So, you have decided on your next upholstery project. But, before you head out to the shops looking for material or start looking online for inspiration, you need to choose the right tools to complete your project properly.
Choosing the right upholstery tools from the start means you can create pieces of furniture.
Scissors
Simple but often overlooked, a good pair of scissors is one of the upholstery tools that everyone should invest in. A set of high-quality scissors will leave a clean edge which makes cutting that much easier. Honestly, good scissors will repay you tenfold.
Shears
Invest in a good set of shears for cutting. Some shears have weighted blades, which can help with reducing hand cramps if you’re using them for an extended period of time. The additional weight also gives you better control.
Stapler
Staplers are super useful tools. Heavy-duty staplers pin materials quickly and are ideal for upholstery projects when material needs to be fixed to frames. If your upholstery project is a little bit more complicated and requires more time, then try a pneumatic staple gun to reduce the strain on your hands because all that squeezing can really take its toll.
Dust Mask
If you’re sanding an old layer or dealing with old dusty furniture, get yourself a decent dust mask. Dust is horrible and those old layers of paint could give you breathing problems. Dust masks are cheap and can be bought in multi-packs. However, if your upholstery project involves chemical strippers, then consider something more heavy-duty, such as a respirator instead.
Safety Gloves
Safety gloves will come in handy when it comes to protecting your hands from cuts, splinters and general damage. A good pair of gloves will also give you a bit of additional confidence while working.
Magnetic Hammer
A magnetic hammer has a magnet side for picking up upholstery nails and tacks and a hammer side for the actual hammering bit. A handy tool, but don’t bang your tacks in with the magnetised side, otherwise it soon becomes just a regular hammer.
Chalk
Although probably overlooked, chalk will come in handy when it comes to marking your upholstery prior to cutting. You’ll thank yourself for getting some.
Staple Remover
A special tool for removing staples from wooden frames is a must. If you’re removing old sofa feet or dismantling a stapled frame, this tool will be invaluable. A screwdriver is the right tool for swapping sofa feet… but if you want to gouge out chunks of the frame avoid screwdrivers when removing staples. It really is the little things that count. This is one of them.
A side cutter can also be used to remove staples or tacks that your staple remover couldn’t get out. A good pair of pliers may also do the trick and are a useful addition to your toolkit anyway.
Hot-glue Gun
Hot-glue guns are typically used for placing piping. The hot glue gun heats a stick of glue, so it becomes a liquid. This helps to hold piping in place before you permanently secure it in place using staples or tacks. Choose the best quality glue sticks you can.
Regulator
A regulator can be used in a variety of functions, from moving filling around to adding detail to piping. It’s a pretty handy tool if you’re completing an upholstery project. One end of the tool is a sharp round point while the other is flattened to give you better grip.
A Marking Square
Marking Squares are used to mark out, measure and test the squareness of corners. They are a heavy tool, so they also help with weighing fabric down when measuring and cutting out. Super handy though, for achieving that professional finish.
Final Thoughts
Investing in some basic upholstery tools means you can tackle almost any upholstery project with confidence.
Having the right tools for the right job is important and can save you a lot of frustration when it comes to your next project.
If you need help, get in touch with your local upholstery specialist. Tell them what you’re trying to achieve, and they will be able to help you find the right selection of tools to complete the job the way you want.
