A standing carpet cutter is an engineering control that may help reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) associated with squatting, stooping, and kneeling while removing carpet.  It is a cutting tool with an extension handle used to cut carpet while standing.

There are three basic types of standing carpet cutters: cutters with ‘T’ shaped handles, handle extensions for standard carpet cutters (figure 1 and 2), and long-handled cutters for cutting glued down carpet or vinyl flooring into strips for removal (figure 3). 

Figure 1. Base cutter (Photo courtesy of Beno J. Gundlach, Co.)

Figure 2.  Extension handle (Photo courtesy of Beno J. Gundlach, Co.)

Figure 3.   Long-handled cutter for carpet removal (Photo courtesy of Beno J. Gundlach, Co.)

Cutters with ‘T’ shaped handles allow the user to follow chalk lines and make 90° turns.The cutter glides along on a rear mounted ball bearing and can be used with deep pile carpet. The tool is around 35" high and the handle bar is 16-17" wide for easy steering.

Handle extensions are made of steel and attach to a standard base cutter. They are 58” long and have a plastic grip.

Long-handled cutters are for removing glued down carpet or vinyl flooring. They have a hardened steel point with a blade fixed to it, so that the steel point lifts the carpet and the blade cuts it. For carpeting that is tightly glued down, a hooked blade can be used instead of the steel point/blade combination. The tool has a reinforced fiberglass handle that is adjustable from 49-3/4" to 84" and has a double-locking collar. The tool weighs just over 2 pounds.

Standing carpet cutters increase productivity.

Other carpet installation tools, like stretchers and scrapers, come with extension handles so they can be used while standing.

Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC; Zack Sinner, SPT; and Kevin Wright, SPT – Eastern Washington University

• Residential Construction
  • Install and finish flooring
    • Kneeling & Squatting
    • Stooped postures