Cutting a hole in carpeting

[Jim K]

Does anyone know of a way to cut a hole in carpeting that does not ruin the carpeting by unwinding all of the carpet threads? I want to mount my mini fire extinguisher.

[mreid]

Use a pencil soldering iron. Push it into the carpet where you want the hole and melt a hole through. Works well on up to 1/2" holes sealing the carpet as you go and can be used on larger holes with a slightly different technique.

[Jim K]

OK, that sounds very workable. I'll give it a try on a scrap set-up. Thanks!

Jim K.

[Seagull81]

If you need a bigger hole, I think an electrician knockout punch should do it.

[beast]

A sharp gasket hole punch also works well. Just turn by hand...makes a clean hole. Gary

[Jim K]

Thank you, I will give them all consideration as soon as my garage warms up!

[Clois Harlan]

The pencil soldering iron works best for installing screws through carpet. Used that for years. Bigger holes I have been known to take an old paring knife and heat it up to cut around a hole that I had marked out in chalk. No unraveling!!

Clois Harlan