Power stretcher vs knee kicker for tight corners, what's your call?

I've been doing installs for about 8 years now, mostly residential in the suburbs around Columbus. Last week I had a hallway job where the corner was so tight I couldn't get my power stretcher to grip right, so I fell back on the knee kicker like my old boss taught me. It took me an extra 40 minutes to get the carpet smooth without ripples, but I got it done. My partner swears the power stretcher with a short extension is the only way, and he says knee kickers are for rookies who like back pain. I've seen both methods blow up on the same type of corner, so I'm not convinced either is a magic fix. What do you all use when the walls are closing in on you, and has anyone ever had a knee kicker actually cause a buckle they had to fix later?

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white.keith11d ago

Knee kicker for tight corners is like using a butter knife to spread peanut butter on a bagel. Sure it works, but you're gonna sweat and curse the whole time. Every installer I know has that one hallway or closet that makes them question their life choices, and honestly that 40 minutes you burned is just the initiation fee. I've seen knee kickers leave a ripple so bad the homeowner noticed before I even packed up, and I've also seen power stretchers just laugh at the same wall and slide off like a greased pig. The real trick is knowing when to ditch the fancy gear and just do it the slow way, no shame in that. Back pain is gonna find you either way, so pick your poison and pray the customer doesn't have a beer belly on the floor plan.