Tools for Reupholstery

Staple Removers

• A staple remover is essential for removing the old fabric. It has a forked metal end for removing staples. A pair of diagonal pliers will help you pull out broken staples.

Tack Removers

• If the furniture has tacks, you will need a ripping chisel and a tack hammer. A ripping chisel has a bent end for getting underneath tacks, and the thin hammer is used to tap the handle of the chisel to pull them out.

Webbing Stretcher

• A webbing stretcher helps pull the jute webbing taut when replacing it on the bottom of chairs. With several different kinds available, they all have sharp teeth for gripping the webbing and a handle.

Staple Gun

• A staple gun is used for attaching the new fabric when recovering the piece. An air stapler and compressor will make your work much easier.

Foam Cutter

• When replacing foam, you will need a foam cutter. An electric meat carving knife works well for basic projects.

Sewing Machine

• An industrial sewing machine will give you the best results, but a regular sewing machine attached with a larger needle will work for straightforward work. A welting foot helps to keep the fabric smooth when sewing cord or piping.

Yardstick and Measuring Tape

• A yardstick and measuring tape are necessary for cutting the fabric pieces to size. You will need a quality pair of shears for cutting fabric. Use dustless white chalk to mark your fabric before you cut.

Upholstery Pins

• Upholstery pins look either like the letter "T" or the heads can be a flat circle. You will need these to hold fabric in place while sewing or before stapling and tacking.

Fabric Steamer

• A steamer is ideal for finishing the piece and giving it the polished look. You can use a household steamer, but invest in an industrial-use steamer if you plan on doing a lot of upholstery work.

Button Maker

• To create fabric-covered buttons, you will need an upholstery button-making machine. A quality machine is made of cast iron. It will only take up a 4-by-7-inch space on your counter or work bench.

A Few Extras

• A pair of hog-ring pliers will be needed if doing auto upholstery work. Other helpful tools include a pair of needle-nose pliers, a rubber mallet and a basic set of screwdrivers.