What Is the Best Tool for Cutting Carpet?

Updated Oct 8, 2024 8:06 am ET


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Whether you’re tearing out old carpet or trimming it after it’s been freshly installed, a carpet-cutting tool will make the job significantly easier.

What is the best tool for cutting carpet, though? We’ve done the research for you to help you choose the best one for your needs.

Best Overall: BLACK+DECKER 4V MAX Rotary Cutter

The Black + Decker 4V MAX Rotary Cutter delivers smooth, clean cuts on a wide range of materials, including carpet, fabric, vinyl, canvas, leather, plastic, and corrugated cardboard. It has a self-sharpening blade, so you can always get a precise cut, and it can run for up to 40 minutes before it needs to be recharged.

We love the extra-long handle with a non-slip grip, which makes this tool safe and easy to use. We’re also glad it has a safety lock button so you can trust that it’s only powered on when you need it to be.

Best Splurge: CGOLDENWALL Electric Rotary Fabric Cutter

If you’re willing to splurge a bit on a more heavy-duty tool for cutting carpet, the CGOLDENWALL Electric Rotary Fabric Cutter is a great choice.

This electric carpet cutter features a 70 mm octagonal blade and 2400 RPM speed. Its high-speed cutting allows it to cut effortlessly through thicknesses of up to 25 mm(one inch).

We love that this fabric cutter is easy to maintain and comes with a built-in sharpening stone, so you can also trust that you’re working with the sharpest, most precise blade possible.

Best Budget-Friendly Option: REXBETI 6-Pack Retractable Folding Utility Knife

You’ll never run out of carpet-cutting tools again with the REXBETI 6-Pack Retractable Folding Utility Knife set.

This set comes with six retractable utility knives, which can be used for cutting carpet, leather, cardboard, rope, and much more. It also comes with 20 replacement blades, so you’ll be set for many projects.

We love that these knives store three replacement blades in the handle, providing easy access whenever you need to change it.

STANLEY® Titan Fixed Blade Utility Knife

STANLEY is one of the most trusted brands in the construction and home improvement world, so it makes sense that the STANLEY Titan Fixed-Blade Utility Knife would show up on this list of the best tools for cutting carpets.

This knife has a strong, high-quality brass wheel that minimizes blade movement and allows for more accurate cutting. It is designed for heavy-duty use and works on carpet, cardboard, leather, plastic, and more. If you prefer a manual carpet-cutting tool, this knife is one of the best options to consider.

Crain 217 Hook Handle Razor Carpet Knife

The Crain 217 Hook Handle Razor Carpet Knife features a wide contoured body that allows for a firmer, more comfortable grip. The hook-shaped end makes it easier to cut into tight spaces and helps you work more efficiently.

We’re big fans of the simple design of this knife and how easy it is to use. We also like that it pivots open for convenient blade storage.

SnapFresh Cordless Electric Scissors

If you’re looking for another electric carpet-cutting tool, the SnapFresh Cordless Electric Scissors could be the right option for you. These lightweight, easy-to-maneuver scissors cut through a variety of materials, including carpet, canvas, leather, and cardboard, up to ¼-inch thick.

If you struggle to remember to sharpen your blades, this tool is for you. It features a built-in self-sharpening system and is always ready to cut. It comes with a replacement blade as well.

Roberts 10-616-2A Conventional Carpet Trimmer with 20 Heavy-Duty Slotted Blades

The Roberts 10-616-2A Conventional Carpet Trimmer is designed to trim carpet neatly along the wall, under toe kicks, and in a variety of other areas. It features a five-position folding rubber handle that helps you access hard-to-reach places more easily, too.

We love that you can quickly adjust this carpet cutter vertically and horizontally based on carpet thickness and that it has an anti-slip rubber handle to provide a firm grip while you work.

WORX WX082L 4V ZipSnip Cordless Electric Scissors

The WORX WX082L 4V ZipSnip Cordless Electric Scissors is easily one of the best choices for cordless carpet-cutting tools. These electric scissors can cut through a variety of tough materials, from carpet to cardboard, and produce much less hand strain compared to manual scissors.

