up the nails with the old holes in an attempt not to chew up old floorboards more than necessary.

Some kind fabric carpet tape might help reinforce minor damage effects on the carpet backing, but that would be trial and error.

 

[dazlight]

Be interesting to see how then do grippers. Some fitters are shocking at it.

 

[zenonithus]

Yeah I think you're right. If the carpet comes loose at least they cant blame it on the gripper. Shame to get rid of the old stuff though as I cant see much wrong with it. How much is new gripper per meter?

 

[Gerrydelasel]

How much is new gripper per meter?

From Screwfix £6 for 12m or £36 for 150m.

 

[zenonithus]

Cheers, ah ok so not that much then

 

[Doggit]

I often reuse gripper and have never had problems, and it's often safer that trying to manhandle the stuff out of the room; the building trade is the worst for wasting materials. Bent pins can be straightened, and as long as the nails don't go down in the same position, then they're normally fine.