The pencil and paper trick

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I was shown how to do the pencil and paper trick to determine pile direction on carpet. Somehow, I tried it today, and plum forgot....
Anyone know what I’m talking about?
I think it was Steve Andrews who I learned it from. I need to show a homeowner why you have to install carpet the same direction....please help....
Jeff @ SCC
 
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put the paper down on carpet....roll pencil back and forth on paper with palm/fingers...short strokes......paper moves in direction of pike
Funny, I just tried it on my bedroom carpet, and it worked perfectly.... when I did it today at a clients home, it didn’t do shyte.... the paper they gave me was very thick though. Yes, the carpeting was nylon cut pile....
Thank you for the refresher Fred...
 
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Willy P

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Good Lord - are you guys that inept that you can't look or even feel that? When I was taught how to install, that was one of the first things I learned.
 
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Good Lord - are you guys that inept that you can't look or even feel that? When I was taught how to install, that was one of the first things I learned.
It’s not that I can’t Willy, it’s for an insurance claim, and the client NEEDS proof that the flooring store/installer fooked up... they want to video it in case it goes to court....
 

Cleanworks

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It’s not that I can’t Willy, it’s for an insurance claim, and the client NEEDS proof that the flooring store/installer fooked up... they want to video it in case it goes to court....
Carpet cleaners don't need to be involved in insurance claims. That's between the client, the installer and retailer. You can offer your opinion but let the professionals take from there.
 

Willy P

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It’s not that I can’t Willy, it’s for an insurance claim, and the client NEEDS proof that the flooring store/installer fooked up... they want to video it in case it goes to court....
Did they do a half turn or a quarter turn? I see a ton of side to side shading but rarely see a messed up directional install.
 
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Did they do a half turn or a quarter turn? I see a ton of side to side shading but rarely see a messed up directional install.
Half turn... the piece in question looks like a completely different colour....the flooring store said ‘it will just steam out, and in a week, it will settle in’.... its in the guys recording studio....
 

Nomad74

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Repairs are okay, but they're a bit of a pain when it's the only reason to show up for a job. And I don't want to hear "Charge more" bullshit. A pain is a pain is a pain, no matter the price. I don't mind doing a little repair now and then, but having to drive across town to do a little corner the cat clawed up aggravates me. I've got one of those next Monday. I tried to get out of it but the lady was insistent. I'm too damn nice! I'm at the point where I just want to clean carpets and make my $200 minimum or more. I know how to do all the fancy repair stuff, dye, clean hard surface, Upholstery, and whatever, but I just want to clean nastiness out of carpets.

Carpet repair is more of an art than a system. Either you got the eye, or you don't. Matching the nap, buttering the seams, trimming the tips, cutting to correct size, dying the correct spot-on color...... It's an art. I got the eye, but I'd rather just destroy urine and dirt with my wand.

-The views expressed in this post are the opinions of Tom Cruise and do not reflect the views of over achievers and retards everywhere.
 
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Guess I should give up, and go Clean section 8’s, and single wides.....and while I’m at it, tell my children not to do their best in school, just go through the motions... then push them to be a night clerk at 7-11.....
 
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Cleanworks

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Guess I should give up, and go Clean section 8’s, and single wides.....and while I’m at it, tell my children not to do their best in school, just go through the motions... then push them to be a night clerk at 7-11.....
All i'm saying is, unless you're a certified carpet inspector, you don't want to get involved in these cases, except to point out that a problem exists. Once you've done that, let them hash it out between themselves. Your job is done.
 
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steve_64

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Repairs are okay, but they're a bit of a pain when it's the only reason to show up for a job. And I don't want to hear "Charge more" bullshit. A pain is a pain is a pain, no matter the price. I don't mind doing a little repair now and then, but having to drive across town to do a little corner the cat clawed up aggravates me. I've got one of those next Monday. I tried to get out of it but the lady was insistent. I'm too damn nice! I'm at the point where I just want to clean carpets and make my $200 minimum or more. I know how do do all the fancy repair stuff, dye, clean hard surface, Upholstery, and whatever, but I just want to clean nastiness out of carpets.

Carpet repair is more of an art than a system. Either you got the eye, or you don't. Matching the nap, buttering the seams, trimming the tips, cutting to correct size, dying the correct spot-on color...... It's an art. I got the eye, but I'd rather just destroy urine and dirt with my wand.

-The views expressed in this post are the opinions of Tom Cruise and do not reflect the views of over achievers and retards everywhere.
I've felt this way too. But I realized its just not practical. You have to do the stuff you don't like also or you you just become a piss hack making just enough to do the next job.

Got to get out off that comfort zone.
 
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Cleanworks

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Repairs are okay, but they're a bit of a pain when it's the only reason to show up for a job. And I don't want to hear "Charge more" bullshit. A pain is a pain is a pain, no matter the price. I don't mind doing a little repair now and then, but having to drive across town to do a little corner the cat clawed up aggravates me. I've got one of those next Monday. I tried to get out of it but the lady was insistent. I'm too damn nice! I'm at the point where I just want to clean carpets and make my $200 minimum or more. I know how do do all the fancy repair stuff, dye, clean hard surface, Upholstery, and whatever, but I just want to clean nastiness out of carpets.

Carpet repair is more of an art than a system. Either you got the eye, or you don't. Matching the nap, buttering the seams, trimming the tips, cutting to correct size, dying the correct spot-on color...... It's an art. I got the eye, but I'd rather just destroy urine and dirt with my wand.

-The views expressed in this post are the opinions of Tom Cruise and do not reflect the views of over achievers and retards everywhere.
I don't understand why you can't make your $200 minimum on repairs. I've seen the pics of your work and you're right. You have the eye and patience for it. Charging what it's worth makes it more fun.
 

Nomad74

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I don't understand why you can't make your $200 minimum on repairs. I've seen the pics of your work and you're right. You have the eye and patience for it. Charging what it's worth makes it more fun.
I do. But i gotta look in the mirror also.
 

Cleanworks

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I do. But i gotta look in the mirror also.
A lot of guys just look at the fact that they are in and out in 1/2 hour or so and find it hard to justify a high hourly rate but you have invested in the right tools, training and have the experience to do the job right. If the home owner tried it, they would fool around with all day and end up with a huge mess. You have saved them from having to replace the carpet or in case of a renter, of losing their damage deposit. Look in the mirror and you should see a guy who is worthy of his wages looking back at you. Maybe more than just a fat Tom Cruise.
 
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