Carpet install

[Salty]

How many here would use the existing tackless strip when installing new carpet?

I've got an install coming up within about a month and was wondering what you people would recommend. I plan to remove the old carpet myself as I want to put some screws in the floor to help eliminate some squeeks. I'll have the new pad and carpet installed cause I cannot do it myself anymore. My knees won't take it. I'm just not sure if I should use the old tackless. I can install new myself but I'm not sure it is necessary if what is there is in good shape.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions and comments.

Salty

[atgcpaul]

We had a HD contractor install carpet in our last house. After they removed
the old carpet and the pad, the installer determined some places needed new
strips (like the room where the previous owner kept his cat litter box) and
others didn't. Worked for me. Install went well and the carpet was fine for
the remaining 2 years we lived there. The new strips he used were identical to
the old ones only shinier.

Paul

[cabinetman]

I'm a believer in the statement "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". If there is some question concerning the integrity of the old strips, change them out.
.

[Salty]

Thanks all.

I guess it is one of those cases where if you ask the guy you are about to hire, he will say replace it all. HD and big blue both advertise discount labor rates for installation but the fine print says it is on the existing tackless.
I remember that when I was younger and helped an installer, when he was trimming the edges the last thing he did was run the head of a hammer over the tips of the tackless nails. I assume this was to kink the end of the nails over to help the carpet stay on the tackless.
Paul has good advise and I will replace any that seem to be in question. I just wasn't too eager to replace it all.

[cgallery]

I've never had to replace tackless. Just a piece or two. Then again, I've never had an installer hammer the tacks over after an install, either.

[Hellrazor]

You should replace any strips that are split or otherwise damaged.

[Salty]

I've never had to replace tackless. Just a piece or two. Then again, I've never had an installer hammer the tacks over after an install, either.

Well, he didn't really hammer them, just rubbed the hammer head over the carpet above the nails.