The Upholstery Tools I Use

One of the most common questions I’m asked is, “What are the tools you use the most for upholstery, and what should I purchase to get started”?

I compiled a list of my favorite tools to use for upholstery, and here they are! I believe a creative is only as good as the tools they use, and I have used both cheap start-up tools and nicer tools. We all have to start somewhere, and do what we can with what we have, but there is just no comparison between nice tools that’ll make your job easier and tools that will give you trouble.

*This post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own

This post contains a few affiliate links to help you find the products I use. You are not charged extra to use any of the links, but any income I make is used for more tutorials and projects! To see my full disclaimer, click here!

Upholstery Tools

Staple Remover– This tool is great for getting out small tacks and staples. The angled arm gives you extra leverage when pulling.
Ripping Chisel– This tool is used for getting tacks and nails out of the piece you working on. Another one I use for this application is a Combination Ripping Tool.
Wood Mallet– To tap on the back of the ripping tools and use when finishing an upholstered piece.
Staple Remover Pliers– To remove staples. A dull pair of side-bevel wire cutters works as well.
Scissors– 12″ heavy duty and sharp scissors.
Regulator– Regulators are an extra hand to hold fabric and to push stuffing into hard-to-reach places.
Gooseneck Webbing Stretcher– This is used for stretching webbing when rebuilding chair foundations.
Staple Gun– Short or long nose (long nose is better for small spaces and antique pieces) pneumatic staple gun and #7 staples (come in various lengths).
Air Compressor– Your compressor needs to put out a minimum of 100 PSI to run your staple gun.
This is a list of the top tools I use for painting and upholstery!

Additional tools will be needed depending on what you’re refinishing, upholstering, if you’re rebuilding foundations, or applying decorative tacks, but this list will definitely get you started.