Tack lifters are used for lifting tacks, small nails, pins, studs and staples from carpets and upholstery.
Can I use my tack lifter on larger nails?
Tack lifters are really designed for use on small nails, pins, studs and tacks only. Larger nails may not fit in between the forked head and may damage the tool if you try to lift them.
For larger nails you may want to use a crow bar or claw hammer.
Can I use my tack lifter on staples?
It is worth noting that many carpet fitters and upholsters choose to use staples to secure their carpets or upholstery material instead of tacks. Standard tack lifters are not designed for lifting staples as their blades are not sharp enough to get right underneath the staple.
There are, however, tack lifters designed especially for removing staples. These are called staple removers.
The forked blade of a staple remover has pointed prongs so that it is easier to slip under staples.
The blade is set at a 45° angle to the shaft so that the user can apply greater leverage.
Do tack lifters have any other uses?
Although we strongly advise that you use your tools for their correct purpose, if you think of a tack lifter as a sort of light-duty mini pry bar then it has a near endless amount of applications.
