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This discussion, "Kool Glide Discussion", in Tools, Equipment and Supplies (part of the category The Professional Forums), begins, "I wanted to start a discussion on the Kool Glide iron.
Iver been using it on every job now for ..."
I wanted to start a discussion on the Kool Glide iron.
Iver been using it on every job now for a couple of weeks.
It was a bit strange and difficult for me to change the way Ive been doing seams for the past 30 years, but I am very happy with the results.
Since I already was sealing the seams with thermo plastic, the Kool Glide iron does a great job of remelting it and binding the edges together. I could do that with my regular iron, but I could only go a few inches at a time since the tops of the irons have the heat shield which does not want to get the thermo plastic hot enough to remelt. Also, you will need to use the glue sticks made for the kool glide. It has a lower melting point then the standard glue stick and is very sticky.
The one main thing I am having a hard time getting used to is the fact that you need to cut down the carpet and the tape to the wall or it won't melt the tape on the edge.
I did have a very slight overlap the other day on a carpet that the edge was very crooked, and was very pleased to be able to quickly fix it by reheating that area and pushing it back to where it was supposed to be.
Also, the tape has the orange line right down the middle that is most helpful as any gap jumps right out at you.
I have found that peaking is all but completely gone which is very good to an installer like me who takes stretching very seriously.
The store I work out of is so impressed with the iron that they gave me a .50 a yard raise which will pay for the purchase of the iron and the additional cost of the tape.
I like how I can walk away from the seam at any time, and the fact that if I am working on a difficult seam, I don't have to push the activation button and can work on the area I am working on without having to worry about hurrying up because the next section is ready.
I did a patch with it the other day... OUTSTANDING!
The use of this iron is cumbersome to start with, but once you get used to it, it is hard to justify using any other method of seaming.
The tape is very low profile, it is wider and it is way more "sticky" then standard tapes.
Another benefit...
You don't ever gets those clumps of glue that try to pool behind your standard iron.
Another benefit....
You can "spot weld" places on the seam on trouble pattern carpets then go between later.
I have found that for the best results for me I do this.
After I move the iron forward, I do not immediately reactivate it...
I check the area I just melted first, make sure that I got good melt, make sure that I don't have to do any adjusting, THEN I activate the iron.
I then "pinch' the seam to bind the thermo plastic sealed edges together, tractor it and move my weight on it, by then, the kool glide is ready to move forward.
It only takes about 8 seconds for it to melt the tape.
(I don't pinch cheaper carpets.... they are to thin and flimsy and will overlap if you pinch it!)
Can any one tell that I really like my new Kool Glide iron?
What is your experience and is do you have any neat tricks?
i have two and i have been using them for over 2 years.. i have not used a regular iron since... i use it on hardwood installs and also on covebase....yesterday i had a mohawk levelloop carpet with a pattern out of tolerance over concrete..i stretched up and zapped the pattern together in 3 different spots and then i did the whole seam, and ya i had time to line up everything... i like not having to use a kicker and stretcher while i am trying to seam...up a pattern carpet..
Last edited by Al Gladden; July 29, 2008 at 08:05 PM.
Reason: misspelled
How sad that we have to purchase expensive tools to make up for poor quality goods. Personally, I won't invest in anymore carpet tools until rates go much higher. I'm tired of after over thirty five years, I am paid a pathetic amount for installing the most difficult product on the market. Everyone knows this and yet we still accept it. What is the point of investing in a future which has no rewards. Every shop I go to, tell me, they cannot find new installers, but nobody does anything about it. Do I sound bitter, hell no, I install other products and will not do otherwise until the industry stops ripping off the installer. Yes I think it's ripping off, because they charge much more then they pay, and for the most part, offer no benefit for a job well done.
How sad that we have to purchase expensive tools to make up for poor quality goods. Personally, I won't invest in anymore carpet tools until rates go much higher. I'm tired of after over thirty five years, I am paid a pathetic amount for installing the most difficult product on the market. Everyone knows this and yet we still accept it. What is the point of investing in a future which has no rewards. Every shop I go to, tell me, they cannot find new installers, but nobody does anything about it. Do I sound bitter, hell no, I install other products and will not do otherwise until the industry stops ripping off the installer. Yes I think it's ripping off, because they charge much more then they pay, and for the most part, offer no benefit for a job well done.
It sounds like a personal problem to me, I set my own prices unless I accept their price. I remember the days of stores dictating what the price is but not to me anymore, I have my price and I'm sticking to it.
KoolGlides rule.
Been using one for about 2 years for all of the reasons stated by carpetologist, plus, no smoke and no dirty trays. (I have to admit, I set off a couple of smoke alarms back in the day).
Patches (sorry Daris, "Bonded Inserts") are a breeze.
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Do you have to have a class, or can you pick it up on your own?
You have to have a class, it is very short.
You have to make 2 short seams successfully.
No brainer.
Your local supply distributor can usually do it for you.
Can you please elaborate on using it for cove base?
I was under the impression that it could not be used for rubber or plastic.
Did you use it for corners?
No telegraphing?
I wanted to start a discussion on the Kool Glide iron.
Another benefit....
You can "spot weld" places on the seam on trouble pattern carpets then go between later.
Can any one tell that I really like my new Kool Glide iron?
What is your experience and is do you have any neat tricks?
After getting my KoolGlide, I completed my new "seam system" by also buying a "Seamer Down". When "spot welding", it sure is nice to cool the welds quickly so I can proceed with the rest of the seam right away.
I believe the Seamer Down also helps eliminate any ledging, profiling, and peaking.
Just one more element of modern advanced carpet seaming.
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