We love how long the charge lasts on this pair of scissors — the 4V MaxLithium battery can hold a charge for months. The scissors also come with a power level monitor so you’ll always know when it’s time to plug them back in.

WORKPRO Cordless Electric Scissors

If you want the best tool for cutting carpet with a little extra flair, consider the WORKPRO Cordless Electric Scissors.

These cordless, super-powered scissors can reach speeds of up to 280 RPM. They cut easily through carpet, canvas, cloth, plastic, leather, wire, and more, making them a great choice for home renovators, crafters, and everyone in between.

If you’re someone who prefers a simple tool, the WORKPRO scissors fit the bill. All you have to do is press and hold one switch and you’re on your way to smooth cutting through any material.

VLOXO Cordless Electric Scissors

Searching for fast, reliable electric scissors? The VLOXO power scissors can reach speeds of up to 10,000 RPM, allowing you to cut through carpet, felt, plastic, leather, cardboard, and more with little to no effort.

If you’re worried about safety, the makers of the VLOXO power scissors have got you covered. These scissors feature just one button that powers them on — and as soon as you release it, they stop working, helping you avoid accidents.

In addition to its safety features, we also love that this pair of scissors has a long battery life. It can last 3-4 hours when it’s fully charged!

Bon Tool 78-265 Stand-Up Carpet Cutter

Most carpet-cutting tools require you to bend over and crouch down to use them. That can put a lot of strain on your back and neck. Luckily, the Bon Tool 78-265 Stand-Up Carpet Cutter allows you to cut carpet easily while standing up straight.

With its adjustable handle, this carpet cutter works for people of varying heights. We love how lightweight it is, too, so you don’t have to worry about being weighed down by heavy equipment.

ZEITE 4V Cordless Electric Scissors

The ZEITE 4V Cordless Electric Scissors have a ¼-inch cutting capacity and a top speed of 260 RPM. It cuts through a wide range of materials, including carpet, denim, leather, and canvas, with ease and is a must for all kinds of DIY projects.

We love the safety button on these electric scissors, which keeps the blade locked when it’s not being used and prevents accidental contact. We like how lightweight (just a little over one pound) and easy to maneuver it is, too.

Ronan Multi-Cut Quick Change Utility Cutter

The Ronan Multi-Cut Quick Change utility cutter is another great option for those who prefer a manual carpet-cutting tool. It is designed to cut through thick or rigid materials, including carpet, easily.

This tool saves you from the hand cramps and discomfort associated with regular scissors. Instead, it distributes pressure throughout your entire hand and makes cutting easy, quick, and painless.

We also like how easy it is to change this tool’s standard utility blade, which is conveniently stored in the handle.

C.JET TOOL 10” Heavy Duty Scissors

The C.JET TOOL 10-inch heavy-duty scissors are another good pair for manual carpet cutting. They’re carefully crafted with a curved stainless steel blade and designed to provide stability while reducing strain on the hands.

We like the wide-angle design of these scissors and that they keep your hands far away from the carpet or any other object you’re cutting. Not only does this allow for greater comfort, but it also makes them much safer.

Pink Power Electric Fabric Scissors

The Pink Power Electric Fabric Scissors come with everything you need to cut through carpet, metal, leather, and more, including the electric scissor unit, two blades, a charger, a lithium-ion battery, and a three-year warranty.

We love that these lightweight scissors (they weigh less than one pound) have a no-hassle power switch and two blades that help you cut effortlessly through any material. They also have an ergonomic handle and work equally well for left- and right-handed users.

VEVOR Fabric Cutter

The VEVOR fabric cutter features a pure copper motor for durability and stability. It also cuts at 2400 RPM and can handle multiple fabric layers effortlessly without jamming or requiring much effort from you.

We love that the alloy steel blade is wear- and corrosion-proof, meaning this carpet cutter will last a long time without needing any replacements. Its octagonal shape prevents the material from bunching while cutting, too.

Chase Clements

Chase Clements

Author McClatchy Commerce

Based in Kansas City, Chase Clements is the Commerce Content Operations Manager. He has many years of experience as a Commerce Writer and Editor for McClatchy.