Tools Needed for Upholstery

Staple Gun

• A staple gun is used for stapling upholstery to wood. A staple gun is easier to use than a manual stapler, because you do not have to exert much power, thus causing less hand and arm pain.

Needle Nose Pliers

• Needle nose pliers are used for bending, gripping, and cutting small wires, according to daviddarling.info. The pliers are also well-suited to grip items such as broken staples and staples that are too small to grab with your fingers.

Upholstery Tacks

• Specifically made for upholstery, large headed upholstery tacks are used to fasten padding or fabrics to furniture for a long hold, according to upholsterytacks.net. These tacks present a more decorative finish than staples, because they are available in various sizes, colors, and finishes.

Tack Hammer

• A common upholstery tool, the tack hammer is lightweight and usually made from bronze. A tack hammer has one magnetic head to help you collect the tack and place it in an exact spot without the risk of your other hand being hit as you hold the tack. The small, flat head of the hammer is used to hammer tacks in securely, according to perfectfit.com.

Scissors

• A pair of heavy-duty scissors is essential for upholstery work. Your scissors should be strong enough to cut fabrics such as denim, wool and leather. To use your scissors effectively, they should be sharpened regularly.

Claw Tool

• Use a claw tool to remove tacks and staples without damaging the wood around them. A claw tool resembles a screwdriver with a forked end for removing tacks and staples.

Regulator

• A regulator looks like a long needle and is used for shaping and to adjust stuffing deformities, according to jwupholstery.net. The regulator can push stuffing into tight areas of furniture pieces. The end of a regulator also usually has an eye to aid in threading.