So, you have finally found the time to begin working on an upholstery project. But, before you head out to the shops or start looking online, you need to know exactly what upholstery are out there and which ones you will need in order to complete your project. There is so much more that goes into upholstery which requires upholstery tools that will allow you to craft pieces of furniture. Here, in this article, we are going to discuss some of the common upholstery tools that will help you get started.
Heavy-Duty Stapler
Heavy-duty staplers are used for uncomplicated and short term upholstery projects when material needs to be fixed to frames. But, if your upholstery project is a little bit more complicated, then it is better to use a pneumatic staple gun to reduce the strain on your hands.
Utility Gloves
Utility gloves will go a long way when it comes to protecting your hands from cuts, splinters and callouses. They will make it easier to strip old furniture and move larger pieces around.
Scissors
Scissors are among the upholstery tools that every beginner should invest in. A set of good quality scissors will leave a clean edge which makes upholstery much easier.
Dust Mask
It’s important to get yourself a dust mask as this will prevent dust from entering your nose and mouth. They are not very expensive at all and can be bought in multi-packs. However, if your upholstery project involves paint or stain stripper, then you will need a respirator instead.
Side Cutter
A side cutter can be used to remove staples or tacks that your stapler failed to remove altogether. A good pair of pliers may also do the trick and are a handy addition to have in your toolkit anyway.
Hot-glue Gun
Hot-glue guns are typically used for placing piping. The hot glue helps to hold piping in place before you permanently secure it in place using staples or tacks. When it comes to buying glue sticks, it is always better to buy the best quality you can find on the shelves.
Shears
Shears can carry extra weight in the blade, which can help with reducing hand cramps when in use for an extended period of time. The additional weight of shears also means that you will have better control. In investing in a good set of shears but be prepared to sharpen them on a regular basis if you are going to be using them a lot.
Magnetic Hammer
A magnetic hammer is a great tool to have when it comes to picking up tacks and for driving nails into the frame of your furniture. However, it is important not to tap nails or tacks with the magnetic area as this will demagnetise it and potentially cause damage to the hammer.
Chalk
Although not technically a tool, it is something that will come in handy when it comes to marking your upholstery prior to cutting. It’s good to buy chalk that has a waxy property to it and comes with honed edges.
Regulator
A regulator can be used in a variety of functions, from moving stuffing around to detailing piping. One end of the tool is a sharp round point while the other is flattened to give the user better grip whilst easing stress on the hand.
Marking Square
Marking Squares are used to mark out, measure and testing the squareness of corners. They are a heavy tool, so they also help with weighing fabric down when measuring and cutting out.
Get Started Today!
Invest in high-quality upholstery like the ones we have discussed during this article, and you will be on your way tackling almost any upholstery project. Having the right tools for the right job is extremely handy and can save you a lot of time when it comes to upholstery. If you are left scratching your head, then don’t worry as those who work in upholstery supply shops will be able to steer you in the right direction. Explain your project to them, and what you hope to achieve, and they will be able to tell you exactly what you need in order to succeed.